Weekend Getaways from NYC: Escape to the Catskills

New Yorkers have been escaping to the Catskills for well over a century, and the appeal has never been stronger. In a world of constant connectivity and urban intensity, the southern Catskills and Hudson Valley offer something increasingly rare: genuine peace, natural beauty, and a pace of life that lets you breathe again.

Unlike destinations that require flights, rental cars at distant airports, or complicated logistics, the Catskills are refreshingly accessible. From Midtown Manhattan, you can be walking through the front door of Birchwood in Accord, NY in about 90 minutes. That means you can leave work on Friday and be sitting by the fire pit under a blanket of stars before bedtime.

The region packs an extraordinary amount into a compact area. World-class hiking, farm-to-table restaurants that rival the best in Brooklyn, charming towns with independent shops and galleries, and a thriving craft beverage scene — all of it set against the dramatic backdrop of the Catskill Mountains and Shawangunk Ridge.

Whether you need a solo recharge, a romantic escape, or a gathering with friends, the Catskills deliver. And from Birchwood, you are right in the sweet spot of it all.

One of the best things about a Catskills weekend is how easy it is to get there. Birchwood in Accord, NY sits at the intersection of convenience and seclusion — close enough for a quick drive, remote enough to feel like another world entirely.

By Car from Manhattan: Take the George Washington Bridge to the Palisades Interstate Parkway, then connect to the New York State Thruway (I-87) northbound. Exit at either New Paltz (Exit 18) or Kingston (Exit 19), and you are 20-30 minutes from Birchwood. Total drive time is approximately 90 minutes without heavy traffic. We recommend leaving after 6 PM on Friday to avoid the worst of the weekend exodus.

By Car from Brooklyn/Queens: Head north via the Verrazzano or Whitestone Bridge and connect to I-87 North. Allow about two hours depending on bridge traffic.

By Bus: Trailways runs direct buses from the Port Authority Bus Terminal to New Paltz and Kingston. From there, a short rideshare or pre-arranged car service will bring you to Birchwood.

• Pro tip: Stock up on groceries in Kingston or New Paltz on your way in — both have excellent supermarkets and specialty food shops
• Pro tip: The Thruway has EZ-Pass lanes; make sure your pass is loaded before you leave
• Pro tip: Download offline maps — cell service gets spotty on some back roads near Accord

Your weekend reset begins the moment you turn off the highway and onto the winding roads that lead to Accord. The trees get taller, the sky gets bigger, and the noise of the city fades to silence. Arriving at Birchwood on a Friday evening is a ritual our returning guests describe as almost therapeutic.

We recommend keeping Friday night simple. After the drive, the best plan is to settle in, explore the property, and decompress. If you stocked up on groceries, cook a relaxed dinner in the fully equipped kitchen — there is something deeply satisfying about making a meal together in a beautiful space with no rush and no reservation time to worry about.

If you prefer to dine out, Northern Spy Cafe in High Falls is a wonderful option just minutes from Birchwood, serving creative seasonal dishes in a cozy atmosphere. For something more casual, grab excellent pizza and a local craft beer.

After dinner, step outside. On a clear night, the stargazing from Birchwood is extraordinary — Accord is far enough from light pollution that the Milky Way is clearly visible. Light the fire pit, pour a glass of wine from a Hudson Valley winery, and let the weekend begin.

Saturday is your big adventure day. Wake up to birdsong, brew coffee in the kitchen, and eat breakfast on the patio before heading out to explore. The beauty of Birchwood's location in Accord, NY is that you are centrally located — multiple world-class destinations are all within a 20-30 minute drive.

Option A — Hiking: Head to Mohonk Preserve or Minnewaska State Park for morning trails along the Shawangunk Ridge. The views from the cliff tops are jaw-dropping, and the carriage roads are perfect for all fitness levels. Check our hiking guide for trail recommendations.

Option B — Town Exploration: Spend the morning in Kingston's Stockade District or wandering Woodstock's Tinker Street. Browse galleries, shop at independent boutiques, and grab a farm-fresh lunch. See our Kingston guide or Woodstock guide for ideas.

Option C — Wine & Spirits Tour: The Hudson Valley has a thriving wine and spirits scene. Spend the afternoon visiting tasting rooms with vineyard views. Our wineries and distilleries guide maps out the best stops.

Whatever you choose, plan to be back at Birchwood by late afternoon for a swim in the heated pool, a soak in the hot tub, and a spectacular sunset. Saturday evening dinner is the highlight — book a table at one of the region's celebrated restaurants, or prepare a feast at Birchwood using ingredients from a local farm stand.

Sunday is about savoring the last hours of your escape before heading back to the city. Sleep in, make a leisurely breakfast, and resist the urge to pack too much into the morning. The beauty of a Catskills weekend is the balance between adventure and rest — Sunday should tip firmly toward rest.

If you feel like a gentle morning activity, the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail offers flat, easy walking or cycling through beautiful farmland. You can also explore the hamlet of High Falls, which has a gorgeous waterfall, a few excellent shops, and a perfect brunch spot.

For families, Sunday morning at a local farm is a wonderful way to end the weekend. Kids love meeting animals, picking seasonal produce, and running through open fields. See our family activities guide for more ideas.

Before you leave Birchwood, take one last walk around the property. Breathe in the forest air. Sit on the porch for five quiet minutes. Our guests consistently tell us that the hardest part of their weekend is the drive home — but the recharge lasts for weeks.

Timing tip: Aim to leave by 2 PM to beat the worst of the Sunday return traffic on I-87. If you can stay until Monday, even better — Monday mornings at Birchwood are pure tranquility.

Your choice of accommodation makes or breaks a weekend getaway. Hotels can feel impersonal, and many vacation rentals are cramped apartments dressed up with good photography. Birchwood is different — it is a genuine luxury estate designed for groups who want space, privacy, and an experience that elevates the entire trip.

Set on a private, wooded property in Accord, NY, Birchwood provides everything you need for a perfect weekend: a heated pool and hot tub, a chef's kitchen for group meals, a fire pit for evening gatherings, multiple living areas so everyone has room, and the kind of silence that makes you realize how loud your daily life has become.

• 90 minutes from NYC — close enough for a Friday departure
• Central to all attractions — Kingston, New Paltz, Woodstock, and the Gunks are all within 30 minutes
• Luxury amenities — pool, hot tub, fire pit, gourmet kitchen, and thoughtful design throughout
• Private estate — no shared spaces, no neighbors, just your group and nature
• Save 10% by booking direct — skip the Airbnb and VRBO fees

Book your weekend at Birchwood and discover why so many New Yorkers make this their regular escape. View our gallery to see the property.