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Family Fun Weekend at Roscoe Campsite Park, Roscoe, New York

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Fall in the Catskills is pure magic—and this year, our family found the perfect way to soak it all in with a Family Fun Weekend at Roscoe Campsite Park. Jason and I have been to Roscoe before and usually stay at the River House at Trout Town Farms, just down the road. But this trip was extra special: it was our first time bringing Emilia (7), Nicholas (3), and our 11-year-old rescue pup, Gino, for a true camping adventure. Spoiler alert: everyone had the best time.

Our Luxury Tent Stay

Forget what you know about “roughing it.” Our luxury tent at Roscoe Campsite Park felt more like a boutique cabin in the woods. With a king-size bed for us and bunk beds for the kids, there was plenty of space for the four of us to spread out. The kids thought the bunks were the coolest thing ever, while Jason and I loved sinking into the king bed after busy days of exploring.

The tent came with a full bathroom (yes, a clawfoot tub in the woods!) and a shower, which made things so easy with kids. Outside, we had a picnic table, a grill under a gazebo, and even a cozy egg chair on the patio where we enjoyed slow breakfasts and lunches together. At night, the space transformed into our own little sanctuary under the stars.

Of course, no trip to Roscoe is complete without a stop at Grizzly Bagels in downtown Roscoe. We always recommend their famous Jalapeño Cheddar bagel with scallion cream cheese, lox, tomato, and capers—it’s our go-to breakfast every single visit. The kids love the cinnamon raisin bagels with cream cheese. Fresh, flavorful, and the perfect fuel for a day of family adventures in the Catskills.

Another tradition whenever we’re in town is stopping by Roscoe Beer Co. to grab a few of their locally brewed favorites. Jason and I especially love the Streamside Pilsner—crisp, refreshing, and the perfect pairing with a classic campfire hot dog fresh off the grill. There’s just something about sipping a cold local beer under the stars while the kids run around that makes camping feel complete.

First Night Magic ✨

The moment we arrived, the weekend kicked off with one of my favorite camping traditions: roasting s’mores around the fire. Emilia and Nicholas were in heaven toasting marshmallows, sticky fingers and all. As the sun set, the whole campsite gathered to watch Hocus Pocus on the big screen—pure Halloween season vibes. It was the perfect way to start our getaway.

Farm Fun at Trout Town Farms 🐐🐓🦙

On Saturday, we joined the farm tour at Trout Town Farms, and it quickly became one of the kids’ favorite activities. They got to feed alpacas and goats, pet Gloria, the resident turkey, collect fresh eggs from the chicken coop, and even enjoyed a honey tasting. Their faces lit up as they learned where food comes from—Nicholas proudly carried his egg like it was gold, while Emilia loved feeding the alpacas.

During the tour, we also got to peek at the new Mountain Pool Trout Loft property, another unique place to stay in Roscoe. Jason and I immediately added it to our list for a future trip—it’s such a cool option for anyone who wants a mix of comfort and nature.

Pumpkins, Play, and Pure Joy 🎃

Later that day, we went pumpkin picking at Trout Town Farms, and the kids carefully picked out “the perfect ones.” Back at Roscoe Campsite Park, they decorated and carved their pumpkins during Wine & Cheese Night, while Jason and I enjoyed local wines, cheeses, and a live band. The kids danced their hearts out to the music, did arts and crafts, wore glow bracelets, and even got goodie bags filled with nostalgic toys like spinners and candies. Seeing their joy was everything.

Outdoor Adventures 🚴‍♀️🏀🐕

One of the best parts about staying at Roscoe Campsite Park is that there’s something for everyone. We spent time walking along the riverbanks, skipping rocks, and splashing in the water. Being in nature was such a reset for all of us—it really does feel good for the soul.

The kids also got plenty of time to run free. Emilia and Nicholas loved the playground, raced each other down the slides, and made new friends. We all shot hoops at the basketball court, and Gino had the time of his life exploring the dog park—his first official camping trip, and he was so happy.

We even learned how to press apples into cider. Emilia cranked the press with all her might while Nicholas cheered her on, and together they made apple cider that tasted even sweeter because they worked for it. Those little moments are what make family trips so special.

