A Weekend at The Henson: An Elevated Escape at the Catskills
Every so often, I crave a quiet weekend surrounded by nature… to pull away from the city and hit reset. Since we recently got engaged, it felt like the perfect excuse to finally make that happen. With some JetBlue credits saved up, we decided to head to Upstate New York. Upstate had been on my bucket list for a few years, drawn in by its unique mix of historical charm and slow, elevated living. When we discovered The Henson while searching for places to stay, we knew it was the exact aesthetic we were looking for. A place that felt both charming and intentional, yet could give us that stillness and space to celebrate this new chapter in our lives.
The Aesthetic: Intentional & Timeless
The interiors are a dream for anyone who loves design. Rich textures, moody tones, and vintage-inspired furniture give the space a layered, lived-in feel while still feeling elevated and modern. It’s the kind of quiet luxury I’m always drawn to, nothing too loud or overdone, just thoughtful details and quality materials that feel luxurious while remaining practical.
As an antique and thrift lover, I really appreciated the small details. I could imagine what it was like to collect the right pieces– where each one was found, why it was chosen, and how long it took to bring it all together. It doesn’t feel like a cookie-cutter hotel; it feels like a curated, lived-in home with stories and personality.
Dining: Farm-to-table
We spent slow mornings enjoying the farm-to-table breakfast buffet. An array of locally sourced eggs, fruit, and meats, all beautifully displayed on collected serveware. It felt so special.
You can’t stay here without mentioning their in-house restaurant, The Matilda. We loved getting to experience the farm-to-table culture that the Catskills is known for. We spent one evening here enjoying a really good meal and sipping wine by the fire, which felt especially cozy after a full day out.
They also own a specialty food shop just down the hill called Para Casa. It carries artisanal food items, coffee and pastries, a small section of secondhand finds, and The Henson merch (I grabbed a green tote bag!). It’s very cute and definitely worth checking out.
The Experience: Slow Living at Its Best
The Henson has just 16 guest rooms, so the property feels calm and unrushed; we only crossed paths with a few other guests at any given time. You can venture out into the Catskills and explore everything the area has to offer, or stay tucked in and fully enjoy the property itself. It’s thoughtfully designed with cozy nooks and inviting spaces to linger. You can settle in by the fire, play a game of chess, curl up with a book, or wander outside to enjoy the gardens.
For a celebratory trip, the atmosphere was perfect. It felt intimate and private, giving us the space to actually soak in our engagement rather than rushing from one tourist spot to the next.
Final Thoughts
Upstate New York lived up to every bit of the hype, and I’m already checking my calendar (and my flight credits) to see when we can go back.
The Henson truly feels like a gem. It’s rare to find a place that feels both really stylish and genuinely cozy, but they’ve nailed that balance. If you’re looking for a place to quietly celebrate a milestone or just take a mindful weekend away, this is it.