The Empire City Wire Selects Highland’s Country Club For This Summer’s Best Poolside Experience In Hudson Valley
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About Highland’s Country Club
As hot asphalt radiating heat and shoulder-to-shoulder street crowds signal the height of the season, finding a nearby sanctuary is the ultimate summer survival strategy. While the usual paths lead straight to the predictable gridlock of Montauk or the overcrowded platforms of the Jitney, smart travelers are shifting their gaze north along the Hudson.
This summer, The Empire City Wire has officially crowned the private members club, Highlands Country Club in Garrison, New York, as the absolute best poolside and golf experience for New Yorkers.
Nestled just an hour north of Manhattan, this historic Hudson Valley gem offers the perfect antidote to city fatigue: an effortless, high-end retreat where old-world country charm meets modern luxury.
The club came under new ownership approximately 5 years ago and underwent a variety of renovations. The club and pool area serve more as a community asset for families with young children and maintains low membership prices. The club primarily operates over the weekends but sometimes opens during weekday afternoons if weather permits.
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The Ultimate One-Hour Escape
The true beauty of being located in Garrison lies in its seamless accessibility. For New Yorkers looking to escape the Friday afternoon concrete heat, a quick drive up Route 9D or a scenic, breezy ride on Metro-North’s Hudson Line lands you right in a lush, pastoral paradise. If you take the train, the Garrison station has a hiking trail that leads directly to a clearing on the golf course which you can walk across to get to the pool, although we recommend driving.
There are no gridlocked multi-hour highway treks here—just a swift transition from the skyline to the rolling green hills of the Hudson Highlands. Dating back to 1898, Highlands Country Club instantly transports visitors away from the urban rush. The historic property delivers sweeping views of the Hudson River and the surrounding peaks, balancing rich heritage with relaxed hospitality.
Most members are either locals or New Yorkers with second homes in the area. Investing in a membership isn't advisable unless you have a real connection to the region—whether through property or relatives who live nearby.
Photo by The Empire City Wire.
Leisurely Days on the Fairways and by the Pool
Highlands Country Club is designed around an unhurried pace of life, making it an ideal destination for both active relaxation and pure leisure.
The Golf Course: For a casual but rewarding round, the club features a pristine, historic 9-hole executive-style course. Winding right through the heart of the highlands, it offers scenic views and a welcoming atmosphere for seasoned players and casual golfers alike.
Tennis & Poolside Chilling: Beyond the greens, guests can book a match on the club's very well-maintained tennis courts or spend a sun-drenched afternoon cooling off at the outdoor swimming pool. Boasting beautiful, panoramic views of mountainsides in the valley, the pool deck feels like a private oasis. The nice thing about a country club membership is that it’s cheaper than installing and maintaining a pool. One thing to note is that guests must bring their own towels.
Dining: Right now due to the low membership count there aren’t a huge amount of dining options. The pro shop maintains an inventory of a handful of snacks, energy bars, sodas and refreshments but other than that there is no current restaurant or bar.
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The Surrounding Area
While the club provides plenty of reasons never to leave the grounds, the surrounding area of Garrison and neighboring Beacon offer prime weekend exploration. From world-class contemporary art installations at Dia:Beacon to premier hiking trails, antiquing, and local farmers markets, the destination perfectly captures the elevated lifestyle that discerning city dwellers and weekend homeowners crave.
Whether you are plotting an intimate romantic weekend away or a sophisticated retreat with friends, Highlands Country Club delivers the space, the views, and the old-school New York prestige to make it this summer's defining getaway.
While it may not be the fanciest or most luxurious country club, it provides a great baseline for all the things most club members need and gets the job done. Pack a weekend bag and leave the city stress behind—the Hudson is calling.
