New York State is undoubtedly an amazing year-round destination. While braving the winter months can be a little daunting due to the guaranteed cold, there are so many incredible places to experience a fun and cozy New York State winter getaway! New York is filled with charming hallmark towns, vibrant large cities, and stunning natural scenery that is somehow even more magical when dusted in snow. And as a New York State native, I’ve made it my mission to uncover the best of them all!
Let’s ditch the hibernation plans this year and embrace the unique beauty and charm of a New York State winter. Whether you’re looking to explore somewhere new or want to discover a relaxing place to enjoy after the chaos of the holidays has ended, this post will have a New York State winter getaway for you. Let’s get into it!
Check out one of these New York State Posts Next:
- Free Things To Do in NYC This Holiday Season
- 7 Fun Things To Do in Lake George, New York
- The 10 Best Things to Do in Chautauqua County
Jeffersonville (Catskills)
Jeffersonville, a charming village nestled in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, is a hidden gem for New York State winter getaways. Located just about two hours from NYC, it’s a perfect city escape that not many people know about. While this picturesque town is very small, it has so much to offer. From fun vintage shops and amazing bakeries to beautiful mountainous scenery, Jeffersonville is one of those New York State winter getaways you will immediately want to put on your list.
Where To Stay
Rest Co. is a luxury boutique hotel located right outside of Jeffersonville, making for a very convenient stay. The hotel features five spacious suites, which funny enough, used to be chicken coops! Everything has been renovated since then and the hotel boasts a very chic, charming aesthetic. You can expect a cozy bathrobe hanging in your bathroom, schedule a massage right to your room, and enjoy the year-round heated pool. The restaurant at the hotel is also phenomenal!
Fun Things To Do
- Have breakfast at Jeffersonville Bakeshop located right in town and then do some vintage shopping at The Vintage House
- Enjoy a cozy dinner at The Cabin, a local spot with amazing comfort food
- Relax in the year-round heated pool at Rest Co. followed by a wonderful dinner at the property’s restaurant
Skaneateles (Finger Lakes Region)
First on our list of New York State winter getaways is Skaneateles. This quintessential Finger Lakes village has the perfect mixture of charm and beauty. Not to mention, it transforms into a dreamy winter wonderland during the colder months. Nestled on the shores of Skaneateles Lake, this is an ideal place to visit for a cozy escape from the hustle and bustle. Imagine strolling along the snow-covered streets, browsing the unique shops in the historic downtown, and enjoying a warm cup of cocoa at a lovely café. This is how you can expect to spend your time in Skaneateles.
Where To Stay
Mirbeau Inn & Spa offers a romantic, relaxing getaway perfect for the winter months. The property feels like you’ve been transported to the countryside of France. The rooms are spacious, and the spa services are top-notch. They also have an incredible outdoor heated jacuzzi, which is the best way to warm up after a cold winter day. To book your stay at Mirbeau, click here.
Fun Things To Do
- While staying at Mirbeau is a fun experience in itself, I highly suggest scheduling a massage to enjoy during your visit
- Enjoy one of the many wineries or breweries in the area
- Explore the adorable downtown area filled with cute shops and wonderful restaurants
Medina (Western NY)
Next on our list of New York State winter getaways is the very underrated village of Medina. Located conveniently between Buffalo and Rochester, Medina is unbelievably charming and quaint. The town’s Main Street is bustling with adorable shops and fantastic restaurants, and there are often fun, seasonal events taking place. You can find festive decorations adorning every corner and a palpable sense of holiday cheer fills the air. While many small towns may slow down during the winter months, Medina embraces the season with open arms, offering a quintessential New York State winter experience that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie.
Where To Stay
Nowhere else quite does it like Bent’s Opera House. Bent’s is a stunning boutique hotel with charm, character, and a fascinating history. Built in 1865, it was originally used as a performance venue. Today, Bent’s has been fully restored with the most stunning space perfect for weddings and special celebrations. Each room is themed and unique. It’s very evident the time, detail, and heart that went into creating such a special hotel. There is also an impeccable restaurant, Harvest, located on the first floor.
Fun Things To Do
- Go into some of the adorable shops on Center Street. Some of my favorites are Ellen J Goods, The English Rose Tea Shoppe, and The Downtown Browsery
- Explore the Medina Railroad Museum, which is filled with fascinating history and one of the coolest large-scale model train layout I’ve ever seen
- Enjoy a romantic, cozy dinner at Harvest, located right at Bent’s Opera House. Their menu is amazing and the presentation is fantastic. I promise this is a meal you won’t forget
Rhinebeck (Hudson Valley)
If spa getaways are your thing, then I have another one for you! Mirbeau Inn & Spa has a second location in the charming town of Rhinebeck, NY. Located just about 2 hours from NYC, this is another perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. A winter getaway to Rhinebeck is the definition of cozy. Imagine walking along the snow-dusted streets lined with adorable cafes and cute shops, followed by a relaxing massage or warming up in the giant hot tub at Mirbeau’s Aqua Terrace. That’s what you can expect from this New York State winter getaway.
Where To Stay
Once again, Mirbeau Inn & Spa offers a romantic, relaxing getaway perfect for the winter months. The property feels like you’ve been transported to a beautiful French chateau. You can expect spacious, rooms, and the spa services are top-notch. They also have an incredible outdoor heated jacuzzi, which is the best way to warm up after a cold winter day and their restaurant on site, Willow, is fantastic! To book your stay at Mirbeau, click here.
