Getting Away

January 13, 2021

This Adirondacks treehouse was the year’s most popular Airbnb rental for New Yorkers

To wrap up 2020, Airbnb released the top 50 most wish-listed unique rentals across all 50 states. The properties range from an Alaskan log cabin under the Northern Lights to a pirate-themed cottage in California. Here in New York, those looking to get away were most taken with a luxury treehouse in the Adirondacks, complete with a cable bridge, outdoor fire pit, and waterfall. The property in the town of Remsen rents for $498 a night, but it's booked solid through March 2022!
READ MORE
July 20, 2020

7 best hikes near New York City

Getting out of the city during the hot summer months has never felt so necessary, with the usual ways of staying cool by exploring an air-conditioned museum or taking a dip at a city pool. For those looking to reconnect with nature (while maintaining social distance), there are a number of escapes just outside of the city offering hikes and treks ranging in levels of difficulty. Some of these are easily accessible by Metro-North; some might require a car, and some happen to be in the city itself, provided you consider Staten Island within its borders. All of them feature great views, exercise, fresh air, and the occasional tree, how novel! Ahead, discover our favorites.
See our favorites here
March 11, 2020

Airbnb contest seeks world’s most outrageous home designs

Airbnb is searching for the world's most unique and unusual short-term rental home as part of a new contest. Ten people will be awarded $100,000 each to design a groundbreaking home that is both livable and a space for social good, the company announced on Tuesday. Proposals can include renovations to an existing Airbnb property, a project in progress that needs funding, or a totally unbuilt project.
More details here
February 27, 2020

On the Jersey Shore, you can spend the night inside a 90-ton elephant

In the late 19th century, Atlantic City began its heydey as a booming resort town thanks to a new railroad connection. To attract prospective real estate investors and tourists, inventor James V. Lafferty received a patent to build a giant elephant statue in nearby Margate. Completed in 1881, Lucy the Elephant stood 65 feet tall (six stories) and weighed 90 tons. After a preservation battle in 1969, Lucy was restored in the '70s and has continued to be a spectacle for locals and vacationers alike. The 138-year-old attraction has even caught the attention of Airbnb, who announced that they'll be offering three overnight stays inside Lucy. The lucky Lucy fans will pay $138 (the same number as her age) for a stay on either March 17, 18, or 19.
Get a look inside
February 21, 2020

Escape the everyday in a retro Catskills cabin by Kate Pierson of the B-52s

As a member of the rock band The B-52s, Kate Pierson knew a thing or two about hotels and motels; that experience plus a zany sensibility led to the creation of this cozy, rustic collection of cabins with "rocket-your-socks-off" retro decor. Lazy Meadow is located on nine beautiful acres–and one big lazy meadow–in the Catskills, blessed with mountain views and fronted by a private section of the Esopus Creek, famous for tubing and trout fishing. Suites rock retro kitchens with authentic vintage cabinets, fridges, and stoves done in dazzling candy colors, the perfect backdrop for colorful tchotchkes discovered on shopping sprees all over the country.
An eyeful of this unique Catskills retreat, this way
January 27, 2020

In Westchester, this $3.5M Gothic Revival home has 6 fireplaces, Tiffany windows, and NYC skyline views

With a 10,442-square-foot interior, 50 Crows Nest Road–known more casually as Crows Nest–in the Westchester County village of Bronxville, NY seems worth its $3.5 million ask (recently reduced from $4.4 million) on that information alone. This 1849 Gothic Revival manor house was built of local stone and sits on 1.3 acres of hilltop land–with the Manhattan skyline visible in the distance. It's a suburban mansion rich with well-preserved dramatic flourishes, with modern infrastructure and design added to make it a 21st-century family home.
Tour this impressive stone mansion
October 18, 2019

9 tiny upstate houses you can rent this fall

As the leaves turn and the cool weather creeps back, it's not hard to start daydreaming about a quiet weekend escape in a cozy vacation rental. And what better way to experience nature than in a tiny house? From a wood cabin in the Adirondacks to a modern retreat on a Catskills farm, we've rounded up nine tiny glamping spots that inspire big, lofty plans of how best to lay low and enjoy all the autumn glory upstate.
Check them all out
September 27, 2019

Mod Montauk retreat with surf-inspired interiors asks $1.95M

A mere five minutes from Ditch Plains beach, this surf-inspired Montauk house at 48 South Federal Street was designed by Studio Robert McKinley, known for interiors with laid-back style, including the venerable Surf Lodge. This fetching four-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot getaway on a half-acre hilltop lot has a heated pool outside and lots of light and space indoors. It's the kind of move-in ready summer spot that seems well worth its $1.95 million ask.
Take a tour of this beachy retreat
September 4, 2019

