Today’s newsletter is landing a little early — partly to catch anyone already en route Upstate, and partly because we’re keeping things short and sweet for the holiday weekend.
That said, we’ve got something exciting to share: we’re piloting the Escape Club app today to our paid subscribers! It’s not 100% finished, but we’re calling it close enough, and we wanted to finally get it into the world.
In the Escape Club App, you’ll find some of Upstate’s best hotels and vacation rentals, searchable by filters that are important to us: pool, spa/wellness, pet friendly, and near hiking – plus real-time availability. The no-download app is designed to make getaway planning smoother, faster, and actually fun.
Lots of Upstate properties are already live, with more on the way — including a few NY-friendly spots like LA, Palm Springs, and New Orleans. (Send us your favorite destinations!)
To our supporting members: your access link is just below the paywall. We’ll be rolling it out to everyone else in the coming weeks!
Have a great long weekend,
– Erin + the EB team
Classic Hudson Valley, Polished + Preserved: a Guide to Rhinebeck, NY
One of the earliest Upstate enclaves for New Yorkers, Rhinebeck has long been known for its well-kept homes, historic architecture, and a village center that feels more cinematic than small-town. Anchored by antique shops and legacy restaurants, its polished charm has always leaned classic — with deep roots and deep pockets to match.
But in recent years, a quiet shift has begun. Little Goat, an all-day café and bakery from Taavo Somer (of INNESS and Lola Pizza), blends Mediterranean flavors with Hudson Valley ingredients in a warm, restored 1700s townhouse. Up front: Sparrowbush bread and pantry staples. In back: handmade pastas, seasonal cocktails, and desserts.
Elsewhere in town, {pretty to think so} offers intimate cocktails in a refined, low-lit space, while Westerlind and Upstate Down bring a fresh design sensibility to Rhinebeck’s retail scene.
These are just a few highlights; for more intel, check out Escape Brooklyn’s full guide to Rhinebeck, NY.
Where to Stay This Month and Beyond: July Discounts Across the Catskills + Hudson Valley
Looking for a July escape? Our July Getaway Deals lineup includes exclusive discounts at some of our favorite Upstate stays — from lakeside cabins and pet-friendly farmhouses to boutique hotels with curated outdoor programming.
Highlights include 15% off July stays at The Graham & Co. in Phoenicia and 25% off at Seminary Hill, a cidery-meets-inn in Callicoon offering a summer pickling workshop this month. Also on offer: 20% off at Catskills Cloud House, a design-forward, dog-friendly rental in Phoenicia.
Rounding out the deals: 10% off at The Henderson in Hankins (complete with stone hot tub and outdoor shower), 10% off the remainder of 2025 at Two Good Cabins in Roscoe, and a fourth night free at The Mill Houses in walkable Livingston Manor.
4th of July Weekend: What’s Happening Upstate 🎆
The long weekend is packed with backyard BBQs, pool parties, and fireworks under the stars. Whether you’re Upstate already or planning a spontaneous trip, here are a few standout events:
Friday, July 4:
T.R. Gallo Park (Kingston): Waterfront celebration with live music kicks off at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks over the Rondout at dusk.
Upward Brewing Co. (Livingston Manor): Food, beer, and casual hangs — with fireworks from their hillside lawn at nightfall.
Walkway Over the Hudson (Poughkeepsie): Premium-view fireworks from the iconic pedestrian bridge (6–10 p.m.; ticketed entry).
Catskill Crew x Deer Mountain Inn (Tannersville): BBQ by Chef Corwin Kave, martini-making, DJ sets, and oysters.
Catskills Cocktail Club at The Starlite Motel (Kerhonkson): Cocktails, smashburgers, and poolside hangs.
Ralph’s Bar & Bowling (Big Indian): Pizza party, fireworks and vintage charm at the Urban Cowboy Lodge’s new bar and bowling spot.
Saturday, July 5:
OH-BOY! Market (Andes): 70+ makers, vintage vendors, and even tattoos. Continues Sunday.
Glen Falls House (Round Top): BBQ, DJ, waterfall hangs, and afterparty vibes.
Sunshine Colony (Livingston Manor): Line dancing from 3–4:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 6:
Foxfire Mountain House (Mount Tremper): DJs, lawn games, and open-air BBQ continue through Monday.
OH-BOY! Market (Andes): 70+ makers and vintage vendors.
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