Upstate New York in 48 Hours

I know, I know: "Upstate New York" means something different to everyone—but hear me out, I did a trip one weekend where I fit everything in from the Catskills to Lake George and some towns in between, so that's the name of the post because what else do you call it? Needless to say, upstate is beautiful and ought to be explored.

Want me to help plan your trip? Let's go!

The Catskills

• Nat's Mountain House—Nat's is a must-stop in you're in the Catskills (specifically this was in Tannersville)! The drinks and food are absolutely amazing, and it's a sister restaurant to one in NYC—Plus, there's a great happy hour.

• Mama's Boy Burgers—What's not to love about a classic burger, coleslaw and tater tots? Oh ya, and soft-serve ice cream too! Also located in Tannersville, Mama's Boy should definitely make the list—perfect starting point for lunch, and then stroll down the main street of vintage shops and stops, by the time you make your way back, you'll be ready for that soft-serve!

• Kaaterskill Falls—This is the hike everyone will tell you to do, and they are correct. There's two options, one quick half mile jaunt that will get you to a high-up view point of the falls, and one longer more "true hike" that will get you to the bottom of the falls. If you came with a lot of time to hike, my recommendation is to start here and start asking locals for recommendations.

• Plattekill Falls—This was the other hike we were recommended, and it was a perfect two-ish total mile hike for when you want a little more adventure but don't have time for a full-blown mountain scale. Lots of waterfalls, very beautiful.

• Hotel Lilien—I'm a sucker for a boutique hotel. I knew we needed a quaint hotel with breakfast and a cute lobby/living room situation that I could work remote from, and Hotel Lilien was more than perfect. Our room was spacious, the shower was incredible, the coffee kept coming and the vibes were peaceful yet chic—what more could you ask?

Lake George/Glens Falls

• Indian Ladder Farms—Located in Altamont, New York (just outside Albany), this orchard was the perfect stop for a mid-day sparkling apple cider and donut pick-me-up (even in the summer)!

• New Way lunch—New Way has a couple locations but we stopped in Glens Falls, New York—the must eat here is the dirt dog.

• Martha's Dandee Cream—Located in Queensbury (right outside Glens Falls) across the street from the Six Flags, Martha's is a carnival selection of soft-serve ice creams. I'm from Florida, so soft-serve isn't as big as it is up north, but I truly thought soft-serve only came in chocolate, vanilla or swirl until coming here. It was wild. It was amazing.

• Lake George—Just put "Lake George" in your maps, drive and park. Walk around, stop in shops, enjoy a nice sangria on a dock-restaurant. Thank me later.

Want me to help plan your trip? Let's go!