New York - September 17, 2007

Out of Borough Experience

Fall Weekend Getaways

Plan your escape route. Leave no trace.

Hop: Forty Miles from Manhattan
Sitting at ease on the Hudson River is the romantic, indulgent Monteverde at Oldstone Manor (28 Bear Mountain Bridge Road, Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.; 914-739-5000). The recently converted 18th-century mansion on 29 woody acres has two spacious master suites with steam showers and sweeping views.

Book a body treatment or facial before dinner at the modern American restaurant operated by chef Neil Ferguson (of L’Arpège and Gordon Ramsay, and, as of next week, Allen & Delancey in NYC). After early morning yoga, om back home on Metro North.

Skip: Ninety Miles from Manhattan
Pile your old camp pals in a van to Mohonk Mountain House (1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, N.Y.; 800-772-6646), a 138-year-old refurbished Quaker compound flanking the pastoral Mohonk Preserve. It’s the perfect backdrop for a Dirty Dancing revival party, with wholesome activities like canoing, rock scrambles, hiking, tennis, spa, and horseback riding.

Overnight guests adhere to the Full American Plan — an all-inclusive package that includes meals, tea times, and campfires. Bring a good book and cozy up to one of 138 fireplaces or get inspired to write your own tome.

Jump: And remind yourself to practice escapology more often.