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ESCAPE BROOKLYN TRAVEL GUIDES & STORIESSEE ALL TRAVEL & USE OUR GETAWAY PLANNER

10+ of Upstate’s Coziest NY Bars + Restaurants

Weekend Guides|

Thirteen of Upstate NY's coziest bars and restaurants – from the Hudson Valley to the Catskills. Think bars and restaurants that master winter ambiance with wood stoves, candlelight and fireplaces — plus thoughtful cocktails and soul-warming food. Good for chunky sweaters, winter boots, couples and friends trips.

A Guide to New Paltz, NY

Weekend Guides|

At the base of the Shawangunk Ridge, New Paltz brings together scenic trails, historic architecture, and a lively downtown rooted in its college town energy. Just 90 minutes from New York City, it’s a place where access to some of the Northeast’s best hiking and climbing sits just minutes from cafés, restaurants, bars, and local shops. Known for its creative streak and outdoorsy edge, New Paltz moves comfortably between nature and culture. Mornings can mean ridge-top hikes or farmers markets; evenings, live music and small plates on Main Street. Plan your visit with our guide to the best hikes, kayaking spots, restaurants, and places to relax in and around New Paltz.

A Guide to Taos, New Mexico

Destination Guides|

Set between the Rio Grande Gorge and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos carries a mix of rugged landscape and deeply rooted creative culture. The shifts in light define the place: long shadows stretching across the mesas, soft winter sun on adobe walls, and a muted palette that feels distinct to northern New Mexico. Though compact, town life moves at an unhurried pace: coffee at a local hub, wandering through art galleries, an afternoon hike above the river, and dinners in cozy, mountain-adjacent spaces.

A Guide to Joshua Tree, CA

Destination Guides|

For adventurous travelers drawn to desert seclusion—without sacrificing good food, thoughtful design, or small-town amenities—Joshua Tree offers a compelling escape in Southern California. The nearby communities of Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and Twentynine Palms function as natural bases for exploring the park and the surrounding high desert, shaping a trip that balances wide-open landscapes with lived-in local culture.

ESCAPE CLUB GETAWAYSSEE MORE

Rowley House: a Scandinavian Cabin with Sauna in Eldred, NY

Escape Club Stays|

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.

Mountain Terrace: a Modern Mountainside Home in Parksville, NY

Escape Club Stays|

Tucked into the mountains of Parksville, NY, Mountain Terrace is a thoughtfully designed vacation rental that seamlessly connects comfort, style, and nature. Surrounded by trees with sweeping ridgeline views, the property offers a serene and highly private setting, ideal for restful weekends or extended creative escapes. With three bedrooms and an open living plan, it’s well-suited for families, couples, or a small group of friends.

Seminary Hill: a Boutique Hotel, Cidery + Restaurant in Callicoon, NY

Escape Club Stays|

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.

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The Graham & Co. in Phoenicia, NY

Recent Stays|

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

Recent Stays|

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.

Upstate NY’s ‘Severance’ Filming Locations

BLOG & RECENT STAYS|

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

Weekend Guides|

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.)

CURATED REAL ESTATE LISTINGS OUTSIDE OF NYCSEE MORE

The Black Mountain House in South Egremont, MA

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Set deep within the Taconic Mountains, The Black Mountain House occupies a rare position at the edge of the Jug End Reservation, surrounded by thousands of acres of protected forest. Originally built in 1976 and recently transformed by interior designer Bruna Baiocchi—best known as the creator of the iconic Barn in Tivoli—and builder Andrew Personette of CB Design Build, the home balances the spirit of its original architecture with a thoughtful contemporary renovation. California's Sea Ranch movement serves as an architectural reference point, while interiors draw from Japanese restraint and Scandinavian warmth.

Casa de Campo in Ancram, NY

Real Estate|

Set on a quiet hillside in Ancram, where open farmland gives way to distant ridgelines and uninterrupted skies, Casa de Campo is a study in restraint. Defined by a pre-cast concrete structure and positioned carefully within the landscape, the home pairs a rigorous architectural language with a setting that feels expansive, rural, and deeply private.

