Options abound for weekend getaways outside New York City. I get away frequently, but this time around, my friend Josh and I wanted an uncrowded beach, an off-the-map hotel and somewhere my pup Ruby could run around. Of course, with Covid-19, we didn’t want to go far and be around people, so we found The Lin Beach House, which is available on AirBnb, in North Fork, Long Island, about a two-hour drive from Manhattan (you can also take the train).
I was actually surprised with the Airbnb’s set up when we arrived. The Lin Beach House is more like a small bed and breakfast (without the breakfast), with a handful of gorgeous, oversized rooms on the top floor.
The owners (who are the founders of Matchbook Distilling Co) transformed the decades-old property without sacrificing character. Everyone knows how character is one of my favorite things about a hotel, so I was excited right away.
The property had an old-world, lived-in vibe, and it was cozy and contemporary with four-post beds, terraces, tubs in bathrooms and a beautiful dining area. It’s one of those Airbnbs that feels like a small inn or hotel, which definitely makes it more fun.
It’s also attached to a spacious bar serving craft cocktails (it’s a popular spot where locals hang at night). I loved that there was also a sprawling backyard perfect for dogs as well as intimate gatherings.
Lin Beach House is a little rough around the edges but in the best way possible. I’m 50/50 on the term “good energy” but it had loads of it. In fact, the property has a lot of soul and warmth, and you can tell the owners put a lot of heart into it.
It’s actually a great property to rent out with big groups, or if you want a weekend getaway, whether you’re a writer on a deadline (me!) or a couple who needs a break from the city. The bar had a handful of customers over the weekend, but also a big group of dressed-up girls before a night on the town.
At some point, over the weekend, you’re likely to bump into other guests (as you would in a hotel) since all the rooms are on the same floor, but I loved the communal aspect of this.
The Airbnb is literally steps away from wineries, the small town of North Fork (with ice cream shops, boutiques and restaurants) and a secluded beach, 67 Steps Beach, which The Wall Street Journal raved about.
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Jimmy Im has traveled to 113 countries, stayed in over 600 hotels and has flown a million airmiles. He lives in New York City.