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Why Visit Graz? Here’s 17 Reasons – One For Each District

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Is Graz worth visiting? Absolutely. Austria’s second-largest city is laid-back, welcoming, and easy to explore on foot or by bike, making it feel more like a soul-soothing holiday than a fast-paced city break. It’s both a World Heritage Site for its swoon-worthy historic core and a celestial-designed castle, and a UNESCO City of Design, fusing classic and contemporary culture throughout the city. But there’s so much more to Graz.

While most articles highlighting why you should visit Graz focus on the first and fourteenth districts – and the first-class farm-to-fork food scene – this student-heavy city has surprises and prizes unfurling across all its seventeen neighbourhoods. Having visited Graz four times – including a recent two-month slow-travel stint – I’ve been acquainted with every district and some of the “hidden gems” that are often missed on a whirlwind tour of the old town.

Venture off the beaten path, stay a little longer, and you’ll soon be sipping in urban vineyards, walking with alpacas, or enjoying dinner in a rooftop converted airplane bar. Here are my favourite reasons to visit Graz – one for each district.

Graz’s courtyards provide a perfect place to find shade and a glass of wine

1. The UNESCO Old Town is gorgeous, courtyard-crammed and surveyed by the lofty Schlossberg

District I: Innere Stadt

Gorgeous, calm and mostly pedestrianised, Graz’s palace-dotted, courtyard-crammed Innere Stadt is undoubtedly the city’s main calling card. It might be compact, but there’s plenty to fill a long weekend in Graz once you start poking around. Detour into every Italian Renaissance-influenced courtyard, like the handsome Landhaus – next to the largest medieval armoury in the world – Klapotetz wine bar, or the pastel-pink coffee terrace tucked behind Schubertkino, and you’ll soon realise there’s more than meets the eye. 

The city’s palaces, many of which have been converted, hold similar surprises inside. Two of my favourites are the Graz Museum, housed inside Palais Herberstein, with its grand, frescoed staircase and the ornate Hall of Mirrors, and Palais Attems, the headquarters of the Styriaarte festival, which is visitable by joining one of the performances that involve moving between each elegant hall. Standing above it all is the Schlossberg, Graz’s central green lung once defended by the city’s fortress. While much of the old architecture was destroyed by Napoleon, there’s still plenty to experience, including the world’s longest internal slide, concerts in both the underground WWII bunkers and the open-air old castle walls up top, and the pretty gardens carpeting the hill, most recognisable for Uhrturm clock tower, the city’s symbol.

Genießerei am Markt in Graz’s Kaiser-Josef-Platz Farmers’ Market

2. Farmers’ markets and first-class dining come as standard

District II: St. Leonhard

Austria overall wouldn’t feature on my list of Europe’s best food destinations, but Graz is another story. The city is the country’s GenussHauptstadt, or Capital of Culinary Delight, evident even at the simplest of dining spots. This slow food, farm-to-fork focus is one of the main reasons to visit Graz, bolstered by the fertile farmlands of the Steiermark region, of which Graz is the capital. You’ll find top-notch restaurants, passionate chefs and local supplier-listing menus in every corner of the city, but it’s in the St. Leonhard district where you’ll find my favourite of all Graz’s farmers’ markets. Visit in the morning to meet the traders, enjoy a market-to-meal lunch at Genießerei am Markt, where ingredients are sourced solely from the stands out front, and return for an evening spritz when the stands overflow with life, especially on the first Saturday of the month, when live music adds to the atmosphere.

Graz University ensures that around 20% of the city’s population are students

3. Graz is a youthful, energetic university city with plenty going on

District III: Geidorf

Approximately 20% of Graz’s population consists of students, keeping this grand old city surprisingly youthful. In term time, the city feels especially alive, with plenty of underground events and parties. Much of this is focused around the Geidorf district, home to the University of Graz, where you’ll find some cool bars (I’m a big fan of Churchill for cocktails, Geek’s Cafe for games and coffee on the terrace, and Parkhouse, in the nearby Stadtpark, for late nights). Parts of the impressive campus, which blends grand 19th-century architecture with modern glass construction, can be walked around, including the library.

