Flatrock House, Shandaken

From minimalist ski lodges to tiny cabins tucked deep in the woods, there's no shortage of lovely places to stay in New York's Catskills. It's one of the charms of the region and one of the reasons to keep returning — every visit is a new adventure, a new chance to discover a different side of the place. 

Though you could easily visit the Catskills dozens of times and never stay in the same place twice, The Flatrock House in Shadakan is so sweet you may just decide to make it your regular getaway. Perched on the edge of the Esopus Creek on a wooded acreage in Shandakan, its the kind of house that feels both airy and cozy, with an open layout dominated by a central wood-burning stove and plenty of cozy nooks begging to be curled up in. Wood paneled walls and mid-century furniture are accented by Pendleton patterns and vintage Apline decor, all of which seamlessly blend to create a distinctly "Upstate" vibe (by way of Brooklyn, of course).

We spent a lazy week there in the middle of winter and felt so at home the entire time — sitting by the fire with Manhattans, exploring the extensive record collection, and lingering over big family dinners in the airy dining room. At night we'd bring wine upstairs to the lofted game room and play ping pong, taking breaks only to watch the snow trickle down outside. It all made for a dreamy NYC escape — one we can't wait to repeat come warm weather when we can make use of the outdoor fire pit and nearby swimming hole.

if you go:

Flatrock House is within twenty minutes of many quintessential Catskills favorites: Phoenicia Diner, Giant Ledge (a wonderful place to hike), and the legendary Peekamoose Restaurant. Woodstock is about half an hour away. Prospect, the new restaurant at Scribner's near Hunter Mountain is not far either.