Here in New York, we’re used to a certain level of activity. We don’t bat an eye over blaring car horns and bumping into someone on the sidewalk is a daily occurrence. But, this time of year, in certain neighborhoods and social circles, everything changes. Restaurants that are typically packed are suddenly wide open, and the streets feel more like the gentle calm of a Sunday morning. Has the apocalypse finally taken hold? No, it’s just summer weekends in New York when many have left for “the country.”
Before you start thinking these New Yorkers are all headed to horse farms, think again. The “country” can be anything from the mountains to the beach. And if you aren’t part of the lucky percentage with homes to their name, fear not, since you can still spend a little time soaking up the fresh air at one of these stand-ins.
When the Mountains Call Your Name:
Hotel Lilien
Catskills, New York
If weekends mean lacing up hiking boots for long forays in the forest followed by lingering by a fire pit, well, this is your nirvana.
When You Want the Un-Hamptons:
The Menhaden
Greenport
Greenport retains some of its fishing village origins, but there’s also wine nearby.
When Water Views Float Your Boat:
The Shoals Suites & Slips
North Fork, Long Island
You can bring your boat, or just enjoy gazing at others, to this Scandi-serene spot with just 20 rooms on the North Fork of Long Island.
When You Want a Classic Country Escape:
The Roundtree, Amagansett
Amagansett
Now this is what people with country houses do on the weekends! It’s set on two acres and you can play games on the lawn or simply read a book. The beach is a mile away too, but you might be too caught up in afternoon tea to pull on your suit.
Book The Roundtree, Amagansett on Michelin Guide →
Bellport Inn
Bellport
It’s small-town living for the moneyed crowd in this charming coastal village. During July and August, this place rents as three residences (instead of individual rooms). Snag one of the loaner bikes to tool around town or hop the ferry to a beach on Fire Island.
When you Want Country Living, Sans Chintz:
Troutbeck
Amenia
It’s loaded with history (Mark Twain and Henry David Thoreau bunked here), but these sleek rooms are more of-the-moment than they would have found. It’s precisely the kind of place you want to bring a stack of books and spend the weekend stretched out in the shade of a big, old tree, but there’s also a pool and yoga studio, plus farm-to-table dining.
