When the piping hot pavement and overcrowded parks replace a love of Manhattan with the annual summer in the city claustrophobia, don\u2019t duck and cover in the Hamptons. Consider Scotland instead.<\/p>\n
There is such a place in the Hudson Valley that\u2019s got everything but the bagpipes. Just 40 minutes north of NYC, Castle Hotel & Spa<\/strong> is that mysterious, medieval-style stone hotel, tucked away in 11 hilltop acres overlooking the Hudson River. You may have seen the clouds tiptoeing over the century-old towers as you crossed the Tappan Zee Bridge into Tarrytown. <\/p>\n In 1910, the second stage of the castle was completed under the direction of General Carroll, the son of a Civil War General. The property with the highest point in Westchester County still has paneling, found in the Oak Room, which was brought back from the General’s house in St. Germain near Paris. Since 1981, the luxury hotel has been designated a historic landmark.<\/p>\n Here you can take in a horseback ride at the nearby Rockefeller family preserve or play a game on the giant outdoor chessboard. With its rich history, peaceful honk-free setting, five-star restaurant, spa, bocce and tennis courts, regal pool area, goose-down comforters, and hiking and mountain biking trails, Castle on the Hudson has enough diversion to make two days feel like a week\u2019s worth of vacation.<\/p>\n And just think about all the fare you\u2019re saving by not flying to Scotland.<\/p>\n How to get there:<\/strong> Take Metro North\/Hudson Line to the Tarrytown stop. Assuming you’ve called ahead, a Castle on the Hudson shuttle will be waiting to pick you up. <\/em>Call 800.616.4487 or 914.631.1980 to make a reservation. To book online, click here. Review their calendar<\/em> for upcoming events.<\/em><\/p>\n (Castle on the Hudson, 400 Benedict Ave., Tarrytown, NY, castleonthehudson.com)<\/em><\/p>\n Weekend Getaway to Castle on the Hudson<\/strong><\/p>\n