Sick of tents? Try a yurt instead
Yurts offer an alternative to tents when you want to visit the great outdoors.
Tired of roughing it in tents, but love the great outdoors?
Don’t sweat it; there is a fuss-free way to get in touch with nature — and this one originates from ancient Central Asian nomads.
Yurts are much stronger and more weather-resistant than tents. What’s more, camping doesn’t have to be limited to a summertime activity when you’re doing it in a yurt. Because of their durable fabric covers and wood frames, yurts can withstand the snow.Heating systems keep them warm and toasty.
Yurts come in a various sizes and have many amenities, including kitchens, heating and insulation systems, and bathrooms.
Here are some places in New York state where you can rent yurts.
Falls Brook YurtsMinerva, 518-761-6187, fallsbrookyurts.com
Falls Brook offers a backcountry experience with outdoor activities such as hiking and rafting.
Yurts come complete with a sky dome for stargazing, and include kitchens, propane heating, covered decks, barbecue grills and private outhouses.
There are two yurts available that sleep up to eight guests, and a third will be added next spring.
The cost is $95 a night for two people. Each additional guest is $15 and children 11 and younger stay free. Falls Brook Yurts is open year-round (except hunting season, October-December). The yurts are less than four hours from the city.
Harmony Hill Lodging and Retreat Center
East Meredith, 877-278-6609, harmonyhillretreat.com
Harmony Hill, located in the heart of the Catskills, has “treehouse yurts” (on raised decks) available until the end of October.
The yurts accommodate up to four people; have decks, kitchens and baths; and are furnished, insulated and heated. Each has a skylight, picnic table, grill and fire ring. The nightly rate is $135 for up to two people on weekends and $105 on weekdays. An extra adult or child is an additional $10. The center is a 2 1/2-hour drive from the city.
Adirondack Vacation RentalsAdirondack State Park, 518-327-3470, adkguideboat.com
Nestled in Adirondack State Park, Adirondack Vacation Rentals offers a yurt overlooking the Upper St. Regis Lake. It’s cozy, with rugs on the wooden floors, double doors that open to a deck with a charcoal grill, high-domed skylights and a custom kitchen. There are separate bathhouses and Wi-Fi access, too.
Weekly rates are $1,850 for two during high season (July and August), $1,500 for two at other times, and $150 for each additional person. The park is about a six-hour drive from the city.