4. This UNESCO City of Design is as trendy as it is timeless

District IV: Lend (My Favourite)

As a UNESCO City of Design, Graz has no shortage of socially impactful design stores, cutting-edge architecture – including works by renowned architects such as Zaha Hadid – and creative city-wide events throughout the year. Yet it’s in colourful, characterful Lend where you’ll find much of this creative soul. Arriving from the Innere Stadt, the first taste of a more modern Graz comes as you cross the Murinsel, a floating island-bridge with a cafe and photo gallery, before spotting the Kunsthaus, known as the Friendly Alien due to the tentacle-like roof windows. Both were inaugurated when Graz was European Capital of Culture in 2003, adding even more reasons to visit the city.

Beyond, in Lend’s colourful streets, market squares, and independent stores, you’ll find creativity at every turn. Once the city’s red light district, it has undergone profound change in recent years – and admittedly, been somewhat gentrified – but it’s arguably the most liberal and welcoming neighbourhood, hosting Graz’s Pride park party, open-minded bars, and excellent vegan dining spots. Come in May, and you’ll experience the best of it at the community-powered LENDWIRBEL festival to start the month, followed by Graz’s Design Month, of which many events and businesses involved are based in Lend.

Churches aren’t always as they seem in Graz

5. Churches in and around Graz are far from boring

District V: Gries

Think all European churches are the same? Think again. It might not be the main reason you’ll visit Graz, but some of the more unique religious buildings in and around the city are worth a stop. One of those is the St. Andrä Art Church in the Gries, a district with plenty of global food and alternative nightlife spots, like Postgarage. St. Andrä, a still-operating church with services in multiple languages, including Nigerian Pidgin, is adorned with art. From the words “science” and “fiction” painted in lime green above the outside crucifix to a mirror-ball-like altar and side chapels sprayed in blood-red graffiti, it’s pretty unique. A little further afield, Thal’s Ernst Fuchs designed church is one of the most whimsical and out-there you’ll ever see, as is the Hundertwasserkirche in Bärnbach.

6. You can raft down the Mur River or chill at the city beach with a cocktail 

District VI: Jakomini

Austria might be landlocked, but its refreshing lakes, rivers, and falls provide ample compensation. For most visitors to Graz, the Jakomini district is best known as the central transport station, but it’s also where you’ll find riverside Augarten, arguably the city’s nicest park, and the City Beach, with deckchairs, summertime DJs and a container-like bar. For a sustainable, electric-powered river experience, enjoy a two-hour raft down the River Mur – spritz in hand – with Die Flößerei, who operate a larger raft built using some of the traditional tree trunk methods.

Graz is football-mad, and the Austrian Champions

7. Graz is football-mad and Austria’s current football champions

District VII: Liebenau

Wherever you go in Graz, you’ll see graffiti and stickers promoting Graz’s two local teams: SK Sturm Graz – the current Austrian champions – and Grazer AK. While known for their fierce rivalry, they both share the Merkur Arena as their home ground. Buy a ticket to catch a game in town to soak up the football-obsessed atmosphere.  

Grazer Urwald is a privately owned, publicly open urban forest

8. Graz is oh so green – there are forests, woodlands and plenty of parks within the city limits

District VIII: St. Peter

Graz is green gold. Around 60% of the city is designated green space, making it a delightful place to spend a spring, summer or autumn break. Getting out into nature isn’t hard, and it isn’t limited to public spaces. Grazer Urwald, in the St. Peter district, is a private forest with public access in the urban area.

9. Rustic dining, pastures and farmlands are just a bus ride away

District IX: Waltendorf

It’s just 30 minutes by public transport to the edge of the Waltendorf district, where the city gives way to verdant hills and farmland. This proximity to nature is one of the main reasons to visit Graz, as a city break can quickly become a nature-filled escape. My favourite spot in the neighbourhood is around Schloss Lustbühel – a palace turned kindergarten – where there are easy trails through fields of sheep, goats, cows and horses. Take it all from the flower-decorated terrace of Genussplatz Lustbühel, a typically Styrian Buschenschank where you can enjoy local cold cuts, cheeses and homegrown wines.

