By Kelly Postiglione
There’s nothing quite like summer in the North East, and I can’t tell you how excited I was when I found The Cove at Sylvan Beach. It checked every box for a perfect family vacation! Located just four hours from the Sound Shore area of Westchester, NY the drive was an absolute breeze. Normally, my kids get carsick on trips to Long Island, Cape Cod or to the Jersey Shore, but the lack of traffic heading upstate made it a smooth and stress-free ride.
Home Sweet Cottage
The cottages at The Cove are just lovely. We loved having a fully equipped kitchen (so handy for family meals), spacious living areas, and super cozy bedrooms. With tons of natural light and gorgeous views of the water, we wanted to move in permanently. And let me tell you—my kids were obsessed with the bunk beds which had individual black out curtains for their own private space! Everything was spotless and fresh, and you could tell that it was all brand new, which made the stay even more comfortable.
Water Fun on Oneida Lake
Oneida Lake was a highlight of our trip. Whether you love swimming, boating, or fishing, this lake is a dream for water activities. You can bring your own fishing gear or easily rent from the Sylvan Beach Supply Co. The best part? Every cottage comes with its own private pontoon for the duration of your stay. Seriously—how amazing is that? We spent hours exploring the lake, using the canoes and water bikes, and my kids loved fishing in the Erie Canal. There’s just something so peaceful about boating around surrounded by nature. In the evenings, we’d gather around our cottage’s fire pit, settle into the Adirondack chairs, and make s’mores— core memories made!
Convenience and Treats at the Sylvan Beach Supply Co.
If you ever forget something or need a snack, the Sylvan Beach Supply Co. has you covered. Not only do they have all the essentials, but they also offer delicious coffee, incredible ice cream, and tasty meals like breakfast sandwiches, pizza, and burgers. We tried almost everything, and it was all so good! My kids went wild for the candy wall—talk about a sugar rush. We also loved hanging out on the deck, sipping coffee in the mornings, and watching the boats drift by. They even had live music during happy hour at the bar on the deck! On the grassy area, we enjoyed lunch and casual dinners at the picnic tables while the kids played badminton.
The Pool and Playground
The pool at The Cove was another highlight—heated, no less! Even on the cooler days, my kids were thrilled to be swimming. The grounds themselves are beautifully landscaped, with flowers and pretty grasses everywhere you look. The playground was an absolute hit with my little ones. Made out of wood and ropes, it’s the kind of playground that kids dream about. Between the zip line, swings, balance beams, teeter totters and climbing apparatuses and nets, it was the perfect spot for them to burn off energy.
Dining and Sunset Vibes at The Lake House
Not far from The Cove, we loved The Lake House at Sylvan Beach, which was perfect for a laid-back evening. The sunset views were stunning, and we enjoyed some delicious cocktails while the kids sipped on flavored lemonades. All of the food was fresh and amazing. Do yourself a favor and order the Spicy Bang Bang Bada Bing Shrimp—it was unforgettable!
All in all, this trip was exactly what we needed. It was fun, relaxing, and filled with family moments we’ll cherish forever. We’re already looking forward to coming back to The Cove at Sylvan Beach for another perfect summer escape!