This spring, you can spend the night in an off-grid Mars habitat upstate

If you're intrigued by all the talk of living on Mars but don't actually want to depart planet Earth, you can have a shot at semi-extraterrestrial living this spring. AI SpaceFactory, the architects behind NASA's Mars habitat MARSHA, are bringing a "Mars habitat designed for off-grid living on Earth" to a site an hour-and-a-half north of NYC along the Hudson River (h/t Curbed). For a donation as low as $175, you'll be able to spend the night in the TERA cabin and get "a glimpse into the future of sustainable life on and beyond our planet," according to a press release.
More details and views
August 29, 2019

For $595/night, you can go glamping in a 300-square-foot cabin on Governors Island

A well-rounded urban camping experience is a new summer option on Governors Island. Campers can choose an activity-packed agenda complete with private boats, dining, kids’ activities and wellness programs, and a chance to sleep under the stars surrounded by New York skyline views and 1,500 thread count sheets, private en-suite bathrooms and decks, electricity, and WiFi within. For modern design lovers, the island's cozy Summit and Journey tents from Collective Retreats will be joined by new Outlook shelters. These modular hotel rooms resemble tiny modern cabins with 225 square feet–plus 75 square feet of deck space–of  indoor architecture that "seamlessly compliments outdoor grandeur with fully sheltered structures." And for this unique experience, prices will start at $595/night.
Find out more
May 1, 2019

New glamping experience on Governors Island offers boat rides, seafood dinners, yoga and more

A new option for summer fun without leaving the city begins today: Urban camping on Governors Island kicks off its summer season, courtesy of Collective Governors Island. The activity-packed retreat experience includes private boats, new menus, kids' activities, wellness programs and more, plus a chance to sleep under the stars with stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and New York skyline while enjoying plush beds with 1,500 thread count sheets, private en-suite bathrooms and decks, electricity and wi-fi.
Find out more
April 15, 2019

For $18M, own a 95-acre North Fork vineyard with two wineries and a historic cottage

Situated in Cutchogue on Long Island's picturesque North Fork, the historic estate vineyard owned by the late film executive Michael Lynne ("Lord of the Rings" trilogy) who was a key figure at New Line Cinema as well as a wine connoisseur is seeking a new owner. Asking $17.9 million, the 95-acre property includes a cottage and five parcels of land. The property is home to Bedell Cellars, a pioneering family-owned winery. Also included in the sale is the Corey Creek Vineyards winery.
Tour the vineyard grounds and historic estate
February 15, 2019

The ‘Summer White House’ of the Hamptons is back for a reduced $13.5M

In addition to his Murray Hill townhouse, President Chester A. Arthur also owned this three-story Victorian mansion built in 1796, which he considered his “Summer White House.” The luxurious fully renovated Hamptons property was last on the market in 2016 for $14.2 million, or $480,000 annually for potential renters. Just in time for Presidents Day, the six-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom home is back for a reduced $13.5 million. As 6sqft previously noted, the cost to rent this presidential pad between Memorial and Labor Day was estimated to be $390,000.
Take a look inside
December 17, 2018

This charming upstate barn has enough warmth for a winter weekend at $255 a night

Tons of artfully created details, a wood-burning stove and modern comforts–from rain shower head to reading nooks–add up to a warm welcome at this upstate barn listed on Airbnb for $255 a night. It looks like a perfect escape from city life without having to rough it–and barns are cooler than cabins anyway. The hosts have been at this for a while, so they've got all the details covered, including wifi and a programmable smart TV so you don’t have to miss your shows. Set on four-and-a-half acres in the quaint-but-cool town of Tivoli, NY, about 100 miles from New York City in the Hudson River Valley near Bard College, the barn offers five beds on three levels, for up to six guests.
Have a look around
December 10, 2018

This Hudson carriage house, featured on Netflix, could be your upstate getaway for $325 a night

Hudson, NY, is the place to head these days for a picture-perfect out-of-the-city weekend. Filled with fabulous restaurants, chic shops and darling dive bars, the Columbia County town's mix of sophistication and small-town life hits just the right note. If you've dreamed of moving there and fixing up a quaint townhouse, you can live vicariously for a few nights–at $325 each, via Airbnb–at this charming carriage house. Featured on the Netflix renovation show, "Stay Here," The Hudson River Carriage House is just a half block from the Warren Street main drag, but it's so cute you may just want to stay in.
Have a look
November 28, 2018

Spend a winter weekend in this boho-chic Hudson Valley cabin for $200/night

Located in the quaint-but-cool town of Tivoli, NY, about 100 miles from New York City in the Hudson River Valley near Bard College, this two-bedroom cabin, listed on Airbnb for $200 a night, has a Scandi-modern vibe, decor that reflects the hosts' travels and eclectic past and plenty of creature comforts. The home's friendly hosts call it a "cozy den," which sounds about right–perfect for families, friends or couples.
More cabin coolness, this way
November 26, 2018

