Have you started planning your cozy autumn getaway yet? If you want to escape the crowded city streets, we have a hidden gem you need to add to your radar immediately.
Tucked away in the western Catskill Mountains, just a three-hour drive from NYC, lies a charming hamlet with a lofty reputation.
Welcome to Andes, NY, a storybook town proudly nicknamed the ‘Land in the Sky.’
It is known for its sweeping mountain hikes, cozy cider houses, and a Main Street straight out of a Hallmark movie.
While it is an enchanting destination year-round, Andes truly comes alive right now in the fall.
A perfect balance of adventure and village life
Andes blends raw natural beauty with authentic Upstate charm. The town has a quirky rich history, even playing a starring role in the Anti-Rent Wars of the 1800s.
Today, it is a favorite for in-the-know New Yorkers looking for farm-to-table dining and artisan shopping completely away from the crowds.
Fall things to do in Andes, NY
Ready to book your autumn weekend? Here is what you need to check off your bucket list:
- 🍂 Leaf-peeping hikes: Wander the Andes Rail Trail or the Palmer Hill Trail for easy access to breathtaking Catskill views. If you want something off the beaten path, hike to Tompkins Falls for a secluded waterfall surrounded by colorful foliage.
- 🍎 Sip small-batch cider: You have to pop into Wayside Cider, a rustic taproom housed in a gorgeous restored barn. It is the ultimate spot to warm up with hard cider and local cheese boards.
- 🛍️ Stroll down Main Street: Spend an afternoon exploring eclectic shops like Estro (trendy design and furniture) and Clementine (vintage fashion). For a quick pick-me-up, stop by Cafe Mutsi, an all-day cafe and wine bar serving up Nordic coffee.
- 🎃 Autumn festivals: The town calendar is packed with classic Catskills fun, from apple-picking to the Fall Harvest Festival at Guy’s Pumpkin Patch and Gladstone Farms Beef.
Where to eat, drink, and stay
When hunger strikes, you have some fantastic local options. Grab classic tavern fare at The Andes Hotel & Restaurant, or enjoy incredible comfort food at The Andes Dragonfly Diner (serving everything from omelettes to ice cream).
For overnight stays, The Andes Hotel offers updated motel rooms right on Main Street, while The Delaware House features beautiful farmhouse-style suites. There are also plenty of quaint local cabins featuring fire pits and mountain views.
How to get there from NYC
Getting to the ‘Land in the Sky’ is a highly scenic 3-hour drive from NYC. Simply take I-87 North to Kingston, then hop on Route 28 West through the stunning Catskill mountains.
If you do not have a car, you can easily catch a Trailways bus from Port Authority to nearby Margaretville, which is just about 15 minutes away from Andes.