Accommodations

Emerson Resort & Spa Debuts NEW Look

Essence of the Catskills

The Emerson Resort & Spa

If you’ve never visited the Emerson Resort & Spa in the Catskills,  2016 is the year to go!  So, we did!  Yes,  The Hudson Valley Story just spent a couple of days experiencing the resort, spa and new restaurant, Woodnotes Grille, and we were impressed by the service, accommodations, spa and Catskill inspired cuisine. 

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Photo Courtesy Emerson Resort & Spa

After a multi-million dollar renovation, the resort has a new look that is more reflective of the properties namesake, legendary poet  Ralph Waldo Emerson.  His famous essay “Nature” was the incentive for the development of the Catskill Forest Preserve surrounding the Emerson grounds. Emily Fisher, the owner of the resort worked close with designer Rosyln Cama. Together, they were inspired by the Essence of the Catskills. They brought the outside in with open spaces, large windows that expose stunning outdoor views and an earthy color palette of browns, blues, whites and greens. The resort also commissioned a variety of new NATURE based artwork that includes sculptures, art pieces and paintings by several notable artists.  

Emerson Resort & Spa

The Great Room at the Emerson Resort & Spa

We toured the new looking contemporary resort, and stayed at the Adirondack-Style Lodge which overlooks the Esopus Creek. Tamara Murray, Marketing Director for the resort tells us that guests that come up from the metropolitan area are surprised at how big the rooms are. The Lodge is one of two accommodation styles.  Guests can stay at  the contemporary style Inn and the mountain inspired Lodge. Both types of accommodations have multiple room styles, including suites with 2 floors.

The Emerson Resort & Spa

Downstairs is a a big living space with a big fireplace, vaulted ceilings,  a full bath and includes a porch and grounds that lead to views of the creek. Upstairs is the loft with and a full bath that includes a Jacuzzi.

The Inn rooms were renovated and include  new furniture, light fixtures and carpeting. Renovations to the Lodge include converting the old Front Desk area to a seating area with couches, tables and the grand fireplace. It’s a great place for families and groups to gather.

Photo Courtesy Emerson Resort Spa & Resort

Photo Courtesy Emerson Resort Spa & Resort

The lobby of the Lodge is picture perfect and an additional space to soak up the atmosphere with friends or just read a book. The Emerson is a place for families, couples, wedding parties, escapes from the city or a great place to stay while visiting family and friends in the area. Some rooms are pet friendly. The grounds feature the Catamount Dog Park,  a place to picnic, play volleyball and bonfires on Friday + Saturday night during Summer.

If you live in the Hudson Valley or upstate this is also a great place to get away for a night and experience a Stay-cation in unique relaxed surroundings, get spa treatments and enjoy delicious  Catskill cuisine. 

Emerson Resort & Spa

The Spa

Photo Courtesy of The Emerson Resort & Spa

Photo Courtesy of The Emerson Resort & Spa

The Spa renovations will be complete in June 2016.  In the meantime,  spa services are still being offered on-site. Traditional Massages + European Facials + Luxury Spa Pedicure’s are available by appointment. The HVStory suggests you make as many of these appointments as you can! The Emerson Resort provides an experience of relaxation  and well-being in a picturesque setting. The new Spa will debut a new menu of treatments that will combine their natural surroundings with the deep relaxation effects of stone therapy.  A fitness center, steam room and sauna are on premises and yoga classes are also offered.  This is a place to go rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.

Spa Treatments Are Part of the Emerson Experience!

Emerson Resort & Spa

Besides the views from indoors, the Emerson offers paths to walk and places to sit with views of the Esopus Creek and the peaks of Mount Tremper.

Woodnotes Grill 

Woodnotes Grill

Photo Courtesy of Emerson Resort & Spa

Catskill Creative Cooking

A highlight of the renovation is the launch of The Emerson’s new restaurant Woodnotes Grille.  The Woodnotes Grille features traditional American dishes. Catskill Creative Cooking is Food you know done the Emerson way, with fresh locally sourced foods, unforgettable flavors and ingredients with little innovative twists! Burgers, Steak, Seafood and Vegetarian fare are all available. The locals as well as tourists are surprised of the level of wine selection. You will find a lot of small batched made wines and spirits. Many guests from Brooklyn, Long Island and Connecticut love the redesigned restaurant and menu.

