The Itinerary: Killercat Mountainhouse in Hunter, NY
A complete weekend itinerary in & around Hunter, NY. Bonus: paid subscribers get 10% off a booking, plus a $150 gift card to Elevated Wine & Spirits ✨
Welcome to The Itinerary: Your go-to guide for easy Upstate escapes – plus exclusive discounts for each – created by Escape Brooklyn.
The Location:
Killercat Mountainhouse in Hunter, NY
The Deal:
Save 10% – and receive a $150 gift card for wine and liquor at nearby Elevated Spirits – when booking three or more nights between March and April 2024. Code is for our paid members only; grab below the paywall.
Why We Love It:
In Hunter, New York, Killercat Mountainhouse is a great group spot sleeping up to 10 guests. This Catskills vacation rental delivers the delightfully unexpected, from Parisian-chic décor and animal prints, to kid-friendly game room with vintage arcade games and ping pong.
The Vibe:
This large home is perfect for gatherings (read: gatherings, not parties) and its amenities make it a perfect wellness getaway. Below, we’re outlining a wellness-themed spring getaway!
An Escape-Worthy Itinerary: Killercat Mountainhouse in Hunter, NY
Day One: Check In & Indulge
• 4 pm: Check-in at Killercat Mountainhouse. On your way Upstate, make a few stops: Adam’s Fairacre Farms in Kingston for groceries, and Elevated Wine & Spirits in Hunter for booze. Note: our paid Escape Club members will receive a $150 gift certificate at Elevated Wine & Spirits before arrival!
• 5 pm: Pop a few bottles and prepare an epic meal in the kitchen, or weather permitting, on the outdoor grill. Guests looking for a hands-off experience can get in contact with private chefs Catskill Cooks and Zach Berger, both of whom got raving reviews from previous Killercat Mountainhouse guests.
• 9 pm: Alternate sauna and hot tub sessions at the house. Bonus points for lighting up the fire pit!
Day Two: Wellness & the Great Outdoors
• 9 am: Sleep in and enjoy the breakfast on the deck. All guests at Killercat Mountainhouse enjoy a gift basket of mostly breakfast items and pastries from the sinfully delicious Fellow Mountain Cafe.
• 10 am: Take a hike at Huckleberry Point. The 4.5 mile trail leads to some of the most stunning views of the Catskills we’ve ever seen, and isn’t overcrowded like some other local trails.
• 1 pm: Post-hike lunch at Nat’s Mountain House, sister restaurant to Nat’s on Bleecker and Nat’s on Bank in the city. Eat light and healthy, or take a more indulgent approach with their French Toast. From there, walk up and down Tannersville’s colorful Main Street, earning it the name, “Painted Village in the Sky.” We love the antique mall, and continuing the wellness vibes, check out Sundry. apothecary.
• 3 pm: Book a spa treatment at The Windham Spa, a wellness center specializing in organic skincare, massage and CBD. These “seed to spa” hemp growers use their own cannabis products during select treatments. Alternately, guests at Killercat Mountainhouse may book a spa treatment that comes to them – a great option for groups. Weather permitting, set up the massage table on Killercat’s oversize deck, or inside near the fireplace.
• 5 pm: Post-pampering, head to Deer Mountain Inn for an evening at one of the coziest hotels in the Catskills. Begin outdoors with a cocktail by an outdoor fire pit – or better yet, arrange a wine, cheese and charcuterie experience at DMI’s mountaintop lean-to for an unforgettable sunset by the fire. (Must be booked in advance; call to arrange.)
• 7:30 pm: Remaining at Deer Mountain Inn, head indoors for dinner. Reservations are highly recommended at its restaurant, helmed by Executive Chef Corwin Kave, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
Day Three: Yoga, Epic Views, and a Stop in Kingston, NY
• 8 am: Rise and shine for one last hot tub and/or sauna session. Guests looking for a guided meditative experience can get in contact with Catskills local Hari Prakaash, who will come to the house to lead a yoga class, followed by a healing gong sound bath session. Rate is ~$300 for a 1.5 hour session for 4-6 people.
• 11 am: Check-out at Killercat Mountainhouse and head to Scribner’s Prospect for brunch, less than 10 minutes away. The food and views are to die for – and wait ‘til you see the pool. You’ll be planning your summer trip back to the area in no time.
• 1 pm: Bid the Catskills adieu at the Ashokan Reservoir Promenade. The 2.8-mile trail hugs the southern shore of the massive Ashokan Reservoir, which supplies 40% of New York City’s water. Perfect for a pic on the way out of town, or a leisurely walk.
• 2 pm: Explore Kingston, NY’s Stockade District. Park the car and walk the historic streets with loads of shopping and art galleries. For more specific recommendations, check our full Guide to Kingston.
• 4 pm: After shopping and exploring, stop into Chleo, a wine bar serving seasonally-inspired bites. Their menu is perfect for sharing, so you can sample as many things as you and your group are hungry for. When you’re done, it’s a straight shot down the freeway back to New York City.
Ready to book a trip? Use the code below for 10% off, plus a $150 gift card to Elevated Wine and Spirits
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