Embark on a winter wonderland escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City with these enchanting winter getaways that promise a perfect blend adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re wandering around the charming streets of Hudson, or taking in the snowy serenity of Lake Placid, these cozy winter destinations offer a unique escape from NYC. Below you will find my guide to the best cozy winter weekend getaways from the city for winter of 2024!
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Hudson
Hudson is located just over 2 hours from the city, and is a cozy up and coming town close to ski mountains, hiking, and great food. It is one of the best places to take a weekend trip from NYC this winter, especially if you are looking for a cozy weekend of enjoying nature.
Where to Stay in Hudson
Start your trip off by booking a room at The Wick, a former candle factory now converted into a modern hotel. The Wick is located within walking distance to the shops and restaurants downtown.
Winter Activities in Hudson
Hudson is about 35 minutes from Windham Mountain and 45 minutes from Hunter Mountain, making it a great ski destination in New York. If you’re looking to enjoy the snow but not on foot, check out snowmobiling with Snow Mobile VT! This tour company has a location in Bennington, VT and is a 1.5 hour drive from Hudson, but so worth the drive! This tour company teaches you the basics of snow mobiling and takes you through an intense, scenic trail through the woods and is such a unique and exhilarating snow day activity.
If skiing isn’t your thing, the well-known Kaaterskill Falls is a 35 minute drive from Hudson, which is a scenic hike with waterfalls and makes for a winter wonderland when it snows.
After an active day of exploring, spend some time wandering around the town of Hudson, where you will find unique boutique shops and antique stores.
Where to Eat in Hudson
Hudson is home to some amazing restaurants, with feast & floret at the top of the list. This Italian restaurant is filled to the brim with fresh florals and there is a florist each night curating beautiful arrangements that can be purchased during dinner. The food alone is to die for and watching the florist work to make custom arrangements and leaving with a beautiful bouquet is what makes this dinner an unforgettable experience!
Wm. Farmer and Sons is another phenomenal restaurant in Hudson. The food is unique, with escargot lasagna at the top of the menu, and drinks that are crafted to perfection. The restaurant embodies an old-time ambiance with a fireplace and warm lighting. It is a perfect cozy winter escape!
When in Hudson, Bartlett House, located a short drive away in the town of Ghent, is a must. This cafe gives off a European old-world vibe with blankets in the winter available to keep you warm, along with dozens of delectable croissants, muffins, and donuts. Bartlett House pastries are some of the best in all of New York! If you don’t want to drive to the original patisserie, you can find the same pastries at The Maker Hotel Cafe, where they get them fresh each morning. The Maker Hotel is a cozy spot with extravagant art and vintage decor, making it a wonderful place to enjoy brunch.
Lake Placid
Lake placid is a charming village nestled in the heart of the Adirondack mountains in upstate New York, just under a 5 hour drive from New York City, making it a perfect winter weekend getaway destination! Lake Placid is great to visit all year round, but it is extra magical in the winter. This cozy winter village is filled to the brim with charm, between its quaint town filled with boutique shops and its beautiful mountain backdrop. Lake Placid is home to Whiteface Mountain, one of the best places to ski on the East Coast. There is so much to do in the winter aside from skiing, including dog sledding, ice skating, and bobsledding! Check out my full travel guide to Lake Placid here!
Where to Stay in Lake Placid
Escape from NYC this winter in the cozy Eastwind Hotel, which is in close proximity to town. Eastwind is a cozy winter hotel which offers barrel saunas for guests to enjoy and escape the cold. It also offers complimentary snow shoes to explore the property and the banks of Chubb River. When staying at Eastwind, you’ll find a cozy bar and lounge area with a beautiful, modern fireplace and fantastic cocktails. In the winter, the bar offers complimentary mulled wine and s’mores kits to roast by the outdoor fire pit.
Mohonk Mountain House
Mohonk Mountain House, located in New Paltz, is just under 2 hours from NYC. This magical hotel is a picture perfect place for a winter getaway! If you are not staying at the hotel, you can still enjoy the property by purchasing a day pass. Mohonk Mountain House is filled with miles of hiking trails with phenomenal views of the castle-like resort and lake.
In addition to the perfectly groomed hiking trails, you can enjoy ice skating in the outdoor rink, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, or snow tubing. All of these activities are included for guests, or included in a Winter Sports day pass for $125 per person. After a day of winter activities, warm up in the hotel by the fire with some complimentary tea and cookies! Mohonk Mountain House is a winter wonderland packed full of activities, especially around the holidays. It is one of the best winter getaways from New York City!
The Finger Lakes
In the heart of upstate New York lies the Finger Lakes region, a serene winter wonderland, providing peaceful getaway from the hustle of NYC. The Finger Lakes offer a picturesque landscape that is nothing short of enchanting in the wintertime. Whether you are sipping on mulled wine by a crackling fireplace overlooking the snow-covered vineyards, or taking a leisurely stroll through charming lakeside villages, this region provides a true winter getaway.
Where to Stay in The Finger Lakes
Some of my favorite hotels in and around the Finger Lakes region include the Hampton in Penn Yan with lakefront views, the stunning Lake House on Canandaigua, and the historic Avon Inn, an affordable option located outside of the Finger Lakes.
Winter Activities in The Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes are best known for their wineries with beautiful lake views. Cayuga and Seneca lake are the two largest of the Finger Lakes and therefore, have the most options for wineries. Most wineries include indoor tasting options to avoid the cold. While you’re in the Finger Lakes, you’ll find award winning wines to take home which make great holiday gifts!
If you’re visiting Seneca Lake, one of the best things to do is hike at Watkins Glen State Park. This gorge path has 19 beautifiul waterfalls, making it one of the most unique hikes in New York State. During the winter, the north and south rim trails are open, where you can admire the frozen gorge.
Aside from its vineyards, The Finger Lakes is also a great winter getaway due to its close proximity to Bristol Mountain Ski Resort, located just west of Canandaigua Lake. This is the only ski resort in the Finger Lakes Region, and has some of the lowest priced lift tickets in New York State!
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