8 Best Upstate New York Getaways For All Types of Vacationers
Eastwind hotels lushna cabin, Lake Placid New York
These are not your grandmother’s Catskills, but the same concept remains– relax right in your back yard.
The 1939 New York World’s Fair, held in New York City, took the opportunity to promote upstate with the help of the Barlow Advertising Agency. The agency suggested that visitors take a tour of the Catskills on their way to and from the World’s Fair. Their catch phrase described the Catskills as the “Quaint ‘Land in the Sky’ where Rip Van Winkle used to hunt.” Generations of visitors have come upstate for its endless list of things to do. In fact, New York state has a history of being enjoyed as a summer destination since the early 1920s. With upstate’s renewed popularity, and many new hotel openings, finding the perfect vacation spot might seem daunting. Let our guide help you narrow it down.
EASTWIND
WINDHAM, 2 HOUR AND 40 MINUTE DRIVE FROM NYC.
LAKE PLACID, 5 HOUR DRIVE.
OLIVEREA VALLEY, 2 HOUR AND 40 MINUTE DRIVE.
Make summer memories around a bonfire! The mountains might be calling, but the idea of camping is not everyone’s cup of tea. If this applies to you, we highly recommend you try Eastwind’s version of being one with nature. Choose to stay in one of Eastwind’s famous Lushna cabins, or opt for a designer-curated room in the main lodge. Either way, you can still appreciate the open starry skies, make your own food above a fire, hike to waterfalls and swim in lakes.
Besides offering your typical camping activities, Eastwind takes it up a notch with stylish common spaces, private dinners, cocktail bar, and now a full-service restaurant at their Oliverea Valley location.
This camp-like experience includes time in a sauna, soaking in a tub, and the Lake Placid location even has a pool. Each location is unique and provides something special, but we favor Lake Placid. Lake Placid is a town that has two Olymptics under its belt and some of the best hiking trails in New York. Owners of Eastwind: Bjorn Boyer, Julija Stoliarova, and Dan Cipriani, each bring their own industry experience, making this vacation destination a place where everyone can just relax. A getaway with Eastwind is ideal for couples, families, and even your pets.
Eastwind Windham, 5099 Route 23
Eastwind Lake Placid, 6048 Sentinel Road
Eastwind Oliverea Valley (Big Indian), 212-220 McKenley Hollow Road
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
All Eastwind locations are known for their cocktails and small bites, but since they opened in Oliverea Valley, guests can enjoy a full-service restaurant—Dandelion. Dandelion honors the art of hunter-gathering and conscious farming, offering seasonal dishes that can help you widen your palate. With co-owner Dan Cipriani at the help, the experience is sure to be a pleasurable one. Dan Cipriani is a veteran restaurateur, known for his Brooklyn ventures—Sea Wolf, Gemelli, The Ledge, and JJ’s Hideaway. If you find yourself at the Windham location, we highly recommend the Ze Windham Wine Bar. The owner is extremely knowledgeable, and don’t forget to pair your wine with cheeses & charcuterie. Lake Placid’s not to be missed best breakfast spot is the breakfast club, etc.
Kenoza Hall Victorian style hotel, Kenoza Lake NY
KENOZA HALL
2 HOUR AND 16 MINUTE DRIVE FROM NYC.
Elevate your Catskill adventure! Among the many new Catskill retreats, this Foster Supply Hospitality destination aim to outshine them all. One of their newest Catskill escapes, Kenoza Hall, is in a class of its own. Here is where you can easily enjoy the lake life at a stylishly renovated Victorian home dating back to the early 1900s. Kenoza Hall’s well-thought-out property includes modern and private bungalows, a fine-dining restaurant, spa, pool, hot tub, lake and hiking paths. The entire 55-acre property allows for tranquility and relaxation.
Spa aficionados will especially appreciate Hemlock Spa, which offers Sebastian Kneipp body treatments, and a unique greenhouse meditation nook. Whether you are an indoor or outdoor type, there is always something to do or see.
