You hear the name Richard Gere and a list of famous films come to mind. The actor has firmly cemented himself as a Hollywood legend with starring roles in Officer and a Gentleman and Pretty Woman to name a few. But he considers his home New York.
“I was born in Philadelphia, but grew up in upstate New York,” he explained on the Relais & Châteaux website. “When I was around 20 I came to New York City to start my career, and have been in the area ever since.”
And like most New Yorkers who need an escape from the city, Gere is fond of taking quick trips to nearby Westchester and Hudson Valley for a little R&R. In fact, he loved the area so much, he purchased the Bedford Post Inn to provide an easy respite for weary city folk.
But, what is the 68-year-old’s ideal weekend getaway? He laid out a two-night itinerary with Relais & Châteaux as part of their Routes du Bonheur (Routes to Happiness) complete with gourmet meals and historical landmarks. Check it out.
Friday:
The last thing you want to do after a long week at work is hopping into a car for a two-hour drive in traffic. So, to start the weekend, the actor suggests spending the night at The Surrey Hotel on the Upper East Side.
Check in after leaving the office and enjoy a cocktail on the private rooftop garden or dimly-lit Bar Pleiades before heading downtown for dinner at Eleven Madison Park. Here you’ll chow down on dishes like glazed Muscovy duck with honey and lavender by three-star Chef Daniel Humm.
To top off the night, Gere recommends checking out Blue Note Jazz Club in Greenwich Village calling it a “must visit for anyone who loves live music.”
Saturday:
Start off your morning with breakfast in bed or downstairs at Café Boulud before hitting the road to head north. After fueling up, you start your quick road trip to the Bedford Post Inn in Bedford, New York, where you’ll be spending the night.
On the way, the actor recommends stopping at The John Jay Homestead in Katonah where you’ll get to roam through the stunning historic home learning about early 19th-century history and architecture. Once you’re done exploring, head over to the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation for a little hike, cross-country skiing in the winter, or horseback riding in the spring. If it’s nice out, have a picnic lunch before heading to the hotel.
Relax by the fireplace in your room or wander the private woodlands ahead of your dinner at the onsite restaurant, The Farmhouse. You can choose from farm-to-table fare like six-hour milk fed Osso Bucco, or five-spiced dusted Rohan duck breast, hearty dishes that will help you easily fall asleep.
Sunday:
A good night’s rest in the peaceful setting sets you up for a morning yoga class in The Loft before breakfast in The Barn. After check-out, Gere suggests you make one more pit stop before heading back to the city: Caramoor.
Calling it his “number one recommendation,” the property is dedicated to music and features grounds filled with unique architecture and performances. “Make sure to walk through the Moroccan concert hall—a personal favorite,” he says. “My family and I come here to enjoy live classical, baroque, jazz, and tango.”
A little music and art sends you on your way home where you’ll make it in time for an early dinner before facing the week ahead.
