Checking Into Blue Fox Motel: A Reset in The Catskills

My ideal vacation has never been a trip to the woods. Find me daydreaming about the beach any time the word “vacation” comes up. But let me tell you — every time I end up on a cozy little getaway in the woods I find myself thinking, “Wow. This is really nice. I needed this.”

My 2-night stay in the Catskills turned into a 3-night stay because my friend Hannah and I just could not get over how sweet Blue Fox Motel in Narrowsburg was. We went in November, and I’m now writing this in May. Shame on me, I know. But this boutique stay is still on my mind and I need to share it with whoever will read. I also hope to find myself there this summer at some point. There’s a pool and the grounds are a lot more lively than early November. But that doesn’t mean the fall is not the time to go. It absolutely is. Let’s get into it.

A look at some of the dens on property.

Outside of our private wood cabin.

the ambiance

This property stems back to the 1950s, so that cozy nostalgia hits you pretty quick. But you definitely don’t walk into these cabins thinking you’re about to experience dingy, outdated hospitality. The design is simple, vintage, with a squint of a modern eye.

We pulled in when it was dark (so what is that, 5pm?). Coming from the city, the silence at night was almost shockingly loud. There’s something incredibly calming about seeing the warm glow of cabins tucked against a backdrop of dark trees. And the real heart of the stay ended up being the on-site bar and restaurant down the gravel path. It’s open to the public, but feels extra special for the motel guests. And that fireplace makes it.

We quickly found out that a Netflix show had just wrapped production just a month or so prior. The space had a few notable changes for the show that were sticking around at least for a bit (the star ceiling and the multicolored bar counter tiles, to name a couple). This space feels warm and welcoming, whether it’s just a few people hanging out or when it’s packed to the brim.

Peep the airplane on the ceiling.

Star ceiling and the epic fireplace.

Love a dirty martini at a quirky bar.

the food

The restaurant’s menu is Portuguese-inspired, stemming from co-owner Jorge’s background (shoutout to his biz/life partner Meg, too!). Hannah and I had both traveled to Portugal, so we were immediately sold. Everything is seasonal and fresh — they even grow their own herbs and produce on the grounds during the warmer months.

I’m still thinking about the roast chicken that was cooked perfectly. Of course, plenty of seafood and a steamy pea soup that Han and I were raving about. It just felt funny to be so obsessed with a pea soup. But man, I love peas. Everything we ate was incredible and I would love to try the menu during each season. After dinner or exploring nearby, we naturally found ourselves having an extra drink just to chat with the staff a little longer. They were some of the loveliest people we’ve met and really enhanced our overall experience (shout out to Kierith, Justin and Dom).

Cod cakes.

Dreamy spread.

Apple crisp dessert situation, obvi.

the area

A beautiful part of traveling to the Catskills right before the holidays kick off is knowing it’ll be easygoing. Some shops will be closed or have shorter hours, but you wont have to worry about “beating the rush” or making sure you have a reservation. Well, unless you’re trying to make it to The Heron, apparently. Luck was on our side and we snagged a table somehow. We were even seated next to 2 Queens Coffee Shop owners, Martin and Charles. We had actually befriended Martin earlier in the day, who told us all about Narrowsburg and The Heron. That’s some small town shit.

I find that where there’s good food there’s often good shops. And I’m not talking about those cookie-cutter spots you find in every major city. I’m talking about independently-owned, one-of-a-kind spaces filled with curated local goods, special knickknacks with history, and a good story to go with them. To prevent myself from writing an actual novel about each spot we stopped in, here’s a list of food spots and a list of shops. By the way, the town of Narrowsburg is teeny. Everything is basically on one little strip. Like, there’s two coffee shops — one on each end.

food + drink

2 Queens Coffee — Bright, colorful, spacious, stunning view, gay-owned, ethically sourced tea + coffee, food too! We had an incredible convo with Martin and learned a lot about the shop and the area.

The Herbal Scoop — Again…bright and colorful! Botanical tea shop that’s health/wellness focused and has tons of cute coffee/tea accessories and gifts. I got myself some pretty, pink matcha-making accessories.

The Laundrette — Pizza made in an open kitchen! With other amazing menu items, including homemade cheesecake we lost our minds over. Outdoor area for when it’s warm, bar, open kitchen, quirky decor (especially the bathroom), stunning view of the Delaware River and Narrowsburg Bridge.

Seminary Hill Orchard & Cidery — This one’s actually in Callicoon. I haven’t been to Tuscany yet, but this felt pretty close. It’s a cidery, restaurant, wedding/event venue, and hotel with a beautiful sunset view. There was a live guitarist when we were there and we just felt very fancy with our drinks and that view out of the giant windows.

Callicoon Wine Merchant — A tapas bar that feels like you’re hanging in a tiny garage or basement in the best way. String lights, chalkboard menus, locals, a little wine shop next to the bar, outdoor seating for the warmer months. This place had me smiling and I need to see it in the summer.

The Heron — Miss. Popular! And for good reason. I know this word is so overused, but our dinner truly was cozy. The room was packed, the service was lovely, and conversation with our neighbors was even lovelier. The blackened catfish was the notable dish to order (and we got the last one!!) but everything was soo delicious. The caesar salad is one of the best we’ve ever had (next to Flour).

Lena’s — Well, they don’t have an actual website, so that should tell you what the vibes might be. Spoiler: it’s a totally old school, no-frills diner. And it’s about 15 minutes away from Narrowsburg in Honesdale, PA. The most expensive thing on the menu is $14. I’m actually getting emotion about this spot and want to go back ASAP. My egg salad sandwich was perfect (and came with a bag of Lay’s).

The Tusten Cup — Another great view of the river! You can sit outside too. They have a plethora of bevs, cater to dietary restrictions, and have hand-rolled NY bagels and some hearty sandwiches. Super, super cute in there too.

Stunning pie from The Laundrette.

Lena’s egg salad sandwich.

Top two Caesar’s I’ve ever had — The Heron.

shops

Iris — Their IG bio describes them as “fun and whimsy” and it’s spot on. You can buy a gift for anyone in here and the color alone will make you stay and peruse for a while.

One Grand Books — Each shelf is curated by a different author! Curators range from actor to designers, athletes, and more and they’re all asked one question: What 10 books would you bring to your metaphorical desert island?

Narrowsburg Proper — I just learned that they have since closed up shop (as of April) and moved to Kirk’s road as Proper to Go. When I visited, I saw lots of upstate clothing, cool beverages and gummies, etc. Their family-owned market now has lots of goodies added since the change.

Madame Fortune — You’ll find some really fun and fine vintage in here and the vibes are high. If you have any interest in color, art, or history, you’ll love it.

Captain Bludde’s Collectibles — If you’re into trains and action figures and other quirky old toys and collectibles, you’ll love stopping in here. We just had to see what was up. However, the musty smell was wild! I guess that’s part of the experience, right?

Green House — Another one in Honesdale. Vintage, coffee, and plants all in one space is music to my ears. Coffee and plants in the front, vintage in the back. I wish we lingered here more than we did. I’d love this concept in Hoboken!

Dyberry Mercantile — You’ll find some crazy treasures in this Honesdale shop. The owner has been a vintage curator for a long time and loves to collect weird things.

Inside Madame Fortuna.

Inside One Grand Books.

A slice of the back space of Green House.

Here’s to hopefully returning to the Blue Fox Motel in the summer to see the property in full bloom, take a dip in the pool, visit the cutie little town of Narrowsburg. Blue Fox Motel is the dreamy cabin getaway you didn’t know you needed.