The interior common spaces have plenty of room for book reading, board games, and they even have a full service bar. A dinner at Kenoza Hall is an elegant affair. Their fine-dining restaurant will take your experience through the roof. The Old World Continental cuisine includes classics like Oysters Rockefeller and Gnocchi Parisienne. Needless to say, Kenoza Hall will help you fall in love with spending time in the Catskills. This is the most ideal getaway for romantic couples and individuals looking to de-stress. For even more options, take a look at Foster Supply’s other retreats: The Debruce, The Arnold House, Nine River Road, and The North Branch Inn.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
While Kenoza Hall offers fine dining and specialty cocktails, for a more laid-back meal we recommend you head over to Livingston Manor, which is 23 minutes away. Livingston Manor has become a Catskill hotspot, and offers plenty of shopping and restaurants for all to enjoy. Grab breakfast at the Walk In, pizza at The Kaatskeller, and have fun at a local brewery, the Upward Brewing Company. For more cocktails, visit one of our favorite local haunts in Roscoe, Junction, which is 9 minutes from Livingston Manor.
Kenoza Hall, 5762 NY-52, Kenoza Lake
Urban Cowboy Lodge Alpine bath suite, Big Indian NY
URBAN COWBOY LODGE
2 HOUR AND 40 MINUTE DRIVE FROM NYC.
An Alpine Retreat Like No Other! No matter the weather the Urban Cowboy Lodge delivers a good time. This experience reminds us of a European vacation in the mountains. The 28-room hotel, spread out throughout their 68 acres property, is just 2.5 hours from New York City and is located in a remote wilderness area. This means you might actually have to unplug in order to relax.
This hotel helps guests comfortably immerse themselves into a world of nature. For a really top-notch experience, make sure to book the Alpine Bathing Suite for their deep soaking copper tub and mountain views. The rooms are spacious and feel like you stepped into a different time. They thought of everything – you will especially love the heated floor tiles.
Adventure seekers and social types will want to get out of their room and enjoy the amenities. Reserve your spot in their award-winning restaurant, have cocktails by a roaring fire, play pool in a well-stocked game room, or book time in the sauna. Make this lodge experience your own. With other properties in Tennessee and Colorado, owners Lyon Porter and Jersey Banks, know how to treat their guests. This getaway is ideal for couples, groups of friends, and foodies.
Urban Cowboy Lodge, 37 Alpine Rd, Big Indian
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Undoubtedly the area’s most famous spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner has to be the Phoenicia Diner. It is an 18 minute drive from the Cowboy Lodge and the food here is excellent. Our favorite dishes to order are the French Toast and the Corned Beef Skillet. There are plentiful options for food and drink at the Urban Cowboy Lodge as well. From Thursday to Monday their restaurant offers a seasonally-rotating, veg-forward menu by chef Jon Adair. From Tuesday to Wednesday you can enjoy a cocktail by the fire and a charcuterie board spread offered at the bar. We loved their winter chili. This hotel happens to be neighbors with Eastwind’s Oliverea Valley location. If you feel like you require a change of scenery, make a reservation at Dandelion. For even more options visit the town of Kingston.
Phoenicia Diner, 5681 NY-28, Phoenicia, NY
HOTEL KINSLEY
2 HOUR DRIVE FROM NYC.
Go get inspired! Scenic drives and covered bridges not your thing? Visit a historical city instead. Kingston is a well-known upstate hotspot and New York City dwellers feel at home here. It has everything you could want from an upstate getaway—history, culinary experiences, modern shops, and charming atmosphere. When in Kingston, you book a room at Hotel Kinsley.
Hotel Kinsley, Pearl Street lounge, Kingston NY.
This one-of-a-kind hotel escape has multiple historic buildings around town, with the main reception and restaurant building on 301 Wall Street. The historic Wall Street address used to be a bank, and guests can get a close-up view of a bank vault right at the reception desk.
