Have you been itching to get away from the bustling city and get in tune with nature? Are you ready to just slow down a little bit and take a deep breath of fresh air? If you answered yes, then I have the perfect place for you! About two hours away from NYC, rests the beautiful The River House. The River House is a 3 bedroom, 31/2 bath stone house located on the opposite bank of the Willowemoc River, accessible only by crossing a private bridge. 

The River House is an amazing weekend getaway as it contains the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation. Imagine taking a hike starting from the backyard and coming back home to cozy up by the fireplace. 

The River House was clean, cozy, and felt like a home away from home. Plus, they provide everything that you need for a short stay from towels, toiletries, and continental breakfast!

What To Do:

No matter what season you visit, there is always something to do around Livingston Manor. 

All Year Round Activities 

Yoga:

The River House has a go-to yoga instructor, Justine Sutherland. She gives 90 minutes classes at her barn/studio located on Somewhere in Time Farm or can arrange to come on-site. $20 per person, ($135 minimum). 

The Livingston Manor area also has some cool covered bridges in the area. I visited during late Winter but I can imagine they would be stunning during the Fall and Summer months! This is a great spot for photogenic moments. 

• The Willowemoc Covered Bridge/Bendo Covered Bridge, 68 Conklin Hill Road, Livingston Manor spans the Willowemoc

• The Vantran Covered Bridge/Motts Flats Bridge, Covered Bridge Road, Livingston Manor - spans the Willowemoc

• Beaverkill Covered Bridge/Conklin Covered Bridge, 3 Ragin Road, Roscoe

Spring/ Summer Activities: 

Hike: 

Several different trails start right from the back yard of The River House!

• The Loop: one-mile trail. 

• The River Walk Trail: two-mile walk to Beaver Lake Farm and then another 2 miles on the return.  

• The Old Orchard Trail: three-mile hike each way.

• The Mongaup State Park is also nearby and there are several trails to go on: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24484.html

• Somewhere in Time Farm is an active produce farm that provides herbs and vegetables to many local restaurants and sells its produce at the Catskill Food Hub. In the warmer months, they have a farm stand in front of Main Street Farm in Livingston Manor. The farm is quite impressive and worth a look.

Winter Activity: 

• Snowshoeing is a cool activity to try if you visit during the winter months. It’s something different than anything you will do in the city. Plus it’s a great workout! 

• Frick Pond is a great place to go snowshoeing and is also nearby: 

Places to eat and drink:

I’m not a chef by any means but I wanted to cook at The River House because the kitchen was exceptional! You can pick up organically grown groceries and prepare a nice dinner with access to a fully stocked kitchen with top-of-the-line products! 

Some local restaurants are: 

TIP: most places close early and do not deliver so check online or call ahead to book a table!

• Northern Farmhouse Pasta - Italian food

• Casa di Longobardi - Southern Italian food

• The Kaatskeller - brick oven pizza

• Yiasou - Greek food

• Piccolo Paese - Italian food

• The Arnold - continental food with an Eastern European twist

Some Local Breweries/Distilleries:

• Catskill Brewery 672 Old Route 17, Livingston Manor 

•  Upward Brewery is located on 171 Main Street in Livingson Manor

• Do Good Distillery/Prohibition Distillery, located at 145 Rockland Road

• Roscoe Beer Company, 145 Rockland Road

Thank you for reading!!

XOXO,

Krity 

Photography by Ashley Gallerani
The stay at The River House was complimentary but my opinions are my own.