Summer may be over — unofficially at least — but no doubt your wanderlust for travelling is still alive and well. Which is where staycations come in. You still get that "get away from it all feeling"— just a simple car drive away. According to Booking.com, 50% of American travelers opt for domestic trips due to affordability, convenience, and shorter travel times. They also like micro-vacations as a way to reward themselves.
Enter the following six places, all designed to accommodate pampering, adventure, foodie fun and romance. The best part? They're all in New York State, making for an easy escape.
Mirbeau Inn & Spa, Beacon
Quiet luxury with a restorative nature is the theme at Mirbeau, which opened in May
in what long had been the estate of Civil War General and former NYS Treasurer Joseph Howland and his wife Eliza Howland. Built in 1859 and known as “Tioronda” — from the Native American word describing the “meeting of the waters” or the convergence of Fishkill Creek and the Hudson River — it was uninhabited for over 20 years but has been meticulous restored to its former grandeur complete with 74 rooms and suites.
The 64-acre estate, with a mix of Gothic architecture and French-inspired aesthetics, boasts plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking by waterfalls, rivers, ponds and meadows or using a complimentary bike to cycle into town. Once you've tired your weary muscles, there's also a lush spa complete with a fireplace in the relaxation area.
With the Hudson Valley at your doorstep, you'll also enjoy The Bistro & Wine Bar which draws inspiration from the area's agricultural heritage, meaning in-season, sustainable, and locally sourced dishes. 11 Mirbeau Lane, 877-647-2328, beacon.mirbeau.com.
The Livingston Hotel, Brooklyn
An artsy downtown vibe makes this property — the first Hyatt in Brooklyn — weekend worthy. First off, you're in Brooklyn, home to all the cool kids. Not to mention fun neighborhood restaurants and stores (check out The Center for Fiction and get coffee in its cafe). Second, you're super close to the Barclays Center so if there's a show there you want to see, this is your perfect excuse to not have to drive home.
What also makes it an ideal staycation are its airy rooms and suites, designed with a modern warehouse industrial aesthetic (think high ceilings and funky exposed piping). Some rooms have city views of DoBro, courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows along with private balconies. Rooms also feature marble showers and minifridges. Plus there's a full-service restaurant and bar, rooftop lounge, outdoor patio and rotating exhibits from Brooklyn-based artists and curated cultural experiences. Open since February, it's an under-the-radar find. 291 Livingston St., 845-250-9820, hyatt.com.
Camp KillerCat, Hunter
Interested in glamping it Catskills style? Camp KillerCat is an ultra-luxe campsite with two mirrored tiny cabins that launched last December. Lion's Lair and Tiger's Den are designed for two and feature an all-glass sauna, outdoor shower and giant playfield with firepit, bocce ball court, cornhole, ping pong, mega chess set, hammocks, twinkle lights, and views of Hunter Mountain.
Each cabin features maximalist feline-inspired décor, a movie projector screen, and a 800-square-foot wraparound deck with hot tub, in-deck hammock and outdoor wood-burning fireplace under a glass pergola. Both cabins are 225-square-foot homes that are also dog friendly (small dogs preferred). For those into skiing, it's only five minutes from Hunter and 13 minutes from Windham Mountain Club. Plus, it's owned by a Scarsdale couple who leave you with their personal picks on good eats nearby. airbnb.com/h/lionslaircampkillercator airbnb.com/h/tigersdencampkillercat.
The Lake House on Canandaigua, Canandaigua
You know that saying life's better at the lake? It certainly feels that way at The Lake House, a MICHELIN-recommended, resort where you can kayak, paddleboard and pedal boat directly from the property. Another way to unplug? Check out the full-service spa with Nordic cedar barrel saunas overlooking the lake. Other options include captained cruises or exploring downtown via complimentary bikes. The resort also hosts live lakeside music, movie nights, cooking classes and guided garden tours. This being the Fingers Lakes also means wine tasting along with locally driven dining. 770 S Main St., 585-394-7800, lakehousecanandaigua.com.
Valley Rock Inn & Mountain Club, Sloatsburg
Sloatsburg may not be the first place you think of when you think "staycation," but you should. This secluded spot, an easy 45 minutes over the bridge from Westchester and a short drive from anywhere in Rockland County, not only offers stellar dining, it offers a rustic mountainside vibe that feels like you're somewhere in the Midwest. Hiking is nearby at Harriman State Park or Sterling Forest (the resort offers guides hikes and bikes) along with classes and high-end exercise equipment in their gym.
You'll also find luxe accommodations either in the inn portion or in one of their four historic cottages, which, should you want to invite family and friends, can accommodate large parties. Also on the premises: a massage house with stretching, Reiki and massage.
Capping it off: an array of outdoor fireplaces to get you in a fall mood. There's also an organic market on-site as well as two restaurants. 27 Mill St., 845-500-5549, valleyrockinn.com.
Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz
This "oldie but goodie" serves up a variety of hospitality experiences. Come fall, it's the perfect time to hike, bike, try tomahawk throwing or archery or participate in singing bowl mediation. There's also plenty of lake activities such as row boating, canoeing and fishing. Come winter, there's cozy nights by the fire and warming up with the indoor pool and spa facilities (their Glass Skin collagen sculpting facial is a must). Winter also brings ice skating, cross-country skiing and outdoor s'mores.
Or, plan now for spring with all the benefits of the lake plus paddleboarding and beach swimming. With the spa open year-round it also easily works for a day trip. Short on time? Try coming for dinner or brunch. The Victorian resort, which dates to 1870, is known for its farm-to-table cuisine featuring Hudson Valley ingredients as well as its special Chef's Table experience, i.e. a 10-course tasting menu with perfectly paired wines. 1000 Mountain Rest Road, 888-976-2943, mohonk.com.
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Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: 6 New York escapes with easy access from Westchester, Rockland