The Emerson Resort & Spa

 Dinner is served from 5pm to 10pm.

Cocktails are served Friday – Sunday starting at 3pm.

The Emerson Resort & Spa

Photo Courtesy of The Emerson Resort & Spa

Woodnotes Grille puts a spin on the classic cocktail by using high-end artisanal spirits, bitters, fresh squeezed juices and the finest ingredients.  Hand Crafted Cocktails are offered. Tell them your favorite spirits and flavors and they will create an original cocktail paired to your tastes.

Happier Hour is served Monday thru Thursday from 5-7 + Friday from 3-7  with $5 Appetizers.

Thursday Night is Oyster & Wine Night

Woodnotes Grille

After spa treatments, It was time for those hand crafted beverages and an appetizer. I chose a selection of air dried + cured meats appetizer that was delicious.  My spirit of choice that evening was Tequila.  Greg Gagne, General Manager of Woodnotes Grill made me a SMOKY Mezcal Molasses Gimlick.  This blended and complimented the meats, cranberry chutney and old fashioned mustard very well!

Catskill Creative Cooking, I like it!

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Menus do change seasonally and a new Spring menu is about to be released for May.

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Breakfast is served from 7am to noon. The Veggie Benedict was delicious!  Poached eggs served on sweet potato kale hash with avocado, salsa Verde + Pico  Degallo. The fresh squeezed grapefruit juice was particular sweet, fresh and flavorful.  Other Breakfast entree’s include: Smoked Salmon Omelette’s, Cinnamon Challah French Toast Stick served with Catskill Mountain Maple Syrup and Quinola Granola with seasonal fruit and a complete offering of juices are available.

The Emerson Resort & Spa

Breakfast  or Dinner the mood and views are very relaxing at Woodnotes Grille

Woodnotes Grille

 Before or After Breakfast or in the evening is also great time to walk around the grounds of The Emerson Resort & Spa along the Esopus Creek. Esopus Creek Country Stores + Worlds Largest Kaleidoscope 

The Emerson Resort & Spa

The Country Store is a must stop! It’s a place for coffee and light sandwiches and fresh baked cookies, as well as Catskill Mountain local products like Phoenicia Honey and Ariston Gourmet Olive Oils.. There are tastings on the weekends.  You will find something for everyone here in terms of shopping. The Toy Chest, the Emerson Men’s Shop, a  Home & Garden Shop and Melina’s Boutique.

The Emerson Resort & Spa

Ah, But one of the most unique things about the Emerson Resort & Spa and The Country Stores is that it is home

to the  World’s Largest Kaleidoscope   

Whether you are a collector or a tourist, you will want to see this! Standing 56 feet tall and 38 feet in diameter, the silo from the original farm (which was once an ice cream stop) built on the former Risley Flats was transformed into the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope.  The connected barn on the property was built in 1860 and is now home to the Emerson Country Stores.  Collectors + Tourists make this a destination stop, not only to view the show but to collect unique kaleidoscopes.

Emerson Resort & Spa

A 20th Anniversary celebration is planned for Saturday, July 9th to debut a new Kaleidoscope show. Viewings that day will be complimentary and many events are planned for the 1 day celebration. The Spa will also be completed with it’s renovation. This is a great kick off to Summer and just another reason to plan your visit to The Emerson Resort  & Spa.

To Learn More About The Emerson Resort & Spa + Make Your Reservations Click Here

To Learn More About Destination Weddings at The Pavilion Click Here   

 A Conference Room is Available for Corporate Functions

Follow The Emerson For Daily Updates on

Facebook  +  Twitter  + Instagram

Photos By Melissa Tyler Except Where Noted

Supplied Courtesy of The Emerson Resort & Spa

 

The Thayer Hotel Summer Giveaway

Time To Getaway

Thayer Hotel Lobby

Tell Us Why You Need A Getaway!

