Saddle up for a country-western inspired trip in upstate NY
Ride horses at the all-inclusive 1000 Acres Ranch Resort in Stony Creek. Credit: NYS Dept. of Economic Development/Darren McGee
Vacation season is here, and you don't need to flee the country or even the state to have a relaxing getaway.
Those seeking the simple life can head to upstate New York and book a stay at hotels and resorts that offer experiences like horseback riding, stargazing, fishing, farm-to-table meals and more.
Catskills
Driftwood Ranch Resort
49 Kilcoin Rd., White Lake
Learn how to swing a rope or try horseback riding at Driftwood Ranch Resort in White Lake. Credit: Anne Dubrovsky
The resort opened this spring and is 90 minutes from Manhattan. It's a working horse and cattle ranch with western-inspired decor. The resort is owned by Steve Dubrovsky, a four-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association circuit champion, and Anne Dubrovsky, a longtime equestrian. Guests can go hiking or horseback riding trails, feed cattle or stargaze by a fire pit to pass the time. Guests looking for an authentic cowboy experience can learn how to properly hold and swing a rope. Participants will practice techniques by roping stationary dummies and then transition to practicing off a horse. Book a stay in the Longhorn Suite, featuring a king-size bed made from native white birch with twinkling lights. History buffs can spend the night in the Museum Suite, which includes elements from the 1992 special exhibit "My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys" at the Rochester Museum of Science and Nature.
- COST Rates start at $750 per night; activities are included in the all-inclusive packages. There is a fee for horseback riding ($120 for an hour) and other activities for those who opt out of the all-inclusive option.
- MORE INFO 845-798-6649, driftwoodranchresort.com
The Chatwal Lodge
338 Chapin Trail, White Lake
The Chatwal Lodge, an all-inclusive resort in White Lake. Credit: The Chatwal Lodge
Situated on 100 acres, the all-inclusive lodge offers a customizable five-star summer camp-style experience for adults. This can include a four-hour guided fly-fishing session, private stargazing experiences and watching movies under the open sky. Rent a tree house furnished with found pieces like wooden slabs and ceramic coins meant to resemble a full moon in the sky. Guests can grab a bite at the Rustic Grill with menu items like olive-oil-poached salmon with cauliflower, pistachio, and candied orange vinaigrette, and seared duck breast with parsnip puree and blackberries. The restaurant sources ingredients from local Catskills farms and bakeries.
- COST Rates start at $865 per night
- MORE INFO 845-583-8300, hyatt.com
Seminary Hill Orchard & Cidery
43 Wagner Lane, Callicoon
Seminary Hill Orchard & Cidery is part working orchard, part farm-to-table restaurant and part Michelin Key-awarded boutique hotel. This summer, guests have a range of rural workshops to choose from including starting a kitchen herb garden, pickling and preserving, foraging the Catskills (mushrooms, wild berries and herbs) and making sourdough.
- COST$350 per night
- MORE INFO 845-887-4056, seminaryhill.co
Adirondacks
1000 Acres Ranch Resort
465 Warrensburg Rd., Stony Creek
Learn the ropes and live like a cowboy for a few days at 1000 Acre Ranch Resort in the Adirondacks Region. Credit: NYS Dept. of Economic Development/Darren McGee
Guests at this all-inclusive resort can partake in downriver tubing, lawn games, horseback riding, swimming in the on-site pools, and try line dancing at the Red Dog Saloon. Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt where they receive a list of items, sights and landmarks to find around the property. The petting zoo is temporarily closed for expansion, but guests can feed the herd of horses, donkey and goats. Rooms include cabins with mountain views and lodge-style accommodations.
- COST Peak season: $605–$670 per person, per night (for two adults); off-peak season: $570–$630 per person, per night (for two adults)
- MORE INFO 518-696-2444, 1000acres.com
The Lodge at Schroon Lake
210 Registration Way, Schroon Lake
The Lodge at Schroon Lake in Schroon Lake. Credit: The Lodge at Schroon Lake
This hotel offers lodge-style accommodations, private beach access, and watercraft rentals, including kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats. Guided outdoor adventures, such as hiking, fishing, canoeing and boat tours, are available. The hotel is not all-inclusive, but some amenities are included with booking. Free amenities include access to a heated indoor pool, private beach, mini-golf course, game room, playground, fitness center, outdoor courts/lawn games, nightly campfires with s'mores and outdoor movies. Guests of all ages can join a scavenger hunt and look for items around the property to find the treasure chest, which features a prize.
- COST Rates start at $155
- MORE INFO 518-987-0708, lodgeatschroonlake.com
Whiteface Lodge
7 Whiteface Inn Lane, Lake Placid
The Kanu Dining Room at Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid. Credit: Whiteface Lodge
This summer, guests at Whiteface Lodge can enjoy tarot card readings under the stars, a vintage-style two-lane bowling alley and nightly fireside s'mores. Families can experience nostalgic fun while savoring cool treats at the Ice Cream Parlor. Guests looking to unwind can take a yoga class in the Whispering Winds studio or play basketball, pickleball, tennis and mini-golf at the resort's courts. Kids can spend the day at Kamp Kanu ($48 per child), a supervised adventure program. The on-site movie theater shows three films throughout the day (3:30, 6:30, and 9 p.m.), featuring free popcorn. The Spa at Whiteface Lodge offers facials, massages, and a salon providing haircuts, blowouts, makeup, and lash extensions. Grab a bite at Kanu (upscale dining), Peak 47 (handcrafted cocktails, light bites, and live music) or beachfront Canoe Club Grill (located down the road and accessible by a free shuttle).
- COST Rates start at $319
- MORE INFO 518-523-0500, thewhitefacelodge.com
Hudson Valley
Bedford Post Inn
954 Old Post Rd., Bedford
Guets can book a wellness experience during a stay at Bedford Post Inn in Bedford. Credit: Glen Allsop
Just one hour from Manhattan, the Bedford Post Inn sits on 20 acres and offers guests complimentary breakfast, a 24-hour Guest Lounge and a daily happy hour. The pet-friendly hotel offers tons of activities to fill one's stay such as golf, yoga, floral design workshops, pickleball, astrology readings, wellness experiences (yoga classes, sound baths and nature walks) and hiking. The Inn is not all-inclusive (activities and experiences are available à la carte) but offers complimentary breakfast and yoga classes.
COST Rates start at $795
MORE INFO 914-234-7800, bedfordpostinn.com
The Six Bells Countryside Inn
435 Main St., Rosendale
The Innkeeper's Suite at The Six Bells Countryside Inn in Rosendale. Credit: Kate S Jordan
Six Bells Countryside Inn, which opened in June, is an extension of the Brooklyn store and home goods brand, The Six Bells. Guests can choose among 11 guest rooms, each of which boasts countryside-inspired decor in a three-story building. Guests can have dinner at The Feathers Tavern and Restaurant.
- COST Rates start at $350
- MORE INFO 845-658-2047, thesixbellshotel.com
Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes Cider House
4017 Hickok Rd., Interlaken
Try a variety of hard ciders at Finger Lakes Cider House in Interlaken. Credit: Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council
Finger Lakes Cider House is a tasting room and organic farm that offers local handcrafted hard ciders, wine and farm-to-table food. Visitors can enjoy live music and take tours of the cidery. Additionally, there are currently three rentals available on-site: The Loft, Walnut Grove Yurt and the new Maple Grove Yurt. The farm seasonally offers u-pick fruit (strawberries and apples) and flowers for a fee.
- COST Starting at $281 per night
- MORE INFO 607-351-3313, ciderhouseprovisions.com
