Meet Your Watershed Where the Catskill Mountains Rule and the Beauty is Free



Just a little over two hours from New York City is a region so unspoiled, so unpolluted that it still supplies fresh water to nine million city dwellers. The Catskills may be home to only a few hardy "locals" this time of year, but it's an affordable breath of fresh air for the cold-snapped city nerves of Manhattanites. Come upstate to The Roxbury, Contemporary Catskill Lodging (www.theroxburymotel.com) for a great getaway package and you can "thank that spring" -- not just the season, but the liquid essence itself, which is melting on the mountain ridges, rippling down NY State's Delaware County (www.delawarecountytoday.com/) streams and flowing downstate for its star turn as the "Champagne of Tap Waters."

Up in Delaware County right now, days are getting longer, the fish are jumping and trout season is officially here. The wilderness hike is at its best now -- brisk, sunny and solitary, with that incredible "slanted" spring light that has inspired generations of painters and writers like Roxbury's very own native John Burroughs. With thousands of wooded, hushed acres to wander, you can actually hear yourself think as you take in the earliest songbirds and trace the shadows of the hawks' wings.

OK, the hiking may be wonderful in the Catskills but leaving all of civilization behind is not always a good thing. At the chic-fab Roxbury Motel (www.theroxburymotel.com), all the best of now has landed right in a romantic, historic mountain hamlet. Recently featured on NBC's Today show as one of the "hottest trends in travel" (view video here) (http://www.theroxburymotel.com//Press/video/NBC-News.php), The Roxbury offers award-winning "wow factor" theme rooms and suites (www.theroxburymotel.com/Rooms/), heavenly pillowtop mattresses, DVD players, microwaves and fridges, 100% Egyptian cotton linens, luxurious "Lather" bathroom amenities, and free wifi in every room. Wake up to freshly-ground Hawaiian coffee served with freshly-baked aromatic coffee cake, fresh fruit, muffins, croissants, pumpkin seed cereal, and so much more in the extensive complimentary breakfast. And The Roxbury's Shimmer Spa (www.theroxburymotel.com/Rooms/Rooms.phtmlspa) will soak and soothe all those winter aches away. And, just in time for the awakening of Spring, The Roxbury is now offering a limited-time, once-in-a-year savings: a loaded hiking package for twosomes that starts at $385 for a whole weekend (that's $100 off regular season rates) and for $685, you can spread out in an opulently appointed fantasy suite -- complete with Genie's bottle soaking tub -- for you and your four hippest friends (that's $200 off regular season rates). But "think spring" because these deals only last through May 22, 2008.

The Roxbury's "Thank that Spring" (www.theroxburymotel.com/Promotions) package supplies all the gear needed to enjoy the great outdoors with panache and no panting (enjoy a complimentary "high sierra" hiker's backpack, stuffed with a flask of fine Bordeaux, a two-person lunch or an assortment of cool cheeses) along with maps and a planned itinerary for a great hike based on skill level and "enthusiasm" for exertion.

Take a pick from such spectacular treks as Giant Ledge Hike and its breathtaking panoramic views of the rolling peaks of the Catskill Mountains, Kelly Hollow Hike and its awakening flora and fauna, Alder Lake Hike with its sparkling water and idyllic lakeside picnic spots, or up the stone steps to Roxbury's railbed hike tracing the historic footsteps of the Native American Lenape, or Kaaterskill Falls Hike and the roar of its series of dramatic waterfalls. Even in the hamlet itself, the East Branch of the Delaware River winds through the elegant expanse of Kirkside Park, through the village and then through the back yard right outside the rooms at The Roxbury (there goes that water supply!).

Once back from a day of adventures, enjoy an indulgent yet educational two-hour couples' massage as well as 2 complimentary passes to use The Shimmer Spa throughout an entire stay. Cozy up at night with any of The Roxbury's 400 DVD film collection (including the AFI's 100 best movies ever made).

For the outdoorsy types wanting to add even more verve to their package, you can wake up the next day and check out some of the most challenging mountain biking in the Northeast at Plattekill Mountain, just five minutes away. Or rent some bikes and cycle the day away on the meandering 27-mile Catskill Scenic Trail which starts right outside the village of Roxbury.

Add more fun and glam to your package with a 3-course tasting menu for two at the award-winning Peekamoose Restaurant (only $90) or turn the whole weekend into a "Groovy Girls Night Getaway" or "Rad Romance" package (see www.theroxburymotel.com for details). Or you can go for a more "back to nature" bare bones package without the extras like the massage and save even more!

Just remember to plan your getaway before May 22, 2008 to enjoy these specials. Spring break was never so rich -- or so cheap! And you'll have discovered your own special year round getaway for seasons and seasons to come.

For reservations or questions on summer, winter and fall getaway packages, special events and off-site meeting facilities, call 607-326-7200 or peruse theroxburymotel.com (www.theroxburymotel.com).

For Media:

To download high-resolution/magazine quality photos of The Roxbury, go to: theroxburymotel.com/photos (www.theroxburymotel.com/photos). B-Roll is available upon request.

To view visuals of all rooms at The Roxbury, go to theroxburymotel.com click on Rooms & Spa, then the appropriate room category, and then scroll to the links for "viewing actual photos" of every single room.





Meet Your Watershed Where the Catskill Mountains Rule and the Beauty is Free