Happy Holidays, friends!

This season definitely looks different than usual (if you’ve been a long time follower, you’ll know that I traditionally spend a good chunk of December in both New England and Quebec - two places that aren’t accessible at the moment), but we’ve decided to make the best of it by exploring close to home!

Even in the best of times, the holiday season has a way of stressing me out and leaving me…well, exhausted..come New Year’s Day. As this year has DEFINITELY already seen its fair share of stressful situations - the only thing I had on my mind was getting to R E L A X. Our first stop was to a super chic, extra cozy A Frame in Ulster County. You may recognize it, the Black A Frame is one of the most popular airbnb cabins in New York state! The owners graciously invited us to stay a few months back, and I knew that I wanted to share the space in all its holiday best.

The cabin has all the amenities you could ask for when looking for a place to recharge your mental batteries - a fireplace in the living room (and fire pit outdoors for warm weather visits!), the comfiest couch to sink into for a midday nap, two bedrooms upstairs and a clubhouse-like loft space perfect for catching up on your reading - or Netflix show. After a couple days, we left fully refreshed and ready to see the nearby sights!

While the drive to the cabin sets the tone for a tranquil and secluded escape (and if I’m being real honest, we didn’t leave once during our entire stay!), options for dining and entertainment can be found in several nearby towns like New Paltz or Kingston - two that I love for their historic charm and local shops. Not to mention, the cabin is situation just a short drive from some of the most stunning landscapes in all of New York state! Located less than 20 minutes away lies the Minnewaska State Park Preserve - home to numerous waterfalls, dramatic viewpoints (the park is situated on the Shawangunk Mountain ridge), and over 50 miles of footpaths. In the winter, many of these are still open for cross country skies and snowshoes. Given that we’re rarely in this part of the state, we also splurged on a day pass to the hiking trails in Mohonk Mountain House Preserve. It really is a splurge - at $29 per person, but so worth it for the views!

After a full day of chilly outdoor adventures, it was time to head to our next destination. I had first set my sights on Urban Cowboy over the summer, in a spontaneous day trip to visit the lodge and grab a couple pies from Brooklyn-based Roberta’s pizza. I suppose you can say that I was instantly charmed by the property, as we JUMPED at the chance to stay an evening. The iconic, quirky decor mixed with classic Catskills touches truly make this a unique destination amidst all the camps and lodges in the area.

Given that the property’s rooms are spaced out in numerous buildings, guest interaction is relatively low. Whether you’re more comfortable snuggling up and ordering room service, or want to venture out to enjoy the grounds (which are still quite cozy with their many fire pits!), Urban Cowboy Lodge made us feel incredibly welcome - and safe - throughout our stay. The giant soaking tub overlooking the mountains is reason enough for me to return!

You may recall our next destination from this past Fall’s adventures in the region, and I can happily confirm that Deer Mountain Inn’s cozy factor only INCREASES come Winter. With the forecast calling for multiple FEET of snow, we checked in, and stayed put for the night. As if the rooms aren’t cozy enough, the multiple lounge areas - with fireplaces, a pool table, abundant library, and bar, make you truly feel like you’re visiting a home away from home.

Waking up in a real life snow globe made me feel like a kid on Christmas morning. It was so exciting to see all the fresh snow!! After breakfast (delivered straight to your room - or can be enjoyed in the dining area), we set out to have an old fashioned snow day adventure - complete with a snowman, skiing, and all the hot cocoa. The inn was incredibly helpful with the snow - they even dug out my buried car, ha! and offered up activities to get the most out of our day.

Of course, no trip to the Catskills - especially one with a snowstorm - would be complete without a day spent on a mountain! With my IKON pass in tow, we made our way to nearby Windham mountain. It isn’t often that we get to play in so much powder on the slopes out east, so when the opportunity comes - I jump at the chance! With most mountains this season, Windham is currently operating on a reservation system. Make sure to check your destination’s site for updates before visiting!

After our week of cozy stays and mountain adventures, it was time to wrap up our trip. Although not a traditional holiday season, we still walked away full of fun new memories and smiles on our faces. That in itself was such a wonderful gift! Hopefully this trip inspires you to plan something for a future getaway, when travel outside of state (and country) lines is a bit safer. Until then, wishing you all a happy new year!

xo

J.