Hotel Kinsley provides guests with elegant and spacious accommodations that include soaking tubs, built-in fireplaces, comfortable beds, and so much more. Picking the right room is tricky because they all offer something unique, but you will never be disappointed. Once you get settled in make sure to visit the hotel bar and restaurant. It is the place to be on any night of the week. Restaurateur Taavo Somer developed a seasonal menu of New American classics that everyone loves. We recommend you try the Black Sea Bass, Quinoa Ball and the Kinsley Martini. Brunch here is excellent as well. This hotel will inspire you and get your creative juices flowing. Come here with someone who appreciates art, great food and history.
Hotel Kinsley, 301 Wall St, Kingston
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Hotel Kinsley’s restaurant should be your first stop, but if you happen to be staying a while, we recommend one of Kingston’s newest restaurants, Chleo. While they describe themselves as a wine bar, their shareable food menu is out-of-this-world. Behind this new upstate culinary spot is Hope Troup Mathews and Charles Mathews, both have years of experience in the restaurant industry. You might know them from the Westchester restaurant Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Chleo is a place where wine lovers, and both veggie and meat eaters, can thrive. This is the kind of place you come to with friends and linger over delicious plates of food and many glasses of wine. Try the Cultured Butter, Hakurei Turnips, and Grilled Half Chicken.
Chleo, 288 Fair St, Kingston, NY
Photo courtesy of heameliahudson.com.
THE AMELIA
2 HOUR AND 30 MINUTE DRIVE FROM NYC.
If you enjoy luxury retreats, antique shopping, and art, Hudson is the place for you. The architecture in Hudson alone is worth your visit. While a lot of people who visit Hudson stay at The Maker Hotel we decided to give The Amelia a try, and enjoy dinner at The Maker instead.
A stay at The Amelia feels personal and private. The hotel is just a two minute walk from all the shopping and restaurants in town. Our favorite shops to visit here are The Quiet Botanist and The Antique Warehouse.
The Amelia made our stay extremely comfortable, with lots of common areas to relax in, and a fully-stocked pantry with healthy snacks like granola. There is a heated pool, a library, an outdoor fire pit, and quiet neighbors. The hotel hosts musical events and readings. If you appreciate being surrounded by creative types, you will enjoy a lovely weekend here.
The Amelia, 339 Allen St, Hudson
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
A visit to Hudson would not be complete without dinner and a cocktail at The Maker Hotel. The Maker is an inspiring lifestyle brand and everything they do turns out to be perfection. The Maker Hotel’s restaurant is a stunning feast for the eyes, and the menu is even better. Chef Alex Napolitano pays tribute to Italian food using his own flair and interesting plating. Afterwards make sure to stop at the bar and lounge for cocktails.
The Maker Hotel, 302 Warren St, Hudson, NY
MIRBEAU HOTEL & SPA
RHINEBECK, 2 HOUR & 12 MINUTE DRIVE FROM NYC.
An elegant European-style escape! Mirbeau has four upstate locations, and while we have personally only tried their newest location in Rhinebeck, we have no doubt they are all equally excellent. Mirbeau is known for invoking the energy and style of Parisian hotels and spas—there is nothing else like it in New York. The Mirbeau Inn and spa is located right in the town of Rhinebeck, known for its hiking trails, shops, and celebrity sightings. When it comes to staying at this chateau-style hotel, you will find that they have thought of everything. All rooms come with a fireplace, soaking tub, seating area, a eucalyptus shower mist and sound machine. Make sure to book a room with a garden view and you will never be more relaxed. The hotel spa oozes elegance and has one of the best meditation rooms we have seen in a while. The day spa offers plenty of seating for relaxation, a sauna in the locker room, and best of all – a heated outdoor pool. Mirbeau’s other locations are in Skaneateles, Plymouth and Albany. A Mirbeau getaway is ideal for couples, mother and daughter bonding, and groups celebrating a special event.
Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck, 46 W Market St, Rhinebeck, NY
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Enjoy dinner or a cocktail at Mirbeau’s spacious restaurant, Willow. The restaurant offers an American cuisine featuring local and seasonal produce from multi-generational farms, emergent food artisans, and craft distillers. For something sweet visit Samuel’s Sweet Shop. This Rhinebeck coffee bar and sweet shop sells baked goods, candy, chocolates, gifts, and the sweetest part of all, it is co-owned by actors Paul Rudd and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
Photo courtesy of theroxburyexperience.com.
THE ROXBURY EXPERIENCE
3 HOUR DRIVE FROM NYC
Step into your fantasy! Roxbury is a small but historical hamlet. Naturalist-essayist John Burroughs lived here. Unquestionably the most stand-out property has to be Straton Falls at The Roxbury. The Roxbury Experience lives up to its name. It is a feast for the eyes with plenty of artistry, history, relaxation, and inspiration. First, you should know The Roxbury has two locations. The original motel location is right in the downtown area of Roxbury and has its own spa, Stratton Falls is two miles away and is known for its impressive property, with a pool and a waterfall.
The Brothers’ Stratton themed room pays tribute to two brothers who fought in the Revolutionary War.
At Stratton Falls you can book a room in the mansion house or choose one of their themed tower cottages. In case you are worried about missing out, The Roxbury Experience allows you to enjoy both properties. We made sure to book some time at both spas and were not disappointed.
One cannot talk about The Roxbury Experience without mentioning the interiors. The owners, Gregory Henderson and Joseph Massa, are ex-theatre people and it shows. Each room and cottage has its own theme and flair depicting a fantasy. All you have to do is choose your experience. Needless to say, this is no ordinary hotel. You simply have to see it for yourself. Bring your partner, or come with a group, there is enough room for everyone.
The Roxbury at Stratton Falls, 48 Co Rd 41, Roxbury, NY
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
The Fierce Grizzly is the town’s favorite local shop and bistro. It is right in the town of Roxbury and is housed in a former tin shop owned by a railroad magnate Jay Gould. The inviting lunch and dinner bistro is a nice place to stop in and have a bite to eat. We enjoyed bagels and lox here, and flipped through some of their stylish table books. At night it turns to a cozy and romantic restaurant with options like NY Strip Steak and Baked Halibut. They have an excellent wine selection as well.
The Fierce Grizzly, 53530 NY-30, Roxbury
RESORTS WORLD CATSKILLS
2 HOUR DRIVE FROM NYC.
Visiting the Catskills is not always a rustic affair. When it comes to having it all, Resorts World Catskills aims to please. This Catskills resort sits on a beautiful property in nature, and there is plenty of fun to be had on the inside. This is a Vegas-style casino with 150 live table games and 1,600 slot machines. They even have private poker rooms and a concert venue. If your partner prefers table games, but you prefer relaxation the resort provides guests with a full-service spa and two pools. Crystal Life Spa is truly an oasis away from the busy casino floor.
Crystal Life Spa opening, Monticello NY.
The spa floor includes VIP-suites with private plunge pools and spacious accommodations. Crystal Life Spa is known for their cruise ship grandeur and this is the first one on land. If you appreciate spacious rooms, comfortable beds, sit-down vanities, spa treatments, an excellent steak, and fun on the casino floor, this is the place for you.
Resorts World Catskills, 888 Resorts World Dr, Monticello, NY
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Resorts World Catskills has many food and drink options, with the most prestigious being Cellaio by Celebrity Chef Scott Conant. The restaurant is known for their Black Angus beef, dry-aged for 21-28 days and a bountiful raw bar selection. Foodies will want to take a mini road-trip adventure and visit Mountaindale (just 20 minutes away). This quaint town has the best fermented and “wild crafted” sourdough pizza at The Dale, also known for their meatballs and cocktails. For even more options head to High Voltage, they have an outdoor bar situated in nature, next to a tranquil creek.
This story also appears in Hobnob Magazine.
