Organic U-Pick Blueberries + Wellness in the Catskills

Hi all, happy Friday!

What a news week, right? As someone whose diet is very berry and salad heavy – and spends ALL my free time outdoors – I’ve been watching the news like a hawk this week.

Thankfully, peak summer means no shortage of opportunities to buy directly from local farms, many of whom farm organically. One of EB’s favorite places to do exactly that is North Star Farm in Franklin, where the organic, no-spray U-pick blueberry fields are in full swing. Spend the morning picking berries, wander the flower fields, say hello to the babydoll sheep, and settle in for a golden hour picnic. Better yet, turn it into a weekend in one of the property’s glamping domes — I recently spent a few nights there on a shoot and left wishing I’d booked an extra day.

While you're there, swing by Kabinett & Kammer, whose latest real estate listing is less than five minutes from North Star Farm. Built in 1878 as Franklin's original bank and post office, it's now a beautifully restored commercial/residential property that's an entrepreneur's or creative's dream.

Meanwhile, over in Livingston Manor, we're highlighting Koto House, one of our favorite wellness-minded retreats. With a hot tub, cold plunge, dedicated gym, fire pit, and Arnold House pool passes just a short walk away, it's perfect for the rest of summer and straight into autumn with beautiful mountaintop views.

Speaking of wellness, I snuck away to Mohonk Mountain House this week for a spa day with a friend and tried their new Sensory Experience. It was unlike anything I'd done before: a multi-sensory, two-part massage treatment in a small group setting (less strange than it sounds) that I'd happily do again – especially with a few girlfriends, or even my niece, who's still a little young for a traditional spa day. (Full spa menu here.)

While I was there, I also checked out Mohonk's new sports complex, complete with both clay and hard tennis courts that have become the talk of my ladies' tennis group lately. It was a good reminder that while Mohonk is famous as an overnight destination, it's just as worthwhile as a day trip, whether you're there for the spa, the hiking trails, or simply an afternoon on the iconic property.

Dig in below, and here's hoping we get a little cleaner air and a lot more summer ahead.

-Erin, Founder & Creative Director at Escape

Set on 75 rolling acres in Delaware County, North Star Farm is one of our favorite summer destinations, especially now that its no-spray, organically grown U-pick blueberry fields are in peak season.

Open daily from 10 a.m. until sunset, guests can spend the day filling buckets with fresh berries, picking seasonal flowers, picnicking beneath wide-open skies, and visiting the farm’s babydoll sheep. See their entire U-pick info page here.

For those looking to turn an afternoon into a weekend, four thoughtfully designed geodesic domes feature private wood-fired hot tubs, while a communal barrel sauna and wellness programming make it easy to slow down and recharge.

The EB team recently spent several days photographing the property and came away with one of our favorite new Catskills escapes. Read our full North Star Farm feature and Franklin, NY area guide on Escape Club.

🌞 Current Discount Codes 🌞

🔐 Escape Club Members Save: Through the end of November, save 10% on getaways at North Star Farm. Click the above button to unlock the discount code.

Set on two private acres just outside Livingston Manor, Koto House is a Scandinavian-inspired wellness retreat designed for guests looking to slow down and recharge.

The property pairs a private hot tub with a dedicated gym building featuring a cold plunge, Peloton, free weights, yoga equipment, and space to move — all just minutes from one of our favorite small towns in the Catskills.

Spend the morning soaking, plunging, or hiking nearby trails before strolling into Livingston Manor for coffee, shopping, or lunch. (Some favorite spots include Catskill Art Space, Old Souls, Homestedt, The Kaatskeller, Seasons, Corners, and Catskill Brewery.)

Also of note: our summer hack at Koto House is taking advantage of its proximity to The Arnold House, who offers pool passes to non-guests (check out their greenhouse and restaurant, too!) all summer. It’s less than a ten minute walk, or 30 second commute by car. After a long day poolside or exploring (or both), retire to the privacy of Koto House and take in the stars from the hot tub or fire pit.

✍️ Read our full Koto House feature and Livingston Manor area guide on Escape Club.

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