If you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly (and car-free!) adventure this season, consider one of these seven well-valued winter getaways near NYC.
Niagara Falls, Ontario | Nigara Falls Hilton
The Package: Couples Adventure Package in a Deluxe Falls View Suite
The Perks: In addition to those views of a spectacularly frozen Niagara Falls—named one of the top 52 places to see in 2014 by The New York Times—seen from your newly renovated suite on the 30th floor, there is an in-room fireplace and jacuzzi. The package comes with two adult passes for Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara’s Fury, and White Water Walk, a full buffet breakfast voucher for two, $65 dinner voucher for the rooftop restaurant, and shuttle bus service. The possible downsides are no free in-room wi-fi—though maybe one of your New Year’s resolutions is to unplug more?—and the thunderous gushing of water right outside your window, which could result in a midnight visit to the loo.
The Price: Good through April 14, 2015, you’ll pay $264/night for a room with a view. Based on double occupancy. For more package options, visit the website above.
How to get there: Take Amtrak’s Empire Service line from Penn Station to Niagara Falls. Once you are in town, a Trolley can get you most anywhere you want to go, but the town’s manageable size makes walking a fine option. (Hilton Niagara, 6361 Fallsview Blvd., Niagara Falls, ON L2G3V9, Canada, 905.354.7887)
Cape Elizabeth, Maine | Inn by the Sea
The Package: “Taste of Maine”
The Perks: Aside from luxurious seaside digs, expect Cape Whoopie whoopie pies, a guided culinary walking tour with Maine Foodie Tours, and a three course, seasonal tasting menu at the on-site Sea Glass glass restaurant with a bottle of Maine wine.
The Price: Starting at $299/night. Two night minimum. Valid through April 2015 (weekends only). Call to book.
How to get there: Consult our Portland Public Transportation Guide. From the train station in Portland, a cab into Cape Elizabeth’s town takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around $30. Or rent a hybrid. (Inn by the Sea, 40 Bowery Beach Road, Cape Elizabeth, ME, 207.799.3134)
Montreal, Canada | Les Bons Matins
The Package: The Budget Room
The Perks: Getting the lay of a foreign French land at half the price of flying to Europe. Located close to the Bell Centre, this romantic bed and breakfast and its darling innkeepers make it easy to plan out your day. Wake up to a beautiful complimentary breakfast spread in the dining room (or request room service), where everything from omelets to french toast to locally-sourced meats are sure to jump start your day of play. Mark your calendars for the upcoming Montreal Lights Festival, February 20-March 2, 2015.
The Price: From $99/night, based on double occupancy
How to get there: Consult oM’s public transit guide to Montreal (Les Bons Matins, 1401, Argyle Ave, Montreal (Quebec), 800.588.5280)
Finger Lakes, Geneva, NY | Belhurst Castle
The Package: “Belhurst Royalty Package”
The Perks: Lavish Vinifera Inn chambers, equipped with a jacuzzi, views of Seneca Lake, and a bottle of Belhurst Estate Winery Red or Golden Pheasant Wine. The package includes a four-course dinner for two at on-site restaurant Edgar’s, and a full breakfast buffet for two.
The Price: $295 including taxes and gratuities. Available Sunday-Thursday, based on double occupancy. Expires May 31, 2015 Call 315.781.0201 to book the package and inquire about free upgrades.
How to get there: The Shortline Bus and Greyhound offer daily scheduled service to Geneva. Take a less than 10 minute cab ride to the Castle. The entire journey may take five to six hours from New York Penn Station. (Belhurst Castle, 4069 Route 14 South, Geneva, NY, 315.781.0201)
Boston, MA | Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel
The Package: “Last Minute Weekends”
The Perks: Toast to a successful spontaneous escape that includes deluxe accommodations and complimentary use of the health club and indoor pool.
The Price: From $143/night
How to get there: Consult oM’s public transit guide to Boston. (606 Congress St.)
Highmount, NY | Belleayre Mountain
The Package: With the Ski Bus Package, Adirondack Trailways and Belleayre have teamed up to help make getting to the slopes a breeze for New Yorkers.
The Perks: Choose from several options, like the $93/pp deal for a single day trip or $189 for double occupancy, which includes an overnight stay at one of three area hotels (recommend staying at the Pine Hill Arms). The package comes with roundtrip transportation from NYC, lift tickets, shuttle service and luggage lock-up.
How to get there: The ski bus departs from Port Authority Terminal and operates Fridays thru Mondays.
Atlantic City, NJ | Harrahs Resort
The Package: “Romantic Getaway”
The Perks: Overnight accommodations in the Waterfront Tower, candlelit dinner for two ($100 credit), 2pm late check out, breakfast in bed ($29 room service credit), and the realized winter dream of lying poolside in a cabana (with a beverage credit), surrounded by palm trees.
The Price: From $169/night.
How to get there: Consult oM’s transit guide to AC.
Photo: Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel
The co-founder and editor-at-large at offMetro, Lauren is a sustainable travel specialist and freelance journalist with frequent bylines in National Geographic, Bicycling Magazine and Shape. Follow Lauren’s adventures at @laurenmati.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram