Skiing and riding in Ulster County can offer your family a ton of fun in the winter, but there’s also a case to be made for cozy family activities to bring your family together. When it’s cold outside, the comforts of chilling by a warm fire and doing a puzzle can be very enticing–especially if you’ve spent the morning frolicking in the snow or on the slopes.
Where to Stay
When it comes to nesting during your getaway, there’s nothing like renting a home to create the best vacation vibes. The Norsdale retreat in Phoenicia offers an elevated experience for up to 18 people. The private getaway is situated on ten acres in the Catskill mountains and it is minutes away from the Belleayre ski area and other winter activities. The property has many places to gather–a huge kitchen and dining room make it wonderful for entertaining, but the little reading nooks by the fire are ideal for unplugged time. In addition to the 5 bedrooms in the main house, there are four motel-like rooms in an adjacent building. If you want to take in the stars and evening sky, enjoy a soak in the hot tub or gather around the fire pit. Expect to pay about $1200 to rent the home and all the buildings for one night (there is a two-night minimum and rates go up in the summer and fall). Location: 6300 NY-28, Phoenicia, NY 12464. Book your stay: https://www.norsdale.com/
Welcome to the Norsdale
Where to Eat
Foodies can relax, there is no need to rough it when visiting the Catskills. With towns like Woodstock and New Paltz, you’ll have tons of yummy options for you and your family to dine in or take back to your home.
- Phoenicia Diner: This is the spot for classic American comfort food like hearty sandwiches, meatloaf and pasta. The decor is reminiscent of an old-school diner, but the menu is updated and elevated. Open 8-6pm each day, but closed Wednesday. You can’t go wrong with a big bowl of tomato soup and grilled cheese. Location: 5681 NY-28, Phoenicia, NY 12464. Get more information here: https://www.phoeniciadiner.com/
- Oliver’s at Howland House: The restaurant located in the Howland House is a wonderful and relaxed spot for the entire family. The setting is a restored 1850s inn (you can also stay here, there are guest rooms). There’s a pool table on one side of the restaurant along with a fireplace and sofas–ideal for the kids to sit and color while the grown-ups savor a dessert. On Wednesdays you’ll be treated to the Noodle Shop pop-up, with ramen and other pan-Asian dishes. The ramen hit just right after a cold day on the slopes and the bar had inspired apres ski cocktails. Location: 1564 Wittenberg Rd, Mt Tremper, NY 12457 Get more information here: https://www.oliversny.com/
- Small Talk: While on an evening stroll through the charming town of Woodstock, you might notice a glow in the window of this tiny bar. Stop in your tracks and enter! Small Talk is an irresistible place to spend a few hours of your winter evening (note: this one is not for kids). Enjoy the eclectic soundtrack while your bartender lovingly crafts a drink for you. Location: 1 Tinker St, Woodstock, NY 12498 . Get more information here https://www.instagram.com/smalltalkwoodstock/?hl=en
- The Ridge Tea Store: When getting set up with your ski rental gear in New Paltz, take a stroll through the little downtown area to explore the shops and eateries. If you love tea and coffee, pop into this cozy shop. They offer a wide array of loose-leaf teas and spices, plus coffee and baked goods. Location: 70 Main St, New Paltz, NY 12561. Get more information here: https://www.theridgeteaandspice.com/
Historic Phoenicia Diner
Where to Unwind
All those outdoor adventures might leave you happily sore and tired. A trip to the Emerson Resort & Spa in Mt. Tremper in will have you ready for action again. Opt for a classic deep tissue massage and then a steam and a soak–it’s like hitting the reset button on your laptop. The zen treatment area is so serene you’ll forget all about your To Do list. Don’t want a treatment? Don’t worry, you can book an Emerson Spa Wellness Pass. For $45 per person you can get access to the Emerson Fitness Center, locker room, sauna, steam and outdoor hot tub. Available weekdays only (holidays excluded) and based on availability, the Wellness. Location: 5340 NY-28 Mt Tremper, NY 12457. Get more information here: https://emersonresort.com/spa-wellness/
Where to Shop
I can find cute outfits in just about any store (it’s a gift), but when I was walking through the picturesque town of Woodstock, NY, I focused on kids. This little hamlet has a bunch of offerings for your family. On your shopping list should be items to enhance your Ulster County vacation.
- Tinker Toys Too: This colorful store is full of playthings large and small. There’s a ton of color and focus on creative play. Location: 5 Mill Hill Rd Woodstock, NY 12498. Phone: (845) 679-8870 (no website)
- Golden Note Book: I can never pass up the chance to go into a bookstore and this one didn’t disappoint. The Golden Notebook has two floors, the bottom level is dedicated to adults and young adults, but upstairs is where the magic happens–they’ve got the most amazing kids area. The walls are full of murals and the space has plenty of room to spread out, settle in and read. Location: 29 Tinker Street, Woodstock, NY 12498-1294. Get more information here: https://goldennotebook.com/
- H.Houst & Sons: Many small towns have these family-owned “everything stores” where you can get seeds and soda stream refills as well as hammers and hardware. H.Houst & Sons has been in business since 1932 and is the spot to pick up a low-cost sled for your weekend and maybe a puzzle to tackle back at home by the fireplace. Location: 4 Mill Hill Rd, Woodstock, NY 12498. Get more information here: https://housthardware.com/
Golden Notebook Woodstock, NY
Where to Play Indoors
Kiwanis Ice Arena: Sometimes winter weather can offer too much of a good thing. If the snow is too high or the temperatures too cold, you can still have wintery fun. This ice-skating facility in Saugerties has a full-sized rink with skate rentals, sharpening, and repairs. There’s a snack stand and a handful of arcade games, too. Location: 6 Small World Ave, Saugerties, NY 12477. Get more information here: http://kiwanisicearena.com/
While all this indoor fun is appealing, don’t forget that there is so much fun to be had in nature outside during your winter trip to Ulster County. Check out this post about learning to ski and ride in Ulster County, New York.
