An Enchanting Victorian Getaway, Hudson Valley Art Picks + App Countdown
A Maximalist Getaway + Site-Specific Art — Hudson Valley + Catskills
Howdy + happy Friday from Kingston, NY!
Erin here, Founder & Creative Director of Escape. After nearly a decade of life in the Catskills, I’m spending a chunk of this summer in Kingston — which means you can expect a lot more Hudson Valley highlights over the next few months! From small-town restaurant gems to cultural happenings and spontaneous overnights at some new getaway spots, I’m looking forward to sharing what’s good in this corner of the region.
One of the things that has me so excited about being here this summer is proximity to all the art happenings in the Hudson Valley. Case in point: this weekend, The Campus is hosting the opening for their 2025 Annual Exhibition on Saturday, June 28, with festivities from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Hudson.
Organized by Timo Kappeller, the exhibition stretches across 35 rooms and the surrounding grounds of the former Ockawamick School in Claverack — newly revived as a venue for contemporary art. Over 30 solo and duo installations anchor the show, alongside group presentations of painting, photography, and ceramics.
On that note, we’re also marking our calendars for the upcoming Upstate Art Weekend, which returns July 17–21 with more than 150 participants across the Hudson Valley and Catskills. This week, UAW announced their first-ever printed map — pick one up at Upbringing in Kingston or keep an eye out at local spots throughout the region.
And last but not least: the Escape Club app is (finally!) launching next week. Can’t wait to share it with you — it’s been such a long time coming, and it’s full of places we’ve loved and trusted for years. Stay tuned for early access and a peek inside before the official release; our supporting paid members (just $6/month!) will be the first to get access, then we’ll roll it out to the public.
Until then, don’t miss this week’s featured stay — a place I was lucky enough to visit and shoot myself: The Henderson, a design-forward Victorian in Callicoon with a custom stone hot tub, outdoor shower, secret-garden-style dining area, two ponds, and serious summer magic.
Have a great weekend + see you out there,
-Erin
Design-Forward Victorian with an Outdoor Oasis: The Henderson in Hankins, NY
A restored Victorian perched above a quiet Catskills creek, The Henderson blends 19th-century charm with maximalist interiors and laid-back summer vibes. Set just ten minutes from Callicoon, this four-bedroom escape offers a creative, cozy home base near one of the region’s best small towns.
Inside, bright patterned rooms invite lounging, gathering, and unwinding in style. Think clawfoot soaking tubs, a hand-tiled chef’s kitchen, a wood stove nook, and layered vintage details throughout. Outside, guests can enjoy a hot tub under the stars, two spring-fed ponds (one swimmable), an outdoor shower, and a fire pit set into the hillside — all surrounded by forest and field.
The four bedrooms are cozy and colorful, each one uniquely decorated with antique furniture, floral wallpaper, and plant-filled windowsills. It’s the kind of home that feels lovingly assembled over time — welcoming, well-lived-in, and full of character.
With summer availability including a few weekends in July, and a totally open August and September, this whimsical retreat is ideal for a Catskills weekend with friends or family. Escape Club members save 10% through the end of July; get the code here.
SOS NYC: Where to Swim, Soak, or Cool Down Upstate
This week was hot. Like, really hot. So hot, in fact, that we sent out a rare midweek newsletter featuring a few of our favorite hotels and vacation rentals for summer escapes — all pulled from two water-centric roundups we put together.
In case you missed it, here are both lists:
🔗 Spectacular Stays on the Water
🔗 10 of Upstate’s Best Hotels with Pools
Find much more getaway inspiration on Escape Brooklyn, and our forthcoming app, Escape Club! Want to get exclusive discounts for Upstate getaways delivered to your inbox monthly? Subscriptions are $6/month or $60/year, and they help keep our small, women-owned and operated business going. Plus, as always, 1% goes back to the planet. 🌎
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