Activities on Campus

Whether you are looking to hone an existing talent or try something new, Hemlock is the perfect place to spend quality time being creative and having some fun. We have daily activities included for all guests on property free of charge - and for our special retreat weekends, we showcase some of our favorite local experts and workshops in addition to normal programming. For those seeking more self-led and solitary activites, we have included some of those below as well.

Please note that we always have daily activities but classes vary from day to day based on season, weather and scheduling. Rest assured your hands can get dirty and your mind can get calm in our Activity Building and all over our campus regardless of when you are here.

Sample Weekly Itinerary
Arts & Crafts Activities 
ongoing & Featured WEEKLY Activities this season
  • A small glass jar with dried flower petals inside and a white wick stands on a table covered with various small containers, bottles, and bags, some open and some closed.

    Candle Workshop

    Take a moment to unwind during your stay with this cozy workshop. Begin by preparing your jar with a selection of seasonally-inspired flowers, herbs, and leaves that resonate with you. Next, explore our collection of essential oils, including warm and comforting scents that evoke the essence of fall, allowing you to curate a personalized fragrance for your candle. Once the melted soy wax is poured, you'll leave with a lovely seasonal souvenir and a cherished memory of your trip!  

  • Bees flying and on a hive or flower in a natural outdoor setting.

    Hive Harmony

    On December 13th we will be winterizing our hive. Guest will have a hands on activity of making bee boards for hives as well as tasting of bee bread, which is the food that the bees will live on all winter.

    Want more information on our bee program? Check out this page for all of our bee activity information.

  • Person dipping a wooden stick into a jar of orange-colored jam or honey at an outdoor gathering with people sitting on chairs.

    Honey & Tea Tasting with Honey Sommelier

    This tasting class will sharpen your senses and give you a strong foundation and deeper understanding of honey. We will explore the difference in colors, smells, textures, and tastes of 3 different local Catskill honeys. We will use the honey tasting wheel and color chart to evaluate each type. Since bees are such wonderful pollinators, participants will get to pair their favorite honey with a wild foraged/herbal tea.

    Dates: Dec 6 | Jan 3

    Want more information on our bee program? Check out this page for all of our bee activity information.

  • Clear blue sky with scattered white clouds.

    Stargazing & Cloud Spotting

    Bring out the inner child in you with cloud spotting. At night, grab a blanket and telescope to watch the sky above.

  • A wooden box filled with watercolor paints and a palette knife on a black round table outside. Besides the box, there is a blue cup with a brush inside, a small black jar, and a plant in the background.

    Landscape in Nature

    Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of our campus during this outdoor painting experience. You’ll have the opportunity to find your perfect spot to paint—whether it’s a sweeping vista, a peaceful stream, or the gentle curve of a moss-covered trail - there are so many options surrounding us. You will receive expert guidance, helping you capture the vibrant colors, textures, and light of the Catskill region on canvas. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced painter, you'll receive personalized tips and encouragement to bring your vision to life.

  • A group of people and dogs walking through a grassy field surrounded by trees and hills on a sunny day.

    Goat Hikes with Meagan

    Take a morning hike with our resident goats and Meagan from Frederick Farm Goat Sanctuary.

    Taking a walk in nature is always healing, in our opinion. Taking a walk with playful goats frolicking adds a huge element of fun and laughter to this activity. It’s a don’t miss while staying with us!

    Check out our in-depth page on everything goats here.

  • Shelf with bottles of acrylic paint, and containers holding colored pencils and markers, set against a dark blue wall.

    Intuitive Abstract

    Unleash your creativity in this intuitive class, where spontaneity meets expression on canvas. This class is designed for individuals seeking a liberating and immersive experience. You’ll explore the world of abstract art, allowing your instincts to guide each brushstroke. Embrace the freedom to experiment with colors, shapes, and textures, fostering a deeper connection with your artistic intuition. No prior painting experience is necessary; This class is all about embracing the joy of creating without boundaries.

  • Indoor swimming pool with wooden ceiling, white brick walls, plants, benches, and hanging swings.

    Sip & Swim Saturdays

    Every Saturday night at 8:30pm, we’re turning our pool area into the ultimate movie night spot for hotel guests. Cozy up by or in the pool and enjoy classic films. Sip on drinks and snack on treats from the Hemlock team while you relax and unwind..

     

  • Person feeding two goats with a small yellow and green speckled egg outdoors on a grassy area with fallen leaves.

    Goat Therapy

    Spend some time with our resident furry friends from Frederick Farm Goat Sanctuary. Learn more about them, exchange some hugs, and leave with an instant mood boost! Don’t miss watching them frolic on their very own Barbour playground. Warning - smiling and laughter are inevitable side-effects!

  • A person in a cream cable-knit sweater holding a paintbrush, working on a wooden watercolor paint box on a balcony with a railing and green outdoor scenery in the background.

    Oil Pastels

    Come explore the colorful world of oil pastels in this relaxed and inspiring studio workshop, perfect for anyone trying the medium for the first time. We will focus on capturing the charm of still life scenes and the beauty of simple landscapes using vibrant, creamy pastels that are fun to blend and layer.

    This class encourages experimentation and personal expression every step of the way. No drawing experience? No worries! This is a low-stress, high-enjoyment environment where curiosity is more important than perfection. Come ready to play with color, see the world a little differently, and go home with your own pastel masterpieces.

  • Shadow of a person holding a tennis racket on a green tennis court with white lines.

    Game, Set, Match

    Whether Andre Agassi would be a worthy opponent or you just want to break a sweat, wander down to our courts for some fun competition. Partner required but rackets & balls available for use for all guests. And don’t let the goats distract you - they just want to chase after the ball.

