The hotel’s restaurant, Dandelion, is an intimate space where the boundary between indoors and out feels intentionally blurred. Soft lighting and wood accents echo the natural elegance of the Catskills: understated, organic, and quietly refined. The menu shifts with the seasons, highlighting fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes include salmon chowder and house-made gnocchi with trumpet mushrooms. Cocktails are crafted with the same attention to detail.
Like the Catskills themselves, Eastwind is not about flash or ostentation. The region’s charm lies in its quiet abundance—hidden trails, charming small towns, and landscapes that shift aspect with the light. From Oliverea, the surrounding mountains and valleys invite exploration at a slower pace.
A short drive west leads to Belleayre Mountain, a year-round retreat where winter brings uncrowded ski slopes and summer opens the forest to hikers. The Ridge Trail climbs steadily, unveiling panoramic views that stretch to the horizon. Further south, the vast, still waters of the Pepacton Reservoir offer a different kind of quiet. Here, early morning mist rises from the surface, and fishing is a meditative pastime.
To the east, the town of Phoenicia retains its rustic charm. The Phoenicia Diner, a well-known favorite, serves elevated takes on roadside classics. Nearby, the Esopus Creek draws fly fishers and, in warmer months, kayakers and canoers. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the area, the Catskill Interpretive Center provides an introduction to the region’s history and trails, an ideal starting point before venturing further into the wilderness.
And then there are the trails that define the region as much as its towns. Local landmarks like the McKenley Hollow Trailhead, leading up Balsam Mountain, and Belleayre Mountain are just a short drive away. Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the Catskills, rewards hikers with sweeping views and the solitude that comes with standing above it all. Giant Ledge, a shorter climb, offers a similarly beautiful vista with less effort—perfect for a relaxed afternoon outing.
The Catskills never impose urgency. They offer something harder to come by in the city—space, quiet, and a landscape that speaks for itself.
After a long weekend of crisp air and peaceful hikes, the drive back to the city feels effortless. Winding roads give way to open highways, and the hush of nature gradually fades into the familiar rhythm of New York City. Rested and recharged, it’s easy to take on the week ahead—until the countryside calls again.
Eastwind Oliverea Valley is located at 212-220 McKenley Hollow Road, Big Indian, NY 12410. Driving a RealCar luxury rental offers the most comfortable, convenient, and stylish way to get there. From New York City, the journey typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. The route follows I-87 North (New York State Thruway) to Exit 19 for Kingston, then continues on NY-28 West toward Pine Hill. After approximately 30 miles on NY-28 West, turn left onto NY-42 South in Big Indian. Continue for about a mile, then turn right onto McKenley Hollow Road. The hotel will be on your right.
