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TRAVEL GUIDE - Catskills, New York

  • NicoleDeRosa
  • Mar 21
  • 5 min read

Updated: Apr 16

While doing some research trying to find the perfect meeting point between New Jersey + Massachusetts for my family, you might assume it’s somewhere purely practical like Bridgeport, Connecticut, which technically sits right in the middle. But in reality, most families (mine included) skip the exact midpoint in favor of somewhere a little more special.


That’s where the Hudson Valley + Catskills come in....



After a lot of research, I’ve found that towns like Rhinebeck, New Paltz + Woodstock hit the sweet spot. They’re roughly 2.5 hours from both North Jersey + much of Massachusetts, making them an easy, balanced drive for everyone. But more importantly, they actually feel like a getaway.


Compared to somewhere like Bridgeport, Connecticut, this region offers:


  • Way more scenic beauty (think mountains, forests + charming small towns)

  • Better options for boutique hotels, cozy inns + vacation rentals

  • A huge range of activities, from hiking + antiquing to wineries + great restaurants


It’s the kind of place where meeting up doesn’t feel like a logistical compromise, it feels like a mini vacation. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly where to stay, where to eat + what to do across the Catskills + Hudson Valley, focusing on my favorite areas: Rhinebeck, New Paltz + Woodstock.




Where To STAY


Click HERE

To BOOK Your STAY In The CATSKILLS



Captain Joseph Allen House - Catskills, NY - A historic mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places that feels like staying in a private boutique hotel. Sleeps 16+ guests. Has a pool + large entertaining spaces w/ elegant restored interiors.




HUNTER


Scribner's Catskill Lodge - Hunter, NY - Mountain lodge in the heart of the Catskills + home of Scribner's Prospect. Instagram: @scribnerslodge @scribnersprospect #ScribnersLodge #SCLPUpstater #ScribnerHollowPost



ROXBURY


The Roxbury - Roxbury, NY - This Saratoga Springs boutique hotel brand is bringing motor lodges into the 21st century, but keeping the nostalgic vibes intact.



LIVINGSTON MANOR


The DeBruce - Livingston Manor, NY - Historic hotel w/ award winning restaurant perched on 600 acres of Catskills wilderness. Pool, private hiking trails + fly fishing. #TheDeBruce


The Arnold House - Livingston Manor, NY - A cozy, rustic-chic retreat on 80 acres of forested land, known for its tavern, event hosting + relaxed, "unplugged" atmosphere. #SmoreFunUpstate



BIG INDIAN


Urban Cowboy Lodge - Big Indian, NY - A 44 room, boutique hotel offering rustic-luxury, design forward accommodations on 68 acres w/ outdoor cedar soaking tubs, fireplace lounge, Estonian sauna + the Public House restaurant + bar. Designed by: IG: @LyonPorter



PHOENICIA


The Graham + Co. - Phoenicia, NY - A stylishly renovated 20-room motel near Hunter Mountain. Offering a modern, minimalist take w/ a laid back, industrial chic vibe w/ a pool, hammocks, fire pits + complimentary bikes for exploring town. As seen on

Discovery+ and Magnolia Network



NORTH BRANCH


The North Branch Inn - North Branch, NY - An owner operated boutique hotel + restaurant where authentic charm, thoughtful touches + culinary delights are at the heart of your stay.



OLIVEREA VALLEY


Eastwind Oliverea Valley - Oliverea Valley, NY - A Scandinavian inspired boutique hotel w/ 30 rooms + A-frame cabins. A minimalist yet luxurious, nature-focused stay w/ saunas, firepits + the Dandelion restaurant, near Big Indian Wilderness trails + hiking.



WINDHAM


Eastwind Windham - Windham, NY - A boutique, Scandinavian inspired hotel w/ 32 cozy hotel rooms + unique Lushna cabins w/ panoramic views. A romantic, year round stay w/ skiing + hiking w/ outdoor saunas, fire pits + Bunkhouse Lounge.



CALLICOON CENTER


Callicoon Hills - Callicoon Center, NY - A 23 acre retreat w/ 65 casual rooms across a boarding house, deck house + cabins, alongside a seasonal pool, sauna + Conover Club restaurant.


KENOZA LAKE


Kenoza Hall - Kenoza Lake, NY - A restored 1900s lakeside boutique hotel w/ 22 hotel rooms + 10 bungalows) on 55 acres. Full service Hemlock Spa, a lake-view restaurant serving Old World cuisine + private lake access + hiking trails.



ROSCOE


The Yarra - Roscoe, NY - A design forward, 4 room bed + breakfast w/ a cozy, curated experience featuring Australian inspired dining, locally sourced provisions close to the Beaverkill + Willowemoc Rivers.


