10 Best New York Towns For A Winter Getaway
When the chill of winter beckons for a getaway, look no further than New York. Known as "The Empire State," New York is a glorious, vast empire that's a whole lot more than New York City and Long Island, as it stretches through the Appalachian and Adirondack Mountains, towering over the Northeastern end of the state. The western part of the state is breathtaking with iconic waterfalls, rivers, and canals flowing throughout the region. The Empire State is a winter wonderland filled with ski resorts, adventure, and endless memories. Each community comes alive during the winter with unique charm and is a must-visit for anyone heeding winter’s call.
Lake Placid
An upstate staple that's a must-visit for New Yorkers wanting a memorable trip outside of the city is the village of Lake Placid, which famously hosted two Winter Olympic Games in 1932 and 1980. The Lake Placid Olympic Museum is the place to learn more about the iconic winter games, explore artifacts from the games on display, and is very informative for visitors. The museum is within walking distance of downtown, where visitors can grab a drink and a bite to eat at Wiseguys Sports Bar and spend the night or weekend at the Lake Placid Inn Boutique Hotel.
Being a village community in the Adirondack Mountains, the Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort is an exciting and action-packed resort for skiing, snowboarding, and has the largest vertical drop in the northeast at 3,430 feet, just north of downtown. When Mirror Lake freezes, dog sled rides are allowed on the frozen lake. However, conditions can change rapidly depending on the weather and the ice on the lake, and the rides begin the day after Christmas from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. ET.
Cold Spring
Just on the banks of the Hudson River and north of West Point is the village of Cold Spring. The Hudson Highlights State Park is a wonderful place to explore during the winter, with charming frozen scenery, wildlife watching, and over 8,000 acres and 70 miles of trails to venture through. Visitors to the village can also explore the waterfront at Cold Spring Pier and Foundry Dock Park. Both parks give people gorgeous views of the scenery and the Hudson River, and are accessible all year round.
Downtown is very scenic and looks like something out of a winter fairy tale, especially when there's snow on the ground. The Cold Spring Hotel and Cafe has amazing amenities, a cafe in the lobby, and a $70 pet fee for people's furry friends. The hotel is within walking distance of incredible local shops and restaurants like Cozy Corner Café, Angie's Bake Shop, and Cold Spring Pizza, as diverse options for coffee, baked goods, and warm, hearty meals. Shops like the Endless Skein and the Blue Olive Shop give visitors from out of town and out of state opportunities to purchase local, one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and loved ones.
Ithaca
Just south of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region is Ithaca, a charming town surrounded by nature and home to both Ithaca College and Cornell University. During the winter, visitors to the iconic college town can go hiking and view the frozen waterfalls, whether it's Taughannock Falls State Park, the Ithaca Falls, or the Buttermilk Falls, and gaze at their natural awe. Visitors and residents can also go ice skating at the Cass Park Ice Rink, with public ice skating sessions from October 15 until March 15.
A wonderful place to enjoy winter plays or musical performances in the community is the State Theatre of Ithaca. The 1,600-seat historic theater hosts 75 events each year and is a staple for the community, as it used to be a garage and showroom in the building's early years, and has been preserved since 2001. Before or after attending a show, people can take a stroll through the historic downtown and visit charming local restaurants, shops, and businesses on State Street, such as Simeon's American Bistro for an incredible dinner, and visit Riverwood for fun and charming local gifts not found in major cities.
Ellicottville
In the Southern Tier region of the state, in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, is the village of Ellicottville. A great start to a winter adventure in the charming village is skiing and/or snowboarding at the Holiday Valley Resort, which also has lodging for long weekends, where people can curl up by the fireplace with a nice glass of wine and other amazing amenities. The Sky High Adventure Park is open year-round, even in the winter, offering fun yet challenging obstacles, bridges, and zip-lines to keep the adrenaline flowing.
In the village's charming downtown, visitors and residents can explore the Ellicottville Brewing Company, for local beers, can help plan private events, and much more. Just up the street is Balloons Restaurant and Night Club, where patrons can enjoy incredible local meals and drinks, and can participate in Trivia Nights every Thursday. Another warm place to enjoy in town is the Saisons Inn Bed and Breakfast, which is just minutes away from downtown, and gives guests a warm fireplace to enjoy the winter nights and hot breakfasts in the mornings.
New Paltz
Just off the New York State Thruway is the town of New Paltz, which is near the Shawangunk Mountains. The Mohonk Mountain House is west of town on the crest of the Shawangunk Mountains in the Mohonk Preserve. Guests at the resort can enjoy cozy campfires, go ice skating, enjoy the spa, and much more. As for the Preserve, people can enjoy a relaxing winter hike on numerous trails, including the Sky Top Trail, to see the Sky Top Tower to enjoy the scenic views, and go wildlife watching.
