Where to eat and drink in the Catskills
A vacation recap
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I spent this past week in the Hudson Valley. Last year, Matt and I visited the Catskills in February, so we were excited to explore the area sans snow this time around. It was so hot and so much fun. And of course we had lots of great things to eat.
If you’re looking to subscribe to more newsletters like Party of One or want to promote your own, sign up for The Sample using the button below!
Before we get into the eats, I’d like to thank everyone for responding to last week’s poll. From here on out, you’ll get a short and sweet list delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Today, I’m asking for more reader feedback! I start my Big Girl Job today, so I’m trying to figure out how to fit this newsletter into my new (and busier) schedule. I like the short and sweet lists, but I’d love to start publishing longer pieces as well — think essays about food, interviews, guides to my favorite places, the whole nine yards.
Matt and I did this trip on a bit of a budget now that we are young working people. Instead of staying in the center of a town, we opted for a farmhouse Airbnb. It was a pleasant experience, to say the least, and allowed us to spend more on what we were doing (and eating). Because we didn’t want to spend when we didn’t have to, we planned each day down to a tee. Matt did a great job of making the itinerary and adjusting throughout our trip when needed. This isn’t breaking news, but having a plan in place definitely kept us focused on the things we wanted to see the most, and I’ll be hiring Matt as my travel agent for all future vacations. Thank you, Matt!!!!
A BLT to remember
🥓 Willa’s is closer to the water than it is to Main Street, so we almost couldn’t find it, but thank god we did. We both got BLTs, and the meal rose to the top of our Best Sandwiches Ever lists. Back in June, I declared this season as Sandwich Summer, and this one is definitely a contender for Sandwich of the Summer.
The crown jewel of Woodstock’s restaurant scene
👑 If Matt and I had to give credit to one thing calling us back to the Catskills, it would have to be Silvia. They cook over a wood-fired grill in an open kitchen and — without sounding too annoying — source everything from local farmers and businesses. We sat near the bar this time and split the chicken schnitzel, among other plates — but the chicken was my favorite. The Silvia family opened a new spot in town called Good Night, which was just as great, but their OG is tough to beat.
Left Bank Ciders
🍎 The Hudson Valley is home to a bunch of apples, which makes for great cider. We headed back into Catskill one night to try some at Left Bank Ciders’ taproom, which isn’t too far from Willa’s. Matt and I split a flight of four, and I ended up purchasing a bottle to take home called the Cat’s Claw. Adulthood is so fun! Learn more about their process here if you’re interested in stuff like that.
Honorable mentions
The cabin of my dreams is full of things from Clove & Creek.
If you’re anything like my dad, you’ll have a field day at The Antique Warehouse.
The Thomas Cole National Historic Site was closed last year but now you can tour it!
Lots to see in Kingston: Rough Draft Bar & Books, Lola Pizza, Hamilton & Adams.
The Phoenicia Diner is always worth the drive.
And Kaaterskill Falls was worth the sweaty hike.
That trip sounds amazing- you had me at BLTs and cider flights! Hope your first day at the new job has gone well!
Going in September. Thanks for new places to go to. Good luck with your job 😘