The Catskills’ Newest Motel Is Straight Outta “Mad Men”

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.

This month: we head to simpler times at the fresh Starlite Inn in Kerhonkson. A welcome blast from the past, this retro haunt is a sweet little destination for two with plenty of local brews and adventures in driving distance.

SLEEP

Just a 2.5-hour scoot from Manhattan, the new throwback Starlite Inn is a quaint homage to the 1960s motor lodge. The rooms are decked in a Mad Men-goes-Upstate aesthetic, but complete with all the contemporary amenities one would expect. Each comes with USB charging ports and complimentary wifi and has either a balcony or deck. And while the pool and hammocks will have to wait for the warmer months, there are fire pits and parlor games at the ready right now. It’s also pet-friendly, and if you’re on the hunt for a Valentine’s Day getaway, they’re running a special 30% off deal on the remaining rooms for the weekend. Just use the code “VALENTINE” upon checkout.

EAT

The Starlite’s mini-bars are stocked with complimentary popcorn, tea and waters. Head over to the hotel’s Canteen and pull up a seat at the bar for cocktails and snacks or to ham it up with other travelers. They also offer a great breakfast on the weekends. You can also pop over to Davenport and Saunderskill Farms to pick up some tasty local provisions along the way, head to Westwind Orchard for killer wood-fired pizza and cider, or visit the Arrowood and Rough Cut breweries, both within shooting distance, for some seasonal suds.

The Verkeerderkill Falls in Minnewaska State Park (Wikimedia Commons)

ADVENTURE

For the seasoned hiker, take on the trail over at Sam’s Point Trail in Minnewaska State Park. The effort will be duly rewarded with fantastic, sweeping views of the Catskills, with waterfalls and ice caves along the way. Rail enthusiasts looking for a good time can also try the Hudson Valley Rail Train Winterfest, which takes place this weekend (February 8th). They have a chili contest as well as drinks, eats, marshmallow roasting, wagon rides and woodcarving expos.