We love that the real estate market Is sizzling. And it’s no secret that we love the Big Apple. But these being the dog-days, we recommend an excursion out of the city heat to clear your head and cleanse your palate.
Here are some favorite locations and recreations:
HIKES + SPORTS
Beacon, Mount Beacon Trail
Ithaca, Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
Lake Placid, Ausable Chasm: Expansive sandstone gorge for hiking, biking, rafting and rock-climbing.
Also in Lake Placid: Tour local vineyards on the Adirondack Coast Wine Trail.
New Paltz, The Lemon Squeeze: Hikes of varying lengths and intensities begin at the Mohonk Mountain House
Narrowsburg, Tusten Mountain Trail: Gorgeous views of the Delaware River.
ARTS + CULTURE
Albany, The Egg: Iconic performing arts venue in Albany with two theatres.
Beacon, Dia:Beacon: At 160,000 square feet, Dia Beacon is one of the largest exhibition spaces in the USA for modern and contemporary art. Located on the banks of the Hudson River and known as the “daylight museum” for its huge skylights, this former Nabisco box-printing factory built in 1929 also hosts monthly Gallery Talks and Merce Cunningham Dance Company events.
Buffalo, architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright: Check out the Prairie School style Darwin Martin House, and the Wright Filling Station, the latter designed by Wright in the 1920s.
Also in Buffalo: The Burchfield Penney Art Center, located opposite the Albright-Knox Museum of Art.
Narrowsburg, Delaware Valley Arts Alliance: Multiple galleries off Main Street.
WATER-LOVERS
Buffalo, Niagara Falls: An iconic destination for sweethearts and daredevils.
Ithaca, Cayuga Lake: Boating, fishing, kayaking.
Phoenicia, Escopus Creek: One of the best spots for fly-fishing on the East Coast. Or cool off by tubing in the Creek’s small rapids.
SHOPPING + DINING
Albany, Empire State Plaza: Underground shopping mall filled with public art installations.
Hudson, Warren Street: Comb the District for handmade artisan treasures, then feast on local, regional fare at Fish & Game.
Kingston, Diego’s: Yummy Mexican street corn and margs, made by a husband and wife team.
Also in Kingston, Boitson’s: Try their famous Buffalo Cauliflower (tastes like chicken!).
Kingston, Saturday Farmer’s Market: from May to November
New Paltz, Robibero Family Vineyards: Evening tastings around the fire-pit.
Phoenicia, Phoenicia Diner: Off Route 28, scarf down classic old-school diner fare. Or go a bit more deluxe at the Phoenicia Steakhouse.
Narrowsburg, Nest: Shop for cool, quirky, curated home goods, art, clothing, jewelry and unique souvenirs.
SEVEN ROMANTIC RETREATS FOR LOVERS
1-The Maidstone, East Hampton, 631-324-5006
“Scandinavian Cozy” -- also known as hygge (say it “yoo-gah”). Pet-friendly, complimentary yoga. Book one of the three bungalows for truly special stay.
2-The Chalet of Canandaigua, Canandaigua, 585-394-9080
Luxury in the Finger Lakes. Easy trails loop around pristine ponds, winery excursions offer tastings, and there’s even an Instagram-worthy balloon-ride that departs from the chalet-- the perfect place to say, “I Do”, or “I Still Do.”
3-The Inn at Windmill Lane, Amagansett, 631-267-8500
Choice of sea-swept house, cottage, or suite, cooled by the sparkling waves of the Atlantic. Oversized marble bathtubs and rain-showers. Beach parking, beach chairs, towels and umbrellas provided.
4-The Mansion Inn, Rock City Falls, Saratoga, 888-996-9977
Swans paddle the pond and cascading stream at this quaint inn packed with charm and Victorian antiques including Tiffany glass. The relaxed setting offers a library and grand piano.
5-The Inn at Lake Joseph, Forestburgh, 845-791-9506
Pet-friendly upstate getaway situated on 2,000 acres of forest. The Lake as well as pools beckon for a refreshing swim, along with hikes, kayaking, tennis, boating and fishing.
6-Hobbit Hollow Farm, Skaneateles, 315-685-2791
Frodo lives! This whimsical getaway is housed in a Colonial Revival farmhouse dating from the turn of the last century. Views of Skaneatele Lake, meadows, farm stables, and nearby vineyards. Enjoy a robust country breakfast every morning.
7-The Black Sheep Inn and Spa, Hammondsport, 607-569-3767
Set in the Finger Lakes wine country, this historic home-turned-inn is conveniently close to wineries and miicrobreweries, as well as hiking trails and wooded areas for walking, bird-watching and picnics. Enjoy luxurious spa massages and special arranged excursions.
Although many of us aren’t jet--setting and globe-trotting the way we did pre-COVID,
there’s nothing like a change of scenery for a fresh perspective. And here’s a bright idea: you
don’t need to be part of a couple to benefit from a little excursion. Granted, when travelling
solo you may opt to skip the heart-shaped hot-tub. But free time in a new location is always a
relaxing and inspiring change of pace!
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