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WINTER GETAWAYS-New York FUN

Sure, the hometown Big Apple gets most of the glory-in a way-but massive New York State offers up loads of winter fare ...from fun-active outdoor activities in this country's largest protected area in the lower 48- the majestic Adirondacks, to stimulating and/or plush-to-basic indoor options, culinary treats from the exotic to simple homemade deliciousness-and literally hundreds of 24/7 travel options for all kinds of budgets.

Part One: Hudson Valley

via GIPHY
source blingee.com


Hudson Valley:
Blue Skies-easy to reach-Thunder Ridge Ski Area-with kid friendly Terrain Park

For do it in a day (from NYC) outdoor fun-kid friendly Mt. Peter or Thunder Ridge Ski Area- and spa worshiper 'must' destination-AND nature- hiker's paradise, the stately Victorian 'castle' Mohonk Mountain House are easily reached via Getaway Packages from  public train transport Metro-North-including pick up/drop arrangements, lift tickets/Learn to Ski/Snowboard deals/Tubing runs - and overnight stay options.
No snow-no worries-Mt. Peter-and all other NY State Ski areas make their own...

FYI: for some-a real deal workout is truly a dizzying day at shoppers' paradise Woodbury Common Premium Outlets-where ultra high end fashion labels (think Armani, Moncler, Balenciaga...) sell off their fab collections- reached via Metro-North train ride (Port Jervis)-and short cab ride or trolley... or bus (multiple lines) from the decidedly dim Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Food fanatics-and Craft Beer-Wine lovers will gorge on incredible culinary and sipping opportunities -which really has elevated the Hudson Valley to destination status-spurned on by the world renown Culinary Institute of America -which also has its own highly rated (nine in all-from fancy French to casual take-out)-open to the public restaurants.
Yup-CIA has a different, tastier meaning in the Hudson Valley.

To plan a day or a week-filled with wineries, historic sites including Vanderbilt Mansion Historic Site and nearby FDR/Eleanor Roosevelt's Home-Museum, world renown cultural destinations-ida Beacon and Storm King, tasty eateries form fancy to casual, charming villages and recreation options including cross country and downhill skiing, literally-walking across the Hudson River-via 1.28 suspended bridge that connects with bike/walk trails on both sides, mountain festivals like headlining Mountain Jam fest at Hunter Mountain, summer pursuits like golf and bike riding 'heaven'-TravelHudsonValley.com is an excellent source.

Tip: Looking for buzzy? Rhinebeck NY is kinda of a Hamptons in the making which is good/bad depending on one's viewpoint-with premium restaurants sourcing Hudson County's bounty (top rated The Local Restaurant,Terrapin -a Bistro-think crispy wood fired grilled pizza-nearby brewed quaffs-and the more formal restaurant- side by side in a renovated church, the Italian leaning GiGi Trattoria-to name a few), a celeb owned glam coffee/candy shop for your morning caffeine rush, (Samuel's Sweet Shop), America's oldest operating Inn (Beekman Arms), a top rated indie movie house (Upstate Films), distinctive older homes-Wilderstein and 380 acre estate-Montgomery Place- plenty of bucolic byways for bike riders and nordic skiers, lesurely strolls along the Hudson River (Poet's Walk)...and easy access from the Big Apple via Amtrak.