The Nude Party (A Band), The Mountains, and Great Brisket: The Arnold House
If the pandemic taught me one thing, it’s that there’s so much beauty in the simple things. I’m talking about a rock show in a barn, the verdant mountains in the summertime, brisket sandwiches, innocuous conversations with strangers, choosing my favorite tracks on the jukebox—a string of small moments that add up to an experience that will linger on long after its over. With that in mind, I’ve dedicated a significant portion of my summer to seeking out these kinds of moments, specifically by hotel hopping in the Catskills.
As far as memorable experiences go, there’s nothing like spending time at a place that exudes the youthful warmth of summer camp and the creature comforts of great accommodations. That place is The Arnold House-- a hotel in Livingston Manor, NY that has a tavern and restaurant, lush greenhouse, small spa, ample hiking trails, and a jukebox. It’s an environment that encourages you to tranquilly drift off into the scenery, but also to gather with likeminded people there to enjoy relaxing and much-needed good times.
Another gem masterminded by the talented hotelier team Foster Supply Hospitality, The Arnold House is set on an idyllic property just minutes away from Main Street in Livingston Manor (tips on navigating the town below). I was lucky to stay at this 14-room hotel on the night The Arnold House staff were prepping the barn for their second free show of the summer with local favorite rock band, The Nude Party.
Upon arrival, my boyfriend and I checked into the hotel’s spacious and delightfully minimalist Garden Studio replete with our own deck and vista of the mountains. Just seeing live music itself, dancing and drinking in a rustic barn surrounded by a lively group of people all on the same page was the closest thing I’ll ever feel to being born again—as a music loving, experience-savoring Jew of course.
Before the show, the crowd was scattered amidst the barn, just hanging out on the picnic tables. While we were happily people watching and sipping beers, my boyfriend noticed a band member in need of a lighter—and that we could surely supply. After an affable conversation with a guitarist named Catfish, we settled into a little VIP corner of the plant-strewn barn where we ordered a bottle of rose on ice, a pretzel, a brisket sandwich, and a slew of other eats that kept us on our feet for the majority of the show. The Nude Party rocked out by playing a mix of their original tracks and covered “Sweet Nothing” by The Velvet Underground, “Dead Flowers,” by The Stones, and “Going Up the Country,” by Canned Heat.
One of the highlights of summer so far, my stay at The Arnold House was punctuated by an arc of “hot fun in the summertime” moments that revealed themselves at a flawless pace. As we head into August, I hope we all get to experience more of these simple and poignant moments found in the depth of human connection and a lot of fun in nature.
Some insider tips:
Go for a walk on the trails behind the barn and chill on the charming swing chairs
If you have to do work, there’s a living room in the main house with good wifi
Grab lunch at Main Street Farm. You can’t go wrong with any of the sandwiches here.
If you’re in the mood to shop, Concrete + Water has the cutest stuff!
Wine and hangs at Sunshine Colony
Bring layers. The weather changes often and you’ll want at least a jean jacket or hoodie for night time