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http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/2011/03/16/2011-03-16_great_bed_and_breakfasts_close_to_nyc_chic_bbs_just_an_hour_drive_from_new_york_.html
Three storied residences, all within an hour-and-a-half drive of Manhattan, recall the spirit of country estates of yore.
The tradition of owning grand weekend estates an hour or so away from bustling metropolises is hardly anything new. (For further proof, see Edith Wharton or Henry James.) And for quite some time, those chic spots were well-guarded secrets—places that were kept quiet by those who lived there and strictly off-limits to those who didn't. But in the last year, in several such communities outside Manhattan, local entrepreneurs have added "innkeeper" to their résumé.
In the spirit of the Wheatleighs and the Lenoxes, they've transformed three distinct turn-of-the-century homes into elegantly preserved retreats, each outfitted with modern trappings and housing a restaurant helmed by a top chef. These aren't just charming hotels for frazzled New Yorkers; they're clubhouses for locals, places to gather and socialize over dinner or drinks. (Some regulars, as in the case of the Glenmere Mansion, in Chester, New York, even choose to drop in via private chopper for dinner.) Whatever one's method of arrival, the valet comes standard.
Glenmere Mansion
1.5 hours
60 miles from NYC
Tucked into the scenic Lower Hudson Valley, this 150-acre country retreat eloquently combines past and present in a very grand fashion.
With its salmon-colored stucco façade and azure shutters, the Glenmere Mansion is something of an Italianate folly, located smack-dab in the dairy farmland of Hudson Valley. That's exactly what caught the attention of the estate's owners, Dan DeSimone and Alan Stenberg, who live in nearby Tuxedo Park, New York. DeSimone first spotted it during a leisurely Sunday drive through the area in 2006. "When Dan returned home we called our broker immediately," says Stenberg, a former public relations executive who, like his partner, DeSimone, a surgeon, is a first-time hotelier. "When we learned of its history, we had to have it." The duo spent the next three years on a top-to-bottom $30 million redo, transforming the estate into a 19-bedroom retreat that quietly opened earlier this year.
The 1911 villa, built as a country house for real estate mogul Robert Goelet IV, was designed by architecture firm Carrère and Hastings (who did the New York Public Library and the Frick Collection). Stenberg and DeSimone worked closely with New York–based interior designer Scott Snyder to maintain the historic integrity of the villa, which over the last 25 years had fallen into disrepair. They even consulted the original landscape plans for the European-style gardens; eventually lilacs, peonies, and forsythia were decided upon.
Despite its lavish public spaces—an elegant drawing room has a self-playing grand piano, the library is dark-paneled mahogany swathed in silk and velvet—nothing at Glenmere feels precious. The amicable staff encourages guests to explore each nook and cranny, settle into a chaise with a good book, or lounge in one of the six canvas-draped cabanas surrounding the heated pool.
Each of the 19 rooms evokes the mansion's heyday without feeling too stuffy. The window-lined Princess Suite, with its view of the cortile below, features a bold Charles Hewitt monotype from the Klein Museum outside Stuttgart, Germany, and a leather luggage rack handmade in Spain. Subtle touches—an ever-so-dim night-light emanating from under the bed, heated Carrera marble tiles in the bathroom—are homages to DeSimone and Stenberg's favorite details from hotels they've visited during their own travels.
Michael Foss, once the private chef for Steven Spielberg, runs the kitchen. In the Supper Room he does formal dishes such as pan-seared foie gras and pork tenderloin with an apple cider sauce and braised cabbage, while at the Frog's End Tavern the less fussy menu leans toward elevated comfort food: an apple relish–topped turkey burger on brioche, or a pizza with figs and Maytag blue cheese.
DeSimone and Stenberg have put as much emphasis on the service as they have on the design and food—and it shows. Guests can take meals anywhere on the grounds, from the bougainvillea-filled cortile to the wraparound terrace. And the staff has been known to arrange for guests' dogs to be boarded nearby. "Most of all we wanted Glenmere to feel like you've come to visit your rich uncle's estate," says Stenberg, "where you're free to wander and do as you please."
Rooms, from $550. At 634 Pine Hill Rd.; glenmeremansion.com.
Cocktail Hour: Drinks by Design
In keeping with the property's country-club feel, Glenmere has introduced a Small Bites on Starry Nights menu, which pairs martinis with shareable plates like deviled eggs topped with caviar and prosciutto–wrapped feta.
Sybarite's Sanctum
Glenmere will open an intimate five-treatment-room spa, complete with a bathhouse and an herbal steam room, in early 2011.
Bedford Post
1 hour
45 miles from NYC
In Westchester County, husband-and-wife actors Richard Gere and Carey Lowell created an intimate B&B and restaurant.
