Driftwood Ranch Resort, White Lake
Opening in April, this exclusive four-suite log cabin retreat on 200 acres in the Sullivan Catskills is the property of Steve Dubrovsky, an architect, designer and three-time Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association circuit champion. His working horse and cattle ranch will offer guests immersive experiences like feeding longhorn cattle and trail-riding under the guidance of seasoned cowboys and cowgirls. The Montana-style cabins, built with hand-hewn beams and stone, feature custom wood beds and unique design elements: The Museum Suite has life-size animal photos from a Rochester Museum of Science & Nature exhibit.
Breakfast and lunch are served in a communal gathering space called the Bunk House, with meals from local chef Craig Duffy. For dinner, guests are encouraged to visit nearby Chatwal Lodge's Rustic Grill, known for seasonal American plates, including a dry-aged pork chop with figs, and barrel-aged Negronis. Suites start at $1,000 and include breakfast and lunch 
The North Branch Inn, North Branch
Before he became an innkeeper, Eberle was the chef-owner of the popular Greenpoint bistro Le Fond. Now he and his wife, Caroline, operate the North Branch Inn in the western Catskills. Set on 7 acres, the mint-green property is composed of three buildings, the oldest dating to 1868. Rooms have a modern farmhouse feel, some with claw foot tubs, and all are adorned with local vintage finds.
In the main house, the 40-seat restaurant and bar has rustic dishes that are made from local products and change daily. Guests can choose a four-course, $58 menu or order dishes a la carte, such as lion's mane mushroom salad with sunchoke chips or the chicken served three ways: roasted breast, tomato-chile sauce braised leg and smoked chicken sausage. Pair alongside a western European or New York state wine. Pro tip: Ask for the nightly off-menu specials, which include an excellent steak frites. Rooms start at $185 and include breakfast 
Location: Catskills, NY Expected Opening: Q2 Rates: Doubles from $1,000.
Ninety minutes north of NYC, a slice of the wild west has come to Sullivan County. Driftwood Ranch Resort is the brainchild of three-time circuit champion of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association, Steve Dubrovsky, who wanted to bring a taste of Montana to the Catskills. Set on over 200 acres located in White Lake, the property features seven large accommodations that include a two-story Cattle Drive Suite, a Museum Suite (with relics pulled from the 1992 exhibit, “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys,” at the Rochester Museum of Science and Nature); and a four-bedroom Bunk House.
Top excursion and travel experiences to buy now for anyone on your Christmas list
