50 Great Winter Getaways From NYC

Often referred to as “The Ski Capital of the East”, the village’s restaurants, breweries and year-round events make it a great destination even if snow is not your thing.

Chances are you’ve heard of the Berkshires, but maybe never visited. Or at least not yet! Great Barrington in the Berkshires is the perfect winter getaway from NYC. This picturesque town in Western Massachusetts is a hub with delicious food, great snowy activities and cultural activities to fill a weekend. 

The Canadian capital is often overshadowed by Montreal, Toronto, and other of the more popular urban destinations across the country. But Ottawa’s museums, restaurants and cultural scene deserve your attention just as much as the party towns.

This small mountain town in upstate New York is located on the shores of a lake by the same name, and is the perfect place for outdoor adventure, or just to get out of the city for a weekend of relaxation.

If a classic charming New England town is on your agenda for this season, then Woodstock’s covered bridges, church steeples and surrounding rolling hills of the Green Mountains belong on your radar. And don’t forget about the town’s ski hill, Suicide Six!

Enjoy every bit of winter outdoor activities Quebec City has to offer, whether it be a typical ski trip, a fun-filled night in an igloo, or even a dogsled ride.

Who says you can’t have a culture and arts-filled mountain retreat without leaving Massachusetts? Well, maybe no one, but if they do, the Berkshires will surely prove them wrong.

Think you have to head out west, or at least to New England for good skiing and a mountain town vibe? Think again. The Poconos have at least a dozen downhill resorts, including Jack Frost/Big Boulder which has gained national recognition due to its terrain park.

Syracuse may be the fifth populous city in New York, but its proximity to thousands of miles of parkland, the finger lakes and New York’s wine country make it easy to have both an urban and rural getaway in one trip!

With the popularity of places like Aspen and Park City, many seem to forget that North Conway is known as the birthplace of skiing in North America. But the 751,000 acres of national forest that surround the town coupled with its restaurants, bars and shopping make it a great destination for skiers and non-skiers alike.

While Bethlehem’s livelihood once depended mostly on its steel mill, today the historic town has been re-energized with music, events, food and drink.

This mountainous region of New York, located just two hours from New York City, is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. World-class climbing, expansive wilderness areas, ski resorts and quaint mountain towns draw visitors from around the globe.

Chances are, if you’re a skier or rider, you are probably planning a trip to the east coast’s snowiest state — Vermont. And if you’d like a change from Killington and Stowe, the live music, Jackson Gore Village and ice skating are a few reasons to check out Okemo this season. Oh, and the skiing is phenomenal!

Only a 60-minute commute from Manhattan, this summer destination can also be a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life during the winter months.

This rural town, located in the hilly Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, is easily accessed by bus from New York City and offers plenty of opportunity for exploring the outdoors, shopping in locally-owned boutiques and take a break from your normal routine.

With over 1,000 feet of vertical on 167 acres of skiable terrain, Mountain Creek is an obvious choice for skiers and riders based in New York looking to make some turns. And its proximity to the city will allow you to be back home in time for dinner.

Kripalu is a yoga retreat in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts. Whether you spend a weekend or a week at this relaxing and rejuvenating sanctuary, you’re guaranteed to return home feeling renewed.  

Often thought of as a summer destination, Sag Harbor may not get the attention it deserves during the winter. In February, the town hosts the family-friendly HarborFrost, which starts with a Culinary Stroll and ends with a sunset firework display over the scenic harbor, with plenty of other festivities in-between. 

With the more popular towns of Stowe and Burlington located just a stone’s throw away, many travelers heading to Vermont cruise right past the Mad River Valley without a second look. But the Valley has just as much to offer as those other destinations – without the crowds.

Just a two-hour bus ride from New York City, we’re convinced Camelback Mountain in Tannersville offers the perfect blend of adventure, creature comforts, and accessibility for an action-packed winter weekend. It’s family-friendly so pack the kids.

Sometimes referred to as “America’s Little Switzerland,” the scenic mountainside town of Jim Thorpe is a hidden gem nestled in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountain. Over the years, it has managed to keep its antiquated charm and country comforts.

Boston may best be known for its history, but over the past several years it has seen an explosion of chic, New York-style boutique properties. And if you visit during the winter, you don’t have to face the New York-style pricing.