Why We Loved This Trip ❤️

Looking back, this trip was more than just a weekend getaway. It was about watching Emilia and Nicholas live their best lives—running, playing, laughing, and experiencing new things. It was about Jason and I slowing down, unplugging, and enjoying the simple joys of being together as a family. And it was about Gino finally joining us for a trip he could enjoy too in his golden years.

Plan Your Family Camping Trip in the Catskills 🏕️

If you’re looking for family camping in the Catskills that combines the beauty of nature with the comfort of home, Roscoe Campsite Park is the place. Whether you’re in a luxury tent like us, an RV, cabin, or another rental, you’ll find endless ways to make memories.

👉 Book your stay at RoscoeCampsite.com. Don’t forget to use code REALMOFVIBES15 to save 15% off your stay!

Trust me—you’ll want this experience too.

See my carousel and highlight reel on Instagram for a detailed look into our trip. Be sure to visit Roscoe Campsite Park and Trout Town Farms on Instagram, too.

Below is a Pin for you to save to your travel board.

Roscoe Mountain Club – Roscoe, NY

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Our family packed up and headed to the beautiful Catskill Mountains for a cozy winter getaway at Roscoe Mountain Club. Jason and I are no strangers to Roscoe, New York—we love relaxing, hiking, fishing, and enjoying peaceful meals in this charming town. This time, we brought the kids to experience it with us, making for an unforgettable family adventure. We stayed in the Frankel House, one of the charming lodging options on the property, and it was the perfect home base for our adventure.

Where We Stayed

Roscoe Mountain Club offers a variety of lodging options to suit any traveler. The Inn boasts 24 newly renovated rooms with one or two beds, perfect for families or couples seeking a cozy and comfortable stay. For larger groups, Burt’s Lodge and the spacious townhomes provide a private, roomy retreat. We absolutely loved the rustic charm of the Frankel House, which blends timeless character with modern amenities for a truly relaxing atmosphere. With four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining room, a large living room, a loft area, and a foosball table, the Frankel House had everything we needed. The stunning deck was the perfect spot to take in the breathtaking mountain views.

Fun at The Barn & Ice Skating Firsts

One of our favorite places to hang out was The Barn, a cozy guest lounge filled with games, and comfy seating. The kids loved watching movies while playing foosball, ping pong, darts, Connect 4, and a ring toss game. It was such a fun spot to unwind after a day of activities! The Barn is not only a cozy guest lounge but also a lively venue that hosts live entertainment during events, festivals, and special occasions, making it the perfect spot to enjoy music and community gatherings.

Speaking of activities, Emilia had her first-ever ice skating experience at the on-site rink, and it was such a proud parent moment! Watching her wobble at first, determined to keep going, and then gain confidence on the ice with the help of a skating trainer was incredible. Nicholas cheered her on from the sidelines, and the whole family had a blast. The firepits and Adirondack chairs, perfectly placed near the rink, offered a cozy retreat to relax and warm up while soaking in the vibrant winter atmosphere.

Delicious Eats at 1907

The on-site restaurant, 1907, blew us away with its food. The buffalo wings were crispy and packed with flavor, and the French toast was absolutely decadent—both were big hits with our family. It’s fantastic to have an on-site restaurant that serves family-friendly food, making mealtime convenient, stress-free, and enjoyable for everyone! They also serve beers from Roscoe Beer Co., which are some of our favorites. A cold, locally brewed beer after a day in the snow? Yes, please!

A Little Bit of Everything

One thoughtful touch we really appreciated was the lobby shop, which had merchandise and essentials like OTC medications—because let’s be real, sometimes you forget the little things when traveling with kids! We also received some super cool shirts to remember our experience at Roscoe Mountain Club.

I also tried snowshoeing for the first time, and wow—what an experience! It was an amazing workout and a peaceful way to take in the snowy mountain scenery. Definitely something I’d love to do again.

Roscoe Mountain Club has an on-site fitness facility that offers everything you need to stay active, including a rower, elliptical, free weights, a Theraball, and medicine balls. Whether you’re getting in a full workout or just stretching after a day of adventure, you’ll have everything you need to feel your best!

Can’t Wait to Return in Warmer Months

While we had an amazing time experiencing Roscoe Mountain Club in the winter, we’re already dreaming about returning when the weather warms up. With scenic hiking trails, a beautiful golf course (I might even try a lesson since I’ve never golfed before!), and a lake perfect for fishing, it’s clear that our whole family will love it. Plus, the pickleball courts add even more fun for everyone to enjoy!