Residents of Bedford, New York, may think of their town as sleepy, but with Ralph Lauren, Donald Trump, and Martha Stewart calling this hamlet home, it's anything but. Since its opening last summer, the Bedford Post has become a de facto clubhouse of sorts for in-the-know locals. Two such are Richard Gere and Carey Lowell, the actors turned innkeepers who transformed this once dilapidated 18th-century house and barn, set on 14 acres, into a hotel with two restaurants and a yoga loft. The couple, who have had a home in the area for the last 25 years, wanted to create a place where "the community can come together," says Gere.
But it's welcoming to outsiders, too. The eight bedrooms, which opened last August, are done in a quiet palette of gray, off-white, and light blue, and appointed with vintage Audubon prints and decorative objets d'art from local antiques shops. Six of the rooms have working gas fireplaces and stunning Portuguese claw-foot soaking tubs. Given Gere's devotion to Buddhism, it's little surprise that there's a large light-filled loft offering daily complimentary yoga classes to guests of all skill levels.
Evenings at the inn's formal Farmhouse restaurant, which opened to much acclaim in November 2008, reveal a crowd of navy-blazered and pearl-clad Bedford residents. (Martha Stewart has been known to ride up on horseback.) Sourcing ingredients from neighboring farms, chef Brian Lewis prepares memorably delicate pasta dishes (soft farm-egg ravioli and lobster spaghetti chitarra among them), in addition to a seven-course tasting menu. A health-conscious breakfast of homemade granola and poached eggs, served in the more relaxed Barn, is accompanied by homemade mixed-berry crostada and scones, which are happily packed for the journey home.
Rooms, from $395. At 954 Old Post Rd.; 914-234-7800; bedfordpostinn.com.
Natirar
1 hour
45 miles from NYC
A working farm meets top-notch cooking and schooling at Ninety Acres in New Jersey.
After opening properties in the Caribbean and South Africa, Peapack-Gladstone, in New Jersey, seems an unlikely location for Sir Richard Branson's first Virgin Limited Edition property in the States. But for the next three years Branson and his business partner, Bob Wojtowicz, will turn 90 acres of a 500-acre estate once owned by the king of Morocco into a hotel called Natirar. Only its Ninety Acres restaurant and culinary center are open so far; the hotel and ten cottage suites, a spa and a pool will follow in 2011.
Ninety Acres' farm-to-table–style menu culls nearly 80 percent of its ingredients from nearby purveyors. (Though with a 15-acre garden out back, maybe "farm-at-table" is more apt.) Standouts include poached eggs with potato hash and pork-belly pizza. More adventurous diners should consider the four-course Bring Me Food tasting: no menu, only a list of ingredients from which chef David Felton will whip up whatever strikes his fancy.
Popular with the local set—and, increasingly, those from farther away—is Natirar's culinary center. In a copper-and-granite exhibition kitchen adjacent to the restaurant, visiting chefs teach three-hour cooking classes on topics like "Puff Pastry Sweet and Savory" and "Gastronomic Grill"—recipes included.
At 2 Main St.; ninetyacres.com.
Posted at 04:25 AM in Bed & Breakfast | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
http://www.prlog.org/11120775-thyme-in-the-country-bed-breakfast-offers-hunting-season-excursions-hudson-new-york.html
| Thyme in the Country bed and breakfast will be hosting visitors for the 2010 hunting season, offering personal service designed for those interested in sustainable hunting, and a memorable stay at one of upstate New York’s most eco-friendly inns. |
PRLog (Press Release) – Dec 03, 2010 – Hudson, New York, USA –The Thyme in the Country bed and breakfast is pleased to announce special accommodations for the hunting season, offering a chance for hunters, or those wanting to learn to hunt, an ecologically minded way to experience a hassle-free hunting excursion. A certified tracker and hunting guide will be available for a step by step field education. Thyme in the Country has the flexibility to provide the best possible experience, with an emphasis on sustainable hunting practices. Ample space for hunting equipment is available, and early breakfasts, delicious packed lunches, and a hearty evening meal can all be arranged, with most ingredients sourced from Thyme in the Country’s own organic garden.
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Posted at 04:52 AM in Bed & Breakfast | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
http://www.coldspringliving.com/
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Posted at 04:19 PM in Antiques, Art, Bed & Breakfast, Boating, Constitution Island, Day Tripping, Flea Markets & Garage Sales, Food and Drink, Hikes, History, Kayaking Events, Motorcycle Rides, Once upon a time, Outdoor Recreation, OverNight, Parks, Places, Real Estate, Rentals, RoadTrips, Scenic Drives, Spa"s, Street Fairs, Top Picks, Trains, What's happening on the Hudson River__, Yoga | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
http://minnewaskalodge.com/
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Posted at 07:40 AM in Apple Picking, Bed & Breakfast, OverNight | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
WEEKLY EVENTS
- Overnight romance rooms $120 + tax
- enjoy the retro sounds of the 60s, 70s and 80s here at The Rhinecliff !! No Cover.