Graz is worth visiting for the countryside on its doorstep… including alpacas

10. You can meet adorable Alpacas in Graz

District X: Ries

Just across in the sparsely populated Ries district, or rather, slightly beyond it, is another reason to visit Graz, especially for families: Schöcklblick Alpakas. In this beautiful, family-run farm, with views of mountains in the distance, it’s possible to walk with, pet, and hang out with some 120 alpacas, making it the largest alpaca farm in Austria. All visits need to be pre-booked. 

11. There’s a pretty Basilica pilgrimage that leads to the city’s laid-back lake

District XI: Mariatrost

One of Graz’s most splendid buildings is found in the hills of the Mariatrost neighbourhood: the Basilika Mariatrost. The 300-year-old Baroque basilica is truly divine, featuring intricate frescoes and a serene atmosphere. It’s long been the region’s most famous pilgrimage route, but I’d suggest taking Tram 1 to the end of the line – where you’ll find the Tram Museum – and then climbing up the 200-odd steps to reach the basilica for some gorgeous views and then walking back to the city. There’s a lovely trail through squirrel-populated woodlands that leads back to the Hilmtech Lake, with a cafe, tree-strung hammocks, and little boats.  

Sandy toes and chilled beers at Mur Beach

12. The Mur River Beach and Cycle Path delivers summer fun and scenic bike rides

District XII: Andritz

To the east of the centre, the Andritz district offers several unexpected reasons to visit Graz, including palace restaurants, a golf course, and a Buddhist stupa. The long, large neighbourhood also hugs the Mur River and is the launching point for the northern section of the Mur Cycle Path, which leads to picturesque medieval hamlets like Frohnleiten. For a closer-to-the-city river summer experience, relax at the Mur Beach where beers flow freely and volleyball players make the most of the sand.

13. You can enjoy elevated cocktails in a converted rooftop airplane or from the city’s highest point

District XIII: Gösting

Across the river from Andritz, the Gösting district for me is all about elevated views, as well as being the bus transfer point to nearby Thal, a cute, countryside town where Arnold Schwarzenegger was born. Between Gösting and Thal is one of the city’s finest walking trails up to the Fürstenstand, Graz’s highest city-centre restaurant and viewing platform. Come back down at night and you’ll even spot fireflies. Another fantastic rooftop experience is found at the Nova-Air hotel. Two planes, a Boeing 727-200 and an Ilyushin Il-62M, are set on top of the building, with one being a restaurant and the other an 80s-themed cocktail bar – get a table on the city-facing side and you’ll see the Schlossberg out of the portholes. 

Touring inside Eggenberg Castle is a fantastic reason to visit Graz

14. The UNESCO-listed Eggenberg Palace will transport you through four centuries of history

District XIV: Eggenberg

Visiting a palace is one of the most typical things to do in Austria, and Graz is no exception. However, Schloss Eggenberg – located in the fourteenth district and the second half of Graz’s UNESCO listing – is unlike many of the Imperial Habsburg palaces you’ll find in Vienna or Innsbruck, as it had different historical owners. The palace and its grounds, featuring free-roaming peacocks, as well as the city’s archaeological museum, are fascinating.

Particularly interesting is the design of the palace, which was constructed with celestial inspiration. There are 365 external windows for the days of the year; 52 state room windows for the weeks, plus eight towers that combine into 60 seconds; 24 state rooms for the hours, and 31 rooms on each floor representing the longest months of the year. It’s elegant, gorgeous and layered in four centuries of history. 2025 marks the palace’s 400th birthday, being celebrated with a special exhibition, “Showing Styria,” which chronicles the history and family members of the palace.

