What to Do in Phoenicia: How to Spend a Day in the Catskills Town

Head to the Ulster County hotspot for Catskills views, outdoor to-dos, and what just may be the most Instagrammable diner in the Hudson Valley.

Wikimedia Commons / Published by Hauser & Keen

Head to the Ulster County hotspot for Catskills views, outdoor to-dos, and what just may be the most Instagrammable diner in the Hudson Valley.

Phoenicia is a true gem of the Hudson Valley, an out-of-the-way Catskills town that is also home to a bevy of acclaimed dining institutions and natural attractions alike. A popular vacation destination, it has more than enough corners and crannies to explore over the course of a weekend.

Here’s your guide to an ideal summer day in this bucolic mountain town. Heading there soon? Tag us @HudsonValleyMag on Instagram if you hit any of the spots on our list.

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9 a.m. – Instagram breakfast at Phoenicia Diner

Expect classed-up, organic takes on traditional diner fare at this much-Instagrammed local institution. Phoenicia Diner serves a menu of A-list hits, which range from the buckwheat pancakes to the taco skillet with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and a crispy corn tortilla.

5681 Rte 28, Phoenicia
845.688.9957

10:30 a.m. – Shop at Phoenicia Arts and Antiques

After filling up on provisions at Phoenicia Diner, check out the eclectic community housed inside Phoenicia Arts and Antiques. The historic building was once home to the town’s pharmacy and makes for an incredible atmosphere. Shop hand-crafted items, salvaged antiques, and products from Phoenicia Honey Co.

41 Main St, Phoenicia
845.688.0021

Pizza is the perfect food ðŸ•

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12:30 p.m. – Pick the perfect pie at Brio’s Pizzeria

Brio’s looks like any old pizza spot, but its lunch menu truly goes the distance, featuring wood-fired pizzas alongside shrimp fajitas, grass-fed burgers, and classic Italian sandwiches. Try one of the fruit-filled, lactose-free smoothies after a morning spent basking in the sun in the Hudson Valley.

68 Main St, Phoenicia
845.688.5370

2 p.m. – Take a break at the Emerson Resort & Spa

Located just south of town, the Emerson caters to all types, from weddings to groups looking for weekend getaways. For those who want to cool their heels for a few hours, the spa is ready to assist with Thai massage, seasonal body scrubs, Italian mud wraps, and waxing services.

5340 Rte 28, Mount Tremper
845.688.2828

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5 p.m. – Grab a beer and a bite at Woodstock Brewing

One of the newer brewpubs to hit the Catskills, Woodstock Brewing’s mountainside location and plentiful outdoor seating make it a scenic choice to wile away an hour or two sharing wings or nachos alongside house brews like the Mean Charlene Gose, which is brewed with pineapple, mango, passion fruit, and tart key lime. Also worthy of note is the Woodstock Lager, which contains hints of “fresh baked biscuit” and “new spring flowers.”

5581 Rte 28, Phoenicia
845.688.0054

8:30 p.m. – Spend a night at The Pines

This renovated roadhouse in nearby Mount Tremper has a small number of well-appointed rooms on a scenic 3.5-acre property on Little Beaver Kill. Between Thursday and Sunday, The Pines’ restaurant also offers a dinner selection for to-go orders that can be paired with cocktails, wine, and beer.

5327 Rte 212, Mount Tremper
845.688.7311


Related: This Is How to Spend 24 Hours in Piermont

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