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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.
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 ...
A Guide to Kerhonkson, NY
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.
A Guide to Saugerties, NY
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.
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TOURISTS Welcome: a Reimagined Motor-Lodge in North Adams, MA
Tucked between the Berkshires and the Hoosic River, TOURISTS Welcome is a 46-room riverside lodge that reimagines the classic American roadside motel through a design-forward lens. Inspired by 1960s motor lodges and the area’s industrial past, the low-slung buildings feature warm white oak cladding, contemporary interiors, and expansive windows that blur indoor and outdoor space. Rooms are spare but intentional, with custom-built furnishings, built-in benches, and woven textiles that nod to regional craft. Trails begin on site and meander into forested hills, while a saltwater pool, fire pits, and art sculptures add a layer of quiet luxury to this outdoorsy retreat.
Catskills Cloud House: a Modern Mountain Retreat in Phoenicia, NY
Tucked into the mountains of Phoenicia, NY, Catskills Cloud House is a serene, design-forward getaway with easy access from New York City — no car required. This renovated three-bedroom vacation rental is just minutes from Phoenicia Diner, Rail Explorers, and local trailheads, yet feels worlds away. With green amenities including an EV charger and eco heating/cooling system, the property offers a low-impact way to experience the Catskills in comfort and style.
The Graham & Co.: a Boutique Catskills Hotel in Phoenicia, NY
A modern take on the classic Catskills getaway, The Graham & Co is a 20-room boutique hotel nestled at the base of Hunter Mountain in the hamlet of Phoenicia. With a blend of vintage character and contemporary comfort, this laid-back retreat offers a nostalgic nod to the region’s heritage while delivering all the essentials for a stylish and simple escape.
Seminary Hill: a Boutique Hotel, Cidery + Restaurant in Callicoon, NY
Set in the heart of the Western Catskills, Seminary Hill is more than just a boutique hotel — it’s also a certified organic orchard, an eco-conscious cidery, and a tasting room perched atop one of Callicoon’s highest hills. Known for its MICHELIN Key–awarded hospitality and sweeping views of the Delaware River Valley, it's earned its rank as a destination unto itself.
The Henderson: a Moody-Maximalist Victorian Escape 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.
Two Good Cabins: a Private Lakefront Getaway in Roscoe, NY
Tucked along the tranquil shores of Lake Muskoday, Two Good Cabins offers a serene lakeside escape in the heart of the Catskills. A little more than two hours from NYC, the pair of cabins offers a natural balance between shared spaces and tucked-away rooms, creating a comfortable setup for families or groups who want time together without giving up a sense of privacy.
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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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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.
Winter in the Catskills: Cozy Mountaintop Rental in Livingston Manor, NY
Perched above the town of Livingston Manor in the Catskills, this cozy two-bedroom home is available as a furnished winter rental from January 1 to May 1, 2026. A perfect winter home base for anyone craving time Upstate, the house is well-suited for remote work, creative projects, or long winter weekends — featuring strong Wi-Fi, a dedicated office, wood-burning fireplace, hot tub, and home gym.
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 | $3,000/month for either two-month period (January 1–March 1 or March 1–May 1), or a discounted $2,750/month for renters committing to the full four months from January 1 through May 1, 2026
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, make use of the screen door on the front of the house and let the Catskills air breeze in. In chilly weather, the super-cozy living room is an …
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.