Five great places to vacation in upstate New York for foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, and more.
It’s late-January which means I’m itching to get out of New York City and become one with nature—or at least, one with a good book and cozy fireplace. The good news is there are plenty of places to visit that are just a short car ride away for me in Upstate New York, which is exactly why my husband and I chose the Hudson Valley for a little “babymoon.”
Where to stay is always a challenge for the two of us; we are very different travelers. I’m happy with no service, a glass of red Sancerre, and a trashy novel, while my husband would prefer to be out and about, exploring his surroundings and finding the nearest brewery. If you’re like us and catering to a few traveler types, here are five upstate New York getaways to start inspiring your next retreat.
For the Foodie
You may have heard of The DeBruce: it was named one of the Best New Hotels in the World (yes, world) by Conde Nast Traveler. Overlooking the Willowemoc Valley, The DeBruce is best known for its unique dining experience led by Chef Aksel Theilkuhl. In-house guests are treated to breakfast and dinner complimentary with their stay, which includes a multi-course menu foraged from local farms and the surrounding grounds. It’s impossible to leave hungry. With only 14 guest rooms, it’s easy to see why it’s seen as one of the best hotels in the world—it truly feels otherworldly.
For the Spa Obsessed
Nestled in the adorable town of Rhinebeck, New York, the Mirbeau Inn & Spa is a new 50-room hotel that feels like you’ve stepped into your own French chateau. With expansive guest quarters and fireplaces in every room, you’ll feel relaxed here in no time. The spa offers more than 20 treatments, an aqua terrace (that you can enjoy even in winter), and a peaceful waiting area. There are a handful of restaurants in town that offer a taste of the Hudson Valley, like The Terrapin, situated in a converted church, and you won’t want to miss all the cute coffee shops along Market Street.
For the Outdoor Adventurer
Livingston Manor is a slice of paradise in the Catskills. If you are looking for a chance to unplug, be one with nature, and try something new, look no further. Livingston Manor Fly Fishing Club offers 4-5 public weekends where guests can cast their line and enjoy home-cooked meals and various lodgings including cottages, lofts, and tents (if that’s your thing). They offer seasonal programming with the goal of connecting you to the natural environment and one another. The grounds are five acres of blissful Catskills surroundings and 600 feet of private riverfront. If you aren’t able to make one of their public weekends, try a private getaway with your friends or see if your company might swing a little retreat.
For the Remote Traveler
If you’re looking to completely unplug, Eastwind Hotel & Bar in the small town of Windham fits the bill. While Eastwind is hardly roughing it, you can enjoy the great outdoors and beautiful views from the comfort of your accommodations, including A-frame cabins and private lodges. Start the day with a hike to the nearby waterfall and share a meal in the communal space by your cabin. There are plenty of local restaurants in the surrounding area (including famed Phoenicia Diner—a 40-minute drive, but worth every mile) and vintage shops galore when you’re looking for a little human contact.
For the Book Enthusiast
Troutbeck is a 250-acre estate hotel in the adorable town of Amenia, New York. The grounds have welcomed some very famous names in its day, including Mark Twain, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau, to name a few. This charming hotel was recently renovated and no detail was spared. There are countless rooms to explore including the library where you can cozy up with a good book in front of their wood-burning fireplace. The property is so big you literally need a map to get around, which makes exploring the grounds even more exciting. There are plenty of nooks and crannies in this hotel, whether you’re visiting in the dead of winter or enjoying the pool in the middle of summer.