Need ideas for NY Upstate Getaway

BogleMelon · Post by **BogleMelon** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 9:40 am

I and DW live in NJ. We would like to go during the upcoming weekend (Fri night, Sat, back in Sunday) to NY upstate to disconnect our minds from some stressful events happening currently to our life. Any known good places to stay at or visit at that time of the year? We are not willing to spend a fortune, just something relaxing, refreshing, with a little fun.
(P.S: I have access to Hilton family and friends special discount rate, so may utilize Hilton chains as well)

Thanks.

arsenalfan · Post by **arsenalfan** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 9:47 am

Hard to recc without knowing budget/interest/activities.

Consider Monkhouse Mountain House

BogleMelon · Post by **BogleMelon** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 9:53 am

arsenalfan wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 11, 2019 9:47 am
Hard to recc without knowing budget/interest/activities.

Consider Monkhouse Mountain House

Thank you. I checked Monkhouse Mountain, too expensive ($750). Our budget is ~$400

Jack FFR1846 · Post by **Jack FFR1846** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:00 am

Niagara Falls? We went last month for the first time, driving from outside Boston. Stayed near Buffalo Airport to guaranty we were not in a sketchy part of Buffalo. Get there early and park in the national park lot for $10. You can walk across the rainbow bridge into Canada to get the best view of all the falls. Both sides have boats (Maid of the Mist and Horn Blower) to go into the falls. We did Horn Blower and with my fear of heights would have wasted money if we did Maid of the Mist. There's a very high bridge to elevators, set up to give you a view. Both sides have lots of restaurants and touristy areas. Parking is easier on the US side. More "stuff" on the Canada side.

We also went to the Buffalo Zoo and were quite pleased with it. AAA discount of $1 each, if you have it.

We also found the visitor's center people at Niagara (US side) to be really helpful and honest. "Don't go to the aquarium if you've been to bigger ones because it's very small and the sea lion exhibit is closed".

pmardo · Post by **pmardo** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:04 am

I recommend Lake Placid in the Adirondacks. It is a very pleasant area especially if you enjoy hiking.

BogleMelon · Post by **BogleMelon** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:13 am

pmardo wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:04 am
I recommend Lake Placid in the Adirondacks. It is a very pleasant area especially if you enjoy hiking.

Too much driving for a weekend!

ALinLI · Post by **ALinLI** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:16 am

Lake George . Checkout Bolton Landing.

smitcat · Post by **smitcat** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:23 am

BogleMelon wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:13 am

pmardo wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:04 am
I recommend Lake Placid in the Adirondacks. It is a very pleasant area especially if you enjoy hiking.
Too much driving for a weekend!

Angry orchard tour and fruit picking at various other farms in the Walden / Newburgh area.

jrhampt · Post by **jrhampt** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:23 am

The area around Beacon, NY (on the Hudson River) is lined with apple orchards and several wineries that are nice to visit this time of year. There's also a modern art museum (the Dia) and the Storm King art center/outdoor sculpture park. You'll also be near some nice sections of the Appalachian Trail and the best BBQ I've had outside of Texas called Roundup Texas BBQ in Cold Spring, NY.

Pete12 · Post by **Pete12** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:24 am

BogleMelon wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 11, 2019 9:40 am
I and DW live in NJ. We would like to go during the upcoming weekend (Fri night, Sat, back in Sunday) to NY upstate to disconnect our minds from some stressful events happening currently to our life. Any known good places to stay at or visit at that time of the year? We are not willing to spend a fortune, just something relaxing, refreshing, with a little fun.
(P.S: I have access to Hilton family and friends special discount rate, so may utilize Hilton chains as well)

Thanks.

We love the Masthope PA area- much closer to you and basically the same shtick as upstate NY. Tons of properties in that area on Airbnb.

ALinLI · Post by **ALinLI** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:42 am

New Paltz is nice.

alpenglow · Post by **alpenglow** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:48 am

I hear Hudson NY has come a long way and is now filled with shops and restaurants, though I haven't been there yet. Maybe Cold Spring, New Paltz, or Rhinebeck.

Bitzer · Post by **Bitzer** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:50 am

Canandaigua Lake or Keuka Lake. You might be able to get a good deal as the "season" is largely over.

alpenglow · Post by **alpenglow** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:56 am

Bitzer wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:50 am
Canandaigua Lake or Keuka Lake. You might be able to get a good deal as the "season" is largely over.

Finger Lakes could be a good idea. Lots of nice wineries if you are into that. Ithaca has a lot going on for a small city.

fyre4ce · Post by **fyre4ce** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 11:48 am

Depends on what you're looking for, but there are some good options.

