Little Big North cabin in Catskill, NY

I’ve stayed here.  It is lovely. Jim, the owner is professional (and also a socially conscious furniture designer).  Three bedrooms, amazing fire pit in front, a creek out back though it was a hike through uncleared woods when I was there, close to Hunter one way and Hudson the other.  

Check out the website for details

Here it is too on Catskills By Owner - with a seemingly updated availability calendar

pics are of my stay

WEEKEND GETAWAY

Pancho Villa’s Mexican Restaurant in Tannersville, NY and

Catskill Mountain Country Store and Restaurant in Windham, NY

The only good thing about freezing cold weather is ski season.  And, if my upstate friends aren’t teasing me, it is already snowing in the mountains! This is Mother Nature’s way of reminding us that house and lodge rentals for a weekend of skiing are going fast.  Now is the time to consider booking.  If you decide to ski the day or weekend on the friendly duo mounts of Hunter and Windham, check out the neighboring towns up there for food and goodies.  I suggest eating dinner at Pancho Villa’s Mexican Restaurant in Tannersville.  I’ve never been one to gush over ground beef, but I have to say that Pancho Villa’s is superb.  The rest of the food is equally tasty and your bill will be cheap. Tannersville is on the way back down the mountain so you can even hit it up as you head home.  If you’re staying the weekend, stock up on some fresh goodies from the family owned and run Catskill Country Store - fresh baked pies and cider donuts every morning, as well produce and cheese and firewood - be aware that they close between 3 and 4 pm.

(pic of Tannersville credit: Norma Y. Lono for the NY Times)

WEEKEND GETAWAY

Hunter Mountain in Hunter, NY

Hunter Mountain in the Fall has splendid Fall foliage and festivals. But, actually, I think the Mountain Biking trails should be the real lure.  I personally missed my chance for this season, but, if you’re somewhat impulsive and can make it happen, Hunter Mountain Bike Park is open for one last weekend, closing after this Sunday. The trails and $75.00 day pass /equipment rental look steep, but trust a girl full of regrets, its worth considering.  Riding the chair lift and hiking around up top is lovely.  But mountain biking?  Come on.  Its awesome.  Pad-Me-Up!

Maybe you can find lodging in a last minute rental (vbro) or get lucky (unlikely, sorry) with a room at the Kaaterskill Mountain Club. Lodging choices for the picky traveler are limited.  If it appears skeevy, it probably is. Choose wisely or wait it out and mark it on you calendar to plan in advance for next year. That’s what I’ve done.

Check out beelocal for more on Hunter.

Brewfest 2009 in Killington, VT

http://shop.killington.com/CORIS/Storefront/Product.aspx?Product=BREWFEST&Group=ACTVGROUP9&BrowserChecked=true

Oktoberfest 2009 in Hunter Mountain, NY

http://www.huntermtn.com/huntermtn/festivals/summer-festivals-oktoberfest.aspx

Looking to make some last minute plans and really really like beer?  Both ‘fests are this weekend.  Brewfest requires tickets and Oktoberfest is free admission.