Caterer and innkeeper Nancy Billman is sure she has the cure for your cabin-fever. Nestled in a mansion-rich section of Newburgh’s historic district, the Goldsmith Denniston House has four bedrooms, a parlor, library, dining room, romantic gardens, and a gourmet breakfast that can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets. And, owner Nancy says, “I’d be glad to pick guests up [from the station] if they need a ride.” Located just an hour and a half north of New York City, this classically-styled bed and breakfast with federal and Victorian touches is a darling and convenient home-base for experiencing nearby Hudson Valley hot spots—there’s Bannerman’s Island, Dia:Beacon, Washington’s Headquarters, and beautiful Downing Park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.
Built in the 1820’s, the Goldsmith Denniston House is only a few minutes from endearing Front Street right on the river. Newburgh has plenty of enjoyable sites to fill a relaxing weekend retreat, beginning with those breathtaking views of the Hudson Highlands that never seem to disappear. The River Rose, an authentic New Orleans paddle boat, offers two-hour scenic tours up the Hudson for $20, and departs from the Newburgh Landing Dock, a short stroll away from the Waters Edge Spa, a quaint movie theater, art venues like Ann Street Gallery, and delicious food and nightlife options like the Blue Martini (26 Front St.), Billy Joe’s Ribworks (26 Front St.), and restaurant week participants Cafe Pitti (40 Front St.) and Cena 2000 (50 Front St.). Although the waterfront is only a 20-minute walk from the b&b, Nancy will happily provide transportation.
Directions: Newburgh is accessible via the Metro-North terminal Hudson Line stop at Beacon, New York. For the latest schedule, visit mta.info/mnr/. From the Beacon stop you can take a taxi, bus, or the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry across the river to Newburgh. See the ferry schedule here. Roundtrip off-peak tickets are $24.50 or $32.50 for peak. (227 Montgomery Street, Newburgh, NY, 845.562.8076, Dennistonbb227@aol.com) Rates are $175/night. Visit their website at dennistonbb.com.
Photo: Courtesy of the B&B









Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin.
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine.
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings.
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram