written by Dan Koday, a New York and Catskills-based freelance writer whose work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Forbes, Business Insider, PureWow, and Brides. He lives with his husband and dog, and chronicles his adventures—whether in flip flops, cross trainers, or skis—on Instagram at @DanKoday.
Tucked away on a quiet stretch of Hudson Valley hillside with dazzling views, the former Crotonville Conference Center has a fresh new identity: Windrose on Hudson. The once private conference center with legendary roots as the country’s first corporate university isn’t just about powerpoints and breakout sessions anymore. With its woodsy charm, sweeping grounds, and prime location just 45 minutes outside New York City, Windrose on Hudson is fast becoming a hidden gem for leisure and bleisure travelers, wedding-goers, and weekend wanderers looking to mix a little tranquility with a whole lot of culture, history, and fresh air.
Launchpad for Local Discovery
Located in Ossining, New York, Windrose on Hudson is an easy home base for exploring the region’s best-kept secrets. Within just a short drive, you’ll stumble upon charming hamlets, colonial landmarks, riverside parks, and cultural stops that feel miles away from the ordinary—but are never more than an hour from the heart of Manhattan.
Start in Katonah, a picture-perfect hamlet in the Town of Bedford just 25 minutes away. Here, you’ll find the Katonah Museum of Art, which punches well above its weight with thoughtful exhibitions that explore everything from contemporary art to ancient culture. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause, think, and maybe linger a little longer than you meant to. Pair that with a walk through Bedford Village, where boutiques, cafés, and colonial-era architecture lend an idyllic, old-world feel, and you’ve got a perfect half-day escape.
History buffs will want to make a detour to John Jay Homestead, the stately 1787 residence of Founding Father and first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The rooms are preserved as if Jay just stepped out for a stroll, and the gardens are in full bloom spring through fall.
Back closer to home base, the Verplanck hamlet in the Town of Cortlandt offers a cozy blend of small-town charm and history. Sundays are best spent at Market on the River, a year-round farmers market where you can scoop up everything from local produce to fresh-cut flowers and handmade baked goods. Just minutes away, the King’s Ferry Historical Marker offers a moment of reflection: it’s the exact site where Washington’s troops crossed the Hudson en route to Yorktown, sealing the fate of the Revolutionary War. Or, head for Steamboat Riverfront Park or Cortlandt Waterfront Park, where quiet walking paths, shady benches, and stunning water views invite you to slow down and soak it all in. Pack a picnic, bring a book, or just watch the sun dip behind the Palisades.
Historic Cells to Craft Sips
Just minutes from Windrose on Hudson in downtown Ossining, The Sing Sing Prison Museum offers a gripping look at one of America’s most iconic prisons. Located along the Hudson River, the museum brings stories of incarceration, justice, and reform to life with immersive exhibits and artifacts dating back to the 1820s. It’s a compelling stop that’s thought-provoking and historically rich because it brings context to the community that housed it for over 200 years.
After a deep dive into history, lighten the mood with a stop at Sing Sing Kill Brewery, just a short walk away. This lively local taproom serves up small-batch beers in a warm, industrial-chic space that blends Ossining’s gritty past with its creative present. Sip a crisp pale ale or bold porter, often named after local landmarks, and catch live music or community events that give the space its friendly, neighborhood energy.
A Shopper’s Paradise
If retail therapy is on your weekend wishlist, make the 40-minute drive to Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets, one of the most renowned shopping destinations in the Northeast. With over 250 designer and luxury brand outlets—think Prada, Gucci, Nike, and Lululemon—it’s less of a quick errand and more of a full-day experience where you’ll definitely get your steps in, complete with dining options and views. Whether you’re scouting deals or simply window shopping, it’s a fun, fashion-forward detour that’s well worth the trip.
Art Lovers, Meet Dia Beacon
If you’re craving a cultural experience that’s both bold and unforgettable, make time for Dia Beacon, a modern art mecca housed in a former Nabisco box-printing factory, just a scenic 40-minute drive north. Featuring monumental works by artists like Richard Serra, Dan Flavin, and Louise Bourgeois, it’s not just a museum—it’s an immersive experience in light, space, and scale. A must-see for design lovers, creatives, and anyone who appreciates art that makes you feel something. The surrounding town of Beacon, NY offers a vibrant mix of indie boutiques, vintage shops, and locally owned galleries lining its charming Main Street, perfect for a laid-back afternoon of browsing after the museum.
Wild Encounters & Rustic Charm
For something truly out of the ordinary, drive 40 minutes northeast to South Salem, home of the Wolf Conservation Center. It’s not every day you can lock eyes with a Mexican gray wolf or hear the eerie howl of an Arctic species—but here, you can do just that. Conservation-focused and deeply moving, it’s one of those experiences that stays with you long after the visit.
Wrap the day at The Horse and Hound, a colonial-era tavern turned beloved local restaurant. The exposed beams, roaring fireplace, and hearty menu of American classics make it a cozy favorite for travelers and locals alike.
Nature Trails Worth the Drive
If your idea of a perfect getaway includes lacing up your hiking boots or grabbing binoculars, Mountain Lakes Park and Onatru Farm Park & Preserve deliver with 4,300+ acres of trails, meadows, and serene lakes. Whether you're birdwatching, trail running, or simply basking in the sounds of rustling leaves and distant songbirds, these parks are a natural extension of the peaceful vibe you’ll find back at Windrose.
A sense of retreat and limitless possibilities are now obvious parts of a visit to Windrose on Hudson. Sure, it’s outfitted for serious business (and yes, your corporate group will be very comfortable here), but the venue’s flexible event spaces, sweeping lawns, and scenic backdrops also make it a top contender for leisure escapes and dreamy weddings weekends. Think: morning coffee on the patio, afternoon adventures in nearby hamlets or at world-class museums, and evenings that end with a glass of wine and a Hudson Valley sunset.
Whether you're planning a board retreat, saying "I do," or simply craving a weekend away from New York’s buzz, Windrose on Hudson offers the rare kind of stay that balances serenity and discovery in one unforgettable package.
Windrose on Hudson is part of the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of more than 50 distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.
