Catskills Escapes + On the Road in the Southwest ✨
Field Notes from the Four Corners + Three Upstate Features
Howdy all,
It’s been a minute since I’ve checked in! Erin here, founder and creative director at Escape.
While my teammate Hannah bravely faces winter in the Hudson Valley (kidding, she loves it), I’ve begun my annual east-coast/west-coast migration a little early this year. For anyone new here: I spend half the year in Livingston Manor, Catskills, and the other half exploring and traveling from my winter homebase of Joshua Tree. (This is what inspired Escape LA!) With Hannah based in the Hudson Valley, Katrina in Temecula, and me floating around wherever I am, the three of us ladies run Escape.
Some quick math tells me I’ve spent 6 of the last 13 days on the road — not including the day and a half it took to get here from the Catskills. Instead of heading straight to Joshua Tree for winter, I carved out a few months in New Mexico, starting with Taos (it’s incredible) before heading further south, like the diligent snowbird I am.
Those six travel days have been spent exploring the Four Corners region: New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and their meeting point. Taos is my springboard for now, putting me within striking distance of all of those places. I’ve fallen in love here; not just the location (as a central spot to explore the SW) but also because it marries Joshua Tree–style desert landscapes with Catskills-like rivers and autumn foliage (still hanging on here!) It feels like the best of two of my worlds, with lots of great hiking and food to match.
Next week is a long weekend in Santa Fe with my family straight into Thanksgiving, then December brings me to Big Bend, Truth or Consequences, and some other magical spots. I’ll be sharing all my findings as we start to revamp and add to our destination section for winter!
If you have any travel recs for this region, I’d love to hear them; just hit reply. And thank you to those who have already reached out; I now have a favorite new spa, Ojo Caliente.
Back to Upstate New York: below, you’ll find a winter-ready trio — a lakeside vacation retreat in Roscoe, a striking new build in Narrowsburg on the market, and our updated guide to the coziest bars and restaurants across the Catskills and Hudson Valley.
See you out there, and happy Friday!
—Erin
Two Good Cabins: A Cozy Lakefront Retreat in Roscoe, NY
Tucked along the quiet shores of Lake Muskoday, Two Good Cabins offers a serene Catskills escape just over two hours from New York City. The dual-cabin setup strikes a thoughtful balance between togetherness and privacy, making it ideal for families or small groups. The main cabin features four bedrooms across two floors, an open-concept living and dining area with a stone fireplace, and large glass doors that open to an expansive deck overlooking the lake.
Just a few steps away, the smaller cabin functions as a self-contained studio with a queen bed, kitchenette, and propane fireplace, creating a quiet nook for mornings or solo retreat. Both cabins focus on clean, natural materials and wood accents. In winter, the frozen lake and the warmth of the fireplaces create a calm setting for a low-key getaway.
A short drive into Roscoe brings easy access to local favorites like Grizzly Bagels or Sullivan Sundries in Jeffersonville for breakfast – or The Junction and The Yarra for dinner. Nearby, Buck Brook Alpacas offers an unforgettable farm visit/tour with alpacas, while Russell Brook Falls and Frick Pond invite long walks through the snow-dusted forest. Between its design, setting, and sense of ease, Two Good Cabins captures the essence of a Catskills winter: quiet, cozy, and beautifully simple.
Elevated Design Meets Secluded Living at Bear Run in Narrowsburg, NY
Set on nearly nineteen wooded acres outside Narrowsburg, Bear Run is a new build from the creative team behind Major Jacks and Wishbone. Its sculptural, angular form rises from the landscape in a palette of maple, oak, and fluted tile — a modern retreat that bridges artful design with natural quiet. Inside, the great room is anchored by a dual-sided fireplace and a wall of windows that frame the surrounding forest. A color-blocked kitchen layers maple, gray, and soft green cabinetry with stainless steel appliances and a Norwegian fjord–inspired shroud, while white oak floors, custom millwork, and playful cutouts carry the home’s thoughtful design language throughout.
Downstairs, the layout balances private and creative space. The primary suite includes radiant-heat floors, a soaking tub, and a walk-in rainfall shower, while a separate studio wing with tall windows and skylights offers room for work or play. Outside, a blush-toned deck extends into the trees above a meadow and private creek, with a fire pit and classic stump seating connecting the home to its forested setting.
More Info, Contact + Open House This Weekend:
Asking $995,000. Listed by Erica Keberle at Anatole House. For inquiries or showings, contact Erica at erica@anatolehouse.com or text/call 917-690-5405.
Open house: Saturday, November 15 from 12–2 pm at 1 Brook Drive, Narrowsburg, NY 12764. RSVP requested but not required.
Snow Has Arrived! Here’s Our List of Upstate’s Coziest Bars + Restaurants
With snow settling into the Catskills and the early nights already arriving, cozy vibes are in high demand. We’ve rounded up a selection of Upstate New York’s coziest bars and restaurants, perfect for winter date nights, Friendsgiving gatherings, or an evening curled up by the fire.
For those chasing warmth and atmosphere, there’s no shortage of spots across the Hudson Valley and Catskills. A few of our favorites: Casa Susanna in Leeds, where seasonal dishes and a fireplace set the tone; Deer Mountain Inn in Tannersville for classic lodge vibes; Ralph’s Bar & Bowling at Urban Cowboy Lodge, with throwback bowling lanes paired with craft cocktails; Isola Wine Bar in Kinderhook, which specializes in low-intervention Western European wines; and Little Cat Lodge in Hillsdale, set at the base of the Berkshire Mountains.
These restaurants and bars balance fireside seating, winter-ready menus, and thoughtfully designed interiors, offering a warm retreat from the start of winter. For some more sultry options, check out the first part of this list: Upstate’s ~Vibiest~ Restaurants.
That’s all for this week. Feeling a little generous? You can leave a one-time treat in our tip jar! Promise we’ll notice. 🖤
