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5 Easy Day Trips from NYC – No Car Required
As autumn settles over the Hudson Valley, it’s the perfect season to trade city streets for river views, crisp air, and a quiet cafe Upstate. Whether it’s a first foray north of the city or a return to a familiar haunt, these five destinations offer an easy escape — all reachable by train, no car required. From design-minded getaways in Cold Spring and Beacon to the storied charm of Sleepy Hollow, this guide highlights five effortless day trips from NYC.
The Best Catskills Cabins for a Peaceful Upstate Escape
Tucked into the mountains of Upstate New York, the Catskills are home to some of the region’s most compelling cabin stays. These retreats — from lakefront cottages in Roscoe to timber-clad chalets in Big Indian and minimalist hideaways near Saugerties — pair considered design with close proximity to nature. Set within a few hours’ drive of New York City, the best Catskills cabins offer quiet settings, access to hiking trails and rivers, and the character of nearby small towns. Each one is designed for unhurried days and a deeper connection to the landscape.
Tarrytown + Sleepy Hollow, NY
Tarrytown and neighboring Sleepy Hollow make for one of the Hudson Valley’s most accessible escapes — just a 40-minute Metro-North ride from Grand Central. The villages sit side by side on the river, tied together by their literary history as the home of Washington Irving and his iconic Legend of Sleepy Hollow.Each October, the area transforms into one of New York’s most spirited destinations, with haunted hayrides, lantern-lit cemetery tours, pumpkin displays, and festivals that draw visitors from all over. Outside the fall season, Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow remain year-round draws with historic estates, Hudson River views, and a growing restaurant scene.
Pet-Friendly Getaways in the Catskills + Hudson Valley
Traveling Upstate is better with four-legged companions — and while plenty of hotels and rentals allow pets, a few truly stand out. From places that never charge a fee (like Two Good Cabins or Audrey’s Farmhouse) to hotels that go the extra mile with treats, bowls, or even custom bandanas (Scribner’s Lodge, Hotel Kinsley, The Arnold House), these spots actively welcome pets as part of the stay. We’ve rounded up our favorite dog-friendly getaways across the Catskills and Hudson Valley — from boutique hotels and country inns to lakeside cabins — each pairing strong design with thoughtful hospitality. Whether it’s a hike, a swim, or simply lounging fireside, these stays make it easy to bring pets along for the adventure. Scribner's Lodge in Hunter, NY Photo: Magrino PR Scribner’s Lodge is a year-round Catskills escape, set on 20 acres at the base of Hunter Mountain. Guest rooms and suites are designed with mountain views in mind, while Prospect — the on-site restaurant and bar — draws both guests and locals for seasonal cocktails and fireside dinners. Dogs are welcomed through the Pupstater Program, which includes toys, treats, a custom bandana, and bowls set out for their stay. With Hunter Mountain trails just steps away and plenty of outdoor space, it’s an easy place to enjoy the Catskills with pets in tow. Location: 125 Miles from NYC in Hunter, NY Perk: Guests can spend the entire weekend on the 20-acre property without having to leave for food or entertainment. Its on-site restaurant, Prospect, is fantastic for dinners or cocktails, and breakfast is included in the price of your room. Pet Policy: The Pupstater Program is a $100 nightly non-refundable fee for up to two dogs. Any additional dogs will incur an additional $50 nightly fee. Audrey's Farmhouse in Wallkill, NY Photo: Winnie Au Nestled in historic charm, Audrey's Farmhouse is equal parts rustic elegance with modern luxury. Both their Old Mill and Greenhouses locations pet-fee-free. Open year-round, owners Sally and Doug welcome your furry companions as cherished family members. Known for their impeccable service, they provide a bowl and treat at check-in and can arrange pet-sitting. For any extra doggie essentials such as bowls, waste bags, pup towels, or treats, simply reach out to Guest Services and they ensure these items are placed in your rooms for your convenience. Location: 85 Miles from NYC in Wallkill, NY Of note: Novice hikers, including those with pets, will delight in the brief journey to Awosting Falls: a 60-foot waterfall cascading into a pristine, expansive pool that transforms into a gentle stream. The trek to the falls is a pet-friendly, easy 40-minute round trip from the parking lot, featuring a predominantly flat carriage road. Pet Policy: Bring em if you got em! There is a maximum of two dogs per room; please ensure pets are updated on vaccinations and ...
