Among the oldest mountain ranges in the world, the Catskills are home to iconic settlements such as Woodstock and our very own Phoenicia, recently named one of the top 10 coolest small towns in America! Once an immensely booming vacation resort region, the Catskill region fell relatively dormant in the latter half of the 20th century but is now undergoing a monumental rediscovery. Explore the many rich experiences the Hudson Valley has to offer, including some of our suggestions below.
Our region has an active music and art scene. Drive or take a local bus into Woodstock or Kingston, each 30 min from Menla, to treat yourself to live music on t...
Phoenicia is about exploring the great outdoors. The Catskill Forest Preserve is 300,000 acres of unspoiled woods, which the New York State constitution has dee...
Tubing on the Esopus is the most popular activity in town. The Esopus Creek follows Route 28 and winds through the bottom of town. There’s a quiet, calm s...
Tubers should head to Romer Mt. Park, off Route 28, at the foot of the mountain from Menla. The closest place to ski is Belleayre Mountain, the highest skiing p...
Horseback riding on Indian paths and old logging trails in the Forest Preserve is also a pleasant past time. The Saddle up Ranch, on Kinsey Street off Route 28,...
The fly fishing is good in Phoenicia! The Esopus Creek is noted for its rainbow trout in the spring and its native brown trout in the fall. There’s even a...
Our region also has numerous excellent antique shops to peruse. For a very local option, visit Country Gallery and Acorn Antique’s Craftsman’s Galle...
For being dropped out in the middle of the Catskill Park, there are some pretty amazing places to eat in our local area. If you’re on a day outing into th...
Seated on the world’s oldest known meteor crater, our 325 acres of tranquil mountain forests and streams are nestled deep in the heart of the Catskill mountains and feature a range of indoor and outdoor amenities ...
Enjoy healthy cuisine expertly prepared by our dedicated team of chefs, using produce from our organic vegetable garden and the best local plant-based offerings. ...
From the biggest conference hall in the Castkills to an intimate septagonal meditation space suspended above the valley, Menla offers fully equipped facilities to accommodate a wide range of programs and groups of every size ...
“The experience I’ve had as a volunteer here at Menla has been a unique one. I had recently experienced the loss of a number of friends, and of my father, before coming up for a retreat, and then coming back as a volunteer. Not only was the work I did up in these gorgeous mountains an amazingly cathartic experience, but the support I received from the community that exists here was unlike anything I had previously experienced.”
Reina de Beer
“An amazing magical place with freshly made vegan food, spa with Tibetan medicine therapies, swimming pool, vast greenery, and mountain water. They invite the best teachers from around the world too!”
Tsu Ching Yu
“Wonderful experience in a beautiful setting. The massage with Jason was excellent. I left feeling completely relaxed and calm. Thank you!”
Katharine C.
MENLA
