Seven Romantic Weekend Getaways From NYC For Couples
We're now heading into that full winter slog, so before you get too defeated by the biting crosstown wind, the impassable slush lakes at the corners, the bulky layering that make the subway feel even more impossibly crowded, maybe you should book a weekend away, somewhere cute and cozy, for you and your sweetheart? Or a friend or two? Or the whole fam-dam-ily? Not anyplace you have to deal with airlines and airports–so, nowhere warm–just a quick trip upstate someplace where the snow is actually pretty and/or recreational, and you can relax or cuddle by a real-live fireplace, and then pass out on one of those for-some-reason ridiculously comfortable country-inn beds. Sound good? Yes it does.So, if your opting for something a bit more intimate than our family winter weekends trips, here are a few suggestions to get you even more inspired…
In the Catskills and Hudson Valley…
Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa
Located right on Hudson River in Milton, New York, Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa looks like a lovely place to hole up for a winter weekend and eat and cleanse and read and romance. Maybe take a little walk around the 70-acre estate and admire the view before going back inside for a massage, a whirlpool bath, a scone or three at afternoon tea? Just under two hours away from Manhattan, and with a well-reviewed "farm-to-table" restaurant right on premises, this could be exactly the refresher you (and your relationship?) need. Bonus: check out the Buttermilk Falls "winter welcome" offer, which gives you a third night free.
Emerson Resort and Spa
In Mt. Tremper, New York, right near Phonecia in the Hudson Valley and about a two and a half hour drive from here, there's the Emerson Resort and Spa, offering both a rustic-y, Catskill-style Lodge as well a cozy Country Inn for us winter-weary city folk. Not that it's not wintery at the Emerson; it's just that winter can actually be pretty and pleasant up here, with the mountain views and, fingers crossed, maybe even some fresh fallen snow. You can spa and chill and nap and eat and read and cuddle or, if you want play outside, there's cross-country skiing right on the grounds, and for downhill skiers and snowboarders, Belleayre Mountain is right next door, and Hunter's close by, too. Random bonus: Emerson is home to "America's Largest Kaleidoscope", which I guess is cool to look through.
In the Finger Lakes region…
The Inns of Aurora
Further afield, about a four hour drive to the Finger Lakes region, you'll find the historic village of Aurora, New York, and the three distinctive properties that make up the family of Inns. There's the Federal-style Aurora Inn proper, which is the most "country inn-ish" of the trio; the intimate, Italianate stone mansion E.B. Morgan House, with its lovely common spaces; and the newly renovated Rowland House, surrounded by ancient trees, right on the lake, and decorated eclectically. Guests at all three residences enjoy luxurious marble baths, gas-burning fireplaces, and access to the lakeside fire pit, which, if the conditions are right, is a lovely spot to sip something warm and boozy.
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
Located in the heart Finger Lakes wine country in the town of Watkins Glen, the luxurious, AAA "four-diamond" Harbor Hotel offers spectacular views out across the Seneca Lake and deluxe accommodations within. There's a heated indoor pool and jacuzzi, a concierge to help you find the best wineries and vineyards in the area, full-service dining at every meal, and, if you go at the end of January, the annual, outdoor, weekend-long Ice Bar party, which promises to be a blast.
Greek Peak Mountain Resort
A possible option for a family getaway is the Greek Peak Mountain Resort, located about 200 miles away from New York City, but seemingly worth the trip. There's plenty for the whole crew to do here at Greek Peak and the Hope Lake Lodge, from all of the mountain-based activities–downhill skiing and snowboarding (including access to three "terrain parks"); cross country skiing, and even a nine-lane tubing run–to the Waterfalls Spa, and the 41,000-square-foot Cascades Indoor Waterpark. All of the accommodations here are condo-style suites, so you'll have separate bedrooms, access to a full kitchen, and your own fireplace.
In the Adirondacks…
Lake Placid Lodge
If you're seeking a bit more physical activity to go with all that rest and relaxation, head up to Adirondacks and the majestic Lake Placid Lodge. Here winter sports fans will find easy access to outdoor ice skating (on the famed Olympic Oval), cross country and snowshoeing trails on premises (as well as complimentary usage of all equipment), and downhill skiing at nearby Whiteface Mountain, which features the longest vertical drop of any ski area on the Eastern seaboard. And for extra thrills, check out the half-mile-long professional bobsled ride, another Olympic legacy. Tired yet? Then head back to your rustic (but luxurious) room in either the Main Lodge (these all sound pretty spectacular), the Lakeside Building, or in your own private cabin. And don't miss the nightly lakeside bonfires, lit no matter how deep the snow, and featuring s'mores, hot chocolate, or other, more adult, beverages.
Whiteface Lodge
A solid option for both couples and families in Adirondack Park: Whiteface Lodge, which, although wholly contemporary in its amenities–it opened just in 2005–was designed to look and feel (much of the timber was hand-milled on site) like its grand, 19th-century forebears. In addition to the full spa on site, other Whiteface Lodge activities include a heated indoor/outdoor pool, outdoor hot tubs, a 56-seat movie theater, a bowling alley, the family game room, an outdoor ice skating rink, and a nightly family campfire with s'mores. Of course, there are also all of the area wintertime activities, from skiing, snowshoeing, and even bobsledding. And the suites here all look fantastic.
Posted in Glenwood News | Tagged Adirondacks • Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa • Catskills • Emerson Resort and Spa • Finger Lakes • Greek Peak Mountain Resort • Hudson Valley • January • Lake Placid Lodge • Ski Trips • Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel • Whiteface Lodge • Winter Weekend
