Andrew Addotta and Clark Chaine are the creators behind Hamilton & Adams, one of our favorite lifestyle brands. This summer, they headed on a roadtrip to Getaway Western Catskills outside of NYC, then we sat down with Andrew to get the scoop on their upstate adventure. Here’s what he had to say.
Hi! I’m Andrew Addotta and I’m based out of Kingston, NY. You can follow Hamilton & Adams on Instagram.
Why did you choose to getaway?
We’re very grateful to be super-busy these days. Our business is growing, and we’re so proud of what we’re building together. But the busier we get, the more important it is to take an occasional time-out so we can disconnect from the craziness and reconnect with Nature — and reconnect with each other, too.
Is there a reason why you chose Getaway Western Catskills?
The Western Catskills outpost was ideal for us because it’s only about 60 miles from our homebase near Kingston, NY. So it was an easy escape from a logistical standpoint, but it still felt like we landed someplace totally new. It was far enough to get away from it all without going too far out of the way.
What were some of your favorite moments from your getaway?
When we unplug, we like to keep things simple. It was so great to sit back and drink beers and make s’mores by the bonfire. And honestly, one of my favorite moments was just chilling in bed. The bed was so comfortable, and it was surrounded by these giant windows, so it was kinda like lounging on a cloud in the middle of the woods.
What surprised you about your getaway?
I think we expected to be roughing it. But we were pleasantly surprised by how well-appointed and well-stocked the cabin was. The kitchenette had everything we needed for a few days of cooking, and the bathroom was way more luxurious than either of us expected it to be.
How else did you spend your time?
We pretty much alternated between napping and hiking. One of our favorite hikes was on the Shavertown Trail near the Pepacton Reservoir. Nothing too intense — just an easy-to-moderate trek through mixed forest. Sometimes I like a hike that’s a real challenge, but other times I’m looking for something a little more mellow where I can just relax and savor the experience of being outside.
What advice would you give to anyone else considering a getaway
Accept the challenge to disconnect digitally. Treat your phone like a paperweight. Don’t even set an alarm. All those texts and emails will be waiting for you when you get back. Oh — and you should definitely eat the s’mores.
Photos by Red Goose Studio.