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 ...
Set between the Catskills and the Shawangunk Ridge, Kerhonkson, NY is a low-key gateway to some of the Hudson Valley’s most dramatic landscapes. Here, glacial lakes meet ridge-line trails, and post-hike afternoons wind down with small-batch cider, tacos, or natural wine beneath the trees. Home to Minnewaska State Park Preserve – a 22,000-acre expanse of cliffs, forests, and panoramic viewpoints – Kerhonkson draws hikers, swimmers, and day-trippers with its blend of rugged terrain and relaxed hospitality. A six-mile hike might wrap with a sandwich and a cider flight, while a Friday night could mean craft cocktails at a roadside motel. Kerhonkson moves at its own pace – mornings on the ridge, evenings around the table, with plenty of space to breathe between. Read on for our full area guide, including where to hike, eat, and drink.
Saugerties sits where Esopus Creek meets the Hudson River, offering a quiet village atmosphere framed by water and woods. Known for its blend of historic charm and creative energy, the town’s walkable center is filled with vintage shops, boutiques, and cozy cafes set into old brick buildings. Just beyond the village, forested trails and tidal marshes open into riverside views and sculpture parks, creating a balance between small-town ease and outdoor adventure. Today, Saugerties quietly draws artists, makers, and independent businesses – a community that honors its past while shaping a thoughtful, design-minded identity. Read on for our guide to Saugerties, with recommendations on where to hike, eat, shop, and stay.
Ninety miles north of NYC, the Hudson River Valley town of Kingston, NY is situated at the base of the Catskill Mountains on the Rondout Creek. As the original capital city of New York, it’s loaded with history and incredible architecture — plus, a very vibrant art ...
Set along the banks of the Delaware River in Sullivan County, Callicoon blends river-town roots with a creative, slow-living spirit. Once a railroad and farming hub, the town has quietly evolved into one of the Western Catskills’ most inviting pockets — with vintage shops, natural wine bars, and farmers markets tucked between rolling hills and forested trails.
Hudson, NY is the perfect town for your maiden voyage upstate — in fact, it was ours! This once "sleepy town" now brands itself the "downtown of Upstate" with 200 independent establishments including antique and boutique shops, hotels, art galleries, restaurants and bars, mostly along Warren Street. Visually, this charming town is a treat, delighting visitors and aesthetes with its stunning and Wes Anderson-esque architecture. The restoration of some 300 historic buildings in two square miles makes it one of the historically richest, and most diverse architectural cities in New York State.
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.
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.
Cold Spring, NY is one of our favorite day trips from NYC. An hour on the MetroNorth puts visitors right in the heart of town and its scenic, walkable Main Street. Though it’s only about half a mile long, Cold Spring’s Main Street packs a punch, with boutiques and restaurants nearly packed in a row — made even more appealing by its surrounding mountain backdrop. The area is also home to some of the Hudson Valley’s most scenic hikes and cultural landmarks. The combination makes it an ideal day trip: spend the morning in nature, then relax with lunch, shopping, and cultural exploration in one of the region’s most charming river towns.
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 ...