help: looking for cheap local vacation rental ideas

howdy

looking to go away with 4 girls for a weekend at the end of september, anywhere within about a 3 hour driving radius is totally fine (train accessible a plus but not necessary). looking for a pretty, natural spot. I know there are some great deals around since its a little more off-season and the economy sucks, but I don't really know how to go about it. Anyone have any advice? Stayed at a house before you really liked that you think I can negotiate? The cheaper the better and we dont mind sharing rooms - don't need more than 1+fold out couch or 2!

thanks a lot
laura

This site has all kinds of places:
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/new-york

This site has all kinds of places:
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/new-york

I highly recommend going up to the Woodstock/Kingston area. It's a 2-2 1/2 hour drive, and if you go the right way, a very pretty one. The town of Woodstock is home to a bunch of city folk who commute up there for the summer weekends. It is really beautiful with great hiking, but there's also good restaurants and bars and a cinema up there with a film festival (I believe but not sure) around when you are talking about. There is also a drive through! Very easy to find rentals as well.