Have you become a bit of a wallflower recently preferring to steer clear from any form of activity?
We know that winter can have that effect, but sometimes we need to combat our boredom or fears and expand our surroundings. No matter how stalwart and stubborn we are in our ways, true adventure awaits just a car, train or bus ride away.
We love New York City, but occasionally a change of scenery is just what we need to escape our humdrum routines --- especially for the holidays.
While many may hold fast to the belief that NYC is the prime destination in New York State for having an amazing time, the rest of the state and near by locations offer plenty of options as well.
Allow yourself to be fully alive, and to feel everything around you with these 10 remarkable weekend getaways and one-day trips this holiday season.
1. Mohonk Mountain House (1000 Mohonk Mountain House - New Paltz, NY)
mohonkmountainhouse #iceskating is open for the season! #sweaterweather #iLoveNY #ispyNY #travel #tasteintravel #hudsonvalley #upstateny
Mohonk Mountain House is situated in the Hudson Valley just 90 miles north of New York City. Decked out for the holidays, this family Victorian castle resort offers a beautiful view, thousands of pristine acres, and the perfect getaway.
Warm up with complimentary afternoon tea and cookies, then spend the day exploring and trying out adventurous activities including cross-country skiing, ice skating, snow tubing, and snowshoeing.
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You may also take part in their winter theme programs, which involve music and entertainment, demonstrations, tastings and workshops.
Furthermore, the resort invites guests to enjoy history house tours, yoga, meditation, fitness classes and even an indoor heated pool. Sounds pretty swell. doesn’t it? Yeah, we think so too.
2. Vanderbilt Museum, Mansion and Planetarium (180 Little Neck Road - Long Island)
dutchesstourism From guided tours of our decorated #historic #estates, to local #treelighting ceremonies, a visit to #DutchessCounty will surely give you the #holiday spirit! bit.ly/1PjrFpt Photo: W. Urbin #upstateny #christmas #iloveny #hudsonvalley #historic #Vanderbilt #mansion #HydeParkny #distinctlydutchess #hvweekend #family #familyfriendly #GildedAge #nhs #nps #findyourpark #nys #newyork #newyorkstate #hudsonrivervalley
Experience the holiday magic at the Vanderbilt Mansion. If you are coveting a breathtaking scenery this winter-- hell, any other day --then look no further because Vanderbilt is the perfect place to be.
Once you’ve encountered this beauty, you will ultimately feel like you’ve stepped into a different country, we’re not kidding. This unique and stunning landmark in Long Island is a combination of mansion, marine, planetarium, park and a natural history museum.
Every December, the Vanderbilt offers seasonal holiday events such as the tree lighting at the courtyard, holiday dinner, tours of the mansion, decorations by local designers and garden clubs, and seasonal shows in the planetarium.
You can have the opportunity to learn about the Vanderbilt family as you will have the chance to be guided by actors, and once you have had your fill of history, you can visit its other gorgeous attractions.
3. Pinegrove Ranch (30 Cherrytown Rd - Kerhonkson, NY)
Life can become dull when we endure a monotonous pattern day after day, but Pinegrove Ranch is here to cater your every whim. Whether you're 10 or 70 years old, you’ll have a magnificent time and a fun-filled winter adventure exploring their various indoor and outdoor activities.
If you are the adventurous or energetic athletic type, then perhaps you’ll want to experience their outdoor activities which involve a petting zoo, rock climbing wall, horseback riding, hayrides, paintball, snow tubing, ice skating, basketball, miniature golf, racquet/paddleball, tennis, and softball.
In addition to their exhilarating outdoor diversions, you may also enjoy their extensive indoor activities and evening entertainment – including live shows and ballroom dancing or swimming in their indoor pool featuring a new double flume water slide.
They also have an arcade, air hockey, archery, billiards, ping pong, miniature golf, board games, shuffleboard, bocce and karaoke.
Pinegrove Ranch also provides a fitness center where you can work out, or you can choose to have a rejuvenating time with a massage at the spa, and then relax some more by the fireplace in their newly decorated lobby.
4. Howe Caverns (255 Discovery Drive - Howes Cave, NY)
gilsonclarke Six million year old cave, 156 feet underground. Glad @samibiba and I got to experience #howecaverns this past weekend. A definite must see in #upstatenewyork! #nofilter #explore #nature #hiking #outdoors #newyork #gilandsamiexplore #peaceful #fall #trails #fitfam #fitness
Quite popular, Howe Caverns is the second most visited natural attraction in the state of New York, after Niagara Falls.
If you are looking to explore a 6 million year old cave nearly 156 below the surface, Howe Caverns offers several unique tours that enable you to discover and learn about the magnificent limestone formations and stalagmites.
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To generate a different experience you can even travel via boat on an underground waterway, and if you would like to feel like an old timey explorer, you can choose to navigate around during the tour by using a lantern instead of a flashlight.
