Embarking on a hiking adventure amidst the picturesque landscapes of Saugerties, New York, is akin to stepping into a nature lover’s paradise. With the Catskill Mountains as a backdrop, this region offers a plethora of trails that cater to both the casual walker and the avid hiker. Among these, the Falling Waters Preserve stands […]
Read more
Let’s get real, hiking or skiing the gorgeous peaks of the Catskill Mountains isn’t for the faint of heart—or the faint of stomach. After one too many hangry mornings scouring the area for a decent bite (because finding good food here off-season is like spotting Bigfoot), I stumbled into Windham Diner—and honey, my life […]
Read more
The Hudson Valley and Catskills regions are prime destinations for anyone looking to escape the fast pace of city life. With their stunning landscapes, charming towns, and vibrant local culture, these areas offer a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. For travelers seeking a memorable stay, Airbnb has become the go-to platform, […]
Read more
Set within the natural beauty of Chatham, NY, Mariposa Hill is far more than an Airbnb stay—it’s a transformative wellness escape. This luxurious Hudson Valley property, on 20 acres of forested land, is a masterclass in experiential design, blending natural elements with sophisticated touches to create an unparalleled indoor-outdoor flow. As an experiential designer […]
Read more
It’s no secret that I’ve long been obsessed with the Urban Cowboy Lodge’s authentic luxury experience (if you’re curious about my previous swoon-worthy stay, check out my full photo story here). But on this particular trip, it wasn’t just the luxurious hospitality and jaw-dropping Catskills views that got me gushing—it was dinner at The […]
Read more
Darlings, if there’s one thing we know, it’s that fall in the Hudson Valley is absolutely everything! Picture this: the leaves are turning those Instagram-worthy shades of gold and crimson, the air is crisp, and you’re staying at one of Maxwell Alexander’s favorite Airbnbs, wrapped up in a chic cashmere throw. What could make […]
Read more
If you’re searching for a perfect escape to the outdoors without venturing too far from civilization, Hudson Valley’s Black Creek Preserve, right off Rt. 9W in Esopus, NY, might just be the adventure you’re looking for. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just dipping your toes into the wilderness, this trail offers a unique, […]
Read more
In a world brimming with noise and unending connection, there are places that promise a deeper kind of quiet. The Hudson Valley and Catskills regions, with their timeless landscapes and secluded retreats, have evolved into sanctuaries for wellness travelers, solo travelers—LGBTQ+ and allies alike—who seek something more than just a weekend escape. They’re after […]
Read more
Where Luxury Meets Autumn’s Best-Kept Secrets Imagine a place where golden bokeh lights rolls over misty hills, where the warmth of a crackling fire competes only with the warmth of good company, and where the stars shine brighter than you remember. This is Roxbury Haus, a secluded luxury wellness retreat in the heart of […]
Read more
When the trees start flaunting their finest colors and the mornings greet you with a brisk breeze, the Hudson Valley comes alive in a whole new way. It’s not just about the scenery—though it’s spectacular—but how our magical region invites us to slow down, gather, and indulge in flavors that speak of home and […]
Read more
Fall is the perfect season to hit the trails, and if you’re a fashion-conscious adventurer, there’s no reason your hiking gear can’t look as sharp as it performs. This autumn, we’re seeing men’s outdoor fashion evolve from purely functional to full-on stylish. With rich autumnal hues, versatile layers, and rugged textures, men’s fall fashion […]
Read more
There’s an unspoken beauty to solitude, an almost mystical quality to moments spent alone where the only voices belong to the rustle of trees and the whispers of wind. I’ve spent years chasing this feeling, crafting solo journeys that resonate not just with my mind but with my very soul. And nowhere does this […]
Read more
Autumn in the Catskill Mountains is a time of breathtaking transformation. The vibrant foliage, crisp air, and shorter days all signal the transition from the exuberance of summer to a more contemplative, grounding energy. This season invites us to reflect, slow down, and create routines that nurture our body and mind. It’s a perfect […]
Read more
In the craggy embrace of the Catskill Mountains, where pines stand like ancient sentries and mist curls through the hollows, there’s a cabin that feels like it belongs to another time, another world. Here, quiet isn’t merely an absence of noise; it’s an invitation — a steady hum of peace waiting to wrap you […]
Read more
The Hudson Valley and Catskills offer some of the most stunning and accessible adventure travel opportunities in New York, particularly for hiking enthusiasts looking to soak up nature and nurture wellness. With every step along these autumn-kissed trails, you’re not just connecting with the landscape but also recharging your body and soul. For those […]
Read more
Welcome, darlings, to another fabulous edition of Cooking with Maxwell Alexander, where we serve up bold flavors with a side of style! Today, we’re taking one of your holiday staples—roasted Brussels sprouts—and giving it a sassy, sweet twist. Because why settle for basic when you can be extra? We’re talking about Brussels sprouts roasted […]
Read more
As the autumn breeze sweeps through the Hudson Valley, carrying with it the promise of renewal, there’s no better time to indulge in a wellness escape that nurtures the spirit and soothes the senses. Tucked away in a serene suburban enclave of Goshen, NY, this historic estate, offered by Alluvion Vacations, embodies the essence […]
Read more
Fall mornings in the Catskills have a certain magic that calls for something a little extra. During my recent stay at the stunning Roxbury Haus, I was wrapped in the luxury and comfort of this incredible retreat. As the crisp mountain air greeted me, I was inspired to create a signature mixology experience, a […]
Read moreHudson Valley Style Magazine is the fine art photography/editorial project of queer artist-activist and visual storyteller Maxwell Alexander — the creative force behind the Cocky Cowboy, a composed queer masculine alter ego whose adventures across river retreats, mountain light, and the artsy queer towns upstate New York does so well have shaped the visual language of gay travel above the city. This is the archive. Every cabin review, trail dispatch, and cultural feature here is filtered through a gay gaze that finds the political in the pastoral and beauty in the landscape.
LGBTQ+ travel in the Northeast found its spiritual home somewhere between the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River. Gay-friendly vacation rentals, gay-owned Airbnb Hudson Valley properties, and queer-friendly glamping in the Catskills have transformed upstate New York from a pastoral afterthought into one of the most compelling eco-queer travel destinations in the country. Queer upstate hikes through old-growth forest, Catskills Pride ski weekends, and chosen family getaways in the Catskills draw travelers who want their wilderness with a side of liberation. The Hudson Valley Pride season anchors June, but the queer Hudson NY guide runs year-round — from the galleries and drag brunches of Newburgh’s waterfront to Pride in the Sky on the Walkway Over the Hudson to queer honky tonk upstate nights that nobody is writing about yet but should be.
Wellness travel here means something specific. LGBTQ+ wellness retreats upstate, queer farm-to-table experiences rooted in Hudson Valley agriculture, and safe space travel across upstate NY have built an infrastructure of belonging that the region never had to advertise but absolutely earned. Big gay Hudson Valley energy is real, it’s grounded, and through the lens of Maxwell Alexander and the spirit of the Cocky Cowboy, it has never looked better.
