7 Cozy New York Destinations To Visit In 2025
By February, winter can start to feel endless. But instead of staying cooped up at home, why not escape to a cozy weekend getaway? Across New York, several inviting towns offer the perfect retreat, whether you are traveling in the dead of winter or planning a trip in the heat of July. So, if you want to fill your weekend on the snowy slopes, gallery hopping and watching independent films, or relaxing with a glass of wine in front of the fireplace in a Victorian-style inn, these seven New York towns promise warmth and relaxation year-round in 2025.
Hunter
In the winter months, Hunter draws in countless tourists who are eager to hit the slopes. Hunter Mountain is the town’s premier ski resort, offering 320 skiable acres, 67 ski trails, and an elevation that reaches up to 3,200 at the highest point. There are trails for beginner through advanced levels, so every type of skier can find their slope.
To fuel up for a day on the slopes, travelers can grab breakfast at one of Hunter’s cozy cafes, such as Fellow Mountain Cafe. Serving locally sourced ingredients with incredible mountainside views, it is the perfect spot to ease into vacation mode. Those who are looking for a memorable place to lodge will love Bluebird Hunter Lodge, a modern, boutique hotel with a 70s-style ski lodge vibe. Just a few of the onsite amenities include a restaurant and tavern on the premises, a game room, and outdoor firepits.
Lewiston
Just 15 minutes north of Niagara Falls, Lewiston is an artsy village perfect for a day of browsing boutiques and relaxing in cafes. Each year in the summer, the town opens the Artpark, a large amphitheater that hosts musical performances. In 2025, visitors can enjoy performers like Rick Springfield, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and Slightly Stoopid.
For a hot coffee, scone, or blueberry muffin, stop into one of Lewiston's cafes or coffee shops, like Orange Cat Coffee Co. In addition, Cheri Amour is worth a visit. It is a boutique that specializes in French-style jewelry and gifts. There are several elegant hotels and inns to choose from in town, with Niagara Crossing Hotel and Spa being a nice option. Some of the rooms in the hotel even have cozy touches like fireplaces, spa-style soaking tubs, and views of the lower Niagara River.
Lake Placid
Like Hunter, Lake Placid becomes a snowy getaway during the winter months. Skiers are often found on Whiteface Mountain, which has over 90 trails to explore. The Olympic Oval, once the site of gold-medal victories, is now open to the public as a skating rink. After a day on the slopes or ice, a great meal is well deserved.
The Interlaken Inn and Restaurant offers an elegant yet old-timey atmosphere, perfect for a memorable dinner. This Victorian-style inn, dating back a century, is also a charming place to spend the night, with a selection of uniquely furnished cottages, rooms, and suites available.
Greenport
With just over 2,500 residents, Greenport is a small coastal village on the North Fork of Long Island that is extremely walkable, letting you leave the car behind to take in the sights. In the heart of the village, travelers will find the Village Blacksmith Shop, a historic replica of a building from the 1870s. On the weekends, visitors can appreciate live blacksmith demonstrations. Afterward, head over to 5th Street Beach and Park for a picnic. This waterside park has barbecue and picnic areas, a basketball court, a playground, and a lifeguard in the summer for those who want to swim.
Want to spend the night? The Stirling House is one of the town's most highly rated bed and breakfasts, housed in a building from the 1880s. Guests will receive a homemade breakfast in the morning prepared by a chef who trained at the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan.
New Paltz
New Paltz, in the Hudson Valley, is home to a remarkably well-preserved 17th-century historic village. A majority of these historic sites can be found along Historic Huguenot Street, which features 10 acres of 17th-century buildings, homes, and artifacts. Those wanting to spend their trip outdoors will definitely want to check out the Mohonk Preserve. This preserve, in the Shawangunk Mountains, is home to over 70 miles of roads and trails that visitors can use for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding.
One of the most relaxing places to stay during your visit is at the Watergrasshill Bed and Breakfast. Set on 15 acres of lush land, this inn offers mountain views and a daily breakfast made with locally sourced ingredients.
Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck has a tight-knit art community featuring galleries, museums, independent film screenings, and performing arts venues. Those wanting to catch an eclectic film can attend a showing at the Upstate Films Starr Cinema, which shows both independent and more mainstream productions. Ever wanted to learn to make your own pottery piece? You can do so during a class with Hudson Valley Pottery, which offers private wheel lessons.
The Dutchess County Fairgrounds is another great place to appreciate the town's cultural scene. It hosts events like wine and food festivals, classic car shows, a sheep and wool festival, and antique shows throughout the year. Travelers can complement their cultural experience with a stay at The Gables of Rhinebeck, a historic inn housed in a Gothic Revival Victorian-style home from 1860.
Corning
Corning is best known for its Gaffer District, a historic area filled with local businesses and attractions. As you explore the district, you will find several historic landmarks, including the 1883 Centerway Clock Tower and the Centerway Walking Bridge. Originally built in 1921 for vehicles and pedestrians, the bridge now serves as a walking park with gardens and green lawns.
After appreciating Corning's historic landmarks, travelers can take a mid-afternoon pitstop at Market Street Coffee & Tea, a quirky coffee shop centrally located near museums and shops. To spend the night in the Gaffer District, opt for one of Corning's local inns, such as Lodging at the Gaffer Inn, which offers cozy amenities like fireplaces, pillow-top mattresses, and dining areas in the rooms.
Everyone deserves a weekend escape, especially after a long winter indoors. Luckily, there is no need to wait for warmer months to plan your trip. Cozy cafes, Olympic ice rinks, and cross-country ski trails are just a few of the winter attractions to explore. If you prefer to visit in summer, attractions like Lewiston’s Artpark and the Dutchess County Fairgrounds await your visit as well. Whether you want to head out tomorrow or a few months from now, a warm and memorable getaway awaits in 2025!
