Things to do in Beautiful Upstate New York

The historic and very charming town of Rhinebeck is nestled in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley.

A few weeks ago, I headed to Upstate, NY to explore the beautiful Rhinebeck area with my bestie. And let’s just say the entire adventure was pretty epic from start to finish.

During our time there, we explored downtown Rhinebeck, experienced the Hudson River, drank wine, ate well and did some shopping. And thanks to Mazda, we both felt extremely safe in the CX-90 while exploring the area in style, which made the entire experience even more memorable.

Keep reading to learn why a girl’s trip to Upstate, NY is an insanely cool idea, and to also get a few ideas on things to do while in the area…

Girls Trip to Beautiful Rhinebeck, NY

1. Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck

Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck is elegant, quiet and a perfect place to rest and re-balance. The 49-room Parisian-style, boutique hotel and luxury spa are located in the heart of Rhinebeck, just minutes from the Rhinecliff-Kingston Train Station and a short drive from New York City.

I loved everything about this hotel! The location was perfect, and the rooms were cozy, inviting and my king size bed was so plush that I didn’t want to get out of it that next morning. The hotel’s restaurant, “Willow at Mirbeau”, is a must-try…the cuisine is simply delicious. And the resting area was so relaxing, I literally fell asleep within minutes of laying on the lounging sofas.

Another thing that really impressed me, was that the hotel encourages their guests to wear their robes/slippers while lounging in the main areas of the hotel.

And all this can be enjoyed alone, with friends or with your significant other.

Hotel Amenities

• Variety of Health & Wellness Services

  • Meditative walking trails

  • Resting area (can be enjoyed by singles, friends and couples)

  • Himalayan Salt sauna

  • Eucalyptus infused steam room

  • Heated spa whirlpool with private bar in the Aqua Terrace

  • Personal training

  • Yoga therapy

  • Reiki

  • Sound Bath

  • Meditation

  • Qigong & Tai Chi

  • Breathwalk

  • Pilates, Barre, Zumba

  • Mind Body Practice.

    • Private Sessions start at $80 for 60 minutes.

  • Complimentary daily instructor-led fitness classes

  • Private Guest Experiences including Candlelight Yoga or Mixology

• Complimentary Bicycles

• Fitness Center

• Swimming pool

• Oversized fireplace

• Free parking and Wi-Fi

• Pets are not allowed at Mirbeau Inn & Spa properties

Restaurant

• Willow at Mirbeau

  • Every Monday-Wednesday from 3:00pm – 6:00pm, enjoy 50% off House Wine & Beer

  • Call 845-516-7327 for reservations

Hotel Check-in/Check-out times

• Check-in time: 4:00 PM

• Check-out time: 12:00 PM

Location Information (Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck):

• Address:

  • 46 W Market Street, Rhinebeck, NY 12572

• Phone:

  • 877.647.2328

2. The Historic Town of Rhinebeck

The historic and very charming town of Rhinebeck is nestled in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley. It is located just east of the Hudson River, with views of the Catskill Mountains.

This area has something for everyone. We stumbled upon unique independent specialty shops offering apparel, home furnishings, books, gifts and so much more.

Also, for all you Negan lovers (which I definitely am), he and his wife own an awesome little candy shop in this area. It is called, “Samuels Sweet Shop”. It is super cute, quaint and just fun. I had a variety of delicious goodies.

3. Ogden Mills & Ruth Livingston Mills State Park

Ogden Mills & Ruth Livingston Mills State Park is quite impressive. It is super scenic and simply fantastic. There are endless views, and as it stands it is one of the most amazing places that I have ever seen. It had me in complete awe.

I couldn’t take my eyes off the Hudson River and the Staatsburgh State Historic Site was massive. Although closed, it was still a treat just to be in the same proximity as the historical site.

Additionally, I loved how well the Mazda CX-90 fit right in with the breath-taking vibe of the park.

• Staatsburgh State Historic Site

  • The home of Ogden Mills and his wife Ruth Livingston Mills. Overlooking the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains, Staatsburgh is a fine example of a great estate built by America’s financial and industrial leaders during the Gilded Age (1876 – 1917).

  • Tours

    • Mansion tours and special programs are by advance reservation only. The site is offering regular, one-hour mansion tours; longer, themed tours on different topics, led by a costumed guide; and some craft and family programs: all programs and tours are listed, along with further information on each offering.

  • Payment

    • Daytime Self Tours: $12/Adults, $10/Seniors & Students

• Hudson River

  • A 315-mile (507 km) river that flows from north to south primarily through eastern NY, United States. It originates in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate NY.

Location Information (Ogden Mills & Ruth Livingston Mills State Park):

• Address:

  • Mills Mansion Drive, US-1, Staatsburg, NY 12580

• Phone:

  • (845) 889-4646

Hours

• Park:

  • Open year round from sunrise to sunset

• Park Office Hours:

  • Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

3. Millbrook Vineyards & Winery

We also had the opportunity to visit Millbrook Vineyards & Winery. The delicious high-quality Hudson Valley wines, incredible views and Catskill Mountains made it a place to remember.

I definitely see why The New York Times Called it, “the Hudson Valley’s flagship winery”, and why it was recognized as Winery of the Year for 2024. It is definitely a place worth checking out! I would love to go back.

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery offers a variety of tastings

• Outdoor Portfolio Wine Tastings ($18.00 Per Person)

• Indoor Portfolio Wine Tastings ($18.00 Per Person)

• Reserve Wine Tastings ($30.00 Per Person)

• Tours & Tastings ($25.00 Per Person)

FAQ

• Does the Millbrook Winery offer tours of the facility? Yes, on Saturdays and Sundays.

• Are walk-ins allowed? Yes, on a first come first served basis. No reservations are necessary to visit the winery.

• Are dogs allowed? Yes, as long as they are on their leash and well behaved.

• Are drones allowed? No, the use of drones is not allowed on the property.

• Are EV Chargers available on site? Yes, EV chargers are located in the back of the winery warehouse. Follow the EV charging signs up the driveway to the charging stations.

Location Information (Millbrook Vineyards & Winery):

• Address:

  • 26 Wing Road, Millbrook, NY 12545

• Phone:

  • (800) 662-9463 | (845) 677-8383

Hours:

• Open Year Round:

  • Monday–Sunday 12:00pm–5:00pm

• Walk-ins Welcome

4. Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

A girl’s trip wouldn’t be complete without a little shopping. So, we headed to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, located an hour north of New York City. This mall is the world’s most iconic outlet that features over 250 luxury and designer brands at savings of up to 65%.

It was my first time there, and like wow! It had several of my favorite brands and many more. We found some really good deals, and I am so looking forward to going back. If you are ever in the area, stop in, trust me you won’t be sorry.

Location Information (Woodbury Common Premium Outlets):

• Address:

  • 498 Red Apple Ct, Central Valley 10917

• Phone:

  • (845) 928-4000

Hours:

• Open Year Round:

  • Monday–Sunday 10:00AM – 9:00PM

• Holidays hours vary

We had a blast in Upstate NY! It is such a beautiful place with so much to see and do. And it’s always good to explore new places with my homegirl.

Thank you, Mazda, for giving us these moments. We couldn’t ask for a better girl’s trip!

Have you ever experienced a girl’s trip in Upstate NY? If so, what did you do while exploring? Additionally, what are your thoughts on this Mazda CX-90? Inquiring minds would love to know.

For more information regarding the SUV visit your local dealership or their website.

Have A Happy Healthy, and Remember to Always…Stay Sassy!