Ninety minutes north of New York City, in a little town called Milton, NY, there is an exceptionally green sanctuary for stressed out city folk. It’s called Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa. Its environs contain scenes from any other B&B in Ulster County - you might find muffins in a gingham-lined basket, cozy rooms with antique canopy beds, or a pond filled with ducks.

Built in 1680, the 70-acre estate has been completely overhauled with modern comforts like private Jacuzzi tubs or high-speed Internet access (although my connection in the North Cottage didn’t work). In fact, the only thing at Buttermilk that doesn’t look like it’s straight out of an L.L. Bean catalog is the spectacular eco-friendly spa – it puts many a 5-star hotel spa to shame.

Everything surrounding the Inn &...