Notable Fall Travel Series: The Catskills

And we’re back. Back to the buzz that September brings. Hopefully you got away over the Summer to relax, recharge and ready your intellect for it all. What’s that? Your traveling free spirit is not quite ready to get back to the grind? We get it. Luckily there are worthy options to getaway via plane, train or automobile. We started with Niagara, and then zipped south for some South Beach heat. Now it’s all about road-tripping to upstate New York and spending a night (or two) at The Roxbury.

When I personally made this road trip last year it was destination Delaware County and the little town of Roxbury that’s nestled neatly in the Catskill Mountains. The area  around this seemingly sleepy hamlet (that was largely only a farming community until about 12 years ago) has much to offer the discerning traveler.

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HOMEBASE OPTION:
The Roxbury turns the roadside motel culture of the 60s on its head with 27 rooms inspired by tv and film of the same era, as well as the 70s. Fan of the Flinstones? Stay a night or two in Fred’s Lair. Get your groove on in either The Mod Pod or Tony’s Dancefloor, or dabble in the dark side and challenge your level of creep in a suite called Noir Boudoir. Believe me, this is kinky kitsch done right!

DO:
The rich history of this town goes back to the Gilded Age of the 1800s when railroad tycoon Jay Gould’s family called it their home away from New York City. Roxbury was also the birthplace of America’s best-loved naturalist, John Burroughs, so walking or driving around the area makes for some pretty picture-perfect moments. Simply stroll through town to take a look at historic homes, then into Kirkside Park to check out the Stone Terraces that are maintained by local school children. The Shimmer Spa at the motel is the perfect spot to relax after a day of hiking the hills. From May through October, there’s a fantastic organic farmer’s market at The Round Barn every Saturday.

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EAT/DRINK:
With a complimentary spread daily, mornings are quite continental at The Roxbury. Skip down the street to Cassie’s Cafe (open 6am to 3pm) for home cooked options for breakfast, burgers and salads. They’ll also prep brown bag lunches ($8) for hikers. All day breakfasts are also served a short drive away at the Arkville Bead & Breakfast. My “Middle Earth” –a veggie omelette with home fries, toast and tea – provided a satisfiying kick start. Show up at 11AM for brunch and avoid the lunch rush! For dinner, Peekamoose is a rustic and cozy spot to savour local fare with a modern twist. Warm up with one of their slow food soups and then order an Oven Roasted Wild Salmon with creamy polenta or Wood Grilled Sirloin Steak with organic veg. A meal here is worth the drive alone.

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Prefer to stay in and enjoy a room at the Roxbury? Vasta’s in Stamford delivers Italian classics like baked Calzones and not-so-classic Hot Heroes stuffed with meatballs or eggplant.

NOTABLE TIP
A picture perfect stop, between the Canada/USA border and the Catskills, is Aurora – one of the loveliest towns in America. Stay at the Aurora Inn and indulge in one of their monthly Epicurean dinners. The idyllic town also boasts boutique wineries such as Heart & Hands Wine Company… Pick up a hard-to-get Pinot Noir or deliciously dry Reisling.