Hudson Valley Story Banner

The Hudson Valley Story is Kicking Summer off with The Thayer Hotel in West Point! In celebration,  The Hudson Valley Story is giving away a night of deluxe accommodations for two at the historic hotel with old world charm! 

To enter, tell us YOUR STORY in a short paragraph or two, why you need a getaway!

Email us at thehudsonvalleystory.com 

Please include your name, address, phone number and email address in the email as well.

Please Submit your Email by June 31, 2016

The Thayer Hotel celebrated their  90th Birthday on May 27th this year at West Point!

Watch the video of history and everything The Thayer Hotel has to offer.

The Historic Thayer Hotel at West Point is known for it’s history and old world charm, while offering superior lodging facilities and hospitality. This hotel with it’s stone facade is framed by lofty battlements and towers and suggests the look of a medieval fortress overlooking the Hudson Valley. It is the only hotel with views of the Hudson River from New York City to Albany. 

This one-of-a-kind hotel offers a full range of modern amenities. 

This Accommodation Giveaway is a $225 Value with some blackout dates that apply.

Thayer Hotel

We can’t wait to hear YOUR stories!

Email us today at thehudsonvalleystory.com

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  • In-room copy of West Point Leadership:Profiles of Courage

Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern

Luxury Boutique Hotel 

100 miles north of New York City, in the village of Saugerties Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern is a Destination Luxury Boutique Hotel. With  picturesque views of the Esopus Creek and Catskill Mountains and close proximity to the Hudson River, it has become a favorite place for guests visiting from New York City, New Jersey, Long Island, Connecticut, Albany, upstate New York, as well as the Hudson Valley. IMG_0419

The Cantine Paper Mill, built in 1888 formerly stood at this very location. The mill closed its doors in 1966, and a fire in 1978 devastated the original building leaving the lot vacant for many years.  In 2010, Thomas Struzzieri; President and CEO of Diamond Mills, acquired the property. He would take his morning run by the property and thought it would be a great location to open a luxury property that would accommodate special occasions in Saugerties.

 You may recognize Tom’s name from HITS Horse Shows  Tom has a vision for creating things. He has created  HITS Horse Shows, a world class horse show circuit, Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern; a luxury boutique hotel in the Village of Saugerties, as well as the 2015 opening of  Black Barn Restaurant in NYC.

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Today, 7000 square feet of versatile conference and special event space make up Diamond Mills. The conference and special event space is unrivaled by anything in the area. The hotel is compromised of 28 guest rooms and 2 suites.  The suites have two floors. One is called The Tower Suite and the other the Esopus Suite. All guest rooms have outdoor sitting areas with views of the rushing Esopus Falls.

The village of Saugerties is a short walk up the street where guests can enjoy shopping and local eateries. The boutique hotel offers in room mini bar, overstuffed duvets, luxury Egyptian cotton linens, room service from the Tavern, and complimentary wine and cheese social each evening in The Tavern.

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Weddings 

May through October is the high season for weddings at Diamond Mills. The Grand Ballroom includes a terrace overlooking the Esopus Falls  and accommodates up to 300 guests.  In the evening. the the falls are lit and makes for quite a view.  For smaller weddings and parties the Fireside Mezzanine accommodates up to 25 guests.

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Waterfalls at Night at Diamond Mills By Kevin Ferguson Photography

Waterfalls at Night at Diamond Mills By Kevin Ferguson Photography

We sat down and talked with Mark Rice, Concierge at the hotel for five years and Morgan Marks; Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the hotel and the Tavern.  Mark tells us how guests are pleasantly surprised to find Diamond Mills in the quaint village of Saugerties. They like how the hotel  accommodates weddings and includes world class cuisine at The Tavern.  Guests like the staff, great housekeeping and like to dine at The Tavern. 

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Wedding guests have such a good experience at Diamond Mills they often tell a relative or friend and wind up coming back for additional weddings. That is how most of the hotel’s wedding business has grown.