Family-Friendly Fun at Roscoe Beer Co.

We also made a stop at Roscoe Beer Co., and it’s quickly become one of our favorite family-friendly spots. The games and a trout-filled fish tank entertained the kids, while Jason and I relaxed with some cold beers. The service is consistently fantastic, and it’s a must-visit when you’re in the area. We love the delicious family-friendly food like pretzels, burgers, and fries, and Emilia couldn’t get enough of the homemade root beer—we even brought some home! Jason and I always leave with a few 4-packs, a perfect way to relive the trip when we return home.

Plan Your Own Trip!

Our weekend at Roscoe Mountain Club was filled with laughter, adventure, and amazing memories. If you’re looking for a getaway that offers great lodging, delicious food, and activities for all seasons, we highly recommend checking it out. You can book your stay at roscoemountainclub.com. We can’t wait to go back!

The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark Review

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Our family needed this #hosted trip. After the year we’ve had with Nick’s medical issues (cranial helmet, heart murmur, surgery, croupe, the ‘rona, and RSV), him being a consistently inconsistent sleeper, and juggling working both inside and outside the home with a preschooler with lots of extracurricular activities and a husband in law enforcement with an insane schedule, I’ll repeat myself…

We needed this trip to The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark. The Kartrite is located in the Catskills, which is less than a two-hour drive from our home. (Monticello, New York to be exact). Check-in was a breeze, and the beautiful lobby showcased a very tall Christmas tree and the infamous blue “K” that we made a point to snap some family pictures in front of. Everyone working at the Kartrite seemed genuinely happy; everyone smiled and asked, “Can I help you with anything?” Hospitality at its finest.

We headed to our two-bedroom suite which was huge – one bedroom had a King sized bed and the master bathroom had a stall shower. Em and Nick had their own room with 2 Queen beds (Nick was in the pack-and-play). They shared a bathroom with a tub towards the entrance of the room. The living room was comfortable, and it had a table for 6 people which was great when we had dinner in the room on our last night. The balcony had a great scenic view, too. A mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker provided good creature comforts. One thing about the Kartrite, it is immaculately clean. Jason is the most annoying person in the world when it comes to accommodations, and for him to mention how clean the Kartrite was means a lot. (Trust me, we have left places because it was not up to his standard of living.)

[[Side note: I want to tell you that if you aren’t following me on Instagram, make sure you head over there and check out my highlight reel so you’ll be able to see everything I am talking about. ]]

There are so many food options at the Kartrite. We especially loved Harvey’s Wallbanger, where we had Buffalo Wings, The Cowboy Burger, the Kartrite Club (by far the biggest turkey club Jason has ever eaten in his life), and the Catskill Hot Chicken. Em loved the spaghetti and meatballs, too. We enjoyed our morning coffee and breakfast sandwiches at The Highline. We got a delicious pizza at Surfside Grille inside the waterpark.

Let’s talk about the waterpark. Did you know the Kartrite has the largest indoor waterpark in NY state? This was our family’s first time at an indoor waterpark and it did not disappoint. Lifeguards were everywhere, and floatation vests are available for anyone to use. Em and Nick both loved the “Puddle Ducks” section where little Nicholas splashed away in six inches of water with plenty of water tables. Emilia loved all of the slides. I actually stood there for 2 hours watching her go down the slides over and over and over again. (She slept until 8:30 am the next day, which is why I let her go full boar…virtual high five!) We were very fortunate that the Kartrite gave us our own cabana, loaded with drinks, snacks, oversized towels, a fan, lounge chairs, a table, comfy seating, and a flat-screen television. This was great just to chill, eat our lunch in peace, and take a break. With two little ones, a cabana is an absolute must-have. This was hands down the best part of our trip. The waterpark literally has something for everyone — attractions for littles like Em and Nick, thrill rides, a hot tub pool that goes indoors and outdoors, a lazy river, a bar for adults to indulge in a fruity cocktail or beer, and so much more. There is no greater joy than seeing my babies happy. Em had a smile from ear to ear and Nick’s laughs made me laugh. Good job, Kartrite.

