Living in New York City is most certainly a dream for career-driven go-getters, but it’s imperative to escape the hamster wheel and disconnect every now and then. The counties that span Upstate New York are filled with small towns, hidden gems, and endless opportunities to become one with nature and find inner peace.

One of my favorite areas to spend a relaxing weekend is the Catskills — a plethora of hiking, breweries, distilleries, antique shopping, art, and even casinos, just a little over two hours from NYC.

Here are just a few places to check out if you ever adventure through Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, Schoharie or Ulster counties.

Eat

Blue Bee Cafe (Delhi)

Upstate mornings call for a cup of joe over a hearty breakfast. Blue Bee Cafe serves delectable omelettes, sandwiches, creamy homemade soups, heaping plates of pancakes, pastries and more. You’ll also be grateful for the ginormous mugs of coffee that you can practically swim in.

Riverside Cafe (Roscoe)

The Riverside Cafe is a quaint restaurant with a town and country vibe and views along a babbling brook. It’s perfect for families, large groups, or even a table for two. The chef is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and is great at turning elements and flavors of the region into interesting, generously portioned dishes like cod with blueberry mashed potatoes or corn risotto.

The Arnold House (Livingston Manor)

The Arnold House is a trendy, rustic, boutique hotel that has a ground floor tavern open to the public. It’s a great spot for brunch or lunch as it has a nice variety of soups, salads and sandwiches. I recommend trying the French toast with apple topping or the fish and chips!

Big Kev’s BBQ (Swan Lake)

Ever stopped for roadside barbecue? Big Kev’s BBQ is a parked mobile-home with a smoker on the hitch, right along Route 17B. The pulled pork melts in your mouth and the cornbread and other sides are equally as delightful. Bring hand wipes and an empty belly for a perfect outdoor lunch.

Brother Bruno (Monticello)

All of that fresh air can really build up your appetite. If you’re craving Italian, Brother Bruno’s restaurant has your fix of baked clams and chicken parm. The portions are generous and every meal comes with a soup or salad. The restaurant also has a pizzeria menu if you’re more interested in take-out.

Drink

Roscoe Brewing Company (Roscoe)

The town of Roscoe, also known as Trout Town USA, has an awesome brewery with several locally-brewed beers on tap. There is live music every Saturday and the place really fills up. They offer beer flights, beers by the pint, and pretty extensive bar bites and lunch menu. I really enjoyed the Fightin’ Pilsner and the Pocket Berries sour beer. There is also a self-serve popcorn machine, a fish tank and a beautiful fireplace surrounded by comfy couches.

Prohibition Distillery (Roscoe)

Distilling America’s number one vodka is Prohibiton Distillery. The distillery and tasting room are owned and run by veterans, and there are tastings and tours throughout the weekend. You can stop in at anytime on the weekends without a reservation for either, and in the summer they set up an outdoor bar and entertainment. The bottles themselves are really neat, and the vodka and gin are some of my favorites.

Red Rose Motel & Tavern (Roscoe)

It doesn’t get much cozier or welcoming than The Red Rose Motel. Originally opened in 1938, the motel recently underwent a renovation and is now a local landmark. The tavern is open to the public, but rooms are not available just yet. The bar has about 12 seats, the sitting room has a few tables, and the living room is anchored by a huge stone fireplace and several plush couches. It’s a great place to spend a chilly afternoon or evening over a glass of wine with friends or loved ones.

Catskill Brewery (Livingston Manor)

The Catskill Brewery is producing and serving beers in a huge cabin-style facility, and often hosts events on the weekends. In the summer you’re likely to see bands playing music and games taking place on their lawn. They also have to-go growlers and 16-oz cans for purchase.

Things to Do

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (Bethel)

If you love rock and roll, the 70’s, or just want to connect with your inner flower child, make a stop at Bethel Woods. The music and art museum is built on the Woodstock festival grounds and offers so many incredible relics and films from one of America’s most music- and culture-changing weekends. They often host events on the weekends from farmers markets, holiday shops, beer and wine festivals and concerts, so peek at the line-up ahead of time to really make a day or afternoon of it.

Resorts World Catskills (Monticello)

I know I originally mentioned escaping the city and disconnecting, but for some, a night (or weekend) of gambling and spa treatments can be just that. The new Resorts World Catskills is a great place for couples, friends or a family getaway. The casino is considered “state-of-the-art,” and there are several high-end restaurants, family eateries, spas, bars and a pool. The grounds will also eventually have a golf course, a water park, and several winter sports.

Hiking & Nature Walks

Luckily for us, there is no shortage of wooded areas, parks, mountains, and farms across the Catskills. From Harriman State Park, to Bear Mountain, Hunter Mountain, and so many others, you can find the ideal experience you’re looking for.