3 Days in the Shawangunks

Our Escape Plan When Fireworks Hit NYC

Living closet to where the 4th of July fireworks were set to go off, we knew this year we needed a plan. The thought of our dogs enduring a night of loud booms, flashes, and hours of stress wasn’t something we could stomach. So, we decided to skip the chaos entirely—packing up the car for a long weekend in the mountains.

We headed north for a peaceful 3-day escape and checked into a chic, fully renovated boutique lodge tucked into the Shawangunk Mountains. The days were blissfully quiet—mornings started with a sweet little breakfast spread, afternoons were filled with mountain air and scenic drives, and evenings meant firepits, bistro lights, and s’mores.

But the real magic came on the 4th itself. Even though we’d left the city behind, a nearby town still put on an hour-long fireworks show. We weren’t taking chances. We transformed the bathroom into a cozy “dog fort” by layering blankets on the floor and against the walls to help absorb sound. We set a portable speaker to spa music, turned the volume up just enough to mask the noise, and made a little den for the pups to curl up in.

And it worked like a charm. The dogs slept peacefully through the entire show, completely unaware of the celebration happening outside. We all woke up the next morning rested, relaxed, and grateful we’d made the decision to get away.

This lodge happened to be pet-friendly and a great fit for us, but there are plenty of similar options nearby if you’re looking for a quiet, dog-friendly escape. Wherever you go, the peace of mind—and a good night’s sleep—are absolutely worth it.

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