If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that by the time we've endured the long and frigid month of January, we NEED A VACATION! Even if we're still shivering into February across the Northeast, there are so many warm and cozy getaways just a short train ride or road trip away. If you're anything like us, you might agree that Valentine's Day in and around NYC is (ahem) overrated. The crowds, the costs, the Mission Impossible-level reservation making...it certainly doesn't always lay the groundwork for happy-go-lucky-love, am I right? Flip the holiday on its head, and rather than fight the crowds to make mid-week, balloon-covered plans this Valentine's Day, set up an escape later this month or even later this season! A weekend getaway beats an overpriced, overcrowded meal any time of year! We've got big ideas for a snuggly and romantic trip, whether it's with your boo, your fam or your bff! Nothing says cozy, romantic weekend getaway like winery-hopping! Spend a weekend in Ithaca where you can visit the oldest and longest running wine trail in America, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. You can hop around to over 25 wineries, with tours departing from various locations throughout Ithaca. Make your road trip upstate via ReachNow and meander around the breathtaking Finger Lakes region! Who says you need lots of activities for a weekend getaway? Simply curling up by the fire in a charming B&B, tucked away in a small town is sometimes better than making any plans at all. Plan a romantic escape to Central New York, which is chock full of villages, quaint inns, elegant local restaurants and more. If you haven't already, download the ReachNow app, book your BMW or MINI, and drive up to The Colgate Inn, an overnight favorite in Madison County. Book a romantic
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that by the time we’ve endured the long and frigid month of January, we NEED A VACATION! Even if we’re still shivering into February across the Northeast, there are so many warm and cozy getaways just a short train ride or road trip away. If you’re anything like us, you might agree that Valentine’s Day in and around NYC is (ahem) overrated. The crowds, the
Hey, EscapeMakers! These past few summer/fall seasons, our team has had the privilege of posting up in the Greenmarkets across NYC and chatting with all of you about farm escapes, green travel, weekend getaways and more. We absolutely love hearing from you and getting your feedback on what you're searching for when it comes to the perfect escape. After having several people come to us with specific inquiries about local destinations that were wheelchair accessible and suitable for persons with limited mobility, we decided to put together a list!* We can't thank you all enough for smart questions and engaging conversations that inspire our content. While some agritourism destinations in the region are difficult to navigate or are still in the process of retro-fitting or getting ADA-compliant with things like adding accessible means of egress and power-assisted doors, many have identified readily-achievable barriers for removal and have made it convenient for everyone in your family to enjoy. Check out a few of these spots below and plan your escape this fall and next spring when growing season starts again!** 1-3 HOURS FROM NYC: Hawthorne Valley Farm Store (Columbia County, Hudson Valley): Hawthorne Valley is a biodynamic farm & store filled with beautiful Hudson Valley products. They strive to offer as many locally grown or produced fruits, vegetables, grocery products, and household items as possible and are committed to supporting local farmers and artisans. Their 18-year old cow Kohlrabi is featured in EscapeMaker's upcoming (and first-ever!) Agritourism Ambassadors Calendar for 2018, which benefits the farm. You can purchase yours here! For more on area lodging, click here. Crown Maple Estate (Dutchess County, Hudson Valley): Crown Maple Estate is located on 800 acres of pristine land at Madava Farms in Dutchess County, New York, and truly sets the standard of excellence in maple production and flavor. From bark
Hey, EscapeMakers! These past few summer/fall seasons, our team has had the privilege of posting up in the Greenmarkets across NYC and chatting with all of you about farm escapes, green travel, weekend getaways and more. We absolutely love hearing from you and getting your feedback on what you’re searching for when it comes to the perfect escape. After having several people come to us with specific inquiries about local destinations that were wheelchair accessible
