Get Out Of Here.
Heralded for its breathtaking scenery, exquisite farm-to-table cuisine, and outdoor activities, the Hudson River Valley is a gem. Now that the warm weather is upon us, there’s no better time to get out of the City and see why the eclectic, health-conscious region was named one of the top places to visit by Travel + Leisure.
Before you get overwhelmed by planning potential travel itineraries, we’ve already done the research for you. The following retreats, outdoor classes, workshops, and festivals showcase the best of the region, and have also been selected specifically for those who need public transportation to make the trip. These excursions are a delight for solo travelers, but we’re pretty sure you won’t have a tough time convincing your friends and loved ones to join you—should you want company. Everything is so close by!
Free Meditation at Karma Triyiana Dharmachakra, Woodstock
Dates: Saturdays at 2pm, ongoing
Price: Free
This Ulster County monastery offers Dharma teachings and retreats in the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The class meets weekly for 60 minutes, in the Amitabha Shrine Room, and no previous meditation experience is necessary.
First-timers looking to transition from movement practices to stillness can feel welcome even in the formal space. Casual visitors are not offered meals, so be prepared to visit one of Woodstock’s eateries after your class, which is taught by Special Projects Coordinator Jan Tarlin.
Poolside Yoga at the Enchanted Manor Inn,Woodstock
Dates: Fridays at 9:30am, all summer
Price: $16 per class
Start your weekend off right with Linda Lalita Winnick, co-owner of Woodstock Yoga Center and founder of Shakti Yoga Studios, which is right around the corner. After class, on the B&B's charming pool deck that overlooks a small pond, you’re welcome to take a refreshing dip in the in-ground salt-water pool. Leery of the sun's rays? No problem. The Enchanted Manor deck boasts a roof-covered area that’s sure to protect even the fairest of practitioners.
Outdoor Yoga at Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz
Dates: Tuesdays at 6pm, June–September
Price: $12 per class (Preserve members), $14 per class (non-members)
As if a day trip to Mohonk Preserve wasn't already worth looking into, the Preserve's summertime yoga classes, that overlook the Catskills, are a treat for visitors and hotel guests alike. Join Jacqui Nash, co-owner of the Yoga House in Kingston, as she guides students through beginner-friendly classes in the Slingerland Pavilion. If eating in the hotel dining room is above your budget, on your way home, head down the mountain into New Paltz. The historic college town has tons of delicious and inexpensive places to try: burritos from Mexicali Blue, a hearty-but-reasonable entree from The Main Course, or bar apps at Bacchus, just to name a few. BYOM.
SUP Om Yoga, Rye
Dates: June–September
Price: $50 for SUP beginner drop-ins (just paddle-boarding), $65 SUP yoga classes (all gear provided)
The Stand Up and Paddle (SUP) yoga trend is on the rise for good reason, and Westchester's first floating yoga studio is pulling up its anchor and preparing to launch another gone-too-fast summer season. Making your water-infused yoga experience invigorating and safe, SUP Om Yoga’s owner, Debra Bisaccia, is a licensed physical therapist, RYT, and Pilates instructor who offers asana on a surfboard to students of all levels, several times a week. Heads up: the schedule varies, so be sure to check online and reserve ahead.
Vision Board Yoga Master Class Workshop at Mountain Breeze Yoga, Windham
Date: Saturday, June 6th at 2pm
Price: $35
Is there a better way to spend the day besides practicing yoga and doing manifestation-centered arts and crafts for adults? Led by yoga and holistic health teacher Jeanne Licurse, this 2.5-hour workshop is divided into two parts. After an hour of asana focused on opening your heart and letting go, you'll be given time to create your own unique Vision Board through pictures, words, and color. Organic gourmet snacks and teas will be served, so bring your appetite. If you plan to go the first week, maybe consider tacking-on Mountain Jam to your visit?
Outdoor Yoga at Storm King Art Center, Cornwall-on-Hudson
Dates: Saturdays at 10:15am, June 6 through July 25
Price: $15, $12 (seniors), $8 (students; children under age 4). Members free.
Four seasoned instructors rotate each week to lead alfresco classes at this historic sculpture park. Walking meditation and tips for practicing mindfulness are included, but you can also check out the park’s celebrated collection, exhibitions, and charming cafe. With a slew of quaint B&Bs and other draws in the area, maybe even make a weekend out of it? BYOM.