I like outdoorsy stuff, like hiking and backpacking. I was going to recommend the Adirondacks and Lake Placid area, but fair point on excessive driving. The Catskills would be a closer alternative. Never hiked there but I have a friend who has, and he said it was great. I've also rented a lake cabin in the Old Forge area (southern Adirondacks) and it was nice; would make for a relaxing weekend.

Ithaca and the finger lakes region are really nice. As mentioned there are lots of wineries on the banks of Cayuga and Seneca lakes. Ithaca has some great restaurants and a big walkable commons area.

Watkins Glen is a cute little town at the southern tip of Seneca lake, with a world-class race track that used to host the United States Grand Prix. Unfortunately all of their headline spectator races (NASCAR, endurance, etc) are over for the 2019 season. There are a bunch of high-performance driving schools in September and October and for a few hundred bucks (typical for a 2-3 day school) you can get to drive on the track with an instructor in the passenger seat. It depends on the school but many of them let you use a family car without any sports car features (although needs to be a regular car at least, no SUVs), and you'll probably need to buy a helmet, but they're not that expensive. Probably off the beaten path, but who knows, you might have a blast. There's also a beer festival at the track Oct 25-26 (obviously no track driving to go along with) if you can wait a month.

Skaneateles (skin-E-atlas) is a cute town outside of Syracuse with a pretty pier area, and shopping. Rosalie's Cucina has great Italian food.

Hope that gets you started.

BoggledUp · Post by **BoggledUp** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 11:55 am

Tarrytown House?

mmcmonster · Post by **mmcmonster** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 12:32 pm

The Corning Glass Museum was surprisingly good and interesting for both myself as well as the whole family. Some history, some art, some tech.

One word of warning: Do not speed in upstate NY. The NY state police are very happy to give tickets out at the drop of a hat.

WillRetire · Post by **WillRetire** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 12:36 pm

Make sure you fully understand the New York State tax consequences of owning a vacation home in that state.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-h ... 1567857600

BarbBrooklyn · Post by **BarbBrooklyn** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 12:37 pm

Danbury CT and environs is closer to you. Just a nice Hilton with a pool and spa.

Visit Ferris Farms (ice cream dairy in Newtown CT) for the best ice cream ever. And cows.

dodecahedron · Post by **dodecahedron** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 12:49 pm

If you are looking for Hiltons to use your points and discounts, there is a Hilton in the heart of downtown Albany, walking distance to NYS State Capitol, Empire State Plaza, NYS Museum (free), Albany Institute of Art, riverfront park for biking (use inexpensive bikeshare) and walking along the Hudson, Palace Theater, Capitol Repertory Theater, and lots of restaurants of all sorts. The free public tours of NYS Capitol are fascinating. If you are feeling energetic, you could also hit a number of beautiful historic mansions including Schuyler Mansion, Ten Broeck Mansion, and historic Cherry Hill mansion, all within walking distance for the energetic. Also, directly across the Hudson there is Crailo historic site.

dodecahedron · Post by **dodecahedron** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 12:59 pm

BogleMelon wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:13 am

pmardo wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:04 am
I recommend Lake Placid in the Adirondacks. It is a very pleasant area especially if you enjoy hiking.
Too much driving for a weekend!

Consider taking Amtrak--it runs very close to Hudson from NYC all the way to Rhinebeck/Hudson/Albany with gorgeous relaxing views of the river the whole way.

If you are going no further north than Poughkeepsie, you can also take Metro North (much cheaper and a little slower.)

Atilla · Post by **Atilla** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 1:02 pm

jrhampt wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 11, 2019 10:23 am
The area around Beacon, NY (on the Hudson River) is lined with apple orchards and several wineries that are nice to visit this time of year. There's also a modern art museum (the Dia) and the Storm King art center/outdoor sculpture park. You'll also be near some nice sections of the Appalachian Trail and the best BBQ I've had outside of Texas called Roundup Texas BBQ in Cold Spring, NY.

We were in Beacon this past June for a wedding. Nice little town with enough restaurants, bars and shops to keep you occupied for a weekend. We took the Metro North up from NYC and the ride along the Hudson River was reasonably scenic.

Stayed at the Roundhouse and walked to everything. https://roundhousebeacon.com/

Zott · Post by **Zott** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 9:52 pm

Saratoga Springs. The thoroughbred racing season is over, but the trotters are still running. There's a lot to see and do--a casino (which you're probably not interested in), performing arts and lots of restaurants. Beautiful area, and fairly close to Lake George. Wife and I had an annual trip there each August for racing when we lived in NJ--it's an easy drive.

