Lower Catskills, New York

In contrast to the northern Catskills, the southern Catskills are far less isolated, and towns like Andes and Phoenicia, which are popular with visitors from New York City thanks to their fashionable restaurants and galleries, exemplify a fresh artistic edge. From the city, it takes just under three hours to get there, and the journey from I-87 to 28 offers miles of breathtaking views of the countryside. Arrive during the lunch hour to order the Phoenicia Diner's popular golden, freshly fried onion rings.

The potter Stephanie Charlene's studio and shop, as well as Kabinett & Kammer, a modern curiosity store that carries items like antique schoolbooks and taxidermy, are just a couple of the fascinating shopping destinations in the town of Andes. There are also outdoor activities available, like the 250,000+ acres of Catskill Park, which is great snowmobile terrain, and the slopes of Hunter Mountain, which are a few miles back along Route 28. When you're hungry, stop by Wayside Cider, a brewery and restaurant that enjoys serving as the community's gathering place on the weekends.

Location: The Catskill Mountains, southeastern New York State