HITS Horse Shows

Many of the exhibitors and spectators for HITS Horse Shows also find their way to Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern.   They stay at the hotel or come by for cocktails and dinner after a horse show.  Exhibitors come from all over the country and Diamond Mills offers a nearby barn with stables for equestrian owners. The outdoor patio is a great place to experience a few cocktails with the Esopus Creek view.

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A conference room is also available for meetings and luncheons and many local professionals use the space to host meetings with clients.

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First Friday’s are held every month in Saugerties. It’s a night of live music, tastings and shops are open late. The hotel also features a popular buffet on First Friday’s from 5-10 pm for $25 per person. There are different themes for each month’s buffet from seafood to Italian, Irish food and more. It’s Best to check the website for upcoming months.

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The next surprise is when you turn the corner into the dining room at The Tavern. The dining room is large, airy and modern but elegant and decorated in a color scheme of camel and grays. The tavern is open for Lunch, Dinner and Brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Shrimp Cocktail with wasabi mayo and cocktail sauce (pictured below), oysters, salads, flat-breads. burgers and entrees like Flat Iron Steak, Sandwich of the Day and Salmon Greek Salad are on the menu for Lunch. Favorites for lunch are: Italian Flat-bread, healthy salad bowl and Burgers. Menus Change Seasonally and are created by  CIA Alumnus, Executive Chef Giuseppe Napoli

Dinner Entrees include: Pheasant, rabbit, short ribs, cod  and salmon. To view the dinner menu click here.

Signature cocktails at The Tavern are created by Bar Manager and House Sommelier Alison Berlin. You’ll find an assortment of local Craft Beers as well as specialty cocktails that change seasonally. Currently at The Tavern ise the “Sunflower” made with Catskill Distillery Curious Gin, Triple Sec, Elder flower Liqueur, Fresh Lemon juice and “Spring Fizz” made with Gin, peach brandy, lemon house-made, grenadine, sugar, egg white and Angostura Bitters.

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Diamond Mills’ sister property, The Saugerties Steamboat Co. will open as a recreational oasis offering kayaking, paddle boards and fishing charters starting in Summer 2016. The venue will also host weddings and special events.

Diamond Mill Hotel and Tavern

has continually been named

BEST of Hudson Valley since it’s opening from

Hudson Valley Magazine

To Find out more about what to do in the area like hiking trails, adventure tours, horseback riding, historic sites, the Saugerties Lighthouse, Levon Helm Studio,  HITS Horse Shows, Bethel Woods LIVE and other destination events Click Here

Mark Rice; Diamond Mills Hotel Concierge

To Book Your Hotel Reservations Click Here 

To View Menus and Make Reservations Click Here

For Wedding Inquires Click Here

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Feature Story Photos By Melissa Tyler

 

 

 

 

Cozy Cottage Town of Newburgh

Grab This Rental

Dining Room

Lovely 2 Bedroom COZY COTTAGE in the Town of Newburgh.  Two Bedrooms, 1 NEW Bath, COUNTRY STYLE KITCHEN with WALK-IN PANTRY. Newly Refinished Floors throughout, New Windows.

1050 Square Feet.

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Lot’s of Sunlight Fills All The Rooms!

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Washer/Dryer Hookup Available. Cable Ready.

Tenant Pays All Utilities and Responsible for Lawn and Snow Maintenance. Landlord provides lawn mower for the renter to mow lawn.

2nd BR office

Make the 2nd Bedroom an Office or a Artist Room

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Walking Distance to Newburgh Waterfront. Close to I84 + NYS Thruway

HURRY THIS WONT LAST!

LAST TENANT LIVED HERE 7 YEARS!

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Landing Hardwood floorsThis Cozy Home has a Front + Back Porch, Deck and a FULL Fenced in Backyard. 

back porch yard

$1395 Per Month

To View This Rental

Contact Agent

Harrie Mule

(845) 566-8280

 

Destination Weddings with Historic Hudson River Views

The Thayer Hotel

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The Thayer Hotel is a Historic Destination Hotel with World Renowned majestic Hudson River views. Every season is spectacular and offers a different look.  The hotel accommodates weddings of all sizes from a small family affair to a magnificent ballroom bash.