There's no better time than summer to get out there and plan an outdoor adventure! Did you know that exciting treasure hunts await just outside your door? One amazing way to get out there and explore your surrounding areas -- the Hudson Valley, Catskill Mountains, Finger Lakes and more -- is geocaching. Haven't tried geocaching before? Geocaching.com, guide to all things geocache, defines the game as a "real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location." It's simple! Sign up at Geocaching.com -- even simpler, download the Geocaching App -- and you can follow virtual treasure maps wherever you are to uncover clues and items planted in plain sight all around you. You can even make a day trip or weekend getaway out of it! Need inspiration? We've got you covered... Take Metro-North Railroad up to Westchester County and explore the number of hidden geocaches in the area. Maybe even leave your own! Rent a car near the Croton Harmon train station and explore the area, which is rich with agriculture, sweeping landscapes and farms to visit. While enjoying your treasure hunt, stop by and visit Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center -- bucolic, 187-acre farm with pastures, crop gardens, historic buildings and forests dating to the 1600s. Pick vegetables, have a picnic, and hike the woodland trails! After that, head a couple miles down the road to out Meadows Farm and load up on sweet corn, fresh vegetables and herbs at their farm stand to take home with you. Finish up your adventure at Faraway Farm Alpacas -- located on a beautiful hilltop farm. You can schedule a visit to meet the alpacas and friendly Icelandic horses. Learn about
There’s no better time than summer to get out there and plan an outdoor adventure! Did you know that exciting treasure hunts await just outside your door? One amazing way to get out there and explore your surrounding areas — the Hudson Valley, Catskill Mountains, Finger Lakes and more — is geocaching. Haven’t tried geocaching before? Geocaching.com, guide to all things geocache, defines the game as a “real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices.
Head up to the Great Western Catskills in Delaware County for the 6th Annual Bovina Open Barn & Studio Tour. Meet the local artists, makers and farmers who make Bovina the perfect environment for creation and collaboration. Visit cometobovina.com to learn about the participating studios and farms, schedules and more. Video courtesy of Mark Foster of Foster Built Coffee. For more information on where to stay, eat and play while in the region, visit //www.greatwesterncatskills.com.
Head up to the Great Western Catskills in Delaware County for the 6th Annual Bovina Open Barn & Studio Tour. Meet the local artists, makers and farmers who make Bovina the perfect environment for creation and collaboration. Visit cometobovina.com to learn about the participating studios and farms, schedules and more. Video courtesy of Mark Foster of Foster Built Coffee. For more information on where to stay, eat and play while in the region, visit //www.greatwesterncatskills.com.
With Mother's Day fast approaching, we know what's going through your mind: breakfast in bed? That book she mentioned she'd like to read? A trip to her favorite nail salon? Family gathering over brunch? Flowers again? While all these gestures are lovely and universally mom-approved, maybe it's time to switch it up and give the moms in your life something new, like a weekend getaway! Flowers wilt, but experiences create memories that last a lifetime. Hop in a Zipcar or grab a train ticket via Amtrak or Metro-North Railroad and take a special lady to do something unique this year! Fresh out of ideas? You've come to the right place! Check out some Mother's Day inspiration below... Visit Ithaca on Saturday, May 13th for the Honey Bee Jubilee at Varick Winery & Vineyard. Taste wines and enjoy honey-inspired foods! Or head up on Sunday, May 14th for a Mother's Day Supper Club with Northland Sheep Dairy. $55 per ticket include cheese and cider pairing in the pasture and a 4-course supper with Good Life Cider pairings. If there's one thing most moms can agree on, it's CHOCOLATE! Visit Dutchess County this Mother's Day weekend and enjoy wine and chocolate tastings at Millbrook Vineyards & Winery. The tastings take place on Saturday, May 13th and Sunday, May 14th with two tasting reservations at 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Prepare to be dazzled by Oliver Kita Chocolate from Rhinebeck, NY and a handful of Millbrook wines. Is your mom an outdoor adventurer? Hop on the train to Westchester where you can hike, bike and walk through trails offering picturesque scenery, parks, picnic spots, restaurants, historic sites and nature preserves along their routes. Pack a special picnic to celebrate Mother's Day and enjoy the spring season! Or maybe she's up for a fishing adventure!? Getaway
With Mother’s Day fast approaching, we know what’s going through your mind: breakfast in bed? That book she mentioned she’d like to read? A trip to her favorite nail salon? Family gathering over brunch? Flowers again? While all these gestures are lovely and universally mom-approved, maybe it’s time to switch it up and give the moms in your life something new, like a weekend getaway! Flowers wilt, but experiences create memories that last a lifetime.