In downtown, people can grab some drinks and tasty meals like French Onion Soup or Irish nachos from McGillicuddy's or some specialty sushi and Japanese cuisine from Hokkaido Sushi Restaurant. Just south of downtown is the Dorsky Museum of Art on SUNY New Paltz's campus. The museum has numerous exhibits displaying charming art created by students and local artists for everyone to enjoy, and has upcoming exhibits to keep the excitement of new art flowing.
Watertown
About five miles east of Lake Ontario in the North Country is the city of Watertown. During the winter, visitors to the community can explore the Dry Hill Ski Area, where they can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, including night skiing offered on weekends and some weeknights. People can also visit the Watertown Arena to go ice skating, play hockey, and watch Watertown Wolves games. Ice passes for residents who want to skate and shoot start at $145 and rise to $400 if they want to attend all arena events, while nonresidents must pay $180 for ice passes.
The Black River flows through town, and outside of town is the Black River Trail. The trail is 4.5 to nine miles long and was converted from an old railroad bed, giving people wonderful views of the community, especially when there's fresh snow on the ground. In the heart of downtown is the Strand, a local music venue that has been a staple for the city. The venue hosts local musicians for everyone to enjoy, and was renovated in early 2025.
Montauk
On the very eastern tip of Long Island in Suffolk County is the iconic hamlet of Montauk. Although the community is bustling during the summer months, Montauk is also a wonderful place to explore during the winter. Visitors and residents can enjoy a pleasant winter hike in Montauk Point State Park, which is open year-round, and take in the views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum. The lighthouse was built in 1792 and completed in 1796, making it the fourth-oldest working lighthouse in the nation.
On the western end of town is Gurney's Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa, which is a nice escape from New York City and other larger cities in the region. The resort hosts holiday events like a Christmas Dinner, New Year's Eve celebrations, and being in igloos by the sea for a nice dinner outside. Further in town is the Montauk Brewing Company, which serves incredible local beers, including seasonal beers like the Cold Day IPA or the Driftwood Ale, which are great beers to enjoy during the winter.
Narrowsburg
Located on the Delaware River near Pennsylvania's border, Narrowsburg is renowned for its outdoor activities and arts community. Being a very nature-oriented community, people can enjoy winter hikes on the Tusten Mountain Trail, a three-mile-long trail giving its visitors breathtaking views of the adjacent Delaware River and Pennsylvania Forests.
The streets of Narrowsburg are incredibly charming and filled with wonderful local shops, theaters, and restaurants. The Tusten Cup is a lovely spot to enjoy a freshly-brewed coffee to begin the morning, while La Cigogne is an incredible place for a nice lunch or evening dinner, giving patrons charming views of the Delaware River and adjacent forests. The Tusten Theatre hosts wonderful plays and musicals during the winter and is considered a hidden gem in the community.
Lewiston
Right on the banks of the Niagara River and the U.S. border with Canada is the charming town of Lewiston. Artpark State Park is a charming 2.5-mile-long park to enjoy a winter hike, as well as the scenic views of the adjacent Niagara River and Canadian forests. Visitors to the park can also catch local events at Artpark, depending on the season. Not too far from the park is the Niagara Crossing Hotel and Spa, where its guests are treated to wonderful views of the landscape, a relaxing spa, and can enjoy various events like weddings and corporate events.
Further in town is the Lewiston Museum, where visitors and residents learn more about the community's past and its role in the Underground Railroad. The museum itself is housed in what was a former church named St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and it became a museum in 1974. Further up on Center Street are charming local shops and restaurants like the Village Bake Shoppe, serving warm pastries and other delights, and the Spicey Pickle, for some local Mexican-style meals.
Plattsburgh
One of the northernmost cities in the state, right on Lake Champlain, is the city of Plattsburgh, which is renowned for its history in the War of 1812 and scenic beauty. An action-packed place to enjoy during the winter months is taking a ski and snowboarding trip at the Beartown Ski Area. People of all ages can take ski lessons, go night-skiing, snowboarding, and much more at the non-profit ski hill. Visitors and residents can also go ice skating on Lake Champlain or at the Ronald B. Stafford Ice Arena on SUNY Plattsburgh's campus, which is free for students, but costs $5 for the general public. People can also catch a hockey game at the arena.
Just south of downtown is the War of 1812 Museum, where its visitors can learn more about the famous war and the city's role in the war, along with art and artifacts on display from the time period. Downtown itself is very charming and has wonderful businesses, restaurants, museums, and shops to visit, like the Koffee Kat Espresso Bar for a warm cup of coffee or tea, as well as the Plattsburgh Riverwalk, where people can enjoy a nice winter stroll and gaze upon the Saranac River.
Exploring New York in the Crisp Winter
When winter calls, these wonderful communities in "the Empire State" deliver charm, beauty, and are perfect winter wonderlands. Winter’s blanket of snow adds to the beauty of the Adirondack Mountain communities for skiing adventures, the Niagara Falls communities for amazing winter hikes, and the Long Island beach towns for just enjoying the views. The Empire State does not disappoint, giving visitors a memorable experience during the winter months. New York is a state made for the winter, and those who embrace the season will come to love every bit of it.