Bergkirche St. Johann und Paul Hiking Trail

15. Countryside trails begin just a bus ride away…

District XV: Wetzelsdorf 

If you’ve not already gathered, nature-filled walks are plentiful in Graz’s city limits. Perhaps my favourite spans the two southwestern districts of Wetzelsdorf and Straßgang, where the forested, elevated trails are sheltered from the sounds of cars and city life. The trail begins in Wetzelsdorf, climbing up to the St. Johann and Paul Church for views and a typical lunch at the adjacent bar, before crossing the border in the sixteenth district, where butterflies and vines await.

16. …and lead to the handsome urban winery, Falter Ego

District XVI: Straßgang 

Whether you arrive on the hike from Wetzelsdorf or make your way directly here, Straßgang is the spot to come to meet Graz’s winemaker. One of the few places in the world where grapes are cultivated in city limits, the slopes of the Kehlberg have had vines growing on them since at least 1665. Although winemaking faded out in Graz, renowned vintner Hannes Sabathi has recently revived it with the opening of Falter Ego. Being a busy, acclaimed winemaker with business in southern Styria and Slovenia, you’ll need to arrange any tours and tastings well in advance, but sipping the crisp Sauvignon Blanc from the glass-fronted dining room overlooking Graz is well worth it. Otherwise, soak up the pretty views on the trail that passes alongside the views – the panorama of Schloss St. Martin (closed to the public) on a hill with the vines snaking down the slopes is one of Graz’s most picturesque.

Graz’s main brewery is Puntigamer – why not take a tasting tour?

17. You can taste beers from the city’s prized Puntigamer brewery on a vintage tram ride

District XVII: Puntigam

Rounding off this list of reasons to visit Graz, we arrive at Puntigam, the final city district before entering the Graz Region. Whenever you find yourself in Graz, you’ll instantly recognise the name, as the locally-loved Puntigamer beer is sold everywhere. Join a tour for a behind-the-scenes look at nearly two centuries of beer making, and of course, a tasting. Or, for something special, book onto the Bier Bim, a vintage tram that trundles around the city for 90 minutes with snacks and beer tastings onboard. Is Graz worth visiting? You bet – and be sure to see beyond the big hitters. 

This article was written during a blogging residency in Graz hosted by Graz Travel Deeper. As always, all opinions and words are my own.



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‘Reconnect with yourself and nature’: yoga and pristine scenery in Montenegro | Montenegro holidays

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I wasn’t expecting the welcoming chorus of “woofs” that greet me when I arrive at FitCamp Montenegro. Then again, the name, suggestive of a 1970s-style fat farm, is misleading. Based in a rustic farmhouse in the hills north-east of Nikšić, the country’s second largest city, the Yoga getaway I’m here to sample may focus on wellness and plant-based food – the antithesis of traditional Montenegrin fare – but its friendly dogs and cats would de-stress many a frazzled urbanite.

“We especially want to take care of solo travellers, tailor stays to their needs, and help them reconnect with themselves and nature,” says co-owner Andjela Djokic, as amiable Sivi, part hunting dog, part sheepdog, trots out for a sniff.

The retreat is my first stop on a whirlwind trip exploring Central Montenegro. Unlike the overcrowded Adriatic coast (in 2024, 94% of overnight stays in the Balkans country were in coastal areas), the interior of Montenegro is virgin territory for nature lovers. Historically a battleground – the Romans and Ottomans lorded over the region – for me it’s love at first sight, a landscape brimming with pristine karst mountains, forests, lakes and rivers.

Getting here involved an 80-minute drive from Podgorica, the capital, on a panoramic road, one that on a clear day (alas, it’s gloomy when I arrive) takes you within view of Ostrog Monastery, cut high into a rock face in the Dinaric Alps. (These, I learn, stretch the length of the Balkans.) Still, as the wispy clouds trail across the peaks and ridges, I feel I’m entering a delicious hinterland.

At the farm, which Andjela runs with her husband, Matija, I settle into my en suite apartment, one of two available to guests. Once a stone barn, it has a balcony from which to soak up the rippling birdsong and mountain scenery. Over in the shared community space, a homely kitchen-cum-lounge area, I tuck into scrambled eggs and thick Montenegrin coffee. “Every day is a mission to find the eggs,” chuckles my host.

