The Catskills region has become one of our favorite destinations in the northeast. It’s a two hour drive from the city and there are so many places to explore in that area. We have spent many weekends in that area in all different seasons and it never disappoints. There is no shortage of things to do.

We just got back from a ski weekend up there and I’m already plotting a Springtime return. We have always used AirBNB or VRBO to rent a dog friendly place and have had the best luck, but I’ve read about lots of dog friendly hotels as well.

Here are 5 of our favorite places in the region:

Woodstock – This is a popular one, but for obvious reasons. It is not where the actual festival took place, but it does it’s part to keep the history alive. Every store sells tie-dye shirts and incense. There are record shops, book stores and some amazing food. You can hike up Overlook Mountain or drive to one of 25 other awesome hiking spots within a 10 minute drive.

Phoenicia – This little town is another 20 minutes up Rte 28, but worth the extra drive. It sits on a river and has a tiny little main street. You can’t miss the Phoenicia Diner – but be prepared to wait if you go at noon. We’ve always snuck in around 10 and had no problem being sat quickly. In the summer, you can enjoy tubing in the river as well.

Tannersville – This little pastel colored town in further north from the first two. You can’t miss it because every building is painted a bright color. We camped near here for a weekend a few years ago and have been back many times since. Last Chance Restaurant is our favorite for a coffee & baileys or a cold beer. They have great food too and a small retail space where you can find enough candy & cheese to be happy all weekend.

Hunter Mountain – This is one of our favorite ski resorts because it’s close enough to get to for a day trip (if we are ambitious) and there is a ton of variety. They also have the greatest zip line ever that is open all year round – although I would suggest visiting in the Summer or Fall for the best experience. You can read about my Tarzan experience here. The Mountain is really close to Tannersville, so that’s a good place to stay if you want to get in as much skiing as possible.

Sundown – This is a tiny town that might not even show up on a map, but it happens to be where we spent New Years this year and I loved it. It’s situated on a river in between a couple of taller mountains so you can zero cell service. We could hear the river running from every room in the rental house and it was wonderful. We ate food, played games and sat by the fire and it was the best way to ring in 2017.

The idea of the Catskills makes me think of growing up in Minnesota and everyone “going up north” each weekend to a cabin or campsite. This is similar. There aren’t lakes, but there are mountains and rivers and quiet. It just screams Hygge to me.

If you need me, I’ll just be here plotting my return. Happy Friday!