For anyone with an irresistible impulse to explore new destinations or rediscover old ones.
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Monday, May 16, 2011

Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa: An upstate NY Secret Kept from Locals

Tucked away in the midst of a residential area caught between two sleepy Ulster County cities; a 1.5 hour trip from New York City and just a 30 minute drive from Dutchess County, NY;  lies Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa. Until recently, the 16-room inn and luxury spa has been kept a secret from locals. A former trading post and private family homestead, the property was purchased in 2001 and converted into an Inn and Spa. Traditionally, the Inn and Spa has advertised in NYC publications and lured Manhattanites into the country for stays. The current owner, also the proprietor of NYC's Great Jones Spa, opened a farm-to-table restaurant on the property a few months ago and is looking to pull in more locals.


Spread over 70 acres, the Inn's property is dotted by duck ponds, gardens, pretty arched bridges and a large tiled patio area, complete with Adirondack chairs to sit and take in a wonderful view of the Hudson River. The spa, which was first in a small cottage on the property recently moved to a larger, Frank Lloyd Wright-ish building with plenty of windows. Among the spa services are massages and facials. The signature facial is the most recommended, as it is tailored to the individual's skin type and needs and includes a neck, arm and chest massage. When you schedule a spa service appointment, you have access to their pool, steam room and sauna. The pool area is small, with a maximum occupancy of 34. Only thing, it seems the same zen minimalism that marks the spa's style was also applied to the decor around the pool area, as they only offer 8 lounge chairs available for visitors.


Henry's
, the farm-to-table restaurant that opened a few months ago, is also housed in an intimate space. The restaurant, which holds up to 70 occupies the top floor of a building with a small terrace overlooking one of the duck ponds. The kitchen is on the floor below. As for the menu: the duck roll starters are light, flaky and come with the finest, sublimely spicy cream sauce. When we visited, I also went with the duck entree, which is served with a rich, buttery porcini risotto and zingy gingered rhubarb. The linguini with sun-dried tomato and jumbo shrimp is also spectacular. The only so-so moment was the dessert: coconut chocolate cake with strawberry frosting. While the fresh strawberry garnish shaped into a florette was sweet and juicy, the cake was a bit disappointing and dry. But, the pot of Harney and Sons tea I got made up for it. And at $69 (not including tip) for two; the entire meal of fresh, organic dishes with great views was a fantastic deal.
 

Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa (Milton, NY):
220 North Road, Milton, NY
(845) 795-1310
16-room country inn with a luxury spa and a farm-to-table restaurant on the grounds. 
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Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa ocupa 28 hectares en una zona rural entre las ciudades Milton y Highland del condado Ulster en el estado de Nueva York. Esta a una hora y media de Manhattan y a unos 30 minutos del condado Dutchess. Hasta ahora, el hostal de 16 habitaciones tenia mas publicidad en publicaciones de Manhattan y fue un secreto a los que viven a su alrededor. Comprado en 2001, el  antiguo sitio de comercio en 1680 y luego propiedad privado de una familia fue convertido en un hostal y spa. El duenyo actual, quien es el duenyo del Great Jones Spa de Manhattan acaba de abrir un restaurante tipo 'de la granja a la mesa' y el esta intentando atraer clientes de la zona.

Tiene muchos estanques, jardines, preciosos puentes pequenyos y un espacio masivo con unas vistas impresionantes del rio Hudson. El spa ofrece masajes, faciales y tiene una piscina, sala de vapor y sauna en un edificio con un estilo igual a lo de Frank Lloyd Wright. Su especialidad es el facial 'Signature' que esta hecho especificamente para servir el tipo de cutis del cliente y a sus necesidades, pues cada uno es unico. Cuando pides una cita para un servicio del spa tienes derecho a todas las instalaciones. El unico problema es que parece que el mismo estilo de minimalismo zen que tiene el spa esta presente en la zona de piscina, porque aunque puede tener hasta 34 personas en la zona, solo hay 8 sillas para descansar.

Henry's, el restaurante del movimiento 'de la granja a la mesa' tambien ocupa un espacio pequenyo en la segunda planta de un edificio con una terrazza pequenya y vistas a los estanques y jardines. La cocina ocupa la primera planta. Lo mas destacado del menu son los rollitos picantes con pato y verduras, pasta con tomates y gambas y el pato con risotto y un picante ruibarbo que lleva mucho genjibre. Lo que no vale la pena es: la torta de coco y chocolate con un glaseado de fresa. Aunque llevaba una fresa gigante en forma de una flor, la torta era muy seca. Pero porque pedimos te de Harney and Sons para acompanyarla no fue un desastre total. La cena para dos personas costo $69 (no incluye la propina) y fue un precio fantastico para una comida fresca, organica y abundante.

Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa (Milton, NY):
220 North Road, Milton, NY
(845) 795-1310
Un hostal al medio del campo con 16 habitaciones, un spa de lujo y un restaurante del movimiento 'de la granja a la mesa.'

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