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A Guide to Rhinebeck, NY
One of the earliest Upstate enclaves for New Yorkers, Rhinebeck has long been defined by its well-kept homes, deep-pocketed residents, and a village center that feels more like a movie set than a small town. With roots that go back centuries — and architecture to match — it’s a place where old money meets manicured charm, anchored by antique shops, legacy restaurants, and the slow rhythm of tradition. But in recent years, a quiet shift has begun. The arrival of Little Goat, an all-day café and bakery from Taavo Somer, has drawn a younger, design-conscious crowd to town. New shops like Upstate Down and Westerlind reflect a similar sensibility—polished, outdoorsy, and carefully curated. Soho House is also opening nearby, signaling a new wave of attention from the hospitality world. While Rhinebeck still holds tightly to its traditions, there’s a growing sense of reinvention — subtle, refined, and distinctly upmarket—folding into the village’s storied framework. ind all our Rhinebeck, NY recommendations below, including what to do in Rhinebeck, the best nearby hiking, plus eating, drinking and shopping favorites.
10 of Upstate’s Best Hotels with Pools
Does the current heat wave have you dreaming of dunking yourself in a pool? With a heat index of 100º this week in the city, it seemed like an appropriate time to drop this list of some favorite Upstate hotels with pools a few hours away. Just in case anyone’s looking for a little relief. Not only do these hotels have refreshing pools with beautiful Upstate views – they also include features like poolside bars, cold plunges, and saunas. (Also worth mentioning: it’s generally ~10º cooler in the Catskills than NYC.) Spend the rest of summer indulging in pool days and bonfire evenings in the mountains! These ten Upstate hotels with pools are the definition of Upstate oasis. Inness in Accord, NY Photo: Adrian Gaut The perfect blend of modern meets rustic is what you'll find at Inness, a sophisticated 28 cabin and 12 room farmhouse. Its campus includes a restaurant, store and reimagined golf course, located in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Open to hotel guests and Inness members, the two saltwater pools are the perfect place to spend long, warm days that sometimes stretch into fall. The large pool near the Events Barn, with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a seasonal pool bar, provides ample space for gatherings with family and friends. Stone walls and wooden fences merge with the natural landscape–so you can admire the far reaching views while relaxing in the water. Of note: Start your day by booking a tee-time at the incredible inland-links style golf course on the grounds. Inness also has tennis courts for those who prefer a quicker game before they spend the rest of their day floating in the pool. Camptown in Leeds, NY Photo: Lawrence Braun From the owners of Rivertown Lodge in Hudson comes Camptown, a throwback to the bungalow culture of Catskills yesteryear. With over 26 cabins and 24 hotel rooms, you can bet on funs vibes around the pool which includes waterbed cabanas, loungers and adult swim hours for those much needed moments away from the kiddos. It's a natural place to spend your days. A true upstate swim oasis. Don't forget dinner at the James Beard Award nominee Casa Susanna, an upscale take on Mexican cuisine or drinks and ceviche at pool bar Piscina. Of note: Camptown's outside campus also includes a sauna, pool bar, and restaurant. Check out their great list of Things To Do, including a nearby drive-in movie theater, plus loads of arts and outdoor attractions. Scribner's Lodge in Hunter, NY Photo: Moriah Wolfe Swimming with killer views of Hunter Mountain is beyond epic at the Scribner's Lodge pool which features full size pool beds for lounging, umbrellas and DJs spinning summer tunes on the weekends. The pool is open seasonally to hotel guests and Scribner's Social Club ...