With it’s hilltop location and soaring Gothic architecture and breathtaking views of the Hudson River, this unforgettable West Point location has been a special place for weddings for generations. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Historic Thayer Hotel is the only full-service hotel on the Hudson River from the George Washington Bridge to  Albany.20140830-Formals (775)

The celebrated settings and stirring military traditions of the United States Military Academy provide a backdrop like no other! A perfect place to start your life together in the grandest of styles.

 Professional onsite wedding planners are available to help you craft the celebration your dreams!

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To Find Out More Information About Weddings at

The Thayer Hotel Click Here

Photos Above: Photography by Natalia

Consult with the the Thayer Hotel today for your Wedding + Special Occasion.

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Sunday Brunch – Weekend Getaway: The Thayer Hotel

Thayer Hotel Suite

The Thayer Hotel at West Point is a landmark hotel celebrating it’s 90th anniversary this year. It is rich in our nation’s history and provides guests with a memorable experience.

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Did you know the Thayer Hotel is the only hotel on the Hudson River between Albany and New York City? Plus it has the prestigious 10996 West Point zip code.  It is a favorite for locals as well as weekend getaways and a stop for people who transition south for the winter also known as snowbirds.  People also travel from all over the country as well as from all over the world to stay at the Thayer.

Thayer Hotel BSunday Champagne Brunch

This past Sunday, I shared Sunday Brunch at the MacArthur Riverview Restaurant and a tour  of the hotel with Jose Tejedor; Director of Sales and Marketing of the historic hotel.  The Thayer Hotel opened it’s doors in the 1920’s and went through a huge transition about six years ago both in renovations and management. Jose talks about the hotel and it’s ambiance to the feel of a mid-evil castle on the outside but with all the modern amenities on the inside.

Thayer Hotel Omelette Station

Sunday Champagne Brunch is served from 10:30am – 2:30pm and  consists of tables and tables of food including an omelette and waffle station.

Waffle station

Fresh fruit, bagels and salmon, and other cold salads are featured as well as traditional breakfast egg and sausage dishes and lunch options are all ready in a circle of hot chafing dishes.

Thayer Hotel Sunday Brunch Fruit platter

Then of course there is the desert station and a complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary.

Thayer Hotel Sunday Brunch desert bar

Reservations are suggested. Reservations are now being taken for Easter and Mother’s Day Brunch. This is a great place to share with someone special or the whole family!

Thayer Hotel Lobby

Weekenders from New York City as well as all over the country and the world love to visit this hotel on weekends. Special packages are available for a shopping experience at Woodbury Common Outlets. Did you know that Woodbury Common Outlet’s is the  #1 Tourism destination in Orange County?  Jose and his team can also plan a trip that includes Storm King Art Center;  one of the world’s leading outdoor sculpture parks. Boscobel, the elegant Federal home with it’s own spectacular history and views of the Hudson River.   Wine tastings and tours are available at local wineries since the hotel is located in the center of Hudson Valley Wine Country.

Thayer Hotel Exterior

Leisure is what people come for on the weekends or a day or evening out for lunch or dinner.  The restaurant is now reserving Valentine’s Weekend at MacArthur’s Riverview Restaurant with a romantic 4-course dinner offered Friday, February 12th thru Sunday, February 14th.

Thayer Hotel Lobby Upstairs

The rooms and suites have been remodeled and offer a modern look in the prestigious historic setting. Each of the suites have a bit of a different look paying homage to West Point.

Thayer Hotel General Pattton's Tavern

General Patton’s Tavern  is a favorite place to watch any game including ARMY football, and basketball. This tavern originally opened in 1926 and has river views and all the feeling of  your favorite tavern with a long bar and leather couches and chairs which make it a cozy place to watch the game! Drink specials are offered and appetizers and sandwiches are served.

Thayer Hotel

 

Zulo is the rooftop outdoor bar open April through the fall. Here too, the views are spectacular and  in season things kick off at happy hour.

