Fall season in the Hudson Valley is something straight out of a dream, and when you combine that with a rustic cabin escape, the result is a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence. Recently, I had the pleasure of staying at the Tiny Rustic Cabin in Catskill, NY courtesy of Alluvion Vacations, as part of Hudson Valley Style Magazine’s Hudson Valley Living series. And let me tell you, this trip was as cozy and rejuvenating as it gets!
Master the Art of Rustic Charcuterie for Your Cozy Catskills Cabin Getaway – Cabin Life with Photographer Maxwell Alexander – LGBTQ+ Travel – Presented by Alluvion Vacations
For those of you thinking about your next fall getaway, this tiny cabin experience checks all the boxes for a peaceful yet luxurious escape. Between hiking through majestic Catskill Mountains and cozying up by the fire pit at the cabin, I took the opportunity to whip up a rustic charcuterie board. With the Catskills as your backdrop, a glass of sparkling rosé, and some locally sourced treats, life at the cabin couldn’t be better. Here’s how I crafted the most delicious board for a quintessential fall evening.
How to Build the Perfect Rustic Charcuterie Board
The beauty of a charcuterie board lies in its simplicity and versatility. You don’t need a culinary degree to pull this off—just some thoughtfully selected ingredients and a dash of creativity. Here's a peek into my charcuterie creation, perfect for cabin life:
- Cheese, Please
The star of any charcuterie board! For this one, I went with a local goat cheese rolled in herbs for an earthy, creamy flavor. I also added Roman cheese—a personal favorite for its firm texture and nutty undertones. It brings a perfect balance to the softer cheeses, adding a bit of complexity to the board. - Grapes for Sweetness
What’s a cheese board without a touch of sweetness? A generous cluster of grapes adds both texture and that burst of sugary delight that complements the cheeses perfectly. Plus, they add a natural pop of color that makes your board Instagram-ready. - Rustic Crackers with Herbs
The crackers are your vehicle to savor all that cheesy goodness. I opted for rustic crackers infused with herbs—thyme and rosemary—to keep the flavors warm and grounded, fitting the fall season and the cozy cabin setting. - Fig Jam
Add Fig Jam for a Lush Twist on Your Rustic Charcuterie Board. Its rich, honeyed flavor brings a deeper, more luxurious sweetness to the board, perfectly complementing both soft and firm cheeses. Plus, the smooth texture of the jam adds a lovely contrast to the crunch of the crackers. - A Sprig of Rosemary
No charcuterie board is complete without a sprig of rosemary on top. Not only does it elevate the visual appeal, but the aroma also infuses the board with that authentic rustic vibe. Every bite feels like a walk through an herb garden on a crisp fall day. - Wooden Board and Gold Utensils
For the ultimate “cabin-in-the-woods” feel, I used the wooden charcuterie board and gold utensils provided by Alluvion Vacations. There's something about using wooden serveware that adds to the down-to-earth charm and aesthetic of rustic cabin life.
Elevate the Experience
After assembling my board, I poured myself a glass of my favorite sparkling rosé, a beautifully crisp Rosé d'Madeleine. There's nothing like sipping on a sparkling wine while gazing out at the Catskills landscape, especially when it’s bathed in the sun’s golden glow. With each sip and bite, the experience felt truly luxurious yet completely natural.
Being surrounded by nature while enjoying this simple, yet elegant treat was one of the highlights of my cabin stay. The tranquility of the landscape mixed with the rich flavors of the charcuterie made for a perfect slow-living afternoon.
Catskill Mountains Cabin Life at its Best
If you’re planning a cozy fall retreat, making the most out of the simple things—like a homemade charcuterie board—can elevate the whole experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion (romantic couple getaway?) or simply indulging in some self-care (solo travel?), pairing your cabin stay with local flavors and thoughtful touches turns your weekend escape into something truly magical. And if for some reason (which I doubt) you'll get bored at the cabin, Catskill, NY Main Street is just minutes away. Or to discover even more fun restaurants and gay bars, venture to trendy city of Hudson, NY which also would be just a short drive away from your basecamp, should you choose to stay at my favorite tiny cabin in the Catskills.
For a perfect getaway in the heart of the Catskills, make sure to book a stay at the Tiny Rustic Cabin in Catskill, NY with Alluvion Vacations. Trust me, it's an experience you won’t forget!