Blue Hill House in Hudson, NY

Real Estate|

Originally built in the 1970s and thoughtfully renovated, Blue Hill House - a classic farmhouse just outside the heart of Hudson - carries the weight of a historic colonial while feeling notably fresh. The architecture reads as classic farmhouse, while the interiors feel precise and edited. Dark hardwood floors run wall to wall beneath exposed timber beams, and three wood-burning fireplaces anchor the floor plan, giving structure to the main rooms rather than serving as ornament.

Ravenswood in Salisbury, CT

Real Estate|

A dark exterior gives way to light-filled, angular interiors, where oversized windows and glass doors create clear sightlines to the surrounding greenery and establish a strong connection to the grounds. This interplay between structure and landscape defines Ravenswood, a forest retreat designed by StoneFox Architects and later featured in Architectural Digest. Entering the open living space, soaring ceilings rise beneath a loft-style hallway on the second level. A wood-burning fireplace anchors the sitting area, while a wall of glass doors and expansive windows frames the landscape beyond. A dedicated dining area sits at the center of the room, comfortably accommodating a large table and flowing into the elongated kitchen, providing an ideal layout for gathering and entertaining. The kitchen is organized in a U-shaped configuration around a substantial eat-in island topped with Carrara marble. Custom European bleached white oak cabinetry conceals integrated appliances, set against a glossy blue tile backsplash that adds contrast and depth. Storage is generous throughout, and an additional set of glass doors opens directly to the grounds. Set apart from the rest of the main level, a den sits behind sleek, oversized French doors with a modern profile, offering separation when needed. An airy guest suite and a separate half bath wrapped in intricate monochromatic blue wallpaper complete the floor. Up the solid oak staircase, the landing forms the loft-like corridor seen from below, overlooking the living room and offering space for a desk or reading area. The primary bedroom centers on a large picture window facing the forest, while the ensuite bath includes a deep soaking tub positioned toward the property, a double vanity, and a large marble shower. An additional guest bedroom set beneath vaulted ceilings and a full bath complete the second level. Below, the ground floor provides flexible living space currently arranged as a living room and gym, along with a separate laundry room. The home’s grounds extend directly from the glass-lined living space, beginning with a stone patio spacious enough to accommodate both dining and lounge areas. A run of concrete stairs leads down to the heated gunite pool, subtly separating spaces for entertaining and swimming. At the front of the home, the pea gravel driveway doubles as an additional gathering area, where Adirondack chairs encircle a fire pit just beyond the property's entrance.

Skyline Ledges in Neversink, NY

Real Estate|

Set on a wooded ledge and surrounded by forest, Skyline Ledges is a modern retreat designed by Catskill Modern Home Builders. Clean lines, oversized windows, and a restrained natural palette allow the landscape to serve as the centerpiece of the home, striking an architectural balance that feels intentional, calm, and elevated.

The Stone Cottage at Mill Brook in Glen Spey, NY

Real Estate|

Set within Black Forest on six wooded acres, the Stone Cottage at Mill Brook blends the permanence of stone construction with the thoughtful precision of modern design. Its cottage-like exterior leads into a 3,400-square-foot home where vaulted ceilings, generous proportions, and carefully chosen finishes define each space. The home’s design balances lodge-like warmth with meticulous detail, from stone masonry and exposed beams to globally sourced finishes and integrated systems. Through the main entrance, the home opens into an airy living area rising under vaulted ceilings and rustic exposed beams. To the right, a sitting area centers around a grand stone fireplace framed by arched windows and a circular candlestick chandelier. To the left, the kitchen and dining areas offer a space for gathering: marble countertops, gold-toned accents, a six-burner Ilve range with griddle, and an oversized eat-in island. Three tall, narrow doors open directly to the wraparound deck from the kitchen, while the adjacent dining area features built-in cabinetry and a flat archway that reconnects to the foyer.

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