If your a local and you have cabin fever be sure to take a short scenic drive to West Point for Sunday Brunch, an evening out with dinner or watching the game with some friends. If your a weekender or coming up from New York City for a getaway you will love the “Getaway Experience” at The Thayer.

Thayer Hotel Weddings & Conferences

During the week the hotel’s clientele serves many name companies in the tri-state area and beyond. It’s a favorite place for meetings and conferences accommodating up to 300. The hotel has several large rooms for events and weddings.

 

View from West Point onto Hudson River

 

Photos By Melissa Tyler

 

 

 

 

 

The BARN at Copake Lake
Columbia County’s
Adirondack Chic Perfect Getaway

A New Year means NEW PLANS …NEW GETAWAYS and NEW EXPERIENCES.

Time to start planning that Romantic Getaway…Anniversary…Weddings…Family Gathering….Business Getaway.

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The Barn at Copake Lake in Columbia County offers a luxury Adirondack Chic experience on 4 private acres.This unique 1827 post and beam barn nestled in the foothills of the Berkshire and Catskill Mountains in upstate New York offers the perfect location.The Barn is completely refurbished and was purchased and renovated in July 2012. This is a 3,000 square foot location with three bedrooms and three bathrooms that is spacious and cozy!

ADIRONDACK CHIC best explains the style! The barn was originally intended to be a vacation rental, but quickly gained popularity as a unique venue for small weddings and family reunions. Stunning Mitchell Gold Furniture, custom built 6 foot dining room table, double insulated windows, concrete counter-tops and island bar, stainless steel appliances and an induction cook-top stove with original wood floors and walls. Fabulous views of Zeky’s Pond are across the street, and you’ll find yourself a stones’ throw from Copake Lake and the Copake Country Club. You will never run out of things to do.

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Kyleigh Zengen is the General Manager and Event Coordinator for Copake Country Club and handles the arrangements for The Barn. The Greens Restaurant at Copake Country Club caters the events.The restaurant’s setting is modern Adirondack style. Most often The Barn is rented by families looking for a weekend out in the country or for a small group of friends or coworkers for bonding activities. It’s a popular bachelorette and bachelors weekend location as well as for special getaways.

Wedding couples find the venue a modern attractive location to spend a wedding weekend with their guests. It accommodates the rehearsal dinner, wedding and day after brunch. Antiquing, Art Gallery, Golfing by a historic lakeside, outdoor sports and more are part of the itinerary. Inviting guests to spend a weekend in the country is a unique and memorable way to mark any big occasion!

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Visitors enjoy the beautiful decor, privacy, quiet neighborhood and easy access to the lake and golf course. The outdoor space is perfect for relaxing nights around the fire. The deck is perfect for grilling and dining and the entire “feel” of the property is relaxing and beautiful. Their is a game room that kids love too! Ping-pong and Foosball can be enjoyed indoors and boccie ball outdoors! Adults enjoy and appreciate comfortable furniture…and everyone loves the property and setting!

While many guests are from New York City, The Barn attracts just about anyone who’s looking for a RUSTIC GETAWAY. Because the location is in a neighborhood of many second homes and weekenders it is also an attractive site for families coming to visit for special occasions. This is a great location to be close to the many things to do in Hudson, NY as well as Great Barrington, Ma, winter skiing, the mountains, a golf course, wineries, local theater and more!

Other amenities include the use of two four-person golf carts with a private path to Copake Country Club and The Greens Restaurant, two kayaks to use on Copake Lake as well as the opportunity to rent a pontoon boat for the day, two mountain bikes, and a canoe on Zeky’s pond. The upper lawn has string-lights overhead, a hammock in the woods, outdoor shower and a huge fire-pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs to stargaze and soak in the atmosphere.

The Barn receives many 5 star reviews by guests on VRBO as well as nice comments on Wedding Wire.The Barn and Copake Country Club are a destination not to be missed!

192 Lake View Road
Copake Lake, NY 12521(LOGO)

To Reserve Call 1-800-454-1490 x114

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http://www.thebarnatcopakelake.com

Follow The Barn at Copake Country Club and The Greens Restaurant on social media.

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