Perched right across the street from New York State’s Hunter Mountain, Scribner’s Catskill Lodge feels like a home away from home for urbanites looking to unwind.
The space has welcomed New Yorkers looking for a getaway since 1881, but it was a 2016 revamp that gave Scribner’s Lodge its iconic sleek, black wooden look. Today, the property leans into its lodge-like aesthetic, giving guests a rustic stay with all the modern conveniences we’ve grown to love.
A fresh layer of snow coated the Catskills as we pulled up on the winding mountain roads. Snowcapped mountains and fresh pine trees along our drive had us giddy with excitement, having not seen snow almost all season. I picture this drive being just as scenic with the leaves turning in the fall or spring. The goal of the weekend was to do nothing guilt-free. And luckily, the chilly weather provided the atmosphere to accomplish just that.
The winter season lures both beginner and expert skiers to Hunter Mountain each year. During warmer months, expect to find everything from fly-fishing and hiking to tubing here. But if you’re like me, the allure of a cozy staycation-style retreat is enough to convince you to book, regardless of the season.
The Ambiance
The lodge’s pulse is at The Library, a homey 1,850 square foot space offering a communal socializing or reading area, centered by an eye-catching fireplace and billiards table. A thoughtfully curated book selection lines the room, shelving everything from the classics to children’s books. The warm ambiance feels like an extension of a living room, one that you can casually wander down to in your sweatpants if you so desire. Nearby, complimentary coffee, tea, and water are available throughout the day – an amenity I took advantage of each time I nestled into the sofa with my book in hand.
A captivating aroma that can only be described as woodsy and outdoorsy brings a sense of cozy luxury to the space. I later learned the hotel’s signature scent, Teakwood & Tobacco, is crafted by a local candlemaker, Catskills Candle Studio. And if like me, you can’t leave without pocketing smells like these for your own Brooklyn apartment, you can snag the fragrance in the hotel’s gift shop or drop by their candle studio in town.
Thoughtful amenities are geared towards the many of us looking to slow down and escape city life. And as a do-er (even during my relaxing do-nothing vacation), the many on-site activities were perfect for chilly evenings when venturing outside seemed less than desirable.
From ‘Glice’ skating with mountain vistas to yoga sessions or cozying up for a nightly movie screening, our evenings were filled with plenty to do. Outside, you can (and should) reserve time to recharge in the iconic wooden barrel sauna. Featuring a large window to overlook the snow-capped mountains, the sauna quickly became a highlight for me. Each night the outdoor fire is lit for snuggling and s’mores. And if you’re craving some New York City creature comforts, on weekends Scribner’s offers an Après Ski hour, akin to happy hour with a DJ and buzzy atmosphere in tow.
The Rooms
The property features 38 rooms, including 12 lodge-style options ranging from Scribner suites that sleep up to five to intimate Mountain rooms for two. Each room boasts its own distinct look and feel, with a few characteristics common throughout all of them. The interior is simple and colored in a light, airy palette, fostering an atmosphere calling for a digital detox. Vintage rugs and pillows add a pop of color, with classic wooden furniture lining the space.
Our two-story Summit King Loft room came equipped with a spacious upstairs nook that housed a plush king-sized bed to sink into each night. Our in-room fireplace was a treat and became the cornerstone of the room, where we played board games or read by the fire. Yet, the charm of the rooms lies in its seclusion, like you are in your own isolated cabin with the ease of strolling downstairs in your slippers to access the main lodge.
I love the little touches – and Scribner’s embodies just that. Each room is equipped with a personalized welcome note, an illustrated guide to the area, and a ready-made s’mores kit for the night’s bonfire. Bathrooms come furnished with terracotta tiles, walk-in rainfall showers and an earthy line of rosemary mint and basil bath products.
Dining at Prospect
While hotel restaurants seldom hit the spot, Prospect at Scribner’s is one worth making a reservation for. With all the trimmings of a Manhattan establishment, this place came equipped with top-tier espresso martinis and a sophisticated wine list to match. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the gorgeous mountain views, and if you haven’t figured it out already, a cozy fireplace anchors the space. As the afternoon turns to night, the dimly lit atmosphere saunters into a snug and romantic mood.
If you’re craving the comfort food typical at a cozy lodge, rest assured you can enjoy your favorite classics without compromising on culinary mastery. For one, cocktails are balanced and intriguing — never overpowering any of the plates, but packed with layers to give each drink its own personality. Try the mezcal-based Blush Point, or our favorite, the Punch Line, an herbal medley of sorts: blending fennel, lemon and Rockey’s botanical liqueur.
The menu, which flows with the seasons, sports a farm-to-table fare with something for everyone. We kicked things off with the creamy burrata, drizzled with pomegranate molasses and fresh figs, its pairing with a thinly sliced baguette gave the dish the perfect blend of contrasting textures and flavors. Or try the Winter Harvest Salad, another popular shareable, topped with squash, pepitas, pomegranate and bitter greens.
The entrées stole the show. The first dish was a Pork Chop encircled by harmonies of sweet smoke and spiced nuttiness. The large chop, sliced for convenience, was nestled in a spicy and smoky Morita cream sauce, neighbored by bright pickled onions, and topped with Salsa Macha — a meld of toasted chiles, garlic, peanuts, and sesame seeds. This Pork Chop is plenty juicy enough to eat by itself, but each bite is even more thrilling when all of these flavors are massed on each forkful.
Just as head turning was the Mushroom and Pancetta Sticky Rice, new to the winter menu and an entrée that will settle you in by the firelight. Look out at the snow drifting among the pines while, from the comfort of the lodge, you can feast on your own forest goods: walnuts, almonds, a trio of mushrooms. And that’s only the savory beginning. Every bite is founded on carnolli rice and cured pancetta, then sealed with foamed parmigiano and powered porcini.
To close out the evening, we were pulled by the Caramel Popcorn Cake, which believe me, I have not completely found the words to describe. The dessert, which started as an experiment in making popcorn ice cream grew to include caramel cake, toffee sauce, caramel popcorn, and popcorn ice cream. And if you’re worried about how the combination tasted, it somehow found the right balance between sweet and salty.
Sights and Bites Nearby
If you’re looking to do more than ski or unwind at Hunter Mountain, the Catskills is brimming with towns that are home to farm-to-table restaurants, quaint gift shops and yoga studios. Just down the street, we’d recommend starting your day with a cheddar biscuit breakfast sandwich from Fellow Mountain Café. Then make your way to Kaaterskills Falls where you have a few hiking options to the picturesque waterfall views. Grab lunch at Day June Luncheonette before you stop by Briars & Brambles, a friendly bookstore because who couldn’t use another? Later, you could explore Tannersville, where antique shops are plentiful. For a charming finish to your day of exploring, share a pizza at the rustic, family-owned MaMa’s Pizzeria and Trattoria.
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Scribner’s Lodge
13 Scribner Hollow Rd
Hunter, NY
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