ESCAPE BROOKLYN TRAVEL GUIDES & STORIESSEE ALL TRAVEL & USE OUR GETAWAY PLANNER
A Guide to Hudson, NY
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.
A Guide to Rhinebeck, NY
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.
10 of Upstate’s Best Hotels with Pools
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 looking for a little relief. Not only do these hotels have refreshing pools with beautiful Upstate views – they also include features like poolside bars, cold plunges, and saunas. (Also worth mentioning: it’s generally ~10º cooler in the Catskills than NYC.) Spend the rest of summer indulging in pool days and bonfire evenings in the mountains! These ten Upstate hotels with pools are the definition of Upstate oasis. Inness in Accord, NY Photo: Adrian Gaut The perfect blend of modern meets rustic is what you'll find at Inness, a sophisticated 28 cabin and 12 room farmhouse. Its campus includes a restaurant, store and reimagined golf course, located in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Open to hotel guests and Inness members, the two saltwater pools are the perfect place to spend long, warm days that sometimes stretch into fall. The large pool near the Events Barn, with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a seasonal pool bar, provides ample space for gatherings with family and friends. Stone walls and wooden fences merge with the natural landscape–so you can admire the far reaching views while relaxing in the water. Of note: Start your day by booking a tee-time at the incredible inland-links style golf course on the grounds. Inness also has tennis courts for those who prefer a quicker game before they spend the rest of their day floating in the pool. Camptown in Leeds, NY Photo: Lawrence Braun From the owners of Rivertown Lodge in Hudson comes Camptown, a throwback to the bungalow culture of Catskills yesteryear. With over 26 cabins and 24 hotel rooms, you can bet on funs vibes around the pool which includes waterbed cabanas, loungers and adult swim hours for those much needed moments away from the kiddos. It's a natural place to spend your days. A true upstate swim oasis. Don't forget dinner at the James Beard Award nominee Casa Susanna, an upscale take on Mexican cuisine or drinks and ceviche at pool bar Piscina. Of note: Camptown's outside campus also includes a sauna, pool bar, and restaurant. Check out their great list of Things To Do, including a nearby drive-in movie theater, plus loads of arts and outdoor attractions. Scribner's Lodge in Hunter, NY Photo: Moriah Wolfe Swimming with killer views of Hunter Mountain is beyond epic at the Scribner's Lodge pool which features full size pool beds for lounging, umbrellas and DJs spinning summer tunes on the weekends. The pool is open seasonally to hotel guests and Scribner's Social Club ...
Spectacular Stays on The Water
There’s no better time to enjoy Upstate New York’s rivers, lakes, and swimming holes than right now. With long days, cool creeks, and high summer in full swing, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite getaways on the water — from design-forward cabins with private swimming holes to boutique hotels near rushing waterfalls.Whether it’s a quiet dip in the morning or an evening around the fire after a swim, each of these spots offers a perfect way to beat the heat — and make the most of summer’s sweetest weeks. Salvato Mill in Salt Point, NY Photos: Salvato Mill Two hours north of NYC in Salt Point, NY, the charming and ultra-unique Salvato Mill is an 18th century mill reimagined as an idyllic escape. Inside, the mansion is filled with a mix of antiques and mid-century modern furniture and decor. With a large living room centered around a fireplace that flows into a dining room with a 10-person table, the living areas are perfect for entertaining. Outside, there is a multi-level patio with a dining table and stainless steel glass grill, perfect for late summer evenings. The building features classic touches from its days as a functioning mill, including a waterfall that flows through the building and into the creek below. In addition to exploring the 11-acre property, relaxing on the patio, or gathering in the stone courtyard, guests can also enjoy the creek through the summer. This Design Forward Home Features The Most Surreal Outdoor Space Salvato Mill has an expansive history – its use as a gristmill and sawmill dates to the 1750’s. After stints as a cotton mill, cider mill, and even a button factory, the original mill burned down; its remains are still present, creating a surreal outdoor space where guests can dine and enjoy cocktails to the sound of rushing water Two Good Cabins in Roscoe, NY Photos: Clay Banks These Two Good Cabins, located on the peaceful, non-motorized Lake Muskoday, serve as the ideal getaway for those looking to live out their lakeside dreams. The cabins—one a spacious chalet, one a quaint guesthouse—are connected by a large wraparound deck, making it easy to move around the property. The deck also features an outdoor dining and grilling area that looks out onto the lake, with enough space for guests in both cabins to enjoy a shared meal outside. Guest perks include a pontoon boat, stand-up paddle boards, and kayaks, and the non-motorized lake is perfect for a relaxing swim (or float). For those looking to enjoy the lake views without getting in the water, the grounds have plenty of space for lawn games, relaxing around the fire, or lounging on the dock. Two Good Cabins: The Great Indoors The living room in the main cabin, which ...
ESCAPE CLUB GETAWAYSSEE MORE
DESIGN & BLOGSEE MORE
An Abandoned Cider Mill Gets a New Life — Before & After — North Branch Cider Mill in North Branch, NY
A husband and wife team – serial renovators and home builders – take on their biggest project yet: an abandoned cider mill. "A charming, historic, mess." That's how Tom Roberts describes the condition – and the irresitable allure – of the North Branch Cider Mill when he and his wife Anna Åberg were passed the torch in late 2022. “It wasn’t for sale, but it wasn’t in use. So we pestered the owner for 18 months until he sold it to us.” Fast forward to nearly a year since its re-opening in November 2023: an incredible amount of work has been done, made possible by the colossal vision and talent from their parent company/design studio, Homestedt. Its charming and historic parts remain, but this diamond in the rough has been polished back to its original glory. Below, Escape Brooklyn interviews the design-savvy duo who share stories from the renovation, plus give us the scoop on future plans at the North Branch Cider Mill.
