Even if the whole city of New York transforms into its winter wonderland during November and December, it is still pleasant to visit smaller villages and imagine that you have flown to the North Pole on Santa’s sleigh.
Burlington, VT
Burlington, Vermont, a city on a lake, is a picture-perfect representation of a typical vacation spot in New England. The city is lovely, from the sparkling waters of Lake Champlain to the greenery of City Hall Park. A thriving craft beer culture may be found amid the charming houses and cafés, as well as indie and high-end shopping. Plan on a vacation that allows you to choose the pace, with plenty of options for entertainment and discovery.
Visit our favorite shops and restaurants along Church Street. In addition to August First, The Farmhouse Tap & Grill, and Juniper, guests needing chilled alcoholic drinks can check out Zero Gravity Craft Brewery and The Archive. Head to Radio Bean if you’re in the mood for regional tunes.
Cooperstown
Cooperstown often referred to as “America’s most charming hamlet,” transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas. Along Main Street, 18th-century brick buildings are illuminated by Christmas lights, and from the shoreline, visitors may take in a breathtaking panorama of the snowy hills rising from Otsego Lake.
Cooperstown has a significant local holiday custom called the Farmers’ Museum Candlelight Evening. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride across town as Charles Dickens reads from “A Christmas Carol.” Join the carolers as they sing around the lighted historic buildings while sipping on wassail. Have breakfast with Santa at the Otesaga for a fun family morning out. The North Pole Station is only a short drive away in Milford, where you may board the Christmas Lights Train for a scenic journey down the Susquehanna River.
Troy
Visit the historical city of Troy, located close to Albany, and enjoy Christmas while gazing at the beautiful Hudson River. Downtown Troy is home to the massive Christmas event known as the Annual Troy Victorian Stroll, and any vacation property in the area will place you close to the action. Come and enjoy the festivities with the locals dressed in their best Dickensian garb. Get some hot chocolate in the food court in Monument Square and listen to the strolling carolers as they entertain the crowd with seasonal tunes.
Stone Harbor, NJ
This picturesque village at the tip of the Jersey Shore’s southernmost peninsula is one of the country’s most underappreciated winter getaways but is a summertime hotspot instead. Beach-going families, long-term tenants, and seasonal visitors fill the three-block vast village, a mishmash of small stores, cottages, and beaches, throughout the summer. Winter brings a serene atmosphere with Christmas lights strung across the trees and wider sidewalks, and vistas of mild snowfall over the lovely bay.
The perfectly beachy style With its gourmet dining at Sax Restaurant & Lounge, live music events at the bar, and 37 tastefully decorated guest rooms and suites, Reeds at Shelter Haven is one of the town’s primary attractions. The beachfront restaurant is open all through the early winter, so customers can still wrap themselves in blankets on lounge chairs and take in the sights of the seemingly endless stretch of undeveloped coastline. That’s one of the finest parts. Thanks to the functional fireplaces, you can stay toasty while taking in panoramic views of the bay from the comfort of your room.
Gardiner, NY
This French Huguenot settlement is surrounded by picturesque countryside and charming nearby towns, perfect for a relaxing weekend escape. The town, with slightly over 5,000, has a surprising number of historic landmarks, including a mountain historic district and the oldest mill in the state, built in the 18th century. At its center is Minnewaska State Park Preserve, a popular destination for rock climbers due to its beautiful cliffs and the five-hour journey to the top of a feature known as Gertrude’s Nose. Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery, the first whiskey distillery in the state since Prohibition, is a major draw during the colder months. The distillery makes a variety of alcoholic beverages, including bourbon, rye, and rum, and it welcomes visitors for tours, tastings, and meals at the Tuthill House at the Mill restaurant. Have you ever dreamed of staying in a Victorian castle dating back 148 years in the Hudson Valley? The Mohonk Mountain House is well-known for its luxurious spa, which has a revitalizing solarium and an outdoor heated mineral pool surrounded by miles of unspoiled countryside. A stay here is more expensive than average, but it’s worth it if you want to relax in style while taking in stunning scenery.
New York is a stunning state with various landscapes and attractions, from the mountains and glacial lakes upstate to downtown Manhattan’s neon lights. Whether your notion of a perfect Christmas is ice skating at Rockefeller Center in New York City or taking a horse-drawn sleigh through the snow in Lake Placid, this stunning state offers something for you.
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