Day One: Unwind and discover, Hudson Valley style

Morning

You’ve ventured west of the Hudson and are ready to dive into all the charm and adventure Upstate New York has to offer. Roll out of bed at AutoCamp Catskills and gear up for an action-packed 72 hours in your new favorite destination.

First things first: make your way to the Clubhouse for coffee and granola on the house. Stretch out on a free bike ride, take a morning yoga class or explore the hiking trail until you find perfect bliss.

When you’re ready, venture into Saugerties and pass through timeless neighborhoods as you drive down Lighthouse Drive to Ruth Reynolds Glunt Nature Preserve, where you’ll jump on a short trail to the Saugerties Lighthouse–an 1869 landmark beacon on the Hudson River that stands proudly as a Living Museum and a renowned Bed & Breakfast. Step back in time over 150 years to experience the charm and rustic simplicity of life in the middle of the river.

Day One

Afternoon

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, head back into Saugerties for a fried chicken sandwich and craft cocktail from Miss Lucy’s Kitchen—a fan-favorite for a reason. Brunch is served 11-3 on Saturday and Sunday, and lunch is served 12-3 Wednesday through Friday. P.S. make sure to leave some time after lunch for funky shop-hopping.

Next, make the quick 30 minute drive to Hudson for more Hudson Valley charm, this time on the east side of the river.

Day One

Evening

You’ve arrived in Hudson! Take a stroll down Warren Street and appreciate the thrifts, galleries and showrooms galore of the Hudson Historic District, where you can explore art galleries and home decor in almost every door.

Visit Made X Hudson for sustainability-driven fashion and check out their New York Fashion Innovation Center, Finch for vintage furniture and home decor, and B Sides for jeans.

Step into The Spotty Dog Books & Ale–a bookstore who serves beer and wine, with a terrific selection of hand-crafted ales from many known and lesser-known brewers. You might never leave. Craving a cold-pressed juice? See our friends at Little Rico.

Before you head out, stop by Neverstill Wines to experience a plethora of wines from across New York state. Walk-ins are welcome, however, reservations are highly recommended to ensure table availability.

Then head back to AutoCamp to wind down and relax. The choice is yours: grill up a feast with grill kit provisions or a woodfired pizza from the General Store. Cap the evening with a movie under the stars, a good book, or a quiet night by your private fire pit, toasting marshmallows and making memories.

Day Two: Get outside, catch the views and hear the tunes

Morning

Wake with the light and stroll over to morning yoga at the Clubhouse for some namaste before you branch out for the day. Then get started early and fuel up with organic sourdough made fresh daily at Bread Alone in Woodstock, a quick 10 minute drive from AutoCamp. Their menu goes beyond the sourdough, with a seasonally-changing menu including soups, salads, & sandwiches, in addition to a suite of baked goods, all made with local produce from the Hudson Valley. Be sure to grab sandwiches and snacks for lunch–you’ve got a big day coming!

Next, head to Sloan Gorge Preserve managed by the Woodstock Land Conservancy. This unique land contains mixed forest, old bluestone quarries, and unusual geological features, and is a wildlife haven that reflects the area’s natural and industrial history. Featuring an approximately one-mile looped and unique geological trail, this is a great warm up for steeper adventures ahead.

Day Two

Afternoon

Though challenging, the Overlook Mountain Trail is also on the table. When you see Karma Triyana Dharmachakr—the Tibetan Buddhist monastery—you’re in the right place. Yes, Overlook is steep, but those views from the fire tower and the ruins of the old hotel? Totally worth it. Once you make it to the top (2.3 miles), you’ll be glad you stashed those sourdough sandwiches and snacks as you take in the view of the Catskills from above.

Once you’ve made it back to the trailhead, and you’re thinking you could use a cold one before heading back to AutoCamp for a rest and reset, make a visit to Catskill Mountain Pizza Co. where they’ve got pizza by the slice and a rotating selection of local beers on tap. Now head on back to AutoCamp for a golden hour of hammock lounging, lawn games or a moment around the campfire before it’s time for dinner.

Day Two

Evening

After you’ve had a chance to reflect on the awesome day you’ve had exploring the surrounding Catskills, it’s time for dinner. Wrap up your day with an incredible meal just minutes away. Red Onion—a delightfully cozy spot tucked inside a historic farmhouse, brings a frequently changing menu based on what’s in season, but you can’t go wrong with one of their pasta dishes and a nice bottle of wine. Or you might try Good Night—an ode to all who appreciate and celebrate the love of the family meal, offering an array of globally inspired fresh vibrant dishes that are based around pan-Asian cuisine with a modern twist.

Have room for a sweet treat after another day of nature escape? S’mores kits are calling your name back at AutoCamp Catskills. Who can resist an ooey, gooey, perfectly toasted marshmallow? Not us.

Day Three: Explore adventure–on your own terms

Morning

Start with breakfast at a Catskills institution, the Phoenicia Diner. It’s a 30 minute drive, with glorious views. Order whatever you like—you can’t go wrong with their classic omelets, skillets, and of course, signature pancakes, served with fresh fruit and local maple syrup. Good news: if you love the cakes as much as we do, you can grab a box of their mix in our General Store. A sweet souvenir.

Day Three

Afternoon

Afternoon is your call, but a couple recs include floating down the river, jumping in a swimming hole, or grabbing a kayak from a local outfitter for a few hours. Select your grand finale experience in the Catskills—options are plenty:

If you’re craving something hands-on, try local host-led activities with one of our recommended partners, such as an electric bike rental, watercolor workshop, or forest bathing practice.

Kids in tow? They will love the Catskill Animal Sanctuary, where you can meet sheep, goats, cows, and pigs, all with a little local storytelling thrown in.

There’s one-last-must-see-trail: lace up your boots and head to Platte Cove Preserve to hike Plattekill Falls. The 70-foot waterfall tumbles into a serene pool, and the trail is easy enough to enjoy without rushing—-perfect for soaking in your final afternoon.

Want to see the river up close and personal? Book a river cruise out of Kingston with Hudson River Cruises and sail past iconic landmarks like the Rondout Lighthouse and Esopus Meadows Lighthouse as you experience the unmatched beauty and cultural richness of the Hudson Valley.

Looking for tunes? Catch a show at Assembly Kingston and Bearsville Theater.

No matter the choice, you’re bound to create unforgettable memories calling you back to the Catskills.

Day Three

Evening

When dinner rolls around, grab a grill kit from the General Store and prepare however you’d like–in a Gozney Pizza Oven or directly over your personal fire. Or dine at The Kitchen, our on-site eatery. Post-meal, grab your favorite wine or beer and join fellow travelers around the communal fire storytelling and good company under the stars.

As you unwind, reflect on three days filled with trails, cozy cabins, arts and crafts, fire pits, and rustic charm—a truly perfect Catskills escape.

Looking to dive deeper into the Catskills? Check out Wildsam’s field guide to the Hudson Valley & Catskills: 129 pages of art stops and antique shops, historians and filmmakers, small-town delights and Catskills wonders.