1 Museum Road
Traversing Maya Lin’s grassy dunes that roll through Storm King Art Center’s vast, open-air museum is somewhat mystifying. What seems natural underfoot is actually a series of symmetrically-orchestrated, human creations. This installation and dozens of other sculptures are scattered throughout the 500 acre complex. I visited this gorgeous, fresh-air museum on a bright, autumn weekend. The last of the season’s colors added a bit of drama and romance to the already magical place. Wear good shoes, take a lunch, and enjoy the view.
18 Mill St, Port Chester, NY 10573, USA
After strolling Storm King Art Center or DIA Beacon, Tarry Lodge is the perfect stop on your way back to New York City. Mario Batali opened it up as a neighborhood restaurant for the Port Chester crowd and a go-to for out-of-town Manhattanites who love his Italian comfort food. Don’t miss the clam, chili, and oregano or pistachio and goat cheese pizzas. Waits can be long so if you’re trying to beat traffic just get take out from their curbside service.
80 Route 214, Phoenicia, New York
Set in the Catskills, the Graham & Co is a boutique hotel that has reimagined the classic weekend mountain getaway. Located about two-and-a-half hours from New York City, this retreat offers spacious minimalist rooms, some with kitchenettes. Details include Mexican blankets, Tivoli radios, and custom bath amenities that are available for purchase at the front desk. The Graham & Co is designed as a place to sit back and read while putting your feet up next to the fire pit. Plenty of outdoor activities (fishing, hiking, skiing) are nearby, but many guests settle into the property and its Adirondack chairs, hammocks, and picnic area for a welcome escape from the bustle of city life. Explore the town of Phoenicia on a complimentary bike or simply stay put at this unpretentious mountain property.
1727 U.S. 9, Germantown, NY 12526, USA
The 100-plus-year-old red barn that houses Hudson Valley Distillery is located in an area better known for wine but don’t let that detour you. The tour guides are great at translating the distilling process for laymen and the applejacks are exceptional. Don’t miss the unaged one, in particular, which is heavy on the apple.
1000 Mountain Rest Rd., New Paltz, New York
A historic New York state resort, Mohonk Mountain House first opened in 1869 in the Hudson Valley, about 90 miles from New York City. This Victorian castle has welcomed five U.S. presidents (including Bill Clinton) in addition to countless artists, authors, and actors. Surrounded by thousands of acres of nature, the resort is perched on a cliff overlooking Mohonk Lake. Guests travel specifically for the dramatic, vibrant fall foliage and expertly manicured gardens. Rates are all-inclusive and comprehensive—all meals and activities are included for a single nightly rate. Yoga classes, boating, tennis, horseback riding, and rock climbing are all popular activities. During the winter, ice skating and cross-country skiing lure guests into the great outdoors. Rooms with wood-burning fireplaces and a huge spa with heated indoor and outdoor pool create a peaceful retreat.
630 Bedford Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
Thirty miles north of Manhattan, the 80-acre Blue Hill farm compound that sources this restaurant includes four barns, two silos, 100 or so geese, thousands of chickens and hens, dozens of colonies of bees, and that’s just for starters. Run by a James Beard “Outstanding Chef in America” winner, the restaurant has no menus. Instead you’re offered the Grazing, Rooting, Pecking menu, composed of the best stuff in the fields and the market that day.