Roscoe Mountain Club - Roscoe, NY - A 1,000 acre, year round woodland retreat w/ an 18 hole championship golf course, a 24-room inn + restaurant, hiking, fishing + pickleball, catering to both leisure guests + events.



BARRYVILLE


The Darby - Barryville, NY - A stylish, modern, 3 bedroom, 2 bath rental cabin w/ high end amenities like a private indoor sauna. Instagram: @The.Darby.AFrame @Life.At.Darby


Stickett Inn - Barryville, NY - A boutique guesthouse w/ (4) 2 room suites (Drink, Eat, Soak, Steam) + a separate 2 bedroom cottage w/ a modern, rustic getaway near the Delaware River. On-site Bang Bang Bar w/ coffee, cider + food.



MOUNT TREMPER


Howland House - Mount Tremper, NY - A restored 1850s farmhouse inn w/ 10 unique rooms w/ soaking tubs. A cozy stay w/ an on-site bar + restaurant, Oliver's.



TANNERSVILLE


Deer Mountain Inn - Tannersville, NY - A luxury, 168 acre boutique hotel + restaurant w/ an Arts + Crafts style main lodge w/ 6 rooms, 4 private cabins + restaurant w/ panoramic mountain views + hiking trails.






Where To EAT





LIVINGSTON MANOR


  • Sunshine Colony Bar - 47 Main Street, Livingston Manor

  • Upstream Wine + Spirits - 65 Main Street, Livingston Manor, NY (down the street from Sunshine Colony)

  • Stumble Out Bar - 67 Main Street, Livingston Manor, NY - Serving craft cocktails, beer, wine, dinner + weekly specials.

  • Main Street Farm - 49 Main Street, Livingston Manor, NY - A gourmet grocery store

  • The Walk In Manor (The Neon Croissant) - 66 Main Street, Livingston Manor, NY 12758  Coffee, breakfast, lunch + more. Get their cookies + key lime pie!

  • The Kaatskeller - 39 Main Street, Livingston Manor - Wood fired pizzas + cocktails



LEEDS




HUNTER


  • Fellow Mountain Cafe - 7883 Main Street, Hunter, NY - A popular, cozy spot for coffee, breakfast + lunch situated in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, near the entrance to Hunter Mountain.



EAST WINDHAM



BIG INDIAN


  • Eastwind Oliverea Valley Bar - 212 McKenley Hollow Road, Big Indian, NY - Located inside the Eastwind Olivera Valley Hotel

  • Dandelion Restaurant - 212 McKenley Hollow Rd, Big Indian, NY - Also located inside the Eastwind Olivera Valley Hotel



HENSONVILLE


  • Matilda - 39 Goshen Rd, Hensonville, NY - A restaurant located inside The Henson Hotel

  • Paracasa Bakery - 391 NY-296, Hensonville, NY



CALLICOON




ROSCOE



Things TO DO






MOUNT TREMPER


  • Kaaterskill Falls - 5096 Route 28, Mount Tremper, NY - A two-stage waterfall on Spruce Creek in the eastern Catskill Mountains, between the hamlets of Haines Falls + Palenville in Greene County



HAINES FALLS


  • Sunset Rock Trail - 874 N Lake Rd, Haines Falls, NY - A 4.6-mile hike w/ mild to heavy foot traffic. This loop is also connected to Artist's Rock, Newman's Ledge + Mary's Glen Trail.



CALLICCON




NORTH BRANCH




HUNTER




LONG EDDY


  • La Valley Estates - Long Eddy, NY - An enchanting private estate, 172-acre wedding venue + event retreat located in the Western Catskills. It functions as a vacation rental + event space featuring a farmhouse that sleeps up to 30 people, a barn for events + 6 cabins.




Need Some Tips On WHAT TO WEAR + PACK For Your Trip?






 
 

My Favorite 5 Best Selling URSA MAJOR Non-Toxic Skincare Products

  • NicoleDeRosa
  • Mar 12
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 25

When it comes to skincare, I’m always searching for products that feel as good in my routine as they are in their ingredients list. That’s why I’m so excited to partner with Ursa Major, a brand that blends powerful plant-based actives with a refreshingly simple philosophy: skincare should be clean, effective + energizing, without any of the questionable extras.


Named after the Great Bear constellation that has guided travelers toward True North for centuries, Ursa Major is all about following your own path. Their formulas skip petrochemicals, parabens, synthetic fragrance, silicones, SLS/SLES + other suspect ingredients, focusing instead on hardworking actives, naturally refreshing aromas + lightweight textures that your skin actually looks forward to.



Think results-driven skincare that feels effortless, products designed to wake up your skin, simplify your routine + help you stay aligned with what matters most: choosing better, cleaner options that truly work.


Click HERE 

To Shop 

URSA MAJOR


So today I’m sharing a closer look at Ursa Major, the products I’ve been loving lately + why this brand has quickly become a standout in my everyday skincare lineup.



