Activities on Campus

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.

Mosaic Workshop

Discover the colorful world of mosaic art in our Mosaic Coaster Making class! Mosaic art is a versatile and rewarding craft, and in this class, you’ll create beautiful and functional coasters to adorn your home. Learn the essential techniques for designing, cutting and arranging mosaic pieces to bring your unique coaster to life. This class is perfect for beginners and those looking to expand their creative horizons.

Bee Check and Buzz About

The Bee Check offers you a chance to follow along for a hive inspection with expert beekeeper Bill. Stick around for his Buzz About Q&A for those interested about anything Bees.

Dates: Jun 22 | Jul 6 | Jul 20 | Aug 3 | Aug 17 | Aug 31 | Sep 14 | Sep 28 | Oct 12 | Oct 26 | Nov 9 | Nov 30 | Dec 7 | Dec 28 |

Note: On Nov 30th we will be winterizing our hive during this time. Help us put these busy bodies to rest for the winter.

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.

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!  

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.

Portrait, In Pairs

Discover the art of portraiture in this fun and interactive workshop designed for pairs. Whether you are attending with a friend, partner, or family member, you will take turns observing and creating portraits of each other using your choice from a variety of expressive studio media, including pastels, acrylics, and pencils.

Like all of our Activities classes, all skill levels are welcome from just starting to experienced. Only requirement is that you have fun and enjoy the journey.

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.

Honey & Tea Tastingwith 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 4 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: July 5 | Aug 2 | Sep 6 | Oct 18 | Nov 2 | Dec 6

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..

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!

Wind Chime Workshop

Windchimes are known to create a serene environment and can aid in meditation and relaxation. Some believe that the sound vibrations of wind chimes have healing effects, promoting the release of negative energy and the creation of positive energy.  Join us to make a custom set of wind chimes using a variety of materials such as wood, glass, stone, metal, shells, and other natural materials to channel your inner spirit and to bring a little bit of Hemlock serenity home with you!

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.

Mandala Collage

Join us for a hands-on craft workshop where you'll create your own vibrant mandala collage—a unique fusion of meditative design and expressive mixed media.

In this session, participants will learn about the symbolic meaning of mandalas and how they can be used as a tool for self-reflection and relaxation. Using a variety of materials such as magazines, colored papers, fabric scraps, natural elements, and embellishments, you'll craft a personal mandala that expresses your inner world."

Terrarium Workshop

During this fun workshop, we will guide you through building a terrarium, from selecting plants and arranging them aesthetically to understanding the delicate balance of light and moisture. Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or a complete beginner, this workshop offers a fun blend of education and enjoyment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Shamanic Drumming Circle 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.

Natural Dye Workshop with Maegan Nuebeck

As part of our Revive weekends, join the incredibly talented and inspirational Maegan Neubeck for a creative and eco-friendly journey as we explore the magic of transforming these natural materials into sustainable dyes. Whether you're an experienced crafter or new to the world of natural dyes, this workshop is an opportunity to create art while connecting with nature.

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!

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.

Breath & Nervous System Regulation for Sleep

As part of our Reset weekends, if you're looking for a good night's sleep, this session is for you.

Part informative, part exploration, you'll learn research supported best practices for building good sleep habits and experience gentle breathwork and restorative exercises to help your mind and body drop into the present moment, downregulate and prepare for rest.

Not only will you improve the quality of your sleep that evening, but you'll walk away with actionable tips & techniques to ensure that you improve your sleep after your stay is complete.