Jini Reddy hiking up to Durkovo Brdo viewpoint. Photograph: Dušan Stupar

Later, I’ll visit the chicken coop and permaculture garden, and hear about plans to transition to solar power, but right now I’m itching to unfurl my limbs.

It’s too wet for yoga, offered on a wooden platform in a meadow on the farm’s 19 acres of land. Instead, sockless, I tread gingerly on the adjacent barefoot walk, an array of beach pebbles, pine cones, moss and sharp stones. The sensory stimulus (nature’s reflexology) awakens me from my post-travel stupor. There’s just time for a snack and a glorious toast with rakija, the local spirit, before Tamara Miljanic, the serene yoga and meditation teacher, offers a pranayama (yogic breathwork) session. As the flute-like call of a cuckoo haunts the skies, I feel the tension seep out of my body. After a salad supper, made by a holistic nutritionist who joins us for the meal, I sleep like a log.

The next morning the sun is out and I try the property’s heart trail – another cue to be mindful. Wandering along the kilometre-long wooded path, I step over soft, moss-covered stones and flit from wildflower to wildflower like a butterfly. I spot carmine-hued thistle, elegant mauve lupins, ox-eye daisies and dog roses. The dogs, who have come along, plonk themselves next to me like forest sentinels when I sit quietly for a bit.

It’s hard to leave, but Vučje calls. A mountain lodge and tourist centre within the wider Nikšić region, 18 miles to the east, Vučje is a ski resort in winter and the perfect spot for hiking, horse-riding and cycling in the warmer months. Nestled in a valley, it lies south of the vaunted alpine jewel that is Durmitor national park.

FitCamp Montenegro is based in a rustic farmhouse in the hills

A slow-food culture is embraced here. After a stroll in the woods, in the company of the Vučje dogs (owner Andja has a soft spot for strays) it’s time for a feast. “We cure our own meat,” she says, waving towards the meat-drying room. I do my best with a pork steak steeped in cream and mushrooms, kačamak (a rich, tasty concoction made of wheat and cornflour, potatoes, cheese and cream) and local wine – and silently apologise to my arteries. (Vučje caters to vegetarians too.)

The room I’m staying in is a little worn but comfortable. In the morning, after priganice (moreish fritters with rosehip jam), more cured meat and pljevaljski (a local cheese), I hike to Durkovo Brdo, a popular viewpoint and, at 1,546 metres, an easy-to-climb peak. Two charming guides, Enisa Djokovic and Dušan Stupar, lead the way. Enisa points out the wild garlic, beloved of the local ursine population, as we emerge from the forest canopy to open pastures ringed by mountains.

“We call them ‘bear onions’,” she says. “But don’t worry, we carry pepper spray.”

Later, the pair drive me eastward to Lukavica, a mountain plateau. A winding road leads us through the beautiful terrain, carpeted with meadows, and dotted with peaks and katuns, hobbity holiday homes (some still used by sheep herders).

Astonishingly, ours is the only vehicle. When I step outside, the silence feels potent. A deer bobs away in the distance, and a lone church, St Ilija, stands framed by the mountains. “There is a 2,000-year-old gravestone here,” says Dušan, before pointing to the looming peak, Mali Žurim (1,962 metres). It looks impossibly steep. “Next time you come we can hike it. It’s easier than it looks,” he says.

Jini on a bike ride to Lake Skadar

After a coffee stop at Lake Kapetanovo Jezero, where I spot wild horses, we drive back and the heavens open. Enisa tells me she is Muslim, “from a small village near Podgorica”, and that she celebrates Ramadan and Eid. Dušan, who is also her partner, is Bosnian and Orthodox Christian. “During the war, my family fled across the mountains,” he says, quietly. “I was a child and my mother was pregnant at the time.” I wonder if, for him, the mountains represent refuge, a place of sanctuary.

