My Favorite Getaways :: Upstate New York

Hi friends!

This post is a long time coming. Even pre-world at a standstill, I’ve been wanting to share a collection of my favorite lodgings and cozy stays that I’ve come across in my travels. As we stay relatively close to home this summer, I thought it appropriate to start just there - in New York state!

**Just a note, with travel still being so high-risk, and so many out-of-state visitors needing to quarantine upon arrival in New York, my hope is that this collection will be bookmarked for future trips. For now, enjoy this little bit of photographic escapism!

Catskill Mountains

Before I dive in, I want to preface this by saying these lodgings are most easily accessible by car. That’s not to say that public transportation isn’t an option - from the city, Amtrak trains to Hudson get you as close as the other side of the river, and Greyhound + Adirondack Trailways buses have local stops to nearby towns throughout the day. The Catskill Carriage shuttle is typically the best, though they have announced they aren’t operating this season.

Scribner’s Catskill Lodge

This one is, of course, on the top of my list! I’ve stayed at Scribner’s countless times (it feels a bit like a home away from one!), and each stay leaves me feeling relaxed and recharged. Literally ALL the rooms are amazing, the Summit King with Loft + Scribner Suite are ideal for ski trips with friends (Hunter Mountain is five minutes up the road!), and the Bungalow King is the perfect amount of space to both sprawl out and stay cozy - enjoying coffee or drinks on the balcony is a must! The grounds and communal spaces are incredibly inviting and so perfectly curated, lending to that mountain life aesthetic so many of us city folk crave. To book your stay at Scribner’s, head here .

Foxfire Mountain House

I’ve had an Instagram crush on this place for quite some time, and finally had an opportunity to stay last Fall! It definitely has a quiet, grown up vibe to it, and is often used as a venue for retreats and weddings. We ended up spending the least amount of time in our actual room, opting to snuggle up in the living room and charmingly rustic glass pavilion instead. A short drive away lives our FAVORITE breakfast spot in the area, Phoenicia Diner, along with breweries and farmers markets. To book your stay at Foxfire, head here .

Eastwind Hotel + Bar

Another location that I had been crushing on prior to visiting, Eastwind offers the perfect boutique hotel and glamping experience! While I love the Scandinavian design of the hotel’s rooms, I couldn’t pass up staying in one of their Lushna mini cabins. Plus, when we awoke to a landscape of freshly fallen snow, the giant window and cozy atmosphere made everything that much more magical! They’ve just released their brand new Lushna suites, which I’m seriously SWOONING over. A stocked library, adventure cabinet (Wellies, backpacks, and all outdoors essentials at your disposal), bar, and sauna allow you to curate your mountain stay how you wish. Windham Mountain - a new addition to the Ikon Pass!! - is close by, as is the Windham Path. To book your stay at Eastwind, head here.

Gather Greene

A similar ‘glamping’ experience can be found in these cozy cabins nestled in the Northern Castskills. The secluded location is perfect for those looking to unplug and unwind. While Gather Greene is most often rented out as a retreat or wedding venue, they do offer individual cabin stays on select weekends! To book your stay, head here.

The Hunter Houses

One of the most thoughtfully curated cabins I’ve ever stayed in, every nook and cranny of the Hunter Greenhouse is just WAITING to become a Pinterest pin. Centrally located in Tannersville, it’s close to countless hikes (Kaaterskill Falls is a quick drive away) and restaurants, should you even want to venture out (not going to lie, it was a tough thing for me to attempt!). The couple behind this destination have just added another one to their roster - the Hunter Farmhouse. Newly available to visitors, I’m adding this one to my ‘dream stays’ list! To book your stay at the Hunter Houses, head here.

Capital Region

Traveling to the Capital Region is incredibly easy! Amtrak, Greyhound/Adirondack Trailways and Megabus all make stops.

The Inn at Five Points

While most of my upstate destinations are mountain-bound, I had to include this cozy b&b located in my hometown of Saratoga Springs. The Inn at Five Points is located right in the midst of this charming little city - a quick walk brings you to the heart of downtown, where ample restaurants, cafes, and shops await! Our room was one of seven, each have a unique design and layout. Before heading out to enjoy nearby attractions (SPAC, the Saratoga Race Course, museums, and parks to name a few), don’t forget to grab breakfast! Featuring locally grown, organic produce and fresh baked goods, the inn provides a yummy start to your day. To book your stay, head here.

Adirondack Mountains

Steeped in history and culture, the Adks have been a destination for many throughout the decades. An outdoor adventurers paradise, the region is home to New York state’s tallest peak. Not many realize, but the park spans across six MILLION acres, making it the largest protected natural area in the entire lower 48 states! Made up of 12 distinct regions, the most revered (in my opinion) are those situated in the High Peaks Wilderness. Most easily accessible by car (again, the park is HUGE, and you will want to wander!), but trains and busses can get you close to most popular towns and ski areas.

Mirror Lake Inn

This iconic location is equal parts classic luxury and modern elegance. Exuding quintessential rustic charm in the communal areas, and sinking-in-the-couch levels of cozy in their rooms (we stayed in the INCREDIBLE Placid Suite), the resort emanates a level of tranquility that I think can only be found in the mountains! The inn boasts a spa, multiple dining options, and outdoor experiences for every season. Its location in the Olympic ski village of Lake Placid also provides ample activities, mere steps away! To book your stay, head here.

Warner’s Camp

Add this one to my list of Instagram crushes! When talking about location, Warner’s Camp is in the heart of the High Peaks. It’s a quick drive to Lake Placid, Keene, and Wilmington (home to Whiteface Mountain). While this alone makes it ideal for those planning to hike, ski, and explore, the cabin in itself is a destination! Featuring three bedrooms, a wood burning stove, sauna, and outdoor fire pit right along the river, we had a hard time finding an excuse to get motivated to leave. Personally, I can’t WAIT for another chance to stay here. Definitely in my favorite Airbnb’s of all time! To book your stay, head here.

Honorable Mention :: Glamping Upstate

While cozy lodgings are my go-to in the colder months, the Summer season provides countless opportunities to truly get closer to nature. From public campsites to cute + quirky glamping options, Hipcamp is home to some truly unique stays! Head here to explore, and find your next outdoorsy destination!

Hope this list has sparked your wanderlust, and provided a few bookmarked destinations for the future! If you do travel to New York state, please remember to be responsible and respectful toward the mountain communities + trails that define these beautiful regions.

xo

J.