New Long Island camping cabins bring modern, affordable design to state parks

Photos by Albert Vecerka/Esto for WXY Aimed at bringing new visitors to the state's parks, the NY Parks 2020 initiative funded a $9 million project that created the first vacation cabins and cottages to offer accommodations in Long Island's Wildwood and Heckscher State Parks. The architecture firm WXY, headed by Claire Weisz, was chosen to design the new cabins. The first of these, 10 cabins ranging in size from 670 to 784 square feet, became available to rent on Memorial Day weekend. They represent an unusual attempt to introduce modern creative design where we traditionally find rudimentary and rustic construction while providing high quality, affordable accommodations for park visitors.
Take a look inside
August 13, 2018

The 8 best wildlife activities in and around NYC

You may have thought NYC’s wildlife predominantly consisted of subway rats and the giant cockroaches that find their way into your apartment each summer, but it appears there’s more to this city’s animals than pests. Indeed, New York is actually full of unique birds, mammals, and insects that help contribute each day to our shared ecosystem. It’s also full of walking tours, boat tours, driving tours, and other activities that’ll give you an opportunity to get a good look at the wildlife around us, both in the city and just outside of it. Here are some of our favorites.
The top 8 wildlife activities in and around NYC
July 19, 2018

Scarlett Johansson checks out $8M oceanfront condo at celeb-studded Montauk resort

Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost have looking at beachfront properties in the Hamptons. According to the New York Post, Johansson and her man recently checked out a five-bedroom condo at Gurney’s in Montauk, in the resort's new 26-unit residential section which opened in 2016. The pair toured a pretty property priced at $7.95 million (reduced from $8.49 million, though it's still the most expensive of the eight available residences).
Make like a star and take the tour
July 19, 2018

Top 10 architecture day trips just outside NYC for Modernism lovers

Summer is the perfect time to get out of town and explore what's beyond the borders of the city. While there is certainly no shortage of nature escapes and historic hideouts nearby, just outside of Manhattan in about every direction are also numerous modernist treasures to admire. Ahead is 6sqft's round-up of the 10 best destinations for architecture enthusiasts with a penchant for modern design.
see them all here
May 31, 2018

For $1,200/night, stay in the Lexington Hotel suite once home to Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio

The Lexington Hotel has a full and wonderful history filled with celebrities and hula dancing. At present, the most notable feature is their recently renovated $1,200/night Norma Jean Suite, named after Marilyn Monroe who briefly called the 600-square-foot suite home during her 22-month marriage to Joe DiMaggio, from January 1954-October 1955 (h/t NYP). This is also where she lived while filming “The Seven Year Itch”--and its iconic skirt-blowing scene!--just a few blocks away on 52nd and Lex.
See inside the suite where 'everyone likes it hot'
May 30, 2018

10 glorious glamping sites near New York City

Glamour camping--combining luxury with minimalism--is all the rage. While you might have to get yourself a bit outside the big city to enjoy such a getaway, there are plenty of spots not too far afield. And whether they are fully off-the-grid or just feel like it, they'll restore your mind and spirit as you return to nature but don't have to give up your high thread count sheets, wifi or working showers. From a mobile tiny house to a geodesic dome to a horse farm tipi, we've rounded up 10 of the best glamping resorts near NYC.
Check out the list
May 29, 2018

Catch a dream in this Catskills tipi for $145 a night, fireflies included

The Sioux definitely knew what they were doing when it came to creating year-round homes tucked away in awe-inspiring nature. The Bellfire Teepee in the Meeker Hollow in Roxbury, NY, available via Airbnb for $145 a night, is a magical way to appreciate those micro-living skills from long ago while stargazing on a 10-acre property bordering miles of forest. The owners of this cozy escape, a pair of Brooklyn expat artists, chose the location "with privacy and tranquility in mind." Their farmhouse is 500 feet away, so there's no need to feel lost in the woods, but you're nestled between a creek, maple trees and a wildflower field, just in case you actually want to feel lost in the woods.
See more of this magical getaway
May 25, 2018

Go camping among the trees in this $195/night treehouse in Upstate New York

Trade the racket of cars honking and music blaring, for the blissful sounds of whispering wind and singing birds at this charming airbnb getaway in Upstate New York. Not only is this rental off-the-grid (there is no WiFi or electricity), it's located in an actual treehouse. What the pad lacks in modern convenience, it makes up for in rustic charm and natural ambience. Located in the rural Upstate neighborhood of Argyle, the treehouse, called the Whispering Wind Treehouse on its listing, can accommodate two guests in its one bedroom, starting at $195 per night.
Take a look around
May 23, 2018

Go off-the-grid glamping at the Catskills’ Eastwind Hotel

Off-the-grid, A-frame huts are all the rage in the Catskills. Last week, we wrote about Bjarke Ingels'  triangular prefab "inspired by the Catskills." Now, another appearance makes the news as the Eastwind Hotel reopens June 1st. Just two hours north of New York City, Eastwind was originally built in the 1920s as a bunkhouse for hunters, fly fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts. The hotel reopens in a few weeks with 19 rooms and three A-frame, glamping huts nestled in the woods.
Get a look around