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10+ of Upstate’s Coziest NY Bars + Restaurants
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
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
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
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.
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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.
The Mill Houses: Five Unique Homes in Livingston Manor, NY
Tucked into a five-acre parcel just a short walk from the heart of Livingston Manor, the Mill Houses are a charming collection of five individually renovated homes, each offering a distinct blend of original details and modern upgrades. Set near the banks of the Willowemoc Creek, these character-rich cottages make an ideal home base for exploring the Catskills — with breweries, restaurants, fly fishing, and hiking trails all within easy reach.
Koto House: Wellness Retreat with a Hot Tub, Gym & Cold Plunge in Livingston Manor, NY
Set on two private acres just outside Livingston Manor, Koto House is a Scandinavian-inspired wellness retreat designed for guests seeking equal parts relaxation and restoration.
North Star Farm: Glamping Domes on a Working Farm in Franklin, NY
Set just outside Franklin, NY, North Star Farm is a glamping retreat with thoughtfully designed domes, roaming sheep, and sweeping Delaware County landscapes — offering a slower, nature-driven stay close to the western Catskills’ creative villages and backroads.
New Paltz Way: A New Boutique Hotel Opening July 2026 in New Paltz, NY
Opening in July 2026, New Paltz Way is New Paltz’s newest boutique hotel. With curated rooms, a self-service spa, and walkability to the town’s boutiques, restaurants, and bars, the hotel encourages a slower, more relaxed style of stay.
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.
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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.
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Beaver Brook in Barryville, NY
For anyone who has spent time daydreaming through the pages of Cabin Porn, Beaver Brook may feel surprisingly familiar. Hidden within more than 50 acres of forest in the western Catskills, the property is home to Scott's Cabin—the beloved woodland retreat that helped inspire an entire movement of design-minded cabin living.
The Black Mountain House in South Egremont, MA
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
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
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
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
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.