Water cascades through a rocky gorge at Bash Bish Falls, one of the Taconic Mountains’ most iconic destinations, set on the border between Massachusetts and New York. Photo: Escape Brooklyn EB's Top 5 in Hillsdale: • Kayaking on Copake Lake: Spend an entire day on the water by ...
Set along the edge of Dutchess County and flanked by rolling hills, the quaint town of Amenia offers a rural escape with a thoughtful edge, where scenic trails, historic fire towers, and wood-fired pizza all sit within easy reach of one another. Just under 100 miles from NYC, this corner of the Hudson Valley blends quiet countryside with a growing creative and culinary presence. Anchored by nearby hikes, artful shops, and retro theaters, Amenia and its neighboring hamlets reward the unhurried traveler. It’s a place where mornings start with mountain views, afternoons unfold over craft spirits or garden strolls, and evenings wind down in a vintage Airstream or a historic inn. Whether you’re tasting locally-made spirits, enjoying a drive-in movie, or climbing to the top of a fire tower, Amenia makes space for both adventure and ease, with enough variety to fill a weekend, and enough quiet to feel like a true getaway. Read on for our full Amenia guide.
Set between the Catskill Mountains and the Shawangunk Ridge, Accord is the kind of place where time slows down — intentionally. With its rolling farmland, design-forward retreats, and a small but mighty food scene, this Ulster County town has quietly become one of the Hudson Valley’s most restorative getaways.
Catskill, NY, balances small-town charm with a vibrant, creative pulse. The village invites visitors to start their day with coffee and local art at Citiot, then wander Main Street’s thoughtfully curated shops and galleries, where slow fashion, vinyl records, and experimental art blend effortlessly. As the afternoon unfolds, Catskill’s taprooms and breweries showcase a commitment to craft, from dry local ciders to inventive small-batch ales, all served in inviting, modern spaces. Evenings here hum with energy at venues like The Avalon Lounge, where live bands and DJs keep the village’s lively spirit well into the night. Whether exploring the arts scene, savoring a cocktail, or hunting for unique finds, Catskill offers a refreshingly authentic Hudson Valley experience grounded in creativity and community. Read on for our full guide to this thriving arts-focused town.
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.
At the foot of the Shawangunk Ridge, Gardiner, NY offers a rugged-meets-refined Upstate escape. Here, dramatic hikes give way to bourbon tastings, orchard views pair with wood-fired pizza, and spa treatments come with sweeping mountain backdrops. Home to some of New York’s most iconic hiking trails, including The Lemon Squeeze and the West Trapps cliffs, Gardiner draws climbers, hikers, and outdoors-minded travelers looking for high-impact views and low-key recovery. Whether you're scaling the ridge, relaxing in a cedar sauna, or settling in with a glass of small-batch bourbon, Gardiner delivers a grounded but elevated upstate experience. Read on for our full Gardiner area guide — including what to hike, where to sip, and the best places to eat and unwind.
Ten of Upstate's most intimate, vibey spots that are perfect for date night – from the Hudson Valley to the Catskills. Think intimate spots for date night with tables for two, girls night, or solo spots to ignore the couples around you with a book… with strong drinks, dim lighting, quiet atmosphere, sharable plates, and an excuse to dress up.
Take a tour of Twisted Ridge, the newest project from The Up Studio. This NYC-based architecture firm takes on design projects including custom homes and hospitality – plus provides educational tools for all.
Less than two hours north of NYC, this newly constructed Scandinavian home brings contemporary style to quiet, countryside living. Designed by the minds at DEN Outdoors, the home's handsome facade leads to a bright, airy interior, creating a stark contrast throughout the home. With over four acres of private land ...
When people ask where to take a day trip or spend a weekend just off the MetroNorth, Beacon is always at the top of our list. For over a decade, this walkable Hudson Valley city has drawn Escapers with its unbeatable mix of hiking, shopping, dining, and ...