Should you find yourself ever wanting to leave these three Upstate home rentals, here’s what you’ll need to know. Guests holing up in the houses and cooking their own meals should make a stop at FreshTown, which is your basic large grocery chain. Just around the corner, though, Cheese Barrel offers more gourmet groceries–as well as sandwiches, salads, soups, baked goods, etc. For locally grown food and dry goods, the Pakatakan Farmers’ Market at the Round Barn is a must-visit; even if you don’t need food! (If this sounds familiar, it was also featured in our last article that focuses on food in Delaware County.) Last, when stocking up for the house, don’t miss Union Grove Distillery for their award-winning vodka, or specialty Catskill Mountain Maple Spirit. On a chilly day, take a tour or warm up with a cocktail by their fireplace.
Speaking of recreation, it’s a region with lots of activity for those prone to outdoor pursuits, with plentiful of hiking, fishing, skiing, and more. Hikers in this region should check out Palmer Hill Trail near Andes; additionally, those staying at Huckleberry House are literally steps from the Dry Brook Ridge trailhead. Those wishing to take in the mountain views a little more casually should take a scenic tour on the vintage Delaware Ulster Rail Road, which offers seasonal jaunts between Arkville and Roxbury, along the meandering Delaware River. Last but not least, there’s loads of great antique shops, flea markets, and farm stands along the way. Keep your eyes peeled!
Should you find yourself leaving for a meal out, there’s no shortage of great food in the region. For lunch, Outsiders Cafe is a great little spot with amazing baked goods and terrific sandwiches. Just up the road, Ella’s Mercantile is a fanatic general store where shoppers can stock up on groceries, local dry goods, or grab a small bite to eat. For dinner, Zephyr is an Escape Brooklyn favorite, serving up farm-to-table comfort food in a repurposed general store. Oakley’s is another local favorite, and always a safe bet. The roadside pizza joint is super popular, both with locals and weekenders, famous for their amazing brick oven pizza. Order by the slice or pie.
Huckleberry House in Margaretville, NY
Nestled in a forest between undulating hills and a gorge with babbling brook, Huckleberry House is the perfect spot for those seeking a private getaway in the woods. Though it’s only five minutes from town, with its plentiful windows and surrounding foliage, you’ll swear you’re actually in a treehouse. To take the treehouse sensation one step further, a detached studio is just steps from the main house, perched on a hill and overlooks the property as well as the forest and gorge.
The house sleeps 4-6 people total, in its two bedrooms and detached studio. The downstairs bedroom is located off the entry hallway, leading to the main space, an open-concept dining/kitchen/living space. In the evening, make dinner in the well-equipped kitchen, feast at the large table, then settle onto the couch in front of the fireplace. The master suite is upstairs, with a cozy king bed and en-suite bathroom. A large picture window overlooks the front yard, giving the sensation of sleeping in a treehouse. (Flip the switch to the electric stove for instant ambiance!)
Belleayre View in Fleishmanns, NY
Located on six acres overlooking Belleayre Mountain and its ski slopes, Belleayre View is three-bedroom, three-bath log home has a beautiful mountain setting with spectacular panoramic views from its wrap-around deck. The large lodge-like property is magnificent year-round; spend evenings grilling, or by the firepit in warm months, or curl up in front of the fireplace after a long day on the nearby slopes. (And no matter the season, the hot tub is a must!)
Belleayre View sleeps 6-8 people, with a queen and twin bedrooms on the lower level and the master bedroom with en suite bathroom on the third level. The main floor has a modern open plan kitchen with all new appliances, dining room for eight and living room with fireplace and convenient access to the expansive deck. The main floor also has a separate den/ TV room with a king size pull-out sofa and a bathroom.
Apple Hill in Halcottsville, NY
Perched on a wide swath of lawn that gently slopes, allowing for an alluring view of layered hills, the postcard-perfect cottage Apple Hill is beautifully appointed for an optimal vacation experience. In colder weather guests are sure to find themselves in a comfortable chair by the fire, or perhaps take the plunge into the hot tub. As the temps rise, guests will surely gravitate toward the large deck, or screened in porch, while watching deer and bunnies graze, or eagles as they soar above the lake, just across the street.
The house sleeps 4-6 total, in two bedrooms, and one pullout couch. Inside the house, a banquette and dining table tucked into a corner of windows creates a booth-like setting, perfect for card games, puzzles or sipping your morning cup of joe. The heart of the houses includes open plan kitchen, dining and living areas, which benefit from an abundance of windows and natural light. The long farmhouse dining table is the catalyst for what will surely be memorable meals, enjoyably prepared in the nicely appointed kitchen.
