An Insider's Guide to Upstate New York

This charming lakeside resort in Cooperstown bundles together the cozy warmth of home and aesthetic opulence to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether staying in one of its quaint country-style houses or seeking a more spacious and extravagant living situation, this century-old resort guarantees serene sophistication. Its embrace of its historical roots through farm-house-inspired primitive home decor, walls decorated with art prints from the Fenimore Art Museum, as well as the luscious countryside greenery and awe-inspiring view of Lake Otesega separate it from other retreat centers. Take advantage of its broad offering of physical activities on the glistening lake, its tennis courts, or its sublime golf course with 11 acres of playing grass. You can also invest in relaxation by taking a yoga class, sunbathing beside the heated outdoor pool, or getting a deep tissue massage at its spa. If you're craving a bite to eat, the hotel's Hawkeye Bar and Grill is the place to go. It sources ingredients from its local farming partners to serve a delectable selection of elevated comfort food like stone-fired pizza and freshly ground burgers and curate a truly unique stay for you.  

Resting alongside the iconic Hudson River in Downtown Albany, this crowd-pleasing restaurant sets the bar for upscale fine dining in Upstate New York. Food is engineered for any dietary preference, cooked with sensitivity, and served with confidence, while the space’s interior is enhanced with mahogany accents. Despite the menu being tailored to reflect the New England region, the chefs imbue their unique twists to elevate them from other sophisticated dining experiences in the area. Standout offerings include the sensational seafood tower served with an innovative assortment of homemade sauces, the juicy strip of wagyu steak, or their rich “big chocolate cake.” 677 Prime also offers an exceptional cocktail selection, such as the award-winning “The Expressway” made with a buttery caramel sauce and Stoli Vanilla vodka.

A stay at this luxury retreat in Hunter, New York will grant you the transformative vacation you have been searching for. Its luxury cabins are equipped with walk-in rain showers and king beds that mimic the experience of sleeping on the most elegant cloud. Meanwhile, its amenities are awe-inspiring. You can soak up the panoramic view of the Catskill Mountains on one of their poolside lounge chairs, or you can take advantage of its exquisitely crafted, rustic library which is stacked with hundreds of books and furnished with a stylish fireplace. Scribner’s Lodge takes ingenuity to another level with a cutting edge sauna built inside a large wooden barrel. Engulfing the lodge are luscious meadows bursting with colorful plants and native wildlife - perfect for long walks to clear your mind. The hotel’s restaurant, Prospect, embraces nature’s gifts. It offers an appetizing culinary service - orchestrated by 3 Michelin Star restaurant owner Chef Alejandro Reyes Herrera - with ingredients derived from local purveyors and the on-property garden flourishing with various fruits, vegetables, and herbs.   

Bask in the natural splendor in this sanctuary an hour and a half from buzzing Manhattan. Its blooming wildflowers and bountiful greenery radiate an air of serenity and beckon those aspiring to improve their personal wellness. The restorative power of nature is its central dogma, and visitors are called upon to strengthen their bond with Mother Earth. Mental and physical health is prioritized through every facet of its practices. Its quaint pastoral cottages exude charm with vaulted wooden ceilings and sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows to allow the natural light of the Hudson Valley sun to flood the room and liven one’s spirit. Meanwhile, all food is crafted from ingredients freshly sourced from their lively farm. Its spa helps to create an oasis of serenity, fusing the healing forces of the natural world with ancient techniques. Oils, scrubs, ointments, and remedies are handmade and blended with locally sourced natural elements. The resort also offers an abundance of invigorating wellness classes and programs at their state of the art fitness studio.  

Surrounded by the rough-hewn Catskill Mountains and lively vegetation, this resort will be worth every penny you spend. Choose between one of their warm, earthy Victorian-style rooms overlooking the sparkling Lake Mohawk or grand group-style Grove Lodges for the utmost luxurious visit to Upstate New York. If you wish to deepen your bond with the great outdoors, Mohawk Mountain House offers an abundance of hiking trails with breathtaking sky-high views as well as horseback riding, archery, and rock climbing. If opting for comfort over physical exertion, rejuvenate with its holistic wellness offerings like lakeside immersion spa therapy or its exclusive Aprés Adventure Message to combat fatigued muscles. Your stay here also includes three meals, allowing you to indulge in their award-winning culinary services with flavorful, edible works of art. This rustic paradise also maintains its historical roots by offering guests access to its old-fashioned soda fountain for a late-night milkshake or a cold glass of cider to refresh after a long day of hiking under the Hudson Valley sun. 

The Catskills's longest operating restaurant offers some of the finest Italian food in Upstate New York. The timeless brick-structured building radiates coziness, which is only enhanced by the joyful chatter and bold fragrances that greet you once you step through the door. But the real action happens once you relish the generously-portioned shrimp scampi, sauteed with a garlicky butter sauce. And make sure to leave room for dessert because their classic New York-style cheesecake with a toasty graham cracker crust will have you thinking about your next trip back!

While in The Catskills, you’d be remiss not to make a pit stop at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, the former living quarters of American artist and environmentalist Thomas Cole. The agrarian allure of the region’s rolling hills and leaf-blanketed paths harmonize with the interactive experiences the museum has to offer. Explore their latest exhibition Indigeneity and Landscape, which honors the artwork of contemporary indigenous artists, or their digital immersive experience, The Parlors, where guests can read Thomas Cole’s own handwritten letters. Meander along the pine needle packed Hudson River School Art Trail and peer at the heaven-kissing Catskill Mountains for a fully sensorial experience. 

Reclaim your inner adventurer at this landscape hotel in The Catskills surrounded by ancient trees and wispy moss which create an idyllic charm. Its box-shaped sleek wooden cabins are suspended in the nut-brown forests to create a leafy paradise and help you grow closer to nature. Nearby awaits the ultimate therapeutic refuge for those hoping to revive their body and soul alike, containing a plethora of healing practices and treatment under one roof. The health-promoting sauna uses heat to support purification and help you glow from the inside out. Meanwhile, as soon as you step foot in the spacious yoga room, a sense of blissfulness envelops the air, so you can practice mindfulness and calm any excess nerves. Complete your storybook vacation at the resort’s restaurant where you can sink your teeth into the most devine pan-seared duck breast served with foie gras brown butter sauce.