Stipulated: the perfect travel time for a three-day weekend getaway is four hours. More, and you waste your vacation. Less, and you’re still near home. Hence our series, The Four-Hour Rule, dedicated to revealing the best destinations that are far away, yet still close to home.
STAY
Located just two hours north of NYC and 15 minutes outside of Woodstock — behold! — the solace-heavy Inhabit Treehouse. Available for two night stays via AirBnb, the cozy, treetop-scraping abode was artfully designed by Antony Gibbon and constructed by William Johnson. You’re in store for 743 square feet of Catskills reclaimed wood, a indoor fireplace and a wood-fired hot tub on 14 acres. There’s room for two … or, hey, just one.
EAT
If you’re doing it our way, you’re picking up all your groceries at Krogers, turning off your phone and not leaving for the weekend. But if the mood should strike for artisanal fare — or human interaction — you’re in luck. There’s a belly full of comfort to be had at Provisions and the Woodstock Pizza Theater. If it’s a fine Italian wine and dine you’re after, you’re going to want to hit Cucina. In our opinion, there’s nothing that compares in the area. And for a solid brew and the occasional tune, get ye to the Commune Saloon. They’ll even provide marshmallows and skewers fire(pit)-side.
DO
Depending on what type of brute you are, hiking season for the most part has come to a close. But for those willing, crazy and able, the ice caves and Mountain Trails Cross Country Ski Center fit the bill for outdoor adventures. Should you be wary of the elements, pop by Pacama Handmade for the finest of homewares, The Golden Notebook for some reading material and the Center for Photography for a bit of culture. Or, screw it all and melt the days away at the River Rock Health Spa.
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