Take them up on their affordable vacation tour and stay packages where you’ll have more time to take pleasure in all that Howe Caverns has to offer -- including gemstone mining, scenic bike rides, The Cave House Museum of Mining & Geology, Adventure Park and hiking trails.
5. Fire Island (Long Island)
jenna_in_manhattan Sunday Funday an another amazing Spring day in New York _____________________________________________ #sundayfunday #fireisland #lighthouse #instagood #instadaily #followme #141 #instagram #december #nature #longisland #beach
Whether you are looking for a quick getaway or perhaps a daycation, Fire Island can be the perfect destination. Nestled in between the Great South Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Fire Island has been a haven for couples and outdoor enthusiasts.
Although much can be said about the summertime at Fire Island, the winter also holds its own special appeal. For one, the crowds dwindle down and the home rentals and hotels are less expensive during the winter time. As a result, this makes for a quieter and much more serene setting.
During the chilly season, you can also encounter the wildlife such as white-tailed deers, snowy owls and seals. Plus, a number of facilities and interpretive programs are available year round.
,6. Treehouse Cabins (Aurora, NY)
spanzz Nothing better than drinking at 8 am and touring with my bestfriend 🍷🍷 #winetour #φκψ #cayugalake
If you always wanted a treehouse when you were little, then imagine yourself at Aurora. That’s right, nothing says winter like these cozy and dreamy treehouse cabins.
Overlooking Cayuga Lake, the cabins offer a stunning glimpse of nature. These luxurious treehouse cabins come with air conditioning and heating, satellite television and a fully-equipped kitchen.
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While you are there, visit all the fine wineries, museums and historical sites. You can also enjoy the comforts of bed and breakfast or activities such as golfing and fishing. For more information click here.
7. The Farmers’ Museum (5775 State Highway 80 Lake Road - Cooperstown, NY)
Go back in time at The Farmers’ Museum. Don't worry it's not just a museum dedicated to farming tools or tractor equipment. This spot is actually a recreation of an 18th century rural village with historical reenactments to highlight the way of agrarian life.
Each actor is dressed to perform tasks as if they were living in the era. Immerse yourself in the time period as you watch a blacksmith sharpening a stone, or visit the general store to watch a master printer pressing posters for local events in the village.
You can also visit the tavern for a candle-lit evening and delicious food. Every Sunday, they offer an unlimited pancake breakfast with bacon, sausage and home fries.
They also have wonderful events year round, but during the winter you can enjoy horse drawn carriage rides through the snow and Christmas Carols indoors and outdoors.
Stay at one of the local nearby hotels while visiting the area so you can experience the other amenities such as the barn, workshops and exhibits.
8. Belleayre Mountain Ski Center (181 Galli Curci Road - Highmount, NY)
belleayre Beautiful day at the Belle. Serving up some skiing in the catskills today! #Belleayre #skiing #catskills #iskiny #ski
This year round season ski resort situated in the heart of Catskill Mountains is just two and a half hours north of New York City. Belleayre Mountain has over 55 trails and 8 lifts open to skiers and snowboarders.
Blanketed in white snow, Belleayre Mountain is slightly less crowded than the others nearby. It’s also a lovely destination for novice, beginners and intermediates.
Stay refueled for the entire day on the slopes with their affordable meal options. Make sure you also visit the Terrain Park.
Belleayre is surrounded by unique hotels, motels, restaurants and charming places to shop. You can plan your weekend getaway this holiday season and take advantage of their great prices for their ski and stay package.
9. The Hamptons (Long Island)
The Hamptons, or the “East End,” of Long Island has been a main attraction for many partygoers, stock brokers, politicians, celebrities and everyone in between.
Despite its reputation as a prime stop for the summer, don’t let that deter you from checking out the deals on their off-season. The truth of the matter is that there are just so many things to enjoy here year round.
Take on some winter fun such as sledding or ice skating. Then head back indoors and make some s’mores or cozy up with your loved one(s) by the fireplace. Visit the Atlantic Marine World in Riverhead where you can view sharks, fish, stingrays, and more.
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In addition, take advantage of all the wonderful art festivals and film events that take place during the winter season.
Also, if you’re a lover of chocolate, prepare to get chocolate wasted at the Fudge Company. This Southhampton chocolate shop offers more than 13 types of rich tasting fudge, which is an ideal treat any time of year!
10. Greek Peak Mountain Resort (2000 NYS Road Trail 392 - Cortland, NY)
Greek Peak Mountain Resort is an ideal stop for a winter getaway. Essentially, you'll be in winter wonderland heaven-- oh, you didn't think that was possible? --as this resort delivers the goods with their outdoor adventure center, hot tub, skiing, an indoor water park, and a spa.
Experience an eventful time at their Outdoor Adventure Center which includes 4 zip lines, 2 ropes challenge courses, an alpine coaster, euro bungeem and more. You can also sit and unwind by watching a movie at the Warren Miller Film Trax.
Have a thrilling adventure and book your next holiday trip at the Greek Peak Mountain Resort for a four-star, four season vacation!
Check out Ranking the 7 Best Christmas Trees in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]