Sowilo Retreat in Cambridge, NY
Tucked between the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains of Vermont, picturesque glamping getaway Sowilo Retreat offers a peaceful respite from city life. Guests may choose from an array of tiny houses and geodesic domes, each with amenities that provide a cushy experience while in the woods (think kitchens, bathrooms, A/C and heat.) Tiny homes can sleep up to four guests, so groups are welcome – and whole property rentals are available. All accommodations are pet friendly.
River Run: a Tennis-Centric Getaway in Cummington, MA
Located in the Berkshire Hills three hours from NYC, the idyllic River Run accommodates up to 12 guests. Just steps from the Westfield River, the sound of the water provides a serene backdrop to an already beautiful landscape, complete with a HarTru clay tennis court, cedar hot tub, and great fishing spots right out the front door.
Dawson Farmhouse in Kerhonkson, NY
Two hours from NYC in Kerhonkson, the enchanting Dawson Farmhouse is located on thirteen private acres in the Catskill Mountains. Plan the day with your morning coffee in the screened in patio, spend days out (some help on that below), then return to make a grilled feast in the evening on Dawson’s oversize deck. At night, the fire pit is a perfect spot for drinks and s’mores, surrounded by boulders and forest, with a clear line of sight to the stars overhead.
Love Lamb: Cruelty-Free Sheepskins Made by Hand in Delaware County, NY
Visit an upstate home, and odds are you’ll see a sheepskin elegantly draped over a chair or bench. They’re everywhere, and for good reason: warm, soft, and organic, they’re an easy final touch for the Upstate hygge vibe we all covet.
Rowley House in Eldred, NY
Following an extensive renovation by SOON Architecture Studio, this modern three bedroom cabin with a sauna is filled with treasures from local artisans, designers, and boutique shops. (You may also recognize it in this week's WSJ Real Estate feature on saunas!) From top to bottom, the thee-floor house has tons of space to spread out or get cozy. On its basement level, a lovely bedroom has its own bathroom and is also home to the Rowley House sauna and gym. On the main level, find its expansive kitchen, a living room with a cozy wood stove, and two equally lovely bedrooms that share an additional bathroom. On the third floor, a "snug" loft room has treehouse vibes, and is home to the TV (plus a pull-out sofa for movie nights or sleeping kiddos.)
CURATED REAL ESTATE LISTINGS OUTSIDE OF NYCSEE MORE
Charming Floral Studio for Sale in Saugerties, NY
Set in a sunlit storefront on Saugerties' main drag, The Dancing Tulip has spent the last decade growing into one of the region’s most trusted names in floral design. Offered as a full turn-key sale, this floral boutique blends artistic vision with a business built on thoughtful systems, steady revenue, and deep local ties. Ready to retire and pass the torch, the current owner offers the full operation – from organized books and vendor relationships to a small, skilled team — primed for someone eager to build on the shop’s reputation while infusing fresh energy and style. To support that momentum, the owner is open to staying on during the transition, offering introductions to established wholesalers, vendors, and clients to ensure a smooth handoff. Bring your own creative vision to this turnkey opportunity in the heart of Saugerties, NY. The business and rental space are offered together at $325,000. For inquiries, contact Hazel Sherburne, proprietor of The Dancing Tulip, at hsherburne63@gmail.com. Full details below.
Historic Farm Compound with Inn, Creamery & Storefront in Bovina Center, NY
Set in the heart of Bovina Center — a hamlet known for its agricultural history and quiet creative energy — this multi-structure compound spans more than 57 acres stretched over four parcels on both sides of Main Street. The offering includes a fully renovated five-bedroom inn, a two-bedroom carriage house, a historic storefront with commercial potential, and a restored dairy processing facility. The layout supports a range of uses, from hospitality and retail to food production or agri-tourism. Additional structures include original barns, dry storage buildings, and a new bridge over the Brush Brook that connects both sides of the property. With scale, infrastructure, and location, this is a flexible setup for a business-minded buyer or a team with a shared vision.
The Hudson Lookout in Catskill, NY
Perched on a high ridge above the Hudson River, The Hudson Lookout is a three-story tower that merges bold architectural form with a deep connection to its surroundings. Originally imagined as a sculptural “watchtower,” the three-story structure is oriented to frame long views in every direction – an approach that has earned features in Dwell, Wallpaper*, and Vogue for its bold vision and striking presence. With its minimal footprint and vertical form, the home offers a quiet but commanding presence in the landscape.
Hawthorn in Callicoon Center, NY
In the Catskills town of Callicoon Center, Hawthorn is an 1880s farmhouse that feels quietly modern – its historic bones preserved, its design grounded in a timeless, place-based aesthetic. The property stretches over rolling hills, framed by mature trees and open sky, offering a peaceful backdrop where nature and architecture coexist with ease.
1840s Greek Revival in Hillsdale, NY
Situated on a generous village lot in the historic hamlet of Hillsdale, this 2,834-square-foot Greek Revival blends mid-19th-century architecture with thoughtful, character-rich updates. Built circa 1848, the five-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home retains its stately presence with pilastered corners, gabled rooflines, and a full-width front porch framed by Doric columns. The home’s classic proportions and tall windows speak to its era, while inside, well-preserved details and warm, livable spaces offer timeless appeal.
The Lake House in Franklin, NY
Set above a 10-acre lake fed by seven natural springs in the northern Catskills, The Lake House is a historic cedar-shingled farmhouse sited on 275 acres of rolling land. With bucolic views and century-old charm, the home features a swimming dock and twin piers along the shoreline. The interiors center around open living and dining areas, with a window-lined sunroom flowing onto a spacious deck that takes full advantage of the southern light and water views.