Area Guide

Your Guide to Windham, NY — Dining, Skiing, Hiking & More

Windham, New York, sits roughly 2,000 feet above sea level in the Northern Catskills, about two and a half hours north of Manhattan. Once known mainly as a ski town, Windham has grown into a genuine year-round destination with outstanding restaurants, world-class trails, a top-tier golf course, and a surprisingly vibrant local shopping and nightlife scene. Whether you are planning a ski weekend, a summer hiking trip, a fall foliage escape, or just a long weekend doing nothing at all, this guide covers everything worth knowing. Haus Windham sits on 22 private acres just three minutes from Windham Mountain, making it the ideal home base for exploring the area.

Restaurants & Dining

Windham’s restaurant scene punches well above its weight for a small mountain town. Here are the spots you should know about.

Brio’s Italian Restaurant (2 miles from Haus Windham) — A local favorite for over 20 years, Brio’s serves classic Italian dishes with generous portions. The chicken parmigiana and homemade pasta are standouts, and the cozy dining room fills up fast on winter weekends. Reservations recommended during ski season.

Vesuvio’s (3 miles) — Wood-fired pizza and Italian-American comfort food in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The thin-crust pizzas are consistently excellent and the garlic knots are not to be missed. Great for a casual dinner after a day on the mountain.

Windham Local (2 miles) — A modern farm-to-table restaurant in a beautifully restored historic building. The menu changes seasonally and emphasizes local Catskills producers. This is the spot for a special dinner out or a weekend brunch.

Lilly’s Steaks & Pasta (2 miles) — A Windham institution known for generous steaks and classic American fare. The bar area has a lively atmosphere on weekends and live music on select evenings.

Last Chance Antiques & Cheese Cafe (3 miles) — A charming combination of antique shop and cafe serving artisan cheeses, soups, and sandwiches. The perfect stop for a light lunch between activities.

Catskill Mountain Country Store & Restaurant (4 miles) — Home-style breakfast and lunch in a rustic country setting. The pancakes and omelets draw crowds on weekend mornings.

Skiing & Winter Sports

Windham Mountain is the reason many people first discover this area, and it remains the town’s main winter draw. Located just three minutes from Haus Windham, the resort offers 54 trails spread across 285 skiable acres with a 1,600-foot vertical drop. The terrain mix is well-balanced: 20 percent beginner, 52 percent intermediate, and 28 percent advanced, making Windham an excellent choice for groups with mixed ability levels.

Windham Mountain is known for exceptional grooming, earning its reputation as one of the best-groomed mountains in the Northeast. The resort also features terrain parks, a tubing park, and night skiing on select evenings. Full equipment rental is available at the base lodge, and ski school programs cater to beginners of all ages.

Compared to nearby Hunter Mountain (about 25 minutes away), Windham tends to feel less crowded and more family-friendly, with shorter lift lines and a more relaxed atmosphere. Many regular visitors prefer Windham specifically for this reason.

Beyond downhill skiing, the area offers excellent cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. The Windham Path, a flat 1.5-mile paved trail, is popular for winter walks when conditions allow.

Hiking & Outdoor Activities

The Northern Catskills offer some of the best hiking in New York State, and Windham is perfectly positioned to access the top trails.

Escarpment Trail — One of the most scenic trails in the Catskills, the Escarpment Trail runs along the edge of the Catskill escarpment with dramatic views of the Hudson Valley. The full trail is 24 miles, but several access points allow for shorter day hikes of varying difficulty.

Windham High Peak — At 3,524 feet, Windham High Peak is one of the 35 Catskill High Peaks. The trail to the summit is approximately 6.6 miles round trip with moderate difficulty, and the views from the top on a clear day are stunning.

The Windham Path — A flat, paved 1.5-mile path ideal for a casual walk, jog, or bike ride. The path follows a scenic route through the valley and is accessible year-round.

