The Hudson Valley and Catskills regions in New York offer an abundance of historical sites, outdoor adventures, and unique shopping experiences, all within easy reach of the city. If you’re looking to spend the weekend in this beautiful region, here are some of our top recommendations of things to do in the Hudson Valley & Catskills:
- Stay at historic Bed & Breakfast near Tannersville
- Have an Airbnb experience in Saugerties
- Stay at VRBO in Highland Falls
Where to stay
AirBnB or VRBO/HomeAway? : If you’re planning a weekend getaway, it’s hard to beat a stay at a nearby home. They can be cheaper than hotels and have more charm, but there are trade-offs. Many don’t have maid service or daily room cleaning, so some homes expect guests to clean up after themselves. And, like a hotel with reviews, it can be tough to tell what kind of experience you’ll have until you book. But if you’re looking for an authentic experience and aren’t as concerned about luxury amenities, then a home rental is worth considering.
Where to eat
There are many options for dining in Rhinebeck, from upscale restaurants to local diners and cafes. Check out Bistro on Main, which offers Italian fare made with fresh, local ingredients or get a taste of seafood at Mastrelli’s Fish Market and Eatery. For lighter bites and live music while enjoying a cocktail, head to Riverwatch Jazz Club & Restaurant—the full bar features an extensive list of whiskeys, wines by the glass, and a diverse selection of beers. If you’re looking for a quick bite before bedtime or just want good coffee to start your day off right, check out Brunch Café and Coffee House.
How to get there
From NYC, take a one-hour train ride north to Poughkeepsie, where you’ll pick up your Airbnb. In Poughkeepsie, you can walk to restaurants and bars. If you want to venture outside of town, but still be convenient to get back for dinner or drinks, try a cabin rental on Airbnb. And if you’re interested in nature and history — as well as views that will take your breath away — spend some time at Mount Beacon Park. You could also stay overnight at a bed-and-breakfast in Cold Spring or Beacon; both towns are lovely and offer lots of other activities nearby.
Conclusion
If you’re traveling to The Catskills, I highly recommend looking into a Vrbo instead of staying at a traditional bed and breakfast. Vrbo is a network of vacation rentals that covers every corner of The Hudson Valley and Catskills. There are dozens of options available for rent on any given weekend, meaning it’s easy to find something close to the places you want to visit. Best of all, staying at a Vrbo will save you money: prices start as low as $300 per weekend. Best yet? You can book directly with hosts via Airbnb/VRBO; or check out our Airbnb recommendations here >> there are hundreds of great homes with rental rates as low as $50 per night!
