ESCAPE BROOKLYN TRAVEL GUIDES & STORIESSEE ALL TRAVEL & USE OUR GETAWAY PLANNER
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.
Tarrytown + Sleepy Hollow, NY
Tarrytown and neighboring Sleepy Hollow make for one of the Hudson Valley’s most accessible escapes – less than an hour-long, scenic 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.
A Guide to Cold Spring, NY
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.
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.
ESCAPE CLUB GETAWAYSSEE MORE
The Moon Cabin: a Handcrafted Log Cabin in Windham, NY
Set on 2.5 secluded acres just minutes from Windham and Hunter Mountains, The Moon Cabin is a rustic-luxe log home surrounded by forest, hiking trails, and a private pond. Thoughtfully designed for reconnection and rest, the home features soaring ceilings, exposed beams, and wood-burning charm.
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 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.
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 Henderson: a Moody-Maximalist Victorian Escape in Hankins, NY
Victorian architecture meets modern design at The Henderson in Hankins, NY. 120 miles from NYC, this historic home was a boutique hotel in the 1860s, and is now offered as a unique escape in the Western Catskills.
Piaule: a Landscape Hotel + Spa Getaway in Catskill, NY
Located just outside Catskill, Piaule is a hotel and spa developed with Garrison Architects, defined by modern design and quiet luxury.
Rowley House: a Scandinavian Cabin with Sauna in Eldred, NY
A design-forward, three-bedroom cabin in the woods of the Delaware River Valley, Rowley House was fully renovated by SOON Architecture Studio and thoughtfully furnished with pieces from local makers and boutique shops. Set across three levels, the home blends minimalist Scandinavian style with cozy, lived-in charm — and includes a private sauna, gym, and expansive outdoor deck.
DESIGN & BLOGSEE MORE
The Graham & Co. in Phoenicia, NY
This modern motel is take on a classic Catskills getaway. With a blend of vintage character and contemporary comfort, the laid-back Graham & Co. offers a nostalgic nod to the region’s heritage while delivering all the essentials for a stylish and simple escape.
Moon Cabin in Windham, NY
Near both Windham and Hunter Mountains, The Moon Cabin is a thoughtfully designed log home surrounded by forest, hiking trails, and a private pond. One of our lodging picks for Windham, NY, featured in a few of our guides, the rustic-luxe log home surrounded by forest, hiking trails, and a private pond.
The Mill Houses in Livingston Manor, NY
This collection of five 19th-century homes with charming interiors, plus walk-to-everything ease, can host groups up to thirty people in Livingston Manor, NY.
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.
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.
CURATED REAL ESTATE LISTINGS OUTSIDE OF NYCSEE MORE
Bear Run in Narrowsburg, NY
Set on 18 wooded acres outside Narrowsburg, Bear Run is a sculptural retreat from the creative team behind Major Jacks and Wishbone. Its angular form and natural palette give the home a grounded presence in the landscape, bridging artful design with untamed surroundings. Every line and material feels intentional, creating a home that balances architectural rigor with livable warmth. Enter through the gallery-style foyer and up a low-slung lighted staircase to the upper-level great room, where white oak floors and a wall of windows frame the surrounding forest. A dual-sided fireplace clad in fluted tile anchors the space, its textured surface adding warmth and visual delight. Across the room, the color-blocked kitchen pairs maple, gray, and soft green cabinetry with a curvy eat-in island beneath reimagined vintage street lamps, and a perforated shroud above the range nods to Norwegian fjords. The home’s design motif continues in the patterned cutouts of the catwalk-style hallway, which connects the upper-level spaces. A bedroom occupies one end of the hallway, while a half bathroom with locally hand-glazed custom tiles and sconces sits at the opposite end.
Six-Unit Victorian With Hudson River Views in Newburgh, NY
Built in 1870 and located within the East End Historic District, this six-unit Victorian home pairs timeless architecture with modern performance. Once derelict, it has been reimagined by its current owner as both a neighborhood landmark and a fully stabilized income property, preserving historic character while embracing contemporary design and comfort. Behind its shingled façade and wraparound porch are six distinct apartments, each thoughtfully restored. Period millwork, leaded-glass windows, arched doorways, and tiled fireplaces recall the home’s 19th-century craftsmanship, while modern kitchens, updated baths, and custom finishes bring the building firmly into the present. Notable highlights include mirrored octagonal rooms with oversized windows, marble countertops and eat-in islands, French doors between living and sleeping areas, and a top-floor unit with a deep soaking tub and balcony with sprawling Hudson River views. Currently configured as five long-term rentals and one high-performing short-term unit, the property has a proven history of strong income and operational flexibility. A separately deeded, non-buildable lot across the street is included in the sale, preserving panoramic river views for the long term. With its combination of architectural integrity, financial strength, and prime positioning on one of Newburgh’s most picturesque bluff streets, this historic home presents the opportunity to own one of the city’s most distinctive riverfront properties.
Nook House in Narrowsburg, NY
Set on six private acres with deeded Ten Mile River access, Nook House is a 1940s hideaway reimagined for modern living. Behind its rustic stone entry and storybook exterior, this three-bedroom retreat blends craft, comfort, and Catskills character in a way that feels both grounded and design-forward.
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.