One of the best fall weekend getaways is the Catskill Mountains of the Upper Hudson Valley. The Catskills are made up of eclectic villages and cozy bed & breakfast. Tannersville, New York is just two hours from New York City, and the perfect home base for a fall getaway. Whether you’re a foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or vintage shopper, there are tons of things to do in Tannersville, N.Y. The “painted village in the sky” as it’s often referred to, is a quirky mountain town that gets increasingly colorful as the fall foliage peaks.
Getting to Tannersville
By Car: The best way to get to and around Tannersville is by car. It will allow you the flexibility and freedom to easily explore nearby towns and the best hiking trails and things to do in Tannersville. If you are traveling from the tri-state area or New England, rent a car for the weekend and head to interstate 87.
By Plane: If you’re traveling to the Catskill Mountains from farther away, fly into one of the nearby airports, and then rent a car to get to Tannersville.
- Albany (ALB): 1 hr
- Newark (EWR): 2 hr
- Stewart (SWF): 1 hr
While JFK and LGA are also options, others are preferable to avoid driving through the greater New York City area.
Where to Stay in Tannersville
Though Tannersville gives off a quaint, small-town vibe, it is dotted with boutique bed and breakfasts, most of which have been recently restored with an air of mountain luxury. One of the best things to do in Tannersville is to cozy up in a lux B&B.
Hotel Mountain Brook has been a Tannersville staple since 1940s. The Adirondack style lodge provides the ultimate escape from city buzz. Start your day sipping coffee on the wraparound porch and spend your evenings roasting s’mores by the front lawn bonfire. If the rain puts a damper on your fresh air adventures, the game room encourages guests to choose their own adventure, from shuffleboard, to board games, and an impressive stack of DVDs.
Other similar options include:
Where to Eat Near Hunter Mountain
- Nat’s Mountain House for dinner and drinks in a artful environment
- Tabla for dinner and drinks with a Mediterranean flare
- Phoenicia Diner laid back diner for breakfast or lunch
- Shandaken Bakery new bakery on Main Street
- Bear & Fox Provisions creative coffee shop on Main Street
- Fellow Mountain Cafe homey breakfast and lunch cafe in the heart of Hunter mountain
- Prospect all day elevated local cuisine at Scribner’s Lodge
The Best Things to do in Tannersville
Go Hiking at Kaaterskill Falls
The pinnacle of Hunter – literally, and figuratively – is Kaaterskill Falls. The 260-foot, double-drop waterfall is often renowned as one of the best things to do near Tannersville.
Your Kaaterskill Falls experience is a choose-your-own-adventure, depending on fitness level and how long you have. The full experience is a 1.4 mile out-and-back trail featuring a final descent of 181 steps to the base of the falls. The rock steps are steep and can get slick, so if you plan to hike the full falls trail, wear appropriate footwear and bring enough water to get back up. If you’re pressed for time, or deterred by the descent, you can still get a view of Kaaterskill Falls. The viewing platform is an easy .2 mile walk from the Laurel House Trailhead parking lot.
As the crown jewel of the Catskills, Kaaterskill Falls trails can get crowded. Plan to go early for easy parking and a peaceful experience.
Sample at Local Breweries
The craft beer and cider scene is picking up in New York. The Catskills are home to a number of local breweries, a few of which are located in close proximity to Tannersville. Sit on the patio to enjoy the crisp autumn mountain air, while sampling a local draft.
Shop Along Main Street
After sampling the local gastronomy, wander down Main Street for a unique window shopping experience. Stop in Tannersville Antiques, Sundry, and Catskills Candle Studio to take home a token of Tannersville.
Check out Hunter Mountain
Hunter Mountain is a popular northeast ski destination. As the town sits in anticipation of the winter boom, there is still plenty to do on Hunter Mountain in the fall.
The ski lifts transform into a Scenic Skyride, an open air up-and-down ride with the perfect vantage point to see foliage of Hunter Mountain. There are hiking trails to the top of the mountain, but the Scenic Skyride makes it accessible for people of all ages and mobility to catch views from Vermont to Massachusetts.
If you’re looking for things to do near Tannserville in October, Oktoberfest runs the first three weekends of the month. The free annual event features live music, food, drink (of course!), craft vendors and games for kids and adults alike.
Spend an Afternoon Exploring Woodstock
Woodstock is a quirky artist town, often misattributed as home of the famous Woodstock music festival. The festival was named in hopes it would be hosted in the Bohemian town of Woodstock. When the local community raised concern over the number of attendees it would attract, the festival was relocated to Bethel, NY.
You’ll still find nods to the festival throughout town, as it has held onto its musical past. Woodstock is full of eclectic charm, felt in each of the distinct boutiques that line Tinker Street. You can easily spend an afternoon popping in stores – from the independent bookstore to the funky candle shop, and boutiques offering everything from clothing to healing crystals.
Grab coffee and a pastry from Bread Alone, lunch at Tinker Taco or Oriole 9, and dinner at Silvia, Good Night or Cucina.
What are your favorite things to do in Tannersville, NY? Help others who are planning a trip to the Catskills and comment below!
