The Hosts with the Most

If you find yourself trapped with a potential hurricane bearing down on you and need a place to stay in the Ulster County area of New York, look no farther than the Friedlich-Stern Manse. A more charming private inn you could not hope to find. With activities galore, fine dining, the great outdoors and of course, the splendid hospitality of the charming hosts themselves, you may wish to never leave the idyllic setting.

Exercise enthusiasts can take part in the morning ditch-digging and rock-wall building while battling the otherwise sedate brook that runs alongside the main residence. If you find yourself still eager for more active ways to spend your time, the afternoon basement bailing session is always well-attended and a longtime crowd favorite. True insiders know that the best bailing positions are near the front, getting an aerobic workout from both lugging up the newly filled buckets and returning now-empty ones to the bottom. Beware of leaking manure bags though. For those less athletically inclined, the porch that spans one full side of the house takes in a gorgeous landscape of greenery that easily rivals the best the Irish countryside has to offer. Or take in a swim in the lightly salted pool located amidst a lush and beautifully maintained garden. 

For those who remain kids at heart, spend a night in the quaint tree-house, located conveniently next to the brook whose babbling will be sure to lull you to sleep; particularly perfect for ignoring the freight-train sounds of a tornado making its way precariously close to where you rest your head.

Meanwhile foodies will fall all over themselves to sample the wares of the famed Grill Team—whose ability to transform uncooked chicken flesh, sausage, tofu and yes, even grilled onions, into delectably edible fare is unmatched anywhere in the region. The fresh vegetables, picked literally moments before dinner from the on-site garden, are the ideal complement to the Grill Team's expert wares. We personally recommend the green beans that were extra crunchy and super delicious.

When night falls, make your way to the barn which features more than adequate room for impromptu improv sessions, hide-and-go-seek games or merely casual relaxation as rain furiously pounds the outside world. In the morning, take in the stunning art workspace of the Lady Stern, or relax by the picturesque pond on a bench, contemplating the surrounding flora. We found that the breakfast toast was best enjoyed fresh from the grill on the porch.

Thanks to the fabulously giving hosts, you're unlikely to ever find as enjoyable a place to ride out hurricanes-turned-tropical-storms-cum-tornados-cum-flash-floods. Book early though, space is at a premium and based on our conversations with some of the other guests in attendance, spots look likely to be reserved early. If disaster strikes, this is the place to be.