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This past June, New York City’s hectic energy (as well as its humidity) had gotten to be too much for me; I needed a weekend away—time to rest and restore. Thankfully, after a quick surf on Airbnb’s site (one of my favorite pastimes), my partner and I found ourselves heading to “The Upstate A,” a newly renovated and uber-fabulous A-frame cabin in the Hudson Valley.
Just over a two-hour drive from Manhattan, we headed to the super-scenic and sweet Valley town of Pine Plains, right on the border of Dutchess and Columbia counties. (For those without access to a car, you can also take the train to Rhinecliff station). While the two of us did not need an entire three-bedroom cabin to ourselves, my craving for space on the heels of our compact NYC lifestyle quickly justified the decision to book it.
After taking the exit off of a parkway on the side of a weathered rockface, we were immediately greeted with long stretches of farms, rolling hills, and countryside vistas. Eventually, the winding street on which the A-frame resides came into view. Located on a quiet acre of land with endless woods behind it, the cabin appeared just as it did in its pictures: its wood panels complemented the darker roof, and the front facade was made almost entirely of glass. The house itself was built back in 1968 but was just renovated (and intentionally redesigned) in 2021.
Upon opening the front door, we were immediately greeted with all three bedrooms and both full bathrooms, all located on the first floor (alongside a washer and dryer). Upstairs, we found the living room with its massive glass windows and attached balcony, perfect for taking in the forest views. Across from it sat the dining table, and to the right was the spacious, modern kitchen with its high-tech amenities (and a gifted bottle of wine, courtesy of the host). A spiral staircase from the kitchen led to a private loft that could be used as a fourth bedroom. We quickly realized that this wasn’t your typical “cabin in the woods.” It was there—alongside the spanning, triangular, floor-to-ceiling windows under the 20-foot ceiling—where I truly appreciated the thoughtful design of the space. Within these open, airy common spaces, I understood how this cozy A-frame could comfortably host up to eight.
Before we settled in, I wanted to catch my bearings with Pine Plains. I hadn’t spent much time in the town other than a quick drive through it. Thanks to a recommendation from the (Super)hosts, we took a five-minute drive to Chaseholm Farm, an adorable farm store that sold local produce and goodies (like Alleyway Ice Cream made in Saugerties, another town in the Hudson Valley). It was sunset, and the sparkly outdoor lights were just turning on as we parked. On our way out, I rolled my windows down for the quick drive back, taking in the fresh air. Stepping outside for “fresh air” in my neighborhood in Brooklyn certainly felt different.
As a celebration of our arrival, we agreed to eat dinner at nearby Stissing House—one of the oldest taverns in America, and now a hotspot with intimate dining rooms and fireside lounges. A white colonial building with a beloved light green door, the restaurant was buzzy and dim-lit. After dessert (and a perfect martini), I was more than happy to head to bed.
While I slept in the primary bedroom with its private, sleek bathroom (with provided eucalyptus shower spray and teal tiled walls), I wouldn’t mind resting my head in any of the rooms—all featuring bright pops of color, cozy linens, and inviting house plants.
The next morning I headed upstairs to the living room, now engulfed in sunlight that poured through the green canopies. I made a cup of coffee (beans were provided by the host) and enjoyed it while sitting on the balcony, accompanied by birds singing sweet summer songs. Before we left for a bracing hike up Stissing Mountain, I took a quick peek at the outdoor firepit alongside the endless forest.
The steep uphill trail that we took led to the Stissing Mountain fire tower. And I admit, I was winded from the trek. But once at the top, with the view of the endless hills, crystal lakes, and rolling farmland, I was in awe. I reflected on the considerable contrast to my apartment view (or lack thereof) in Williamsburg, where I can no longer see the open waterfront and NYC skyline thanks to some tall new building developments. Gratitude for the moment, the stillness and vastness, washed over me. I then remembered I had a whole trek downhill.
After a lovely final hurrah dinner at nearby Oakhurst Diner, an old-school joint with finger-licking bites, we spent one final and cozy night in the picturesque cabin before it was time to be on our way. I left the A-frame feeling more grounded than ever—and (maybe, naively) prepared to handle another summer, both with my partner, and the toxic love of my life: NYC.