SPECIAL EVENTS
SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH - MUSIC APPROX 11.30 AM - 2.30PM
LOCAL MUSICIAN'S SHOWCASE - TUESDAY @ 9PM
SATURDAY NIGHT “LATE LOUNGE AT THE RHINECLIFF” @ 9PM ‘TIL LATE
LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE - FRIDAY AND SATURDAY @ 9PM
EXAMPLE MENUS
Note, menus, dishes and prices change daily and are subject to market fluctuation and change. All menus shown here are simply to give an indication of menus offered
The Bar at The Rhinecliff features the bounty of the Hudson Valley, cooked and served with classic European elegance and gusto.
RESTAURANT HOURS
SUNDAY BRUNCH 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sundays are a day to relax down at the hotel. The Brunch at The Rhinecliff offers all your favorite brunch classics, served with Hudson Valley soul.
Posted at 07:47 AM in Bed & Breakfast, Food and Drink | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/travel/2009/03/22/2009-03-22_five_upstate_new_york_spas_for_a_relaxin.html
After a long winter of dealing with frigid temperatures, freak snowstorms and the gloom of a faltering economy, spring has finally arrived - at least officially.
Friday's snow shower proved springtime in March is something of a formality. But New Yorkers watching their dollars don't have to go far to shake the post-winter blahs. Here are five quick upstate getaways, all within a couple of hours of the city and about $500 or less, where you can spend the weekend relaxing, rejuvenating and reenergizing the soul without breaking the bank.
Woodstock Inn on the Millstream
This cozy, 18-room inn has gorgeous grounds overlooking Tinker Creek, where you can watch deer and other wildlife in a rustic setting yet still be within walking distance of the town of Woodstock, home to one of America's oldest artists' colonies.
Tinker St., Woodstock's main drag, is full of small bookstores, funky boutiques and art galleries. Spend a lazy afternoon strolling and exploring, then dine at any of the highly regarded restaurants in town.
The Inn has rooms of various sizes, making it a perfect escape for a romantic weekend or a family getaway. Rates start at $129 for a standard room, which includes a breakfast buffet featuring locally baked goodies. 48 Tannery Brook Road; 1-800-420-4707; (845) 679-8211; www.woodstock-inn-ny.com.
You don't have to travel to India to find your spiritual side. Ananda Ashram, about an hour from Manhattan in Monroe, was established by the Yoga Center of New York in the 1960s and is a popular destination for yoga practitioners from the city.
The weekend program begins on Fridays at 6 p.m. with two daily yoga classes for all levels. The tasty vegetarian meals are served, buffet-style, in the dining hall at set times.
While people take their yoga and meditation quite seriously here, you aren't pressured into following a rigid schedule, and classes aren't mandatory. Rates start at $70 a night for a dormitory-style room with shared bath. 13 Sapphire Road, Monroe. (845) 782-5575; www.anandaashram.org
Warwick Valley Bed & Breakfast
Just 50 miles from the city sits Warwick, a quaint town surrounded by hiking trails and orchards that serves as a relaxing escape for any harried New Yorker.
Check yourself into a room at the homey Warwick Valley Bed & Breakfast, a colonial house in the heart of the charming village. The pace is nice and slow on Main St., where you can fill an afternoon antiquing and window-shopping, then enjoy a good meal at one of several restaurants. If you're in the mood for some vino, there's no shortage of tasting rooms at the vineyards along the Shawangunk Wine Trail (www.shawangunkwinetrail.com), which runs through Warwick.
Warwick B&B rates start at $120 and include a hearty breakfast. There's also a choice of weekend shopping, dining and skiing packages, starting at $300. 24 Maple Ave. (845) 987-7255; www.wvbedandbreakfast.com.
New Age Heath Spa
Head to the heart of the Catskills for a weekend of relaxation and peace at New Age Health Spa, situated on 280 scenic acres.
Explore the lush grounds on guided hikes, dine on delicious meals - including salads with herbs and vegetables grown in New Age's greenhouses - or enjoy one of its many yoga and fitness classes, and within a day you'll certainly feel refreshed and de-stressed. And if this doesn't do the trick, swim some laps in the indoor pool or simply book a spa treatment.
Rates start at $259 a night for a two-night minimum stay, but New Age is all-inclusive, so everything is covered (with the exception of spa treatments). Solo travelers can be placed with a roommate to keep costs down. Through May 21, guests who pay for two nights and four spa treatments can bring a friend along for free. 7491 State Route 55, Neversink. 1-800-682-4348;www.newagehealthspa.com.
