An escape from New York City isn't always necessary but it's often welcomed. For those living there, and even for those who live in nearby New Jersey, a weekend trip north might sound like the perfect reprieve from the hustle and bustle of daily life. If this is the case, then the Catskills is one destination to consider.
It's not a far drive from New York City to the Catskill Mountains and there are plenty of ways to get there besides one's personal vehicle. While this mountainous region was once abandoned, it has seen an influx of attention in previous years and is now once again becoming a popular Upstate getaway.
Getting To The Catskills From NYC
Since New York City is a central starting point, it's easiest to start from there when planning a trip upstate. There are several ways to head north with the easiest being driving, and renting a car is a great way to experience everything on the way in between the starting point and the destination. Don't own a car, or don't want to drive? No problem!
Take The Train
Those taking the train have the option of going to either the Eastern Catskills or the Southern Catskills, and the train ride is about two hours. The Eastern Catskills will bring travelers to the well-known town of New Paltz, which is a great college town that's perfect for those who don't mind a hip vibe. With a combination of mountains and farmland as its landscape, this town also offers plenty in the way of arts, music, and culture. Foodies are bound to fall in love with New Paltz, as well, with access to a wide range of international - and farm-to-table - dining options. Interested in a local hard cider or craft beer? Look no further - New Paltz has that covered, too.
- Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central Station
- Amtrak to Poughkeepsie, then rideshare to New Paltz
- Trailways bus from Port Authority to New Paltz (see next section)
A train to the Southern Catskills will bring travelers to Bethel, which is a smaller but no less interesting town. It's also most well-known for being the place where Woodstock took place, so its history is rich with decades of music fans who visit from all over. There's seemingly always a fun concert or festival happening in this small town, and it's worth the train ride for those who can't help but be intrigued by its musical past.
- From Penn Station, take the NJ Transit Main Line or Bergen County Line to Suffern, NY. From there, transfer to the Metro-North Railroad Port Jervis Line going to Otisville. Rideshare will get visitors the rest of the way to Bethel.
Take The Bus
A bus is also a viable option for the trip, especially with the drive being under three hours. Even with bus stops, the travel distance won't seem all that long as passengers watch the gorgeous scenery in Upstate New York whizzing by. Buses are also great in regard to last-minute trips to the Catskills since they can be booked quite easily and don't require knowledge of train stops or transfers. Those interested can check out their options online or hop aboard either the Adirondack-Pine Hill Trailways or purchase a Catskills-bound Greyhouse bus ticket, and it takes about three hours in total.
Taking the bus means going one of two destinations: to Catskill in the Northern Catskills, or to Andes in the Western Catskills. Catskill is the epitome of what one might imagine when they think of this mountain town, which is known as a haven for artists. It's home to the Hudson River Art Trail as well as many scenic views, and it's quiet without feeling too remote. It's also home to the former house of Thomas Cole, who founded the Hudson River School of Painting.
Those taking the bus to the Western Catskills will likely fall in love with Andes, as well as the food found there. This town prides itself on its farm-to-table cuisine, as it plays a crucial role in Upstate New York's agricultural tourism. Visitors to Andes can also take in a farmer's market or two if they're visiting during any season that's not winter. To get the full experience, visitors might opt to spend the weekend doing a farm stay - this means they'll be staying on a real, working farm and learning about what it's like to live and work on one in Upstate New York. Feeling even more rustic? Try a hand at glamping on a farm - all of the scenic views, fresh foods, and livestock, without the work!