Mountain Air in Hunter, New York State - 24-Hour Travel Guide
Overview - A winter ski haven, Hunter is great all year round. We ride up the chair lift, visit the fire tour, and then go to Devil's Tombstone.
Breakfast - High up in the Catskill Mountains of New York, it was only in the last few decades that Hunter became known as well in the winter as it had been in the summer. A group of private investors bought and developed Hunter Mountain into what it is today. So the town has changed enormously and your choices of places to eat and stay is a far cry from the sleepy mountain town I used to visit as a child. The best lodgings are in the old mountain houses that are now B & B's, so I recommend taking advantage of your B&B for breakfast. They are all hearty breakfasts, not those bland continental types.
Morning - Head for the chairlift. If this is winter, you'll be going up for your morning ski runs. If this is summer, you'll head up for the sheer beauty of the ride up, and the variety of trails you can hike once you are up there. Hunter Mountain has been running a chair lift since forever. I remember being terrified as a child, as the chair came up from behind me and I had to be sure to sit down immediately. It's hard to understand why no one ever figured out the skiing part sooner. At the top of the mountain, if you are there in the summer, you can climb a little higher to the Fire Tower, which is the highest (combination altitude and height) fire tower in New York State. The views are beyond description.
Lunch - If you are still up the mountain and hungry, then eat at the Summit Lodge, located at 3200 feet. If you have come down a bit, then you might want to take in Van Winkle's Restaurant at the ski-in, ski-out resort. Rip Van Winkle is a legend here in the Catskills, and if you don't get to his house, then at least you can eat in a restaurant that somewhat honors him.
Afternoon - If you have had enough skiing and hiking, (unlikely) then there are some great parks to explore. Two favorites are Devil's Tombstone, (yes, there is a rock that looks like a Devil's Tombstone,) and Rip Van Winkle Village. They are both in easy driving distance in the summer. However, in the winter, you'd be better off staying on the slopes, and having an afternoon drink.
Dinner - Try the Bear Creek Landing, in the town of Hunter. The creek runs through the town, and used to be connected to Hunter Lake, which was a wonderful walking area. Alas, with all the development, Hunter Lake and the creek are a bit hard to find. But the restaurant is by the creek, so that's a good way to get a peek at it.
After Dark - The Friar Tuck Resort and Spa offers drinks and dancing in the evening. However, with so much outdoor action all day, most of the time, it's just easier to call it an early evening.
Sleep - I highly recommend one of the bed and breakfasts, rather than the resorts, unless you are really committed to the ski-in, ski-out experience. The B&Bs are all in town and the best part is that most are in the original Hunter homes. For a classic old house, try the Fairlawn Inn B & B. Just seeing the old Victorian house lets you re-experience the old grandeur of the Catskills.