Channeling Your Inner Bacchus, Putnam County-Style

  |  February 2, 2015
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The event is presented as a celebration of our two favorite aphrodisiacs, but there is so, so much more to the Annual Hudson Valley Wine and Chocolate Festival. After grabbing a glass of wine and sampling from the impressive array of Hudson Valley chocolates on display at this year’s festival (scheduled for this weekend – sleet or shine), attendees are invited to explore some of the region’s best artisanal fare, such as the divine creations of Cheesecake Heaven and the devilish concoctions of Wild Coyote Sauces. The guest list of vendors is making our mouths water already, so we’ll move right along to our top Airbnb picks for your adventure to the Hudson Valley’s mecca of gustatory delight!

1) Luxurious Stone Cottage on 18 Acres

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Price/night: $650
Accommodations: Full house, 4 bedrooms
Max guests: 7
Min stay: 3 nights
House description:
In addition to its role as an up-and-coming rental destination, this lovely 19th-century stone home has also served as a wedding venue for its owners, so guests can expect space, elegance, and plenty of scenery during their stay in North Salem. The pool may be out of commission until the weather warms up, but for now, visitors can get their recommended daily dose of fresh air via outdoor activities like cross country skiing and snow shoeing through the eighteen acres owned by Charmaine. The interior of the home demonstrates the eclectic taste of the hosts, both self-described creatives, and we could see ourselves spending an hour or two admiring all the artifacts the two have collected during their extensive travels.

2) Exquisite Lakeside Dwelling

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Price/night: $475
Accommodations: Full house, 4 bedrooms
Max guests: 10
Min stay: 2 nights
House description:
Amri is new to the Airbnb scene, and she already has five outstanding reviews and two rental offerings. Both of her accommodations feature a clean, contemporary aesthetic, but her retreat in Putnam boasts both an eye-catching interior and a scenic waterfront exterior. From the suspended fireplace in the main house to raw stone walls in the shower of the guest house, every detail has been layered on meticulously by the rental’s stylish host. The main house and guest house sit right on the shore of Oscawana Lake – the perfect arrangement for a group trip up the river or an ice fishing adventure with the inlaws.

Sample reviews:

“Our family decided to celebrate New Year’s in Upstate New York, and made a great decision by choosing to stay at Amri’s home. With the big lake on the property, the scenery was beautiful, and the area quiet, calm and peaceful. The house was very clean, neat and nice-looking, with a modern style, updated rooms and appliances, a great wood-burning fireplace, and a very cute guesthouse. There were eight of us in the house, and the residence was large enough for us all to sit together, but also have our own space.

Amri made the process smooth and was thorough in providing us with all the details, including emergency contacts should we be unable to reach her. She also provided lots of info regarding nearby towns and things to do and see, from local deli’s and markets to art galleries and historical sites. We did take a short hike on the Hudson River, which was really lovely.

We had a very relaxing and enjoyable stay, and would stay there again.”

“We had an extremely enjoyable time. The fireplace added a unique and warm touch to the experience. The main house was spacious for a large group although one of the rooms was a child’s room so we didn’t use it. Amri was a wonderful host who provided me with a detailed list of nearby attractions and also directions for all the appliances in the house. Overall, I think it is a great option for a relaxing getaway.”

3) Cozy Cold Spring Suite

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Price/night: $150
Accommodations: Private room, 1 bed
Max guests: 4
Min stay: 1 night
House description:
If you’re looking to make the most of your weekend in Putnam County, this delightful abode in Cold Spring would make the perfect home base. Karen and Stephen are welcoming and helpful hosts, and have lived in the area for a long time, so you can count on their insider travel tips when mapping out your itinerary. The home itself is located within walking distance of the Hudson River, and close to the best hiking trails in the area. The price per night is extremely reasonable, the list of accommodations is comprehensive, and the location couldn’t get any better! No wonder Stephen has over 130 stellar reviews on Airbnb!

Sample reviews:

“Karen and Stephen were gracious hosts! Very friendly and accommodating without being overbearing. Their home is immaculately spotless and our room, the Cold Spring suite, was wonderful! We felt right at home here, loved it so much that we even added an extra night to our stay at the last minute.

This is the perfect car-free weekend getaway for nature lovers. Quick trip from Grand Central, short walk to their home from the train station and plenty of gorgeous hikes within walking distance. By far our most favorite spot to enjoy the Hudson Valley!

We can’t wait for our next stay!”

“Stephen and Karen were excellent hosts and their place was beautiful.

We had great time exploring Cold Spring and enjoying hiking up breakneck ridge, checking out the local antique stores and the farmers market and also eating in a quaint french bistro called Le Bouchon.

The house is the perfect spot to base yourself for an escape from the madness of Manhattan and we even managed to take the train up and enjoy a day at Dia:Beacon.

Stephen and Karen, were super friendly and gave us loads of advice on the area and what to do.

A perfect spot for a weekend break from the city!”

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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