  • Empty outdoor lounging area with black lounge chairs, yellow towels, blue plates, large white umbrellas, and tree-lined background under blue sky.

    Sun Worshipping

    Whether you are in need of Vitamin D or want to protect yourself from the rays, spending a little time outside with a book or just your own thoughts can be just what you need. Our sun bathing patio just off the pool is a perfect place. If you crave solitude, there are a few other hidden areas throughout the campus that are calling your name.

  • Empty living room with wooden walls and ceiling, large arched window, two rectangular windows, a stone fireplace with firewood, and sunlight casting shadows on dark hardwood floor.

    Movement Classes

    Do not miss our beautiful movement studio where the sunlight streams in regardless of season. Daily movement and yoga classes are offered. There is always something for everyone.

  • A blue water bottle with white star-like design, a rolled white towel, and a black fitness mat on a wooden workout bench, with gym equipment and rowing machines in the background.

    Break A Sweat

    Get your heart pumping in our gym, complete with meadow views, sunlight and beautiful design with our NOHRD equipment. Fitness. Designed. Because beauty that surrounds us can help improve the way we feel.

  • A sports-themed room with wooden and dark blue walls, showing skis, tennis rackets, footballs, and snowshoes, along with baskets and shelves holding various items.

    Go Fly a Kite

    Or a frisbee, or a ball. Check out ouf Athletic Gear room for seasonal games and activities to take outside with you. Whether you want binoculars for bird watching, a kite for soaring, or snowshoes for our trails, this is the place to find it all.

  • A man mountain biking on a dirt trail through a green forest, wearing a black helmet, black t-shirt, knee pads, and sunglasses.

    Hit The Trails

    Whether you are an avid mountain biker, love to run in nature or just want to go for a walk and birdwatch, our trail system is the perfect place to explore, break a sweat and take in the beauty and simplicity of nature. 

local makers & experts workshops for retreat weekends

  • Star & Planet Gazing

    Embark on a cosmic experience under the stars with expert astronomy guide, Irene for an evening of star and planet gazing. Irene's insightful commentary will add depth to the stargazing, creating an enriching astronomical adventure where you will learn something new. *weather dependent

  • Empty room with wooden walls and ceiling, large arched window with view of a grassy field and trees, tiled floor, and stone fireplace with wood logs

    Shamanic Drumming with John

    As part of our Reset weekends, we introduce the practice of Shamanic Drumming, one of the oldest spiritual practices in the world, into your modern-day life as a powerful vehicle for personal transformation and consciousness expansion.

  • A person performing a handstand against a wall with colorful lighting effects and spotlights creating a starburst pattern on the floor.

    Ecstatic Dance Party

    As part of our Revive weekends, join us for an inspiring journey of self-discovery through ecstatic dance! Experience the transformative power of movement in a dynamic environment, where free-form dance fosters emotional release, creativity, and personal growth. Enhance your mental health, cultivate resilience, and connect with your inner self as you explore new ways of moving. Embrace spontaneity and let the dance floor be your canvas for self-expression. Join us and unlock your potential today!

  • A person wearing a hat and glasses is standing at a table with electronic music equipment, including a laptop and a mixer, in a room with curtains and a bright light source behind them.

    Nov. 29

    Blisswaves

    As part of our Reset weekends, immerse yourself in dreamy soundscapes designed for meditation, stress relief, relaxation and inner journeys and embark on a sonic retreat at Hemlock Neversink with Ambient Barn’s synthesizer sound bath.
    Join us for a night of synth-induced serenity. Unplug your worries and plug into inner peace-it’s the soundtrack to your blissed-out escape.

    Bring a pillow, a blanket, a friend and come prepared to elevate your senses and experience the power of expansive listening.

Our Activity Pillars

  • A hand holding a small bouquet of pink flowers and green leaves.

    Connect

    at the Goat Fields &
    Art Studio

    Connection is at the heart of human experience, and at Hemlock, we create an environment that fosters meaningful connections. Engage with fellow guests during classes, group activities, and in shared spaces. Forge new friendships, exchange stories, and learn from one another's journeys.

  • A watercolor illustration of a black teapot and a colorful cup filled with dark liquid, possibly tea or coffee.

    Heal

    at the Spa

    Healing is a fundamental aspect of wellness, addressing both physical and emotional needs. Therapeutic spa treatments, guided meditation classes and walks through ancient woods, separation from technology and laughing with fellow guests are just some of the simple ways that healing is approached at Hemlock Neversink.

  • Watercolor illustration of three potatoes with green leaves attached.

    Nourish

    at Bittersweet Restaurant

    Hemlock celebrates the art of mindful eating, offering culinary experiences that are delicious and also provide essential nutrients. We encourage you to foster a deeper connection between the food you consume and its impact on your well-being.

  • Close-up of a yellow tennis ball with white curved lines on a black background.

    Move

    at the Trails & Studios

    Embrace physical activity in ways that resonate with you. Participate in fitness classes, take part in guided nature walks, or engage in yoga sessions that promote flexibility and strength. Find joy in staying active.

  • Green illustrated spiral-embellished flower with three large blooms on a single stem.

    Grow

    at The Campus

    The one constant in life is change. And each of us grows at our own pace. Hemlock Neversink aims to be a home, not just for a single visit, but for different phases and needs of your life to explore.

Watercolor illustration of a goat and a cow standing on a rock, with grass and a small pond below. The cow holds a green plant in its mouth. 
Private Sessions

Elevate your wellness journey by booking private activity sessions.
Connect with our team at stay@hemlockneversink.com for more info.