Best for: Deep Hydration + Barrier Repair


Golden Hour Recovery Cream is one of Ursa Major’s most iconic products. This rich yet lightweight moisturizer absorbs quickly while delivering serious hydration. Ingredients like sea buckthorn, calendula, sunflower oil + black currant help replenish moisture + support skin elasticity.


Review: I love how the texture is luxurious but not heavy, making it ideal for my daytime + nighttime routine. It leaves my skin looking dewy + smooth without feeling greasy. Those with sensitive skin (like myself) I think will generally tolerate it well, though very dehydrated skin may experience a slight initial tingling sensation.


Verdict: Golden Hour Recovery Cream is a standout moisturizer that balances nourishment + lightness, perfect for dry, dull, or tired skin.




Best for: Everyday Cleansing


Fantastic Face Wash is a gel cleanser designed to remove oil, dirt + dead skin cells without stripping moisture or disrupting the skin’s pH balance.


Review: The formula gently exfoliates my skin while cleansing, leaving my skin feeling fresh but not tight. I really enjoy the natural scent + refreshing feel make it a great morning cleanser. It also works well for combination or oily skin types.


Verdict: Fantastic Face Wash is a reliable, everyday cleanser that delivers a deep clean while remaining gentle.




Best for: Radiance + Anti-Aging


This antioxidant-rich serum contains vitamins C, B + E, plus plant actives designed to brighten dull skin + improve firmness.


Review: I love how this lightweight formula absorbs quickly + gives my skin a subtle glow. Over time, it has helped improve my uneven tone + fine lines.


Verdict: Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum is a solid vitamin C option for those who want a clean, botanical-based brightening serum.




Best for: Dark Circles + Fine Lines


Forest Alchemy Eye Cream is formulated to hydrate, de-puff + smooth the delicate eye area. It combines nourishing plant oils with active ingredients designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles + dark circles.


Review: I really enjoy how the creamy texture feels rich but sinks in quickly, making it suitable for my day + night routine. With regular use, it has helped soften fine lines + improves the overall look of my under-eye area.


Verdict: Forest Alchemy Eye Cream is a multi-tasking eye cream that hydrates + brightens without feeling heavy.




Best for: Multi-Tasking Skincare Routines


This product works as a toner, exfoliant, hydrator + pore cleanser in one step. It lifts leftover dirt + oil after cleansing while soothing + hydrating the skin.


Review: This amazing tonic is refreshing + easy to use, I just swipe it on with a cotton pad. It leaves my skin feeling clean + balanced, making it a great step between cleansing + moisturizing.


Verdict: The 4-in-1 Essential Face Tonic is perfect for minimalists (like myself) who want one product to do several jobs.


Ursa Major’s biggest strength is simplicity paired with clean, plant-powered ingredients. Their formulas focus on hydration, gentle exfoliation + skin barrier support without unnecessary additives.


If you’re new to the brand, start with the Fantastic Face Wash + Golden Hour Recovery Cream, they’re widely considered the foundation of a great Ursa Major routine.



Click HERE To Shop

URSA MAJOR

 
 

SEEN Haircare: A Game Changer For Sensitive Skin + Scalps

  • NicoleDeRosa
  • Mar 12
  • 2 min read

Updated: Mar 25



COLOR SAFE + GLUTEN FREE + ORGANIC + MADE IN THE USA


If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I’m incredibly mindful about the products I use, especially when it comes to anything that touches my skin. What many people don’t realize is that haircare is skincare, too. And that’s exactly why I love SEEN Haircare.


Created by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Iris Rubin, SEEN was designed with one major goal in mind: beautiful hair that won’t clog pores or trigger breakouts.

After struggling with acne that was traced back to traditional hair products, Dr. Rubin knew there had to be a better way, a way to achieve healthy, gorgeous hair without compromising skin health. And she delivered.


SEEN products are thoughtfully formulated without fragrance, sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, dyes, or animal testing. Every ingredient serves a purpose + none of them sabotage your skin in the process. It’s the kind of intentional formulation that makes you feel confident about what you’re putting on your body.




Yes, that's my mane of hair!


What truly inspires me is the journey behind the brand. It took over four years + countless formulation iterations to bring SEEN to life. That dedication shows in every bottle. These aren’t just “clean” products, they’re high-performance, dermatologist-designed formulas that respect sensitive, acne-prone skin while still delivering shine, softness + manageability.


SEEN has helped thousands of people realize that the products sitting in their shower might be affecting more than just their hair. By redefining haircare as an extension of skincare, the brand has changed lives, including mine.


If you’ve ever felt like you had to choose between clear skin + great hair, SEEN proves you don’t have to.


Click HERE

To Shop My Favorite

SEEN Hair Products

 
 

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