This content originally appeared on our Weekend Inspiration newsletter, mailed on 9/13/24. Want to get news like this, straight to your inbox? Sign up for the Escape Club, where upgraded paid membership also gets you exclusive discounts on Upstate getaways you won’t find anywhere else.
Happy Friday!
This weekend *might* be the Catskills’ last weekend of near-80’s temps that we see until next summer. With zero rain in the forecast, we can’t see why you wouldn’t want to take a trip into the mountains. (Today we learned that you can walk to the Catskills from Manhattan, so we don’t want to hear any more excuses…)
Thankfully, there are a ton of weekend happenings for you to plan your trip around – many listed below. For those looking to extend your stay, be sure to take a look at our September Escape Club newsletter, featuring discounts and promos to some of our favorite Upstate getaways, exclusive to paid subscribers.
Take note, leaf peepers: New York State released its first fall foliage report of the year this week. The leaves in the Catskills are already starting to change – especially in Sullivan County, which just so happens to be our spotlight area this week.
Below, we’re sharing a recap of this week’s Escape Brooklyn content, plus loads of escape ideas.
Enjoy!
-Hannah & the EB team
House Hunters Weekend Plan: Head to Livingston Manor for 5+ Open Houses, Then Check Out These Fun Local Events
We’re not this far into autumn, but Livingston Manor’s Frick Pond hike is a joy year-round. Taken mid-October last year; photo by Erin Lindsey/Escape Brooklyn.
For those looking for music, clam bakes, and open houses all in one weekend, look no further than Livingston Manor. This quaint Sullivan County town is one of our favorite places in the Catskills (full disclosure: it’s also EB headquarters, where Erin lives) with its bustling Main Street and a “backyard” of hiking trails, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and forests.
This week, we featured two fabulous real estate listings – both waterside, both in/around Livingston Manor. For those seeking a pond side refuge, check out both open houses on Saturday at Cranberry Pond House and DeBruce Pondhouse. (Yes, a “Pond House” and a “Pondhouse” – we don’t make the rules on naming!)
Less than ten minutes away from each other – and Livingston Manor’s Main Street – these two secluded homes both have tons of sought-after features including water frontage, outdoor showers, wood burning and pellet stoves, on-site trails, fire pits, and more.
Cranberry Pond House in Parksville, NY:
Cranberry Pond House, listed by Jill Borenstein with Anatole House.
Just over 100 miles from NYC, travel down a dirt country road to Cranberry Pond House, a cozy bungalow-style home on nearly 10 acres of secluded land. Surrounded by wildflower meadows, wooded forest, a scenic pond and a spacious grassy lawn, this private home maximizes its inside and outside space, with two bonus guest cottages in addition to its three main bedrooms.
This home is surrounded by forest and river, numerous trout fishing spots, swimming holes, and hiking trails, making it the perfect spot for those looking for an outdoorsy getaway. Currently a Red Cottage vacation rental, a $25k price reduction is being offered in exchange for signing a 2-year agreement with Red Cottage.
Head to the Cranberry Pond House’s open house on Saturday from 10am to 12pm at 103 Mullen Road, Parksville, NY. For more information and to RSVP, email jill@anatolehouse.com.
DeBruce Pondhouse in Livingston Manor, NY – Plus 5 More Open Houses in the Area
DeBruce Pondhouse, listed by Jennifer Grimes with Country House Realty.
Off a quiet country road, the thoughtfully designed and newly constructed DeBruce Pondhouse is a contemporary cabin set on 5.68 private acres of beautiful land. Just over 100 miles from New York City, this secluded getaway serves as the perfect base for outdoor recreation, with an on-site pond, well-maintained trails, and a private overlook with views of Frog Hollow Brook and the surrounding forest.
The petite cabin packs a serious punch, with extensive grounds that perfectly complement its cozy interiors. Wake up with treehouse vibes from the upstairs bedroom, and spend evenings in front of the pellet stove or by the fire pit, with the sounds of the brook below.
Of note: in addition to DeBruce Pondhouse’s Saturday open house, Country House Realty has five more open houses this weekend! Here’s the list:
- Hubert Modern, a soon-to-be-completed contemporary build in Jeffersonville (asking $395k)
- Manor Retreat, a newly renovated 1910’s home in the heart of Livingston Manor (asking $399k)
- Manor Cottage, an early mid-century cottage in Livingston Manor (asking $410k)
- East Hill Hideout, a sleek, modern cabin in Jeffersonville (asking $599k)
- River’s Edge Farmhouse, a 1920’s farmhouse in Ferndale (asking $699k)
DeBruce Pondhouse’s open House is Saturday, September 14, 12-1:30pm at 99 Goff Road, Livingston Manor, NY. RSVP to jennifer@countryhouserealty.com.
Spending a Day in Livingston Manor
Back in the town of Livingston Manor (our guide here), get a taste of local music at the annual Porch Fest. This event is held throughout town and brings local musicians and neighborhoods together. As you wander Livingston Manor, catch musicians as they pop up on the front porches and stoops of participating local businesses to play free concerts for the entire day.
If the music has you wanting to dive further into the arts, stop into Catskill Art Space on Main Street to admire contemporary visual art from world-class artists like James Turrell and Sol LeWitt. Be sure to explore the specialty shops and boutiques throughout Livingston Manor – check out our shopping guide for some recs!
Just a minute down the road from Main Street you’ll also find the 4th Annual Catskills Conductors Clambake, a day-long event on the banks of the Little Beaverkill. Peruse local vendors while enjoying a beer from Upward Brewing, and grab a bite from the highly anticipated Threshold Restaurant’s pop-up, officially opening its doors in Manor this fall.
This family-friendly event also features a kid-centered scavenger hunt, fly fishing competitions for all ages, a guided river walk, and a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Catskill Flyfishing Center & Museum.
25+ Ideas for Upstate Autumn
Awosting Falls in Minnewaska State Park. Photo: Erin Lindsey/Escape Brooklyn
In case you missed it, this week we launched a list of 25+ ideas for your next Upstate autumn trip. Whether you’re looking to escape the city for a day or are looking to schedule a full weekend in the Catskills, this list has something for everyone.
From the list, one of many highlights is a weekend in North Branch, NY – where we just published a new travel guide.
Here’s the plan: begin by booking a room at North Branch Inn, a boutique hotel full of historic charm. The inn’s seven-acre yard is equipped with yard games, two fire pits, picnic tables, and creek access for fly fishing, making it the perfect warm weekend stay.
This destination shop carries seasonal produce, apple cider, penny candies, and more. Photo: Catskill Image
While in town, check out North Branch Cider Mill, a new destination shop from the minds of Homestedt. This reimagined cider mill is the perfect place to shop around, grab a snack, and admire fall foliage. Inside, pick up some autumn treats including apple cider donuts, fresh cider, locally sourced provisions, and design-forward kitchen wares.
You’ll also want to check out Seminary Hill, home of delicious hard ciders overlooking a gorgeous orchard. Schedule a tour (with or without a tasting) of the cidery before enjoying a meal at The Tasting Room.
If you’re looking to add some hiking to your visit to North Branch, add Jensen Ledges to your itinerary. This moderate three mile out-and-back trail is relatively steep, but has stunning views of The Delaware River at the end.
ICYMI the first time, get a full itinerary here: Escape Brooklyn Guide to North Branch, NY.