For my last day, I head south to Jablan Winery, in the village of Rvaši, south of Podgorica. Wine tastings are popular here, and you can rent an apartment amid the vines. I’ve spied the e-bikes and I’m off, down euphoria-inducing hairpin bends to Lake Skadar, the largest in southern Europe and a national park. Framed by forest-green slopes, the views of the serpentine Rijeka Crnojevića river and canyon, within the lake system, are ethereal, like a fairytale.

At a small resort named after the river, I park the bike and board a small boat for a ride on the lake, through narrow channels teeming with birdlife. “This is our Amazon,” says Captain Dusko, at the helm, before telling us the giant Dalmatian pelican is Skadar’s symbol. As we drift past a carpet of water lilies, I spy a jet-black pygmy cormorant diving for fish, and grey herons in flight. Back on shore, the captain whips up a meal of smoked carp, carp paté, fish soup and grilled trout at his lakeside restaurant. Then it’s back on the bike to the vineyard, where a glass of natural wine lulls me into a contented sleep, nursing a yen to return to this enchanted land.

The trip was provided by FitCamp Montenegro; its five-night yoga getaway is available May-November for €900, including breakfast, activities and a day trip. Accommodation at Vučje from €37pp a night, with hiking tours from €100 for two. At Winery Jablan the two-bedroom stonehouse costs €55 a night (sleeps five) and the studio from €50 a night (sleeps two); both self-catering, minimum two-night stay, 90-minute food and wine tastings from €35 per person



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A Guide to New York’s Catskills, for Nature, Art, and Boutique Hotels

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Just 120 miles north of Manhattan, the Catskills offer a dreamy escape where nature, history, and artistic soul collide. Rolling farmland, dome-shaped peaks, and postcard-worthy towns set the stage for a region rich in both history and creativity. Scenic hikes lead to hidden swimming holes, roadside farm stands spill over with local produce, and the coziest diners serve up hearty, seasonal fare. In winter, slopes at Windham and Hunter lure skiers in; whereas summer plans call for exploring streams and trails, inviting lazy afternoons and wildflower walks.

From Woodstock to Phoenicia, each town offers its own flavor, with colorful streets, farm-to-table restaurants, and a laid-back but cheerful vibe. Long a magnet for artists and free spirits—Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and Mark Twain, to name a few—the region still buzzes with a creative pull (now, of course, just more contemporary). The dynamic blend of creative urban transplants and nature lovers has amped up the region’s ever-growing innovation. And today, chic lodges, hotels, and Airbnbs nestle into colorfully restored villages, while boutique shops and contemporary galleries showcase a vibrant presence of local talent. The Catskills’ charm is undeniable, with its mix of culture, adventure, and natural wonder. Read on for where to eat, stay, and play when you’re headed this way.

Jump to:

FAQ:

How do I get to the Catskills?

Though much of this corner of New York is unfortunately not directly accessible by major train lines, stops along the Metro-North and Amtrak lines lead to many close-by towns in the bordering region of the Hudson Valley. From there, it’s best to venture into the Catskills by car.

When is the best time to visit the Catskills?

The Catskills are a year-round destination, with spring offering blooming wildflowers and waterfalls, and fall boasting stunning foliage without the summer crowds. Summer is perfect for hiking, lakes, and festivals—though be mindful of more crowded trails and hotels. Winter brings skiing and snowboarding, but icy roads and cold temperatures require caution. For a quieter experience, visit in spring or fall for mild weather and fewer tourists.

The Walk-In owner Lily Price crosses Main Street in Livingston Manor, New York, with a tray of fresh buttermilk biscuits.

Ashley Herrin/The Walk-In

The Big Italy foccacia sandwich at The Walk-In is made with smoked meats, roasted red pepper, kale pesto, and a balsamic reduction.

