Stipulated: the perfect travel time for a three-day weekend getaway is four hours. More, and you waste your vacation. Less, and you’re still near home. Hence our series, The 4-Hour Rule, dedicated to revealing the best destinations that are far away, yet still close to home.
It’s right about now that the stir crazy starts to set in.
Weather? Unforgiving. Work? Everlasting. Wife? Enduring both of those things right along with you.
So take a weekend and head to one of these six cabins, all close to the city and available for short-term rental.
From a secluded retreat for two in the Catskills to a family-friendly forest retreat, they’ve got the cure for what ails you.
The Lake Overlooker
Arietta, NY
Best for two but can fit four. The glamping retreat has sweeping cathedral ceilings and tall windows for maximum lake gazing. Perks include a fireplace, outdoor fire pit, BBQ grill and a hot outdoor shower.
Large and in Charge
Catskill, NY
Suited for seven, this renovated Girl Scout lodge is moments away from excellent skiing. But it’s ages away from good cell service. What a shame.
The Contemporist
Woodstock, NY
Clean, dreamy and streamside, the spacious cabin will host up to four. Included are an outdoor hot tub, gas fireplace and large covered deck. Great for those who want to admire the snow without actually stepping foot in it.
The Thinker
Bearsville, NY
The Mt. Guardian house has just what the style-savvy couple needs for a weekend away: wood-burning fireplace, guitar, nature and furniture by people whose names appear in art-history textbooks for taking it all in.
The Family Find
Craryville, NY
Have you an army? Perhaps one that needs to get out and play, but still come home to modern amenities? Here you go. The newly restored ’70s cabin fits 10 winter wanderers and looks to be handsome and splinter-free.
The Rustic
Greenwood Lake, NY
For the formidable (or wanna-be) mountain man, a 1930s chestnut log cabin. Just an hour from Manhattan, you’ll be within reach of some solid skiing by day. A fireplace, firepit, and outdoor hot tub with lake views will await you upon return.
And for your packing list …
Clockwise from top left: Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket ($188), Rumpl Queen Puffy Blanket ($175), Men in Cities Black Leather on Stainless Steel Flask ($40), Wolverine Courtland 1000 Mile Boots ($400), Bather Trunks Co. Stripes Trunk ($54), Kaufmann Mercantile Soft Leather Dopp Kit ($235).
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