About Us

Simpler Times has been a family owned business for over fifty years. My name is Ethan Bernstein, my wife Shane and I bought Simpler Times from my parents, who bought it from my grandparents. We are located in the heart of the Catskill Mountains where I grew up and have spent my entire life hiking, hunting, and fishing. The only exception was of 5 years where I left home to serve my country.

My father and his father before him, were both environmental conservation officers. I have fond childhood memories of my grandfather teaching me how to tie flies and helping me to create my own as white as I could make them so I could stay out fishing until the summer moon would rise.

As previously mentioned, we are a family run business. So, our primary focus is on family and the bond that nothing else but family has. There are plenty of opportunities in Phoenicia to make memories, whether you're enjoying the outdoors, or getting everyone together for a trip down the river. We have guests who grew up visiting Simpler Times who now bring their own children to give them the family experience that makes staying in the Catskills so unique.

My wife, Shane, is a nurse and ensures that each and every one of our cabins is clean and safe for all of our guest. We both enjoy getting to meet everyone choosing to stay with us for the first time. As well as looking forward to those whose family traditions bring them back year after year.

In closing, we thank you for visiting our website, and whether you choose to stay with us or another hospitality in our area, we hope you enjoy the Catskill mountain area as much as we do. There truly is nothing greater than spending time with family and friends in the great outdoors.

Again we thank you for considering Simpler Times,

Ethan and Shane Bernstein