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The Best Catskills Cabins for a Peaceful Upstate Escape
Tucked into the mountains of Upstate New York, the Catskills are home to some of the region’s most compelling cabin stays. These retreats — from lakefront cottages in Roscoe to timber-clad chalets in Big Indian and minimalist hideaways near Saugerties — pair considered design with close proximity to nature. Set within a few hours’ drive of New York City, the best Catskills cabins offer quiet settings, access to hiking trails and rivers, and the character of nearby small towns. Each one is designed for unhurried days and a deeper connection to the landscape.
The Henderson in Hankins, NY
Victorian grandeur meets Catskills charm at The Henderson in Hankins, NY. 120 miles from NYC, guests are greeted by the soothing sounds of Hankins Creek below the home, plus architectural details of a bygone era. This grand Victorian home was a boutique hotel in the 1860s, and now offered as a unique escape from the city, with a custom stone hot tub, outdoor kitchen and shower, fireplace and more.
Old Quarry House in Catskill, NY
In the woods of Catskill, NY, Old Quarry House offers a unique retreat with a private swimming hole, dual outdoor fire pits and one cozy indoor fireplace. This modern home features oversize windows and glass doors throughout for a sun-drenched getaway — perfect for chilly seasons when brisk weather keeps you indoors.During summer, enjoy the home’s private swimming hole on Kaaterskill Creek: pack a bag and head down to the water, enjoying meals at the designated picnic area with table, grill and bonfire — or to the swimming area, with flat rocks that seem to float above the surrounding water.
Upstate NY’s ‘Severance’ Filming Locations
Here at Escape Brooklyn, we’re pretty big 'Severance' fans. As lovers of suspense and beautiful cinematography – plus half our team being based in Kingston, NY – our enthusiasm for Severance comes as no surprise. We've compiled a selection of notable locations featured throughout both seasons. And with summer approaching, true to Escape Brooklyn form, we're also highlighting some favorite spots for lodging, dining, shopping, hiking, and more to assist with planning a Severance-inspired getaway.
Wellness & Spa Getaways in Upstate NY
A collection of our favorite getaways with saunas, hot tubs, and heated pools that help you shake the winter chills. Scattered throughout the region, this list dives deep into the Catskills, as far east as the New York/Connecticut border, and as far north as the Adirondack High Peaks.
A Guide to Barryville, NY
Nestled in the bucolic heart of the Catskills, North Branch, New York, is a small hamlet renowned for its picturesque landscapes and historic charm. With a population hovering around a few hundred, North Branch is characterized by its historic homes, perfectly patinated storefronts, rolling farmland, and the gentle flow of the East Branch of the Delaware River.Though the hamlet – yes, we said "hamlet" – is by definition tiny, North Branch is central to some of our other favorite towns, including Callicoon, Roscoe, and Livingston Manor – there's no lack of things to do or see in the area. (Unless of course, you want to do nothing, which is welcome here too.)
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10 Architect-Designed Getaways & Boutique Hotels in Upstate New York
New York-based design lovers don’t need to look far for inspiration beyond the city: in recent years, the Catskills, Hudson Valley, and Berkshires have become home to some of the most architecturally striking getaways in the Northeast.From minimalist cabins to reimagined industrial landmarks, these properties combine thoughtful design with unforgettable settings; you'll find each of them on Escape Club, our lodging directory/web app that specializes in memorable, design-forward hospitality.
An Abandoned Cider Mill Gets a New Life. Before & After: North Branch Cider Mill in North Branch, NY
A husband and wife team – serial renovators and home builders – take on their biggest project yet: an abandoned cider mill."A charming, historic, mess." That's how Tom Roberts describes the condition – and the irresitable allure – of the North Branch Cider Mill when he and his wife Anna Åberg were passed the torch in late 2022. “It wasn’t for sale, but it wasn’t in use. So we pestered the owner for 18 months until he sold it to us.”Fast forward to nearly a year since its re-opening in November 2023: an incredible amount of work has been done, made possible by the colossal vision and talent from their parent company/design studio, Homestedt. Its charming and historic parts remain, but this diamond in the rough has been polished back to its original glory.Below, Escape Brooklyn interviews the design-savvy duo who share stories from the renovation, plus give us the scoop on future plans at the North Branch Cider Mill.
Love Lamb: Cruelty-Free Sheepskins Made by Hand in Delaware County, NY
Visit an upstate home, and odds are you’ll see a sheepskin elegantly draped over a chair or bench. They’re everywhere, and for good reason: warm, soft, and organic, they’re an easy final touch for the Upstate hygge vibe we all covet.