Our Cabana

After we showered and had dinner, we had fun at the Playopolis arcade. Bowling at Van Winkle’s Alley was our favorite; followed by skeeball, ring toss, claw games, and carousel rides. The Kartrite has a wall climbing area, a ropes course, virtual reality, an escape cube, etc. After you earn your tickets, you go to The Vault to trade in your tickets for prizes. Em absolutely loved shopping for prizes. She left with an entire brown bag full of toys and candy that she energetically showed family members upon our return home. “I won these at the arcave.” No, it’s not a typo, it’s just how she pronounces arcade which makes J and I chuckle.

While we did as much as we could (let’s be real, we are on the kid’s schedule, not our schedule), we weren’t able to attend any of the listed daily activities. Each day Kartite has several activities for your kids and/or the family to participate in. What I love is that you can choose to do it all, do some, or just do you. The Kartrite also has a really nice gym. No, I didn’t work out, but I was able to see the machines and they looked like they would have given me a good workout. (Insert laughs here.) I would love to visit the Kartrite in the warmer months so we could enjoy the hiking trails that are conveniently located on the property. (We couldn’t do it during our stay since it is hunting season.) There is just so much to do around the Kartrite no matter what season or time of day!

The icing on the cake was when Em said, “Mommy?! Daddy?! I just want to stay here forever.”

Me too, Em. Me too.

Use code SPLASH for up to 25% off your stay at The Kartrite. Though this was a hosted trip, (thank you, Kartrite), all opinions expressed within are my own. Be sure to visit Kartrite’s website and Instagram.

Feel free to pin to your travel board:

Part 2: Lake Placid, NY – Things to Do

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If you haven’t already, take a look at Part 1: Lake Placid, NY – Where to Stay & Eat.

This blog post features some of our adventures during our 4 night, 5 days stay in Lake Placid, NY.

Adirondack Wildlife Refuge

We love animals, so being able to see wolves, foxes, bald eagles, owls, and coyotes up close was really cool. We snapped a lot of pictures! The Adirondack Wildlife Refuge operates on donations, so make sure you leave a few dollars to keep this non-profit organization running smoothly.

Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex

I always watch the Olympics. We got at the complex at the perfect time; the Olympians were practicing ski jumping into the pool. We watched them in awe. Then we took an elevator ride to the top of the ski jump. It gave us great views of the complex and high peaks.

Olympic Platform

Olympic Platform in the Ski Jump Complex

Ski Jump, Lake Placid NY

Ski Jump Complex, Lake Placid, NY

Hiking Cascade and Porter Mountain

If you are not in decent physical shape and don’t have the appropriate gear, please don’t attempt the high peaks! This was grueling. It took us six hours to do both Cascade and Porter mountains. The conditions were terrible; muddy and high water everywhere. Jason and I are in decent physical shape and we struggled! If you can do it, I would recommend it. The summits are beautiful and we enjoyed a breathtaking view. There are plenty of easier, shorter hikes if this is too challenging. I would recommend getting outside and on a trail!

Cascade Mountain

Cascade Mountain

Fly Fishing

Jason visited the local fly shop, The Hungry Trout, and had the best day in his fishing career. He fly fished the Ausable River and caught (and released) over 20 brown trout. This is a fisherman’s dream!

Balanced Bodywork and Massage

I treated myself to a 90-minute massage and cupping treatment with Tim. It was one of the best massages I have ever received. I made sure to bring my AromaTouch essential oil, which made me feel super relaxed and calm. When I go back to Lake Placid, I will be getting another treatment at Balanced Bodywork and Massage.

Balanced Bodywork

Inside Balanced Bodywork and Massage

Shopping in Lake Placid

After my massage, I spent the rest of the day shopping in downtown Lake Placid. I purchased local olive oils, salts, dish towels, local brews, and other novelties. Each shop is unique!

Final Thoughts

This is a great trip for families, couples, and singles. There is truly something for everyone in any season. If you like the great outdoors, relaxing, adventure, and enjoy the Olympics, you would really enjoy visiting Lake Placid, NY. We will be re-visiting Lake Placid in the near future.

Have you been to the Adirondack region? What was your favorite thing to do?

Namaste.

