Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa: A Hudson Valley Escape

My son and I recently had the most unexpected and delightful bucolic adventure in the Hudson Valley. While spending a few days alone, we discovered a small inn called Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa in Milton, New York, just a 70 miles ride from NYC. We had no idea coming off the busy 9W that we would find this tranquil, majestic property full of fantastical gardens, a working farm and grand views of the Hudson River. The inn dates back to the 18th century and has a sense of old-time charm, yet the rooms’ decor have been updated and feel somewhat luxurious. The overall experience: charming, relaxing and utterly romantic, despite the fact that I was with my 8 year-old son. We took strolls that led us to a beautiful waterfall and had tea and biscotti in the afternoon with a tremendous view of the river. Okay, so maybe romantic is overdoing it – a better way to put it is that we bonded. It was an experience that the two of us will share for some time to come.

When we arrived at the inn, we parked our car over a drawbridge and walked toward the main inn.  We were greeted by loads of geese, swans and ducks floating around the Swan Pond.  We would later return to feed them with food provided by the innkeepers.  We also got a glimpse of their working farm, where they grow fruit, vegetables and herbs that they use in the inn’s restaurant and kitchen. A flock of chickens are the source of fresh eggs daily and other livestock –llamas and peacocks –greeted us, as well. We were also greeted by teatime, which occurs daily, and each cooled down with a cup of tea and watermelon. My son loved watching the trains, which go by often as there is a track at the bottom of the hill from the inn (which fortunately, we could not hear at night from our room, perhaps because we are sound sleepers).

There are 17 guest rooms and suites at Buttermilk – 10 in the main house and 7 freestanding buildings in walking distance.  The rooms are tastefully decorated, with antiques, some featuring elements from the original structure built as a trading post in 1680 such as a stone chimney or wall. They all have garden or river views and have gas-fireplaces, air conditioning, flat screen TVs, cable, whirlpool showers and / or tubs, robes and hairdryers.

We were instantly drawn to the views of the Hudson River, and we were thrilled to find a grand view from our cottage. We stayed in a spacious suite called Pony’s Pad.  Perfect for families, it came equipped with a kitchen, laundry facilities and a working fireplace.  My son loved running up and down the winding staircase.  We hung out in the living room.  We hung out upstairs.  Wherever we went, we had a beautiful view overlooking the river. It was comfortable, modern and extremely tasteful. There was plenty of room to run around and spread ourselves out, which is always a bonus for traveling families. My son and I also loved the shower, which included a built-in steam room.

The inn also features a restaurant, Henry’s, which happened to be closed the night we were visiting. It features a contemporary country menu as a salute to the Hudson River Valley, showcasing ingredients grown on-site as well as those sourced from other local farms and artisan producers. I’d love to eat there another time.  We loved our view so much that we opted to order dinner in.  Breakfast is complimentary in the inn’s Sun Room and included homemade muffins and options made with food from the farm. It was delicious, wholesome food.

We absolutely loved our experience at Buttermilk Falls Inn.  To top it off, the staff was genuinely helpful and interested in our whereabouts.  The inn seems to be a labor of love for everyone that works there and I can’t blame them one bit. There is something in the air at Buttermilk Falls Inn – both inside and outside – that makes you smile.

Right now you can stay at the inn on a discount if you can go midweek. This promotion from the Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa takes 20% off room rates and gives you a break on one of the property’s many big draws: the spa. Please note that the spa doesn’t allow children (we tried to get in for a swim to no avail). The summer sojourn includes:

• 2 nights’ accommodations, midweek
• Daily breakfast
• $50 credit towards spa treatments of 60 minutes or longer

For more information or to book, visit Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa, or call (845) 795-1310.

It’s important to note that children are welcome but there are restrictions on the rooms that accommodate them, so check with reception when you make your reservation.  Children are also not welcome in the spa, but there are plenty of attractions nearby to keep everyone happy.

Disclosure: Holly stayed at the Buttermilk Falls Inn as a guest of the inn to facilitate this review but all opinions are her own.