The Roxbury Motel
The Roxbury isn't your typical roadside motel. If you're a fan of kitsch, book one of the colorful theme rooms inspired by '60s and '70s shows like "The Partridge Family," "The Mod Squad and "The Jetsons" to lighten your mood.
You can't help but feel refreshed after a weekend relaxing in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. Begin your day with a breakfast of fruit and pastries in the sun-drenched dining room, then head to Roxbury's Shimmer Spa, where guests can find peace and tranquility as they lounge in a hot tub or sauna or enjoy a full menu of services in the treatment room.
At night, unwind across the street at the Public Lounge, about as fun and funky a bar you'll find outside of Manhattan.
Rates at the Roxbury start at $129 on weekends, which includes a continental breakfast. 2258 County Highway 41, Roxbury, NY. (607) 326-7200;www.theroxburymotel.com.
Lowenstein is the author of "City Weekends: The Greatest Escapes and Weekend Getaways In and Around New York City."
Posted at 09:00 AM in Bed & Breakfast, Food and Drink, Health & Fittness, Hikes, Outdoor Recreation, OverNight, Places, Scenic Drives, ShawanGunk"s, Spa"s, Trains, Yoga | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
http://www.chronogram.com/issue/2009/2/Lodging/Hudson-Valley-Havens
The lobby of the Belvedere Mansion.
Some resorts have sprawling properties that take an entire visit to roam—one even has a maze. Most of these featured also have plush spas, even some that are eco-friendly. Buttermilk Falls, one of the more well regarded properties that manager Dan Reyburn says “is neither b&b, hotel, inn, spa. It’s really just not definable,” has a menagerie of animals that roam the property.
Most have stood the test of time—some throughout hundreds of years, while the owners have painstakingly preserved the history, where generations have lived, visited, and created memories. This is about the best of the Hudson Valley’s multiple personalities.

Posted at 06:25 AM in Bed & Breakfast, Food and Drink, History, Once upon a time, OverNight, Places, RoadTrips, Scenic Drives, Spa"s, Travel | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Palisades Interstate Park Commission Weekend of February 14th, 2009 Bear Mountain Inn tempts guests to indulge in romance with their Valentine's Day getaway Sweetheart Package and Dinner Dance the weekend of February 14th at the Overlook Lodge nestled in Bear Mountain State Park. The Sweetheart Dinner Dance starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 14th and features a romantic 4 course dinner, after-dinner dancing, and cash bar. Dinner includes Wild Mushroom Ravioli with Madeira Sauce, Mixed Greens Salad, Duo of Seared Filet Mignon and Diver Scallops with a Cognac-Pepper Cream, and Bailey's Chocolate Cheesecake. The Sweetheart Package includes the Dinner Dance, overnight accommodations, and Sunday Brunch for $275 per couple. Enjoy just dinner and dancing for $100 per couple. To RSVP, please call: (845)786-2731. February also brings the return of Sunday Brunch to Bear Mountain Inn. Focusing on the simplicity of fine ingredients, Chef Stacy Bergmans' Sunday Brunch menu includes an array of chilled salads, a smoked and raw seafood bar, made-to-order omelets, additional classic breakfast and lunch items, lavish desserts, and much more. Our famous Sunday Brunch, served at the Overlook Lodge located on the north end of Hessian Lake, 11:00 am to 2:30 pm., is $29.95 per adult, $15.95 for children ages 6-12, and children age 5 and under eat free. The Bear Mountain Inn is closed for renovations. We will reopen spring 2009. You may continue to enjoy the visitor services found at the state park facilities including the Merry-Go-Round, Hessian Lake Picnic Grove, the Ice Rink, and Trailside Museums and Zoo. Overlook Lodge, the Merry-Go-Round, and the four lakeside stone cottages are open for banquets, weddings, conferences, and overnight guests. Paddle and Row Boat rentals are available from May-September. Our popular Wednesday night car cruise will roar to life beginning in May through September, 2009. Oktoberfest will be celebrated every fall weekend in the picnic grove. Please see our calendar of events to confirm times and dates. For more information about park related activities, please call 845-786-2701. To call the Inn directly, please call 845-786-2731. |
Posted at 12:53 PM in Bed & Breakfast, Food and Drink, Holiday Events, OverNight, Parks, Trains, What's happening on the Hudson River__ | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Posted at 05:38 AM in Scenic Hudson, Art, Bed & Breakfast, Boating, Books, crafts, Day Tripping, Food and Drink, History, Real Estate, Scenic Drives, Trains, What's happening on the Hudson River__ | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)