Kaaterskill Falls (30 minutes from Haus Windham) — One of the most famous waterfalls in the eastern United States, Kaaterskill Falls is a two-tiered, 260-foot waterfall that has inspired painters and poets since the 1800s. The hike is moderate and approximately 1.5 miles round trip.

Mountain Biking at Windham Mountain — In summer, Windham Mountain transforms into a mountain biking destination with lift-served downhill trails and cross-country routes. The bike park caters to all levels, from beginner flow trails to expert downhill runs. Bike rentals are available at the mountain.

Golf

Windham Country Club (2 miles from Haus Windham) — An 18-hole championship course that winds through the Catskill Mountains with elevation changes, mature tree-lined fairways, and mountain views from nearly every hole. The course is well-maintained and challenging enough for experienced golfers while remaining enjoyable for recreational players. The clubhouse restaurant is open to the public and serves lunch and dinner throughout the season. Golf season typically runs from late April through October.

Christman’s Windham House (3 miles) — Offers a 9-hole course with a relaxed, casual atmosphere and mountain views. A good option for a quick round or for beginners looking for a less intimidating experience.

Shopping & Local Stores

Windham’s Main Street and the surrounding area offer a nice mix of local shops worth exploring.

Windham Mountain Outfitters — Your go-to for ski and outdoor gear, apparel, and equipment rentals. The staff is knowledgeable and the selection covers everything from base layers to backcountry essentials.

Last Chance Antiques — A treasure trove of antiques, vintage finds, and curiosities spread across multiple rooms. Even if you are not a serious collector, this place is fun to browse.

The Greene Collective — A curated boutique featuring local artisans, handmade goods, candles, and gifts. Great for picking up a unique souvenir or a gift for someone back home.

Catskill Mountain Country Store — Local products, specialty foods, and Catskills-themed souvenirs. The maple syrup and local honey are popular picks.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Windham’s nightlife is more low-key than a big city, but there are solid options for an evening out.

Babblers at Wylder (8 miles) — The bar at Wylder Windham hotel offers craft cocktails in a stylish setting with frequent live music and events. It draws a younger crowd and has a resort-chic atmosphere.

Lilly’s Steaks & Pasta Bar — The bar side of Lilly’s is a popular gathering spot with a lively atmosphere, especially on winter weekends. Live music on select nights.

Cave Mountain Brewing Company (10 miles) — A local craft brewery in nearby Tannersville offering rotating taps of house-brewed beers. The taproom has a casual, friendly vibe and often features food trucks.

Windham Wine Bar — A cozy spot for wine lovers, offering a curated selection of wines by the glass alongside small plates. A nice option for a quieter evening.

Seasonal Highlights

Fall Foliage (mid-September through mid-October) — The Northern Catskills are one of the best spots in New York for fall color. At elevation, the foliage typically peaks a week or two earlier than the Hudson Valley. Scenic drives, chairlift rides at Windham Mountain, and nearby apple picking at local farms make autumn a particularly beautiful time to visit.

Summer (June through August) — Warm days, cool mountain evenings, and a full calendar of outdoor activities from hiking and biking to golf and swimming. Windham Mountain’s bike park opens for the season, and the local farmers market runs on weekends.

Spring (April and May) — Wildflowers, waterfalls at peak flow, and fewer crowds. Spring is ideal for hiking and for enjoying the area at a more relaxed pace before the summer rush.

Getting Here from New York City

Haus Windham is approximately 2.5 hours from Midtown Manhattan via the New York State Thruway (I-87 North to Exit 21, then Route 23 West). The drive is straightforward and scenic, especially once you reach the Catskill Mountains. Free on-site parking is available for all guests at Haus Windham. Our address is 218 NY-296, Windham, NY 12496.

Ready to explore Windham? Book your stay at Haus Windham and make our spacious, modern suites and glass mirror cabins your home base for everything the Northern Catskills have to offer. Questions? Call (518) 734-0688 or email info@HausWindham.com.