Living in New York during the Coronavirus pandemic has been scary. We were one of the first states to peak, and we peaked hard. We didn’t have another US example to follow, we WERE the example. By the time Memorial Day Weekend came around, we had been shut down since March with our first glimpse of reopening. We were supposed to be leaving for Alaska that Friday but had to cancel due to Alaska’s quarantine requirements. Itching for a getaway from the stress surrounding us, we hit the Google hard for a place in-state that was both open and had availability in 2 days notice on a holiday weekend. Right as we were about to throw in the towel and start our weekend at home with wine staring at the walls, I spotted Cedar Lake Estates on Google Maps and picked up the phone.
Upon first impression, Cedar Lake Estates has been a bougie adult summer camp that young, hip companies use for corporate retreats and the rich plan their dream weddings (is one year too soon to renew our vows?). With both those options wiped out, Cedar Lake Estates, like many businesses determined to stay afloat, pivoted their business model and were open as a boutique all-inclusive resort hotel. And guess what else? They had a cottage for 2 available, offering a 2 night stay for this weekend ONLY. It sounded like a gift from the heavens so I yelled out my credit card number and told them to take all of my money, I had no use for it in a global pandemic anyway.
Located an hour and a half from New York City (atleast in the deserted highway times of COVID) and offering perfect seclusion and contactless solutions, Cedar Lake Estates is the perfect vacation-staycation-quarantine-retreat you could ask for.
From romantic studio cottages for two to community camper cabins to a 12 person farmhouse, they have options for anyone looking to get away. Check-in is contactless and provided with every room is hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and extra masks. Just don’t expect any midstay cleaning, but who wants someone in their room at a time like this anyway?
On top of your nightly rate, there is a per person resort fee which includes three large meals a day, and all the alcohol and snacks you could want from their general store. Trust me, it really is as much as you want– we faced zero judgements coming back for a second bottle of wine and more beer shortly after our first stop in (just don’t forget your masks!). You make your gourmet meal selection the day before and schedule your preferred meal times. Vegetarian options available for all meals. Breakfast is delivered straight to your quarters for the most relaxing breakfast in bed imaginable. Lunch is picked up on the grounds, premade and prepackaged for you, so grab your picnic blanket provided in your room, stop for some drinks from the store, and take lunch outside to their beautiful grounds. Dinner is once again delivered to your room with your choice of cocktails. Ready for drinks by the fire afterward? Just let them know, they’ll get the spot ready for you and will even provide s’mores, all you have to do is show up.
As far as activities: they’ve got a lake with a zipline (closed during our early season stay) for swimming and fishing, canoe, row boat, trails, a pool, basketball and tennis courts, and a football / soccer field. There’s plenty to do to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, the great outdoors and lots of distance. I recommend a can of one of their sparkling roses for whatever activity you choose.
As the state reopens little by little, I’m sure the restrictions loosen and the possibilities open up. Right now they are open for one-week minimums but here’s your chance at a full service week away during COVID. Everything is taken care of for you and all you have to do is relax and enjoy.