Spectacular Stays on The Water
There’s no better time to enjoy Upstate New York’s rivers, lakes, and swimming holes than right now. With long days, cool creeks, and high summer in full swing, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite getaways on the water — from design-forward cabins with private swimming holes to boutique hotels near rushing waterfalls.Whether it’s a quiet dip in the morning or an evening around the fire after a swim, each of these spots offers a perfect way to beat the heat — and make the most of summer’s sweetest weeks. Salvato Mill in Salt Point, NY Photos: Salvato Mill Two hours north of NYC in Salt Point, NY, the charming and ultra-unique Salvato Mill is an 18th century mill reimagined as an idyllic escape. Inside, the mansion is filled with a mix of antiques and mid-century modern furniture and decor. With a large living room centered around a fireplace that flows into a dining room with a 10-person table, the living areas are perfect for entertaining. Outside, there is a multi-level patio with a dining table and stainless steel glass grill, perfect for late summer evenings. The building features classic touches from its days as a functioning mill, including a waterfall that flows through the building and into the creek below. In addition to exploring the 11-acre property, relaxing on the patio, or gathering in the stone courtyard, guests can also enjoy the creek through the summer. This Design Forward Home Features The Most Surreal Outdoor Space Salvato Mill has an expansive history – its use as a gristmill and sawmill dates to the 1750’s. After stints as a cotton mill, cider mill, and even a button factory, the original mill burned down; its remains are still present, creating a surreal outdoor space where guests can dine and enjoy cocktails to the sound of rushing water Two Good Cabins in Roscoe, NY Photos: Clay Banks These Two Good Cabins, located on the peaceful, non-motorized Lake Muskoday, serve as the ideal getaway for those looking to live out their lakeside dreams. The cabins—one a spacious chalet, one a quaint guesthouse—are connected by a large wraparound deck, making it easy to move around the property. The deck also features an outdoor dining and grilling area that looks out onto the lake, with enough space for guests in both cabins to enjoy a shared meal outside. Guest perks include a pontoon boat, stand-up paddle boards, and kayaks, and the non-motorized lake is perfect for a relaxing swim (or float). For those looking to enjoy the lake views without getting in the water, the grounds have plenty of space for lawn games, relaxing around the fire, or lounging on the dock. Two Good Cabins: The Great Indoors The living room in the main cabin, which ...
10+ Red Cottage Vacation Rentals We’re Eyeing for Summer 2025
Summer’s around the corner — and with Memorial Day just ahead, we’re officially in vacation-planning mode. Whether that means long weekends in the mountains, lazy days by the pool, or finding the perfect town to wander for a few days, we’re always on the lookout for special places to stay. This season, we’re teaming up with Red Cottage — a premier platform for thoughtfully curated vacation rentals and property management across the Northeast. With a portfolio that spans the Catskills, Hudson Valley, Berkshires, Poconos, and Long Island, Red Cottage has earned a reputation for exceptional homes that blend style, setting, and comfort in all the right ways. From modern cabins with fire pits to riverfront homes and coastal bungalows, we’ve handpicked 10+ standout properties — plus a little insider intel to help make the most of each one. Upstate New York: Classic Catskills + Hudson Valley Getaways A mix of rugged trails, wooded privacy, and design-forward cabins defines this iconic part of the Northeast. Each of these five homes is perfect for a long weekend close to nature, with pools, firepits, and plenty of nearby adventure. Birch & Buck — Leeds, NY Tucked into the foothills of the Catskills, Birch & Buck's pool deck features expansive, panoramic views of the mountain range. Floating above 13 private acres with panoramic mountain views, Birch & Buck is a modern Catskills lodge with soft, elegant interiors and a showstopping deck built for golden hour. Inside, a glass-walled great room, chef’s kitchen, and four en-suite bedrooms set the tone for luxurious downtime. Outside, a heated pool, hammock grove, and firepit seating offer the kind of serenity rarely found this close to town. A Community for Artists: Spend the day exploring the thriving town of Catskill, where art spaces like Foreland and galleries like Gallery 495 draw visitors from across the region. The Rye House — Craryville, NY Just twenty minutes from the shops, bars, and restaurants of Hudson, The Rye House feels worlds away – a secluded, picturesque retreat with easy access to one of Upstate’s most vibrant towns. Sleek, private, and purpose-built for unplugging, The Rye House is a modern hillside escape designed for total immersion in nature — without leaving comfort behind. With a pool, built-in hot tub, and walls of glass framing panoramic views, this three-bedroom retreat invites guests to stock up on gourmet groceries, then settle in for a weekend of cooking, lounging, and doing absolutely nothing. 20 Minutes Away in Hudson, NY: Take a short morning drive to Hudson to pick up provisions (and coffee) at Talbott & Arding, followed by Grapefruit Wines for a bottle or two of natural wine. Then, spend the day snacking and drinking poolside. Harlem Valley Hideout — Wassaic, NY ...
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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.)
Audrey’s Farmhouse: Four Dreamy Upstate Wedding Venues + Boutique Hotels
The collection of Audrey's Farmhouse event venues is growing. Read on to meet four of these incredible properties.
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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.
From Mood-Board to Move-In: Customizable New Build Homes by Welcome
Looking to build a brand-new, personalized home? Based in Upstate and Westchester, New York, Welcome promises that homebuyers can go from mood-board to move-in with just a few clicks. Armed with a mood board and a color palette, we worked with Welcome’s designers to easily create an Escape Brooklyn-inspired dream escape — seen below — within Welcome’s Modern Cabin 3.
With many active build projects along the East Coast, Welcome has taken the homebuilding process entirely online, and has streamlined into just a handful of simple steps. Here’s how it works:
- Use their interactive map to choose your perfect plot of land. All plots have been analyzed by Welcome’s proprietary AI land-vetting technology, so you know they’re conducive to a build!
- Use their interactive digital design studio to design your home. For any given Welcome home, there are over 200,000 design combination options. No “cookie cutter” vibes, ever.
- Make an offer on the land and construction costs. This offer secures your home, as well as a builder. Once your offer is accepted, you sit back, relax (in a cabin somewhere, perhaps?), and let them handle everything else – from permitting, all the way through move-in day.
Whether you’re seeking a forever home, a weekend getaway, or an investment property, check out Welcome to see some of their active build projects in the Upstate and Westchester areas. To play around in the digital design studio as we did, head to welcomehomes.com/models — just proceed with caution, because it’s a little addictive.
For transparency, Escape Brooklyn is a real estate advertising service and may have been paid for this ad. We carefully curate potential paid advertisers; all features are hand-picked and thoughtfully considered.
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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Historic Farm Compound with Inn, Creamery & Storefront in Bovina Center, NY
Set in the heart of Bovina Center — a hamlet known for its agricultural history and quiet creative energy — this multi-structure compound spans more than 57 acres stretched over four parcels on both sides of Main Street. The offering includes a fully renovated five-bedroom inn, a two-bedroom carriage house, a historic storefront with commercial potential, and a restored dairy processing facility. The layout supports a range of uses, from hospitality and retail to food production or agri-tourism. Additional structures include original barns, dry storage buildings, and a new bridge over the Brush Brook that connects both sides of the property. With scale, infrastructure, and location, this is a flexible setup for a business-minded buyer or a team with a shared vision.
The Hudson Lookout in Catskill, NY
Perched on a high ridge above the Hudson River, The Hudson Lookout is a three-story tower that merges bold architectural form with a deep connection to its surroundings. Originally imagined as a sculptural “watchtower,” the three-story structure is oriented to frame long views in every direction – an approach that has earned features in Dwell, Wallpaper*, and Vogue for its bold vision and striking presence. With its minimal footprint and vertical form, the home offers a quiet but commanding presence in the landscape.
Hawthorn in Callicoon Center, NY
In the Catskills town of Callicoon Center, Hawthorn is an 1880s farmhouse that feels quietly modern – its historic bones preserved, its design grounded in a timeless, place-based aesthetic. The property stretches over rolling hills, framed by mature trees and open sky, offering a peaceful backdrop where nature and architecture coexist with ease.
1840s Greek Revival in Hillsdale, NY
Situated on a generous village lot in the historic hamlet of Hillsdale, this 2,834-square-foot Greek Revival blends mid-19th-century architecture with thoughtful, character-rich updates. Built circa 1848, the five-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home retains its stately presence with pilastered corners, gabled rooflines, and a full-width front porch framed by Doric columns. The home’s classic proportions and tall windows speak to its era, while inside, well-preserved details and warm, livable spaces offer timeless appeal.
The Lake House in Franklin, NY
Set above a 10-acre lake fed by seven natural springs in the northern Catskills, The Lake House is a historic cedar-shingled farmhouse sited on 275 acres of rolling land. With bucolic views and century-old charm, the home features a swimming dock and twin piers along the shoreline. The interiors center around open living and dining areas, with a window-lined sunroom flowing onto a spacious deck that takes full advantage of the southern light and water views.
Potter Mountain House in Gilboa, NY
Tucked into the northern Catskills, Potter Mountain House unfolds with a sense of arrival and quiet intention. Surrounded by 37 acres of wooded trails, meadows, and mountain views, the residence bridges past and present with uncommon clarity. What began as a nineteenth-century church has been reimagined as a refined country retreat — equal parts grounded and grand in its design.