Bovina Valley is a collection of regional, family-run businesses that have come together with a shared heritage and common purpose. Dating back to 1817, the 30 cow Jersey dairy farm, Cowbella, is home to 5th, 6th, and 7th generations of Danforths to have grown up and live on the farm. Shannon Mason grew up as the 6th generation on the Danforth Jersey Farm when it was run by her Grandpa George. After his passing in 2004, the farm called her back from city life to her roots. The Jersey herd she inherited is one of the longest running in the country, and she started Cowbella Creamery on the farm in 2010 to share the amazing qualities of Jersey milk with her neighbors. Love for her children and family drives her, the legacy given to her by her ancestors inspires her, and she is passionate about preserving what her 200 year old dairy and all small dairies give and represent in our world. Dan Finn returned to his roots in the Catskills in 2000 and reconnected with his family’s heritage of award-winning cheesemaking. Largely self-taught, the lure of cheese making was calling out to Dan through that old family history, and the desire to make a small farm viable again in these challenging times. The fond memories of growing up surrounded by Bovina’s once thriving dairy community is a recurring theme in his adult life. His Great Grandfather had a reputation for his White Rose Cheddar cheese making in the early turn of the century and left a legacy of award-winning cheeses. VISIT: Visit the bovine ladies in the Great Western Catskills for a weekend getaway! Open Sunday 9AM - 5PM, or by appointment. PUBLIC TRANSIT: AMTRAK to Hudson Station + car rental for 1 hr 20 minute drive.
Bovina Valley is a collection of regional, family-run businesses that have come together with a shared heritage and common purpose. Dating back to 1817, the 30 cow Jersey dairy farm, Cowbella, is home to 5th, 6th, and 7th generations of Danforths to have grown up and live on the farm. Shannon Mason grew up as the 6th generation on the Danforth Jersey Farm when it was run by her Grandpa George. After his passing in
Women's History Month may be coming to a close, but the celebration of women cannot and should not be limited to one month out of the year. This evergreen celebration is as important now as it has ever been, and for those of you looking for special ways to remember and honor strong females past and present, we've got a few ideas for you...day trips, weekend getaways and the perfect spring escapes! Plan a getaway to the Finger Lakes to visit the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, NY. The Hall of Fame is the nation's oldest membership organization dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of great American women, including inspirations like Maya Angelou, Julia Child, Hilary Rodham Clinton, Betty Ford, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Helen Keller, Coretta Scott King, Annie Oakley, Rosa Parks, Janet Reno, Eleanor Roosevelt, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Harriet Tubman, Edith Wharton, Oprah Winfrey and so many more. Make a whole weekend out of it by booking EscapeMaker's Craft Beverage Package in the Finger Lakes! Discover New York State's Women's Heritage Trail, filled with historic sites and museums that celebrate the achievements and history of women in NY. Visit the Hudson Valley's Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site in Dutchess County; the Matilda Joslyn Gage Home just outside of Syracuse, celebrating Gage who was a noted speaker and writer on woman’s suffrage, and an abolitionist; the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum in Chautauqua County; or visit the national historic landmark, the Susan B. Anthony House, in Rochester. Or, celebrate women in agriculture by visiting some of the female-led farms and producers across the state and in New York's citywide Greenmarkets. Meet two of the Hudson Valley's finest: Elizabeth Ryan of Breezy Hill Orchard in Dutchess County and Beth Linskey of Beth's Farm Kitchen in Columbia County;
Women’s History Month may be coming to a close, but the celebration of women cannot and should not be limited to one month out of the year. This evergreen celebration is as important now as it has ever been, and for those of you looking for special ways to remember and honor strong females past and present, we’ve got a few ideas for you…day trips, weekend getaways and the perfect spring escapes! Plan a getaway