Lianna Willoughby is a wellness entrepreneur and host at The Otens Road Residence in the Catskills, the perfect place for families seeking balance and escape from the city. She tells us why the Catskills region is the ultimate wellbeing escape for families…
Living in NYC is the best and it can be overwhelming — sometimes you just need to get away. Luckily, the Catskills are a short 2-hour ride and offer the perfect chance for families to reconnect with nature, and each other. Ellenville, NY is a quiet town at the base of the Shawangunk Ridge, and at the gateway to the Catskills, is just the place to unplug and recharge.
5 reasons why a nature escape to the Catskills is great for families
1. Connection Without Distraction
In the Catskills, your signal may be spotty, but the family connections are strong. Whether you’re hiking at Sam’s Point Preserve or sitting around a campfire, you’ll have time to truly be present. Walking barefoot through the grass or dipping your toes in a stream (hello, earthing!) is a natural way to calm your mind and ground yourself in the rhythm of the universe.
2. Adventure Meets Confidence
Exploring freely in our hillside forest or visiting the Ice Caves at Sam’s Point is a real-life adventure that gives kids a sense of wonder, and a boost in confidence. Navigating this challenging exploration shows that nature is incredible, and conquering these challenges is an empowering feeling for both kids and adults.
3. Nature’s Stress Relief
Need to breathe easier? Nature has a way of calming everyone down. Listen to the sounds of the birds, or watch a thunderstorm roll by. Feel your anxiety melt away. Whether you’re chilling in one of the many relaxing areas of our 105 acre property or hiking at Minnewaska State Park, the fresh mountain air and wide-open spaces help reduce stress for the whole family.
4. Creative Play
Let your kids’ imaginations run wild in nature’s playground. No schedules, no city noise – just play. Running barefoot, forest exploration, endless fields, digging in the dirt, boulder climbing, bugs and plants, collecting rocks, and wading through streams – these natural activities help reset and tap into kids’ creativity, all while connecting with the earth.
5. Wellbeing and Great Food
Time in nature helps kids (and parents) sleep better, boosts immune function, and improves mood. Eat well with seasonal farm fresh vegetables and locally raised meats. Recharge with a meal at Morningsunshine Café and round it out with a grounding yoga session at Mountaindale Yoga for the ultimate wellness boost nearby.
The Ultimate Family Escape
Ellenville and the surrounding Catskills offer the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and quality time. From exploring caves to unplugging around a campfire, a nature-filled weekend here is the reset your family needs. Pack up the car and head for the hills – because sometimes the best way to connect is to disconnect.
Book a stay at Lianna’s Ellenville home here or browse all our family-friendly vacation properties in the Catskills and Upstate New York
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/catskills/the-acra-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/windham/the-windham-mountain-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/woodstock/the-yerry-hill-road-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/woodstock/the-laura-lane-residence