Lake Effect Weekend

  |  January 22, 2015
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With California debating whether or not to cut back on almond production and the Colorado River facing what could be a permanent water shortage, we at Upstater are feeling particularly grateful for NY’s supply of lakes, rivers, and streams. We made it through the summer of 2014 without getting hit as hard as other areas of the country, and upstaters are not taking our good fortune for granted. Inspired by all that water on the brain, we’re itching to commune with some of our favorite lakes, and we found three top-notch Airbnb rentals for just such a retreat!


1) Amber Lake Cottage

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Price/night: $200
Accommodations: Full house, 2 bedrooms
Max guests: 4
Min stay: 2 nights
House description:
We’re not the only ones bewitched by this lovely lakeside cottage – the unique modern decor on the interior has been featured in profiles by the New York Times and a variety of design magazines. The outdoor amenities, including the private dock, grill, and fire pit, sound equally enticing. As the hosts note, Amber Lake is not open to the public, so expect peace and quiet during your stay in Sullivan County paradise.

Sample reviews:

“We had such a wonderful time here! There are so many things I could gush about, but I’ll pick what I feel struck me the most. The house is SO much bigger than the photos make it look! The kitchen was a chefs dream! All the furniture is very comfortable, especially the beds and the two red chairs off the kitchen (those were the sleeper hit of our trip as my gf loved to read there in the mornings). We are big music lovers so the amazing surround sound was great to have as we cooked and played cards against humanity. I would highly recommend Babak, Mark, and River’s gorgeous home to anyone, and kudos to them for being wonderful hosts!”

“My husband and I had a lovely weeklong stay here. As others mentioned, there are a few other houses on the lake, but it feels very quiet, serene, and secluded. A perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of NYC. The kitchen is spacious and well equipped, and the deck and backyard are just plain awesome. We spent most of our time outside grilling out, riding the paddleboat, roasting s’mores at the fire pit, and swimming in the lake (which is quite clean!). The details, directions, and house rules were so thorough that we didn’t need much from the owners while we were there, making for a very easy stay.”


2) Charming Gardiner Schoolhouse

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Price/night: $250
Accommodations: Full house, 3 bedrooms
Max guests: 4
Min stay: 2 nights
House description:
We were thrilled to find this unique 1800s schoolhouse located right at the doorstep of some of Ulster County’s most popular scenic destinations! Enjoy some fresh air as you explore the Catskills, take a dip nearby in Lake Minnewaska or Lake Awosting (or both), or head straight to some of the critically-acclaimed restaurants and retreat locations close by, including the Mohonk Mountain House.

Sample reviews:

“A perfectly sitiated oasis in the middle of the catskills. As we drove up from Manhattan, peeling off the highway through New Paltz, the vibe was set early. After passing through the cute town we made our way up the mountain. Not far from the road was the beautiful home, with an expansive property. An ideal place for us city folk to soak up nature and all its glory.”

“Great house in a beautiful area! Had a wonderful time hiking and swimming nearby as well as cooking on the Schwanker grill. Arrived a little bit late so missed meeting Pauleitta unfortunately but met Ken briefly on the last day. Both seem like wonderful people who did a lot to make us feel welcome and help us enjoy our stay. Couldn’t recommend more highly to anyone looking to spend a weekend away.”


3) Lakeside Cabin in Carmel

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Price/night: $150
Accommodations: Full house
Max guests: 4
Min stay: 2 nights
House description:
We can’t think of anything else we could want in a cute little cabin! This Carmel getaway features a lofted sleeping space, its own fireplace, and an outdoor BBQ for warm weather vacations. The interior is intimate and welcoming, and the nearby lake, orchard, and walking trails offer plenty of ways to commune with nature.

Sample reviews:

“I’m in love with that place and will recommend it to everyone I know. It’s the perfect romantic getaway! Very clean, yet has a rustic feel. All around the cabin you will see books, vinyl records, candles, globes and all kinds of decor items that create a cozy atmosphere. Kitchen is fully loaded with all kinds of cookware and spices. Easy access to a trail around the lake – beautiful in the fall. Faith was very accommodating. Overall, a great experience that left wonderful memories.”

“Matt and Faith’s place is absolutely wonderful! It’s not far from NYC, but it’s like being in another world. The house itself is quaint and cabin-like. The fireplace was our favorite part. My husband and I visited with another couple. After we spent the day exploring Beacon, we had a relaxing evening playing board games and drinking wine by the fire. It was the ideal weekend retreat!”

About Elizabeth Wilson

Elizabeth Wilson is an Upstater born and bred with a generalist’s education and a specialist’s passion for the Hudson Valley. Ask nicely and she’ll make you a bagel sandwich. Ask really nicely and she’ll accompany that bagel sandwich with a Bob Dylan impersonation.

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