Fun Things To Do
- Have an amazing spa day at Mirbeau, starting with a massage and then ending at their Aqua Terrace for a nice, long soak
- Walk around the town of Rhinebeck, which is filled with adorable shops, great restaurants, and cute cafes
- Take a drive to Woodstock, which is about 30 minutes away. It’s such a cute area to check out and I’d highly recommend having dinner at Silvia
New York City
A list of New York State winter getaways would not be complete without including the Big Apple. And while I wouldn’t use the adjective “cozy” to describe New York City, I would definitely use the word FUN. During the winter months, NYC truly is the most magical place to be. From amazing Christmas Markets to incredible decoration displays, to endless bars and restaurants, there is never a dull moment here.
Where To Stay
There are endless options in New York City, which can actually be quite overwhelming. Depending on which borough or neighborhood you’d like to stay in, I suggest using Booking.com to narrow down your search.
On my most recent trip to NYC, I stayed at Ludlow Hotel, which is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a hotel with a chic aesthetic and a great location. If you’d like to book your stay at Ludlow Hotel, click here.
Fun Things To Do
- Go to the Bryant Park Winter Village, which stays open until March. This is the perfect place to browse lots of local vendors and eat delicious food. I also recommend stopping into the NY Public Library which is on the same block and is absolutely stunning!
- Grab a drink at Lotte Palace. They have a beautiful bar that opens after 5 pm, or an outdoor bar in their courtyard, which is also the perfect place to admire their stunning Christmas tree
- Go to a Rockette’s show at Radio City Music Hall! This is such a quintessential NYC experience
Taughannok Falls (Finger Lakes Region)
Next on our list of New York State winter getaways is the stunning Taughannock Falls State Park. With a drop of 215 feet, Taughannock Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains. It’s just as impressive as it is beautiful. The state park is 750 acres and features outstanding nature trails, cabin rentals, campsites overlooking Cayuga Lake, and a beautiful Visitor Center. The summer months are obviously a beautiful time to visit but expect lots of crowds. Whereas the winter allows you to have the place mostly to yourself and it’s somehow even more magical when everything is dusted in snow.
Where To Stay
The Inn at Taugannock Falls is located just steps from Taughannock Falls State Park and offers a cozy, yet luxurious retreat. A wealthy couple from Philadelphia originally purchased the property in 1873 and used it as their summer home. The Victorian aesthetic is still very prevalent in the rooms and dining areas, which adds such a charm to staying here. You also cannot beat the location! To book your stay, click here.
Fun Things To Do
- Explore Taughanock Falls State Park! While you might need to wear a few extra layers to combat the cold, it’s absolutely worth getting out on the very easy 1.9-mile trail to reach the base of the falls. There’s also an amazing viewpoint at the Visitors Center. Just remember trails can be icy so wear proper footwear
- Enjoy some wine tasting along the Cayuga Trail. This area is known for its wine and there are so many prominent wineries to choose from. Buttonwood Grove Winery, Hosmer Winery, and Thirsty Owl Wine Company are all fantastic
- Explore the city of Ithaca, which is just about 20 mins from Taughanock Falls. Here you’ll find great restaurants, bars, and adorable shops
Ellicottville (Western NY)
Last, but definitely not least on our list of New York State winter getaways is the charming town of Ellicottville. Located in Western NY, Ellicottville is a fan favorite for winter activities. Home of Holiday Valley Ski Resort, people from all over the East Coast flock to Ellicottville each winter season to enjoy the slopes. But if skiing isn’t necessarily your thing, Ellicottville and Holiday Valley have so much more to offer! The town itself is filled with tons of cute shops and amazing restaurants (dinner at West Rose is an absolute must!) You can experience world-class spa treatments and other fun outdoor winter activities like snowshoeing.
Where To Stay
There are plenty of amazing accommodations in Ellicottville. If you’re planning to spend most of your time skiing, then staying right at Holiday Valley is a great option. You’ll have lots of amenities, including the heated outdoor pools, and the location is very convenient.
If you’re visiting Ellicottville with other plans in mind, I’d highly suggest staying at Valley View Stays. Here you’ll have seclusion in the mountains with amazing views! This property is very unique, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a full kitchen, two bedrooms, and super cozy vibes.
Fun Things To Do
- Spending time at Holiday Valley is a must. Whether you like to ski, snowboard, or prefer to hang out at the lodge sipping hot cocoa, Holiday Valley is such a good time. As I mentioned, if you’re staying there you can also enjoy their outdoor heated pools and other amenities
- Experience the only salt cave in the area at Ellicottville Salt Cave Halotherapy Spa. This authentic European-style salt cave is made up of over 20 tons of Himalayan salt and is a wonderful, therapeutic experience
- Have a beer flight at Ellicottville Brewing Co, which has been ranked one of the best bars & brewpubs in New York State! Their beers have garnered international recognition and they also have an incredible food menu
Which New York State Winter Getaway Are You Going on First?
I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of fun and cozy New York State winter getaways and it’s inspired you to start planning a trip before the season has ended. There’s definitely a little something for everyone in New York State! Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below and as always, happy travels!
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