Sunny times with the family in the Great Northern Catskills

We were invited by the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County to stay a weekend at Sunny Hill Resort and take a tour. “Going to the Catskills” is a phrase in NYC that conjures images of big open spaces, green mountains and lazy moments. We were lucky to experience all three! The weather was spectacular in June (we went Father’s Day Weekend) and we kept asking ourselves, “Why aren’t we up here more often?”

Family vacations are easy in the Catskills

I’m sure many families go through this, but we have had to rethink our vacation and weekend getaways. I’ve learned to keep it simple, make detours when necessary and regroup often.

First, keeping it simple is super easy in the Catskills. You really can have just good old-fashioned fun where kids play baseball in open fields, swim for hours, and eat ice cream. You’ll find very few chain stores and most everything is family-owned or has a cultural legacy, like the Roaring ‘20s Weekend and authentic Irish items and people.

I crave simplicity these days because I know it works for kids – and when kids are having fun, parents can relax.

Visiting the Sunny Hill Resort & Golf Club

Another way to keep it simple is to go to an all-inclusive style resort. At Sunny Hill, you could golf, swim, feed goats, or just run around in circles. My two-year-old could not get enough of the running around part. Poor kid doesn’t see green grass and open spaces very often. Food was included and we had set meal times every day (early o’clock!) This worked for us because the meals were kid-friendly and we didn’t have to do any dishes!

This family-run resort also has a down-home personality that gave the feeling of visiting your favorite aunt and uncle. The Nicholsen Family has run the property since 1920 and their love for the property and their guests shows. On Saturday night they threw a party with miniature carnival rides and a big fireworks display – my son’s first – and it did not disappoint! There was always some sort of vehicle – military-style, fire truck-style and train-style – to take a tour on. Kids just love getting aboard something that has a motor! We jumped in whenever one stopped and took it to wherever it was going.

I surprised myself with how much I truly loved the nostalgic feeling of the weekend. It was a throwback to simpler times. I had quality time with both kids and they got to see us being silly and happy. They both napped well and my toddler played hard and had new experiences. My husband also got some time away to play golf. (Happy Father’s Day honey!) No matter that he came back vowing to never play golf anywhere ever again.

We were sad to leave the bucolic clean air of the mountains and we already started making plans for our next visit. Please let me know if you are “Going to the Catskills!” and I may see you there!

More information on family vacations in the Catskills

The Greene County Economic Development, Tourism & Planning Office has done an amazing job on their website and has a feature to search for a place that works for your style. Go to www.greatnortherncatskills.com.

Here are few more places that stood out for me:

Sunny Hill Resort & Golf Course (SunnyHill.com) A family-run property that’s well maintained and offers many activities for everyone in the family. Seems nearly perfect for a family reunion-type of gathering.

Kaastskill Mounting Club Resort and Spa (kaatskillmtnclub.com) This resort offers a bit more luxury and close to Hunter Mountain.

Hull-O Farms (hull-o.com) A family farm vacation where you can gather freshly laid eggs, milk a cow, feed baby animals and play with kittens. Fun, right?

Zoom Flume Waterpark (zoomflume.com) One thing about being in the mountains is that you need to seek out water for balance. One thrilling and safe activity is the Zoom Flume Waterpark. Besides, hasn’t it been a while since you experienced the waterpark wedgie?

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Disclosure: Michelle received two-nights and meals at the Sunny Hill Resort to facilitate this post.

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