United States

New York City 

Treetop Journey

Treetop Journeys connect their community with nature through adventure, exploration, and relaxation. Their immersive experiences guide you out of the city, to breath in that fresh mountain air, soak up that sunshine, and take a load off your back. Whether it’s a day trip with guided hikes, or an overnight camping trip punctuated by farm-to-fork dinners — they’re masters in the art of reconnecting with nature.

Ahead of their workshop at Assemble NYC, we took some time to find out their favourite places to escape the city, enjoy the great outdoors and then get cosy, in NYC and upstate.

Hinge

Our favourite swimming hole and lounge spot upstate. It’s not too far from the city and it’s relatively easy to find. Pack a lunch and a cooler, find a little rock and spend all day here. Plus, once you’re ready to head out you can stop at Hodge Podge shop and have Ray talk your ear off. He may or may not sell you something depending on how attached to it he’s feeling that day.

This small but immersive community garden might seem like your typical garden from the outside, but once you step through its doors, you’ll discover so much more. With hundreds of different plant species to explore, the real gem here is the secret "treetop" house. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee and read your favourite book. Since it only fits two people, you'll want to arrive early to claim your spot!

Mossy Stone was our flagship farm for our season last year and we’ve spent a lot of time with Tyler, the farmer. This place is special and his produce proves that. Mossy Stone is a fully regenerative, organic market garden, which means he grows a high volume and density of crops on a small plot. Tyler’s sungolds are the sweetest we’ve ever had. You can catch them at farmers’ markets in Windham and Catskill. 

I live next to this park and let me tell you, it has changed my life. When I have the day off, I start my morning by finding a bench with a cup of coffee from Variety and a book. Inevitably I’ll run into friends, dogs, toddlers on bikes, older Polish men deep in conversation. I love this park so much. They have a bird watching club on Saturdays, a Farmer’s Market on Sundays, grass, trees, and a slappy curb. I’ve been to more birthday parties, going away parties here than I can count on my hand. It’s perfect, come say hi. - Rayan 

Stissing House is a historic restaurant housed in a centuries-old inn, offering a cosy farm atmosphere with an elegant touch. They are extremely intentional about sourcing from local farms, being situated right in the heart of the Hudson Valley, where there are plenty of great farms to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a date night or just stopping by for a glass of wine and a bite at the bar while reading a book, this spot is truly perfect for that

It’s hard to put into words just how insanely good this place is. Wilson, the man behind the bread, started in Delhi, NY running a small operation where his bread was nearly impossible to get. He later moved closer to Saratoga Springs to open Bakery Suzanne, named after his mother. He crafts pastries, bread, and much more, and everything is to die for. After trying one of his sourdough loaves, you might even consider moving upstate.

Achilles Heel is a little gem surrounded by the unsightly new towers in North Greenpoint. Equal parts bar and restaurant, they have a great rotating list of natural wines and cocktails and some of the best food in Brooklyn. Our friend Edmond took over as chef there earlier this year and his menus are exciting and delicious. They also get the fire going in the winter — you’ll never want to leave.

This is the perfect place after checking out Kaaterskill Falls or any of the little swimming holes over there. Best sandwiches ever, good cup of coffee, enough said. The BLT is f**ked.

We met the team at Forecast in early spring of 2024 and eventually solidified our friendship by bringing them along on one of our camping trips. Recently, we used their space as the pickup location for one of our biggest camping trips to date. Their concept is cool; a hybrid gallery, retail and event space that connects the city with nature.

A favourite bar in the East Village. It’s cheap and delicious. No frills. Good for a date or just to meet some friends. The bartenders are cool and so is everyone sitting at the bar. They also have a cute little backyard. We recommend a dirty gin martini and a burger. Say less!

Leeds Swimming Hole

Related Guides