Lake Placid, NY - What to Do

 

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Part 1: Lake Placid, NY – Where to Stay & Eat

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Lake Placid, New York has always fascinated me. My friends have told me stories about skiing, hiking, the Olympic sites, and the quaint downtown. My husband and I purchased a Groupon Getaway to the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort in Lake Placid, New York for January 2017. I injured my back, and the hotel allowed us to reschedule our 4 night, 5 days stay for May 2017. We were thrilled. We stayed on the fifth floor Marcy Specialty room, which had a jetted tub, fireplace, and private balcony.

Lake Placid, NY

Lake Placid, NY

Here’s why I would strongly recommend staying at the Golden Arrow:

  • Beach access, right on Mirror Lake
    • Canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, docks, plenty of water toys
  • Indoor pool with two hot tubs, a wet sauna, and a dry sauna
  • Fitness Center with locker room and dry sauna
    • Insider tip: use the sauna in the fitness center instead of the indoor pool area
  • Generations Restaurant
    • Happy hour all day when you show your room key
      • $5 house wine, $3 well drinks, $4 select draft beers
    • Free breakfast included with your stay
      • This was delicious!
  • Alpine Mall Shopping attached to hotel
    • Restaurants, shopping, and liquor/wine store
  • Location of hotel
    • Right in the center of Lake Placid, convenient to shops and restaurants

There are two issues with Golden Arrow: parking for a full size truck (even though they have a lot across the street, the parking is terrible during peak season) and the layout of the hotel (could only access the fifth floor from certain elevators & the elevator signage is confusing and varied in each elevator).

Lake Placid, NY Balcony View

View from the Balcony

We would absolutely stay at the Golden Arrow again. This was an incredible resort and we not only enjoyed our room but took full advantage of the amenities.

Where to Eat

Smoke Signals

If you love BBQ, put this on your list. Smoke Signals has indoor and outdoor seating and a fabulous menu that will make your mouth water. We had not one complaint about eating at Smoke Signals. The food was really delicious after a long drive up to Lake Placid.

What we ordered: 

  • Perpetual Pig BBQ Wings
  • Jason: Brisket and Macaroni & Cheese
  • Danielle: 1/2 rack of ribs and Macaroni & Cheese
  • Two local draft beers

Ribs, Brisket, and Macaroni & Cheese
Eat Here, Drink Beer
First Page of the Menu

Big Mountain Deli & Creperie

After a long day seeing the sites, we stopped here for delicious sandwiches.

What we ordered:

  • Jason: Table Top with chicken and a bag of Kettle Chips
  • Danielle: Algonquin sandwich with a side of potato salad

Big Mountain Deli and Creperie has 46 sandwiches to represent the 46 High Peaks. They also have soups, salads, and crepes. The sandwiches are very filling, great after a hike!

Big Mountain Deli & Creperie

Lisa G’s

Lisa G’s was another fantastic restaurant that had indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seating overlooked a scenic waterfall. Everything on the menu is homemade and the drink I ordered, Salty Rikki, was strong.

What we ordered:

  • Jason: Chicken Parmesan
  • Danielle: Crispy Goat Cheese Salad with Chicken
  • Drink: Salty Rikki

Salty Rikki

Honorable mentions:

  • Generations Restaurant (adjacent to our hotel)
    • We ate breakfast here every day as it was included in our stay. The blueberry pancakes were incredible, as well as the special egg concoctions. The Sunny Cove ($2 upcharge) was my favorite. We never had a bad breakfast here!
  • Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery
    • Dairy makes me sick to my stomach but I couldn’t help myself. I got a small maple ice cream. Jason had a scoop each of cookies and cream and double fudge ice cream. Incredible.
  • The Lake Plaid Pub & Brewery
    • Besides the long wait, this had three floors of fun and a store to purchase pint glasses and other keepsakes. Jason enjoyed the Ubu Ale while I imbibed the Golden Ale. The food was hot and delicious. I ordered the Josh’s Fire Fish for dinner while Jason enjoyed the Schulzy Burger.

Final Thoughts

Have you visited Lake Placid? Where did you stay? What was your favorite restaurant?

If you haven’t, what restaurant would you want to try?

Stay tuned for Lake Placid, NY Part 2: What to Do!

Lake Placid, NY Where to Stay and Where to Eat

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