I Can't Wait To Go Back To The Most Charming Inn In The Catskills

Never have we appreciated those little weekend trips out of the city more than we do now. With our travel plans on hold for the foreseeable future, plenty of us have been scrolling through our photo archives of getaways past - happy memories and dreamy destinations that, at least mentally, can serve as escapes from our shoe box-sized apartments that we've been diligently remaining in. 

But while I've seen plenty of throwback snaps on tropical beaches, I for one can't stop thinking about the rustic charm of the Shandaken Inn. From its floral wallpaper to its cozy fireplaces, it's the place I'd be quarantining right now if I could be. If anything, I'm counting down the days until I can make the trek up to visit once again. 

Outfitted in clapboard of its signature "Shandaken blue," the adorable bed and breakfast has been around almost 100 years, serving as a social hot spot in the Catskills since the 1920s. This year, after an Instagrammable face-lift, it's been returned with love to its former glory - and then some. In addition to its country-home details - plush patterned sofas, natural wood touches, and even a fun vintage phone booth begging to be photographed - the updated inn is full of modern luxuries like Peloton bikes in its state-of-the-art gym, Malin & Goetz bath amenities, and Frette linens and robes. And despite all the newness, the Shandaken has held on to the family-style intimacy it was known and loved for in the past. 

There are only 15 guest rooms (each uniquely furnished and named for one of the local summer camps and resorts that once reigned in the region), along with an in-house bar and restaurant (serving farm-to-table fare), and living room-like common areas that encourage guests to hang out like they're all at some tasteful relative's woodland home. When I was there back in the beginning of February, I joined fellow visitors around the outdoor fire pit, which had just been dusted with the not-unusual daily sprinkling of snow. We were treated to homemade S'mores kits and spiked apple cider before moving inside to play party games, fueled by late-night grilled cheese sandwiches and the biggest bowl of fresh french fries I'd ever seen. (Thankfully I burned all those calories skiing the next day at the nearby Belleayre Mountain.)

With a pool, spa, and tennis court in the works on its 12 private acres, along with its proximity to multiple ski destinations, hiking trails, fishing spots, and even local breweries (Woodstock Brewing is a must), the Shandaken Inn is set to be an all-season favorite once we're able to hit the road again. After this, we all definitely deserve a little vacation.

[Photos via Shandaken Inn]