The Poconos, located just two hours from New York City by bus, are replete with cold weather activities — by day you can hit the slopes or go for a winter hike. By night you can tuck into a rustic restaurant, dig into a bowl of chili and sip a locally crafted brew.

Only a couple of hours outside New York City, Mount Stratton offers visitors an Austria-esque skiing experience, with plenty of other activities to do, including hiking, yoga, and maple-smoked Gouda tasting.

“The Borough,” as the locals call it, is a lovely, quaint fishing village that welcomes guests with stunning views of its picturesque beaches within its depths.

Atlantic City’s jitney service provides comfortable service to and from a town that doubles as a foodie’s wildest dream, with its range of restaurants and surrounding events catering to all.

Awaken your inner daredevil and test the cold waters of Rockaway Beach either by yourself with a surfboard or with a group of people for a Polar Bear swim.

Ever wanted to catch up to the National Hockey League? Visit Stamford for an in-depth hockey training course just a stone’s throw away on Metro-North.

Killington Mountain Resort boasts the East Coast’s longest ski season and terrain that rivals that of the West coast, not to mention hearty seafood and steak and comfortable accommodations.

A haven for art aficionados, Richmond offers art in many forms including museums, galleries, parks, and even street art.

This cozy retreat has activities that will satisfy every guest, ranging from cross country skiing and hiking to a three-story spa featuring steam baths, massages, and a pool.

New Haven lives up to the ‘Haven’ in its name by providing a treasure trove of food options for its visitors. Start off with pizza, move on to sushi, and end with lobster rolls or a NY strip.

Thinking of cross-country skiing but want to stay closer to home? Try these four options that are only a short train or bus ride away from the city.

Tighten those snowshoes  and explore the great architecture that Untermyer Park has to offer.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you can easily cruise down Hunter Mountain, which also offers a number of lovely indoor activities like chilling in jacuzzis or dipping in indoor pools  once you want to shake the snow off your boots.

Once a place that defined skiing in the 60s’, Mount Snow still lives up to its prestigious name by offering fresh snow even in March, not to mention the best Vermont maple syrup around the same time.

Bike through the maze of neon signs in Wildwood’s neighborhood before settling down at night on one of the many rides and attractions the boardwalk literally flashes at you.

Thunder Ridge provides a more family friendly experience to skiing, from its relatively mellow slopes to its free shuttle service to and from the train station.

New Yorkers stop to chat about how and where they would spend their winters, from antiquing and thrift shopping in Cold Springs to hiking through snow covered trails.

A town that rests on the banks of the Delaware, Milford has a plethora of tourism activities that take advantage of the river’s crystal waters, whether it be kayaking and canoeing or going bird-watching for bald eagles.

Tarrytown has everything from literature and history to ice cream and craft beer. Oh, and it’s only forty minutes away from Manhattan on Metro-North.

If you want a quiet, quaint retreat away from the city, Old Saybrook welcomes you with its scenic beaches and friendly townsfolk. 

Art and culture prospers in every nook and cranny of the small town of Doylestown, be it in its museums or its indie shops.

Hiking and golfing are the two main activities in Plymouth, but don’t let that get in the way of the town’s history. Become a Pilgrim and explore the homage to the settlers scattered around the town.

Art, eats, and much more await eager travelers who visit the capital of Rhode Island, which is just a three hour train ride away.

The City of Brotherly Love is a hidden gem in the foodie scene, with pork tacos, fried chicken and donuts, Hungarian duc, and even old time ice cream.

 Salem is much more than its witch trials and sorcery. Stop by one of its many museums to get your culture fill, before you get your actual fill with Flying Saucer Pizza.

Home to a rich history and also to a growing population of artists, Peekskill will cater to everyone who wants a cultural kick within a short Metro-North ride.

Lovebirds who want to get away from the city will delight in the deals Kennebunk has to offer, with a romantic selection of dinner, wine, and a cozy inn all for under $500.

One of the best mountainside villages in the Northeast, Waterbury offers dynamic outdoor activities for the daring at heart, including skiing, paddling, and mountain biking. Visitors will also enjoy the small and charming buildings that reflect the nature of the town.