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Fern Hollow in Stone Ridge, NY
Perched high above the Muddy Kill Creek in Stone Ridge, Fern Hollow is a newly built home that combines mid-century modern inspiration with reclaimed details and artisanal design. The result is a modern treehouse that feels both elevated and approachable, with dramatic glass walls overlooking the creek as it winds through the wooded landscape. Thoughtful craftsmanship, from vintage terrazzo floors to custom cabinetry repurposed from a 1960s library, infuses warmth and character throughout.
Fall ’25 to Spring ’26 Rental at Mountaintop Cottage in Livingston Manor, NY
Perched above the town of Livingston Manor in the Catskills, this cozy 2-bedroom home will be available as a furnished rental from November 1, 2025 through May 1 or 31, 2026. A perfect landing pad for anyone considering a longer stay Upstate, the home is well-suited for remote work, creative projects, or a quiet winter reset — with strong WiFi, a home office, fireplace, hot tub, and gym. Preference will be given to full-term renters at a discounted rate of $2,800/month, though the term may also be split into two seasonal stays — November through January and February through May — at $3,200/month.
2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home | 1,700 square feet | Outdoor shower | Stone fireplace & 2 outdoor fire pits | Home office with large desk and printer | Cell service & strong WiFi | Hot tub | Back deck with table for six and BBQ | Stone patio with lounge set and garden | Gravel firepit area with benches | Fully equipped kitchen new dishwasher, new electric stove, Breville Nespresso machine | Freshly renovated bathroom in 2024 | Washer/dryer | Detached garage with home gym | Flexible dates and pricing available | All utilities included except for hot tub cleaning services, roughly $100/month (opt-out of hot tub available)
For more information or inquiries, contact shandeleemountaincottage@gmail.com.
This mountaintop home has been optimized for relaxation and work from home ease. The main floor has two bedrooms, one of which is currently being used as a home office. An additional bedroom is upstairs in the finished attic space with vaulted ceilings, great for kids or visiting friends. The plant-filled house gets plentiful natural light throughout winter, especially during the morning when the direct sun hits the couch (perfect for cozy morning fires) and afternoons at the dining table (a great WFH spot.) The house is pet friendly, but suited best for medium and small animals.
Inside the home office is a sliding door leading to a private deck with a hot tub and grill, overlooking a fenced-in garden – one of three at the house – which grows specialty flowers including sunflowers, poppies, and dahlias; plus herbs and vegetables. During harvest season, pull from the garden for an array of lettuces and tomatoes for fresh salads. On the side of the house, a beautiful outdoor shower is perfect for rinsing off after a hike. Year-round, a hot tub located just steps from the back door is a quick escape and perfect spot for stargazing.
The property sits atop a mountain with a stunning view a field where hay was once grown and harvested. Today, the deck overlooks the field, where you’ll spot neighboring horses and cows graze their days away in the distance, along with lots of wild rabbits, deer, turkeys, and other wildlife. (Keep an eye out for bald eagles, too!) A stone fire pit area was installed in 2024, perfect for days outdoors. Firewood will be provided.
On a warm day, …
The Smithwood House in Bethel, NY
The Smithwood House is a newly built, one-of-a-kind modern home set in a wooded landscape, designed with a striking architectural profile and a sense of refined detail. Clean lines, soaring windows, and thoughtful accents come together in a layout that feels both bold and livable. Inside, every element has been carefully considered, from custom built-ins to sleek appliances, creating a home that balances contemporary form with everyday comfort.
PerryWood in Bethel, NY
Set on five wooded acres with views over Hunter Lake, PerryWood offers a private retreat framed by forest and water. The double A-frame rises through the trees, its walls of glass and vaulted ceilings bringing the surrounding landscape fully into the home. Light shifts across the wood-clad interiors, while decks and pathways extend living spaces into the treeline, creating a sense of calm and continuity between indoors and out.
The Catskill Overlook in Saugerties, NY
Set at the end of a long private drive, The Catskill Overlook rises on steel and concrete pillars, its glass-and-concrete form elevated above 13.4 wooded acres. Walls of glass frame mountain ridges, while soaring ceilings with exposed beams and polished concrete floors create interiors that feel both sculptural and serene — a home defined as much by its architecture as by its natural surroundings.
Camp Woodridge in Lake Placid, NY
Camp Woodridge stretches along the westerly shore of Lake Placid, tucked beneath Loch Bonnie Mountain. Framed by mature trees, the property opens onto private lake frontage with sweeping views of the Adirondack High Peaks. A wood-clad main cabin and a newly built guest cabin anchor the grounds, together offering three bedrooms and three bathrooms that balance shared gathering space with private corners for retreat. The lake and mountains form a quiet, ever-present backdrop, and the setting feels both intimate and expansive, offering a sense of retreat without ever losing sight of the surrounding natural beauty.