A Catskills Mountain getaway is a must during the Fall season! I recently had the opportunity to visit Emerson Resort and Spa with my pup, Gatsby. Nestled in the Catskill Mountains of New York State and resting alongside Esopus Creek, it’s the ultimate spot to soak up the stunning backdrop of autumn’s most vibrant colors. It’s a nice fall escape so you and your pup can rest and relax. Best of all, it’s only a 2-hour drive from New York City!
The resort provides:
- Spacious rooms and lodges
- Dog-friendly dining
- Retail shops
- A luxurious spa
- Outdoor amenities like a pickleball court and a dog park with separate spaces for large and small dogs
- Nature trails
- The world’s largest Kaleidoscope
This comprehensive offering ensures there is something for every guest, even the furry ones!
Emerson Resort Rooms
We stayed in the Inn, where our designated dog-friendly room featured a plush king bed, a functional fireplace, a fridge for me to store all of Gatsby’s raw food, a balcony with a view of the Esopus Creek, and a bathroom with a relaxing jacuzzi tub. The room also had these super comfy robes and cozy slippers, adding extra comfort to our stay.
The balcony was my favorite! You can come out anytime to get fresh air with your dog, relax, and hear the calming waters at the creek roll by. You might even see a beaver or two around the property! The fireplace was just what we needed after a whole day of hiking. It warmed us up, relaxed our tired muscles, and added a cozy vibe to our evening.
Adirondack style lodges are also available, which are perfect for larger groups.
There is a $60 fee per dog per night. Make sure to show proof of current rabies and distemper vaccinations before check-in via email, and please know that dogs can’t be left alone in the room.
Emerson Resort Dining
You and your dog are going to love this! Emerson has two excellent dining options, all in a dog-friendly atmosphere. Woodnotes Grille is perfect for breakfast and dinner, and they even have a dog menu! We enjoyed dinner both nights there, and Gatsby savored a perfectly cooked medium-rare grilled steak and burger patty. It was just right for him!
Spa Bites serves up tasty lunches like flatbreads, sandwiches, salads, seasonal specialty cocktails, and a special treat for your dog: a pup cup from their dog menu!
I can’t wait for you to enjoy your meals together!
Emerson Resort Spa
As a guest, you have access to Emerson’s sauna, steam room, outdoor hot tub, relaxation room, and locker rooms.
Book a facial or a massage or get glammed up at their nail and hair salon.
If you need a quick workout, head to the fitness center. The front desk can provide you with the yoga, pilates, and other group fitness classes schedule.
The Shops at Emerson Resort
The Emerson Resort turned an old farmhouse into shops, giving the area more retail choices. Now, these shops are connected to the Inn and Spa Bites restaurant through a long hallway.
The Shops at Emerson offers a selection of products, ranging from modern farmhouse décor and fashionable clothing for both men and women to intricately crafted artisan kaleidoscopes, classic toys, local gourmet products, Catskills souvenirs, and much more. It’s a curated collection of unique items to bring home.
Things to Do at the Emerson Resort Property
When you’re at the Emerson, you can tailor your experience to be as laid-back or adventurous as you want! Of course, Gatsby and I chose to dive into all the exciting activities on the property!
The Emerson Dog Park
Separated areas for large and small dogs, Emerson’s dog park was great for Gatsby to run off-leash and play ball to get out some excess energy. As soon as I let him in, he did zoomies all around!
The World’s Largest Kaleidoscope
Located within the shops at the Emerson, the world’s largest Kaleidoscope offers a mesmerizing 10-minute show. In a dimly lit room with a small group of guests, you can experience this captivating display.
Housed inside an old farm silo, the Kaleidoscope provides an overhead spectacle. You can recline on a platform or lie on the floor while gazing upwards. The light and sound show is just ten minutes, and it is complimentary for guests and great for all age groups.
And yes, your pup can join you if they can enjoy the show without disrupting others. As for Gatsby, he fell asleep!
Pickleball
Challenge your partner to a game of pickleball and let your pup watch. Equipment can be picked up at the front desk.
And now the question is, who will your pup cheer for?
Explore Esopus Creek And Nature Trails
Walk along the nature trails on the Emerson property beside the Esopus Creek.
Although called a “creek” Esopus Creek is really a river that drains the east-central Catskill Mountains in New York. It winds through lush greenery, offering serene scenic views, and it’s right in the resort’s backyard!
Things to do Near Emerson Resort
Hike the Ashokan Rail Trail
One of the best hiking destinations (and easiest) in the Catskills, Ashokan Rail Trail is a 11.5-mile scenic flat paved trail hugs the Ashokan Reservoir and offers fantastic views!
Certain parts of the trail run alongside the water, offering scenic views, while other sections provide secluded pathways surrounded by trees and woods. You can access the trail from three different trailheads below. The closest is the Ashokan Station Trailhead, a 6-minute drive from the resort.
- Woodstock Dike Trailhead is located at 1285 NY-28 in West Hurley. The Trailhead entrance is 5.3 miles west of the NYS Thruway Exit 19 Traffic Circle and approximately 1,500 feet west of the Stewart’s Shop (by Zena Road).
- Ashokan Station Trailhead is located at 3045 NY-28 in Shokan. The Trailhead entrance is 11.3 miles west of the NYS Thruway Exit 19 Traffic Circle across from Mountain Road.
- Boiceville Bridge Trailhead is located at 5080 Route 28A in Boiceville. The Trailhead entrance is off Route 28A approximately 16.5 miles west of the NYS Thruway Exit 19 Traffic Circle. Cold Brook Road is direct across Route 28A from this entrance.
Visit nearby towns
Phoenicia
Phoenicia, NY is a beautiful little town in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. The main street in town is pretty cozy. You’ll find restaurants, galleries, and a couple of shops. It might be small, but it’s got everything you need.
Make sure to stop by the famous Phoenicia Diner. Many come here for breakfast and lunch! It serves some of the very best food in the region, using fresh ingredients from local farms.
Woodstock
Woodstock’s main street includes many new shops, restaurants, and cafes.
If you’re looking for a hike, check out Overlook Mountain, where you’ll find the ruins of what was once a grand hotel.
For a zen atmosphere, head to Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, and walk the beautiful grounds. Dogs are welcome!
Kingston
Make sure to visit Kingston, where you’ll find award-winning restaurants, world-renowned museums, historic sites, and stunning views of the Hudson River.
A Fantastic Dog Friendly Catskills Mountain Getaway
Although we visited during the fall, Emerson is incredibly inviting and a fantastic Catskills mountain getaway for any season of the year. There’s much to do on the property, and many attractions are just a short drive away.
My favorite about our stay at Emerson Resort and Spa is that my pup can experience everything with me. The dog-friendly dining atmosphere was just incredible.
This spot is a must-add to your travel bucket list!
Gatsby and I were invited to the Emerson Resort and Spa and hosted for two days for this blog review. As always, all opinions are our own.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. Thank you for your support of this blog.
Book Your Stay at Emerson Resort and Spa
Video Tour of Our Stay At the Emerson Resort and Spa
Watch our Instagram Reel showing you around the property!
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