WWJBDo · Post by **WWJBDo** » Thu Sep 12, 2019 1:01 am

Why not go to Pennsylvania? It's closer and less driving and if you haven't seen these places you might like:
Stay at the Hilliard House Inn
Council Cup overlook
Hickory run boulder field
Anthracite Heritage Museum
Archbald Pothole State Park.

If you have the time, go on up to Corning with other state parks in PA along the way.

If you are set on NY, I would second the FIngerlakes

Pigeon · Post by **Pigeon** » Thu Sep 12, 2019 8:30 am

Another vote for Saratoga Springs.

retire2022 · Post by **retire2022** » Thu Sep 12, 2019 8:55 am

Op

Saugerties has Opus 40 if you were not aware a sculpture park built on a former quarry.

https://www.opus40.org/

Then there is the original Woodstock site in Bethel Sullivan County NY

https://www.bethelwoodscenter.org/

alpenglow · Post by **alpenglow** » Thu Sep 12, 2019 1:14 pm

So, BogleMelon, what did you decide on?

BogleMelon · Post by **BogleMelon** » Thu Sep 12, 2019 1:21 pm

alpenglow wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 12, 2019 1:14 pm
So, BogleMelon, what did you decide on?

Lake George will be my next destination in NY upstate.

Thank you all for your suggestions

bowest · Post by **bowest** » Thu Sep 12, 2019 1:26 pm

only a problem if you're a commuter to NY who is present in state more than 183 days in a year.

WillRetire wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 11, 2019 12:36 pm
Make sure you fully understand the New York State tax consequences of owning a vacation home in that state.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-h ... 1567857600

bowest · Post by **bowest** » Thu Sep 12, 2019 1:29 pm

Saratoga Springs. Hilton has many properties, including right in town. Parks, walking trails, quick trip to lakes, great dining and walking around town. Steve Martin and Martin Short playing SPAC tomorrow if you're a fan.

bsteiner · Post by **bsteiner** » Thu Sep 12, 2019 3:10 pm

WillRetire wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 11, 2019 12:36 pm
Make sure you fully understand the New York State tax consequences of owning a vacation home in that state.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-h ... 1567857600

That's only a problem if you work in New York (or are otherwise in New York more than 183 days in the year).

dm200 · Post by **dm200** » Thu Sep 12, 2019 3:45 pm

The Finger Lakes region..

alpenglow · Post by **alpenglow** » Thu Sep 12, 2019 4:11 pm

BogleMelon wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 12, 2019 1:21 pm

alpenglow wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 12, 2019 1:14 pm
So, BogleMelon, what did you decide on?
Lake George will be my next destination in NY upstate.

Thank you all for your suggestions

Very nice - it is beautiful. Enjoy your trip.

likegarden · Post by **likegarden** » Thu Sep 12, 2019 4:24 pm

Here are the closing dates for NY State Parks Lake George battlefield and Prospect Mountain.
https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7820.html

WillRetire · Post by **WillRetire** » Fri Sep 13, 2019 2:46 pm

bsteiner wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 12, 2019 3:10 pm

WillRetire wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 11, 2019 12:36 pm
Make sure you fully understand the New York State tax consequences of owning a vacation home in that state.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-h ... 1567857600
That's only a problem if you work in New York (or are otherwise in New York more than 183 days in the year).

Yes, for the scenario in the WSJ article. NYS tax laws are complex, and there may be other gotchas.
Don't know where OP works; residence is NJ. Many residents of NJ work in NY.

retire2022 · Post by **retire2022** » Fri Sep 13, 2019 4:10 pm

WillRetire wrote: ↑
Fri Sep 13, 2019 2:46 pm

bsteiner wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 12, 2019 3:10 pm

WillRetire wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 11, 2019 12:36 pm
Make sure you fully understand the New York State tax consequences of owning a vacation home in that state.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-h ... 1567857600
That's only a problem if you work in New York (or are otherwise in New York more than 183 days in the year).
Yes, for the scenario in the WSJ article. NYS tax laws are complex, and there may be other gotchas.
Don't know where OP works; residence is NJ. Many residents of NJ work in NY.

Boglemelon will be hit tax bite on his retirement accounts in NJ, ie 401k, 403b, 457 and Roth accounts as well as Roth IRAs/traditional IRA

I would consider moving, but we digress from query.

Pete12 · Post by **Pete12** » Sun Sep 15, 2019 3:04 pm

BogleMelon wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 12, 2019 1:21 pm
Lake George will be my next destination in NY upstate.

