Before the rush of travel plans, gift lists, and family gatherings begins, take a moment to slow down and catch a moment for yourself. Winter in Ulster County offers the perfect excuse to pause. Curl up by a fire, take a scenic drive, or share a cozy meal. Whether you’re seeking quiet relaxation, indulgent escapes, or simple seasonal joy, Ulster County is the place to recharge before the holidays.
Cozy Getaways for Empty Nesters
Make it your season: no schedules, no school plays, no stress. Retreat to one of Ulster County’s charming inns or B&Bs, where fires crackle and breakfasts are homemade. Stroll through Woodstock or Phoenicia’s local shops, sip mulled wine, and watch the snow fall. End your day at a local favorite like Peekamoose Restaurant or Ship to Shore, where locally focused comfort food and conversation come easy.
Take your winter break by stepping into the newly opened Six Bells Countryside Inn – a historic 1850s inn tucked beside a creek. This storybook countryside escape features eleven richly layered rooms featuring hand-painted motifs that invite you to linger, explore, and dream.
Power Up Your Holidays by Chilling Out
Ulster County is your pre-holiday recharge for couples without kids looking to escape the chaos. Before the holiday rush begins, unwind together with a tranquil float session at Mountain Float Spa in New Paltz or Zephyr Float in Kingston, where weightless relaxation melts away stress and restores calm.
If you enjoy award-winning wine while near the Shawangunk Wine Trail, Whitecliff Vineyards in Gardiner has a stunning Seyval Blanc and the Estate Vintage Cabernet Franc at Benmarl Winery in Marlboro has received accolades as well. Or head to Inness in Accord for a serene, side-by-side escape with expert therapists, warm light, and views of the Catskills, creating a deeply restorative experience of shared calm and connection.
Stress-Free Holiday Fun
Beyond relaxation, Ulster County’s winter rhythm invites gentle exploration. Wander through the galleries and shops of Woodstock or New Paltz, sip hot cider at a farm market, or linger over a farm-to-table meal made with seasonal ingredients. Take in the stillness of the Shawangunk Ridge, glide down the freshly groomed trails at Belleayre Mountain, or end your day soaking in the warmth of good company and local flavor. A recharge weekend here isn’t just about rest — it’s about reconnecting with yourself, the landscape, and the season’s simple joys.
Spotlight: Cut a Christmas Tree
Channel your inner Clark Griswald when you bring home the perfect tree this year from Ulster County. Bundle up, grab a saw, and make new traditions at one of our charming cut-your-own farms: Wallkill View Farm, West Wind Tree Farm, Garone’s Mountain Fresh Farms, W&K Split Rail Nursery, Christmas Tree Lane and The Pallet Barn, Bell’s Tree Farm, Balsam Ridge Christmas Tree Farm, and Mountain View Tree Farm.
