For a summer city break with a hint of yeehaw!—be it horseback riding through the Adirondacks, whitewater rafting down the Hudson River, or sailing on Seneca Lake—book one of these great hotel packages offering plenty of adventure and relaxation in upstate New York.
Adirondacks
The Hotel: Georgian Lakeside Resort | Lake George, NY
This picturesque, kid-friendly resort is perfectly situated within walking distance of the village and cannon ball distance of the Lake.
The Adventure: Two-Night Stay & Play Package
With this jam-packed value package, you’ll get two hours of kayaking or paddle boarding on Lake George, an hour-long cruise on the Minne Ha Ha with the Lake George Steamboat Co., free admission to Six Flag Great Escape, and a “Fun Spot” activity, such as go-karts or laser tag.
The Cost: Starting at $790, including two nights stay, welcome drinks, and a three-course dinner at Giovanna’s on the Lake.
The Directions: Take Amtrak to Fort Edward (about 4 hours from Penn Station), then take a 25-minute Tri-County cab ride to the resort – (518) 792-1234
The Hotel: Friends Lake Inn | Chestertown, NY
Nestled in the Adirondack woods on the shores of the picturesque Friends Lake, this rustic yet luxurious inn is an idyllic cozy romantic getaway.
The Adventure: Horseback Riding Package
This package features a one-hour private horseback trail ride for two, with each horse specifically matched to fit the riders’ abilities. The deal also gets you one night’s stay in an upgraded guest room, a full country breakfast for two, bubbly, and a three-course candlelit dinner at the inn’s award-winning eco-friendly restaurant.
The Cost: From $521 per couple.
The Directions: Take Adirondack Trailways to Glens Falls (from $53 for an adult ticket one way), then take a 40-minute cab ride to the inn. Or consult oM’s guide to renting hybrids in NYC.
The Hotel: High Peaks Resort | Lake Placid, NY
Retire to your woodsy or aquatic-inspired room after a day of adventures with the family.
The Adventure: The Family Plan Package
This package includes deluxe accommodations, access to an indoor and outdoor pools plus the spa area, free kayaks, rowboats, and paddleboats for use on Lake Placid, “dive-in movies” (movies by the pool), wine tastings, and family-friendly Birds of Prey demonstrations. Round out your Lake Placid getaway with add-ons ranging from guided hikes to rock climbing to mountain biking at Mt. Van Hoevenberg to land and sea yoga and painting classes on the patio.
The Cost: Call (518) 523-4411 for more specific rates.
The Directions: Take Adirondack Trailways (from $68.25 for an adult ticket one way) to Saranac Lake, then take a 15-minute cab ride to the resort.
The Hotel: The Copperfield Inn | North Creek, NY
A little ways from Gore Mountain near the sleepy hamlet of North Creek, this spot is a breathtaking retreat year round.
The Adventure: Hudson River Gorge White Water Adventure
A full day on one of Outside Magazine’s Top 10 U.S. rafting trips? Sign us up. Enjoy a thrilling ride down class III, IV, and V rapids along the 17-mile gorge through the heart of the Adirondack wilderness. The package includes a full day of white water rafting on the Hudson River for two on Blue Ledges, The Narrows, Mile Long Rapid and Harris Rift, lunch on the river, wetsuits and all necessary gear, NYS-licensed outfitter guides, and deluxe accommodations.
The Cost: From $144/night per person.
The Directions: Take Adirondack Trailways to Glens Falls (from $53 for an adult one way), then take a 45-minute cab ride to the inn. Or consult oM’s guide to renting hybrids in NYC.
Finger Lakes
The Hotel: Sunrise Landing Bed & Breakfast | Dundee, NY
West of Seneca Lake and right on the Seneca Lake wine trail, Sunrise Landing is a pristine, quiet spot perfect for a romantic or friend-filled getaway.
The Adventure: Cool Breezes Sailing Package
You’ll board the Lee Sea Anne from a marina in Watkins Glen and embark on a three-hour journey with Seneca Sailing Adventures’ Captain Terry Stewart, who will educate you on the history of Seneca Lake and the surrounding region. You can sit back and relax on the trip, or act as the captain’s second mate and help trim the sails. The Lee Sea Anne can accommodate six passengers, but private journeys can be arranged for an additional fee.
The Cost: $160 for two on a non-private journey, plus room cost starting at $155/night.
The Directions: Take the Shortline bus from New York to Bath (from $64 for an adult ticket one way), then take a 45-minute cab ride to the B&B. Or consult oM’s guide to renting hybrids in NYC.
The Hotel: Los Gatos Bed & Breakfast | Penn Yan, NY
This darling B&B is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes, between the Keuka Lake Wine Trail and the Seneca Lake Wine Trails.
The Adventure: Hot-Air Balloon Package
The package launches you directly from the B&B property onto a memorable journey over the Finger Lakes. The balloon can climb as high as 6,500 feet, yielding spectacular views of farmland, vineyards, and mountains on a clear day. It also includes a two night’s stay in the Blue Room or Sage Room, and a hearty breakfast each morning in the gazebo, sun room, or dining room.
The Cost: From $999, including two night’s stay.
The Directions: Take the Short Line bus from New York to Bath (from $64 for an adult ticket one way), then take a 30-minute cab ride to the B&B. Or consult oM’s guide to renting hybrids in NYC.
Photos: Georgian Lakeside Resort, David Lewis, lensecap, Seneca Sailing Adventures, Alex Ranaldi