Dan Hayes/The Walk-In

Where to eat

The Catskills’ culinary revolution has unfolded over the past decade, marked by innovative pairings between local farmers and restaurateurs that result in vibrant and delicious dining. In Livingston Manor, this partnership is exemplified at Kaatskeller, where wood-fired pizzas feature locally sourced ingredients amidst a lively garden atmosphere. Milkweed offers sustainable vegan gelato, showcasing the region’s commitment to ethical dining practices and farm-to-table freshness. The Walk-In embodies this revolution with its casual, locally inspired dishes, celebrating the close-knit community of farmers and chefs. Meanwhile, The DeBruce in Livingston Manor blends James Beard acclaim with a menu that highlights the best of Catskills produce. Near Hunter Mountain, the iconic, old-school Phoenicia Diner is a staple from the early 80s that offers mouthwatering comfort food.

Hotels, too, carry the region’s tradition with hearty fare crafted from locally sourced ingredients: Tannersville’s Hotel Lilien reflects the region’s commitment to sustainable, delicious, and vibe-y dining experiences. In Callicoon, the Seminary Hill (and especially its Tasting Room) features a seasonal menu that showcases the bounty of the Delaware River Valley, inviting diners to savor flavors deeply rooted in the Catskills’ agricultural heritage.

Kenoza Hall

Lawrence Braun

Where to stay

The region’s reimagined historic hotels meet the creative spirit of artists, with purpose-driven design bringing each space to life alongside sweeping nature. Whether you want to be nestled in the lush green mountains or situated just outside one of the Catskills’ charming towns, you can truly bask within (and take advantage of) the ultimate upstate getaway in these local hotels—or, of course, you can also camp (say, along the Esopus Creek), or explore many of the fabulous Airbnbs in the area (below, a few for your inspiration).

In the up-and-coming town of Narrowsburg, Blue Fox Motel is a mom-and-pop-owned gem that combines rustic cabin charm with groovy tunes and swanky cocktails in a unique dining and bar area. For a romantic stay with gazebos and themed dinners, Kenoza Hall is a historic gabled Victorian in Sullivan County on the quieter grounds in the western Catskills. Nearby, the Chatwal Lodge and Chapin Estate sit not far from the Monticello Raceway, the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, and the site of the original Woodstock festival. (It’s a dream for family stays.) As for upscale cabins with thoughtful service and a top-tier Mexican restaurant, Camptown in Leeds is a destination in and of itself.

For design-forward hotel lovers, seek out Inness for a rich marriage of Scandinavian-chic and rustic Americana. The property is on a gentle hill up a quiet country road—located just outside of Accord. Or, in Tannersville, you mustn’t miss a stay at the colorful and rustic Hotel Lilien. With modern touches juxtaposed by Victorian charm, the inn-like property offers a cozy yet trendy cocktail bar and proximity to Hunter Mountain, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure. If you’re looking for a quintessential lodge stay, head to Scribner’s Catskill Lodge right across the highway from Hunter.



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Viral Post: Indian Railways Lauded for Safety Measures After Woman Shares Solo Travel Experience

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The officers not only verified her details but also took the time to ask if she was comfortable. They handed her a helpline number and encouraged her to reach out if she ever felt unsafe. Jain later found out that the officers were checking specifically on solo female travellers. An elderly couple seated near her expressed pleasant surprise, sharing that such steps reassured them about their own granddaughter’s safety during solo travel.

“That small moment made me reflect on how much India’s railways—and the country overall—have improved,” Jain wrote. 

She also highlighted advancements like the Vande Bharat trains and faster online ticket bookings, including Tatkal, which have made the travel experience more efficient.

While acknowledging that the country is not perfect, Jain emphasized that small but impactful changes such as increased vigilance for women’s safety, reflect meaningful progress.

Her post has since gone viral, earning thousands of reactions and sparking positive conversations online. Many users resonated with her experience.

“Relatable. I think this has started recently. I was also travelling solo overnight (Ahmedabad to Delhi), and a lady police officer came and asked me if everything was okay,” one user commented.

Another added, “This is the positive side of changes we need to talk about often.”

A third shared, “Yes! Happened with my mom once when she was travelling alone. They even accompanied her when she changed trains.”

The story has served as a strong reminder that even small gestures by law enforcement and railway authorities can leave a significant impact on public trust and safety, especially for solo women travellers.

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