Thank you all for your suggestions

How was your trip?

BogleMelon · Post by **BogleMelon** » Sun Sep 15, 2019 3:45 pm

Pete12 wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 15, 2019 3:04 pm

BogleMelon wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 12, 2019 1:21 pm
Lake George will be my next destination in NY upstate.

Thank you all for your suggestions
How was your trip?

DW got sick. Everything was cancelled!

Pete12 · Post by **Pete12** » Sun Sep 15, 2019 9:25 pm

BogleMelon wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 15, 2019 3:45 pm

Pete12 wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 15, 2019 3:04 pm

BogleMelon wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 12, 2019 1:21 pm
Lake George will be my next destination in NY upstate.

Thank you all for your suggestions
How was your trip?
DW got sick. Everything was cancelled!

Ugh sorry to hear that!

NHRATA01 · Post by **NHRATA01** » Mon Sep 16, 2019 10:06 am

Sorry to hear. Lake George is a very nice area, Bolton Landing just a hair north is a big less touristy but a bit more costly. We were up in the Glens Falls area this summer for my daughter's softball tournament and we went out in Lake George for a night.

The Adirondak Nationals car show was just 2 weekends ago, judging by the pictures I saw it looks like Rt. 9 has about 4" of rubber on it all through the town, lol.

After labor day it should be a bit more peaceful up there if you reschedule. I was in Bolton Landing for a bachelor party the weekend prior to Memorial Day and it was comfortably empty - all the locals said it was the last calm weekend before the summer season rush began.

EnjoyIt · Post by **EnjoyIt** » Mon Sep 16, 2019 10:11 am

Since you live in NJ, have you considered Poconos, PA? It is a gorgeous area this time of year.

tennisplyr · Post by **tennisplyr** » Mon Sep 16, 2019 2:02 pm

My wife and I found Cooperstown NY to be an adorable town on a lake. Of course, we took in the baseball hall of fame and stayed at a sweet hotel called the Cooper Inn.

www.cooperinn.com

dm200 · Post by **dm200** » Tue Sep 17, 2019 9:12 am

tennisplyr wrote: ↑
Mon Sep 16, 2019 2:02 pm
My wife and I found Cooperstown NY to be an adorable town on a lake. Of course, we took in the baseball hall of fame and stayed at a sweet hotel called the Cooper Inn.

www.cooperinn.com

Yes! The Baseball Hall of Fame and the adjacent museum is wonderful!!

ohai · Post by **ohai** » Tue Sep 17, 2019 9:28 am

Indoor water park in the Poconos.

dm200 · Post by **dm200** » Tue Sep 17, 2019 9:51 am

For both history and scenery, exploring various aspects of the Erie Canal can be great as well.

NHRATA01 · Post by **NHRATA01** » Tue Sep 17, 2019 1:43 pm

ohai wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 17, 2019 9:28 am
Indoor water park in the Poconos.

I don't know if that's quite ideal for a couple looking to get away and de-stress for a weekend.

hsmith · Post by **hsmith** » Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:06 am

NHRATA01 wrote: ↑
Mon Sep 16, 2019 10:06 am
Sorry to hear. Lake George is a very nice area, Bolton Landing just a hair north is a big less touristy but a bit more costly. We were up in the Glens Falls area this summer for my daughter's softball tournament and we went out in Lake George for a night.

The Adirondak Nationals car show was just 2 weekends ago, judging by the pictures I saw it looks like Rt. 9 has about 4" of rubber on it all through the town, lol.

After labor day it should be a bit more peaceful up there if you reschedule. I was in Bolton Landing for a bachelor party the weekend prior to Memorial Day and it was comfortably empty - all the locals said it was the last calm weekend before the summer season rush began.

I agree with the recommendation to consider Bolton Landing. In particular, I’d recommend looking at the Sagamore, if you’re still going. It’s an elegant old resort that has been renovated as a high end modern hotel. It occupies a peninsula that stretches out into Lake George, and has commanding views of the lake. See:

https://www.thesagamore.com/

ALinLI · Post by **ALinLI** » Wed Sep 18, 2019 7:38 am

+1 on the Sagamore . We have stayed there. Very elegant and fancy resort. Bit Pricey but nice

Championship0911 · Post by **Championship0911** » Wed Sep 18, 2019 7:49 am

My wife and I stayed in a tiny home with our son and two dogs a couple of weeks ago in up state NY. I'm also in NJ and it was only about a two and a half hour drive. There are great towns to visit such as Woodstock and tons of opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities.

https://www.atinyhouseresort.com/