When faced with frigid three-day weekends, most birds fly south.
But we snow better: Summer staple Woodstock and its neighbors are a refuge in winter. We’ve mapped out where to play, eat, and take in the fresh mountain air.
What it lacks in cell service, hamlet Phoenicia makes up in charm. The Graham & Co. is outfitted like a Williamsburg dream (industrial fixtures, wood, cowhide rugs). Book a room and save your bearded date a spot at the backyard bonfire.
Nearby landmark Phoenicia Diner got a spiffy makeover last summer. Though the ’60s schwag remains, the revamped menu of locally sourced breakfast skillets and comfort classics tastes like today.
Postmeal, head downtown for a delightfully oddball selection (records, taxidermied jackalopes, vintage needlepoint cushions) at The Mystery Spot.
You say you don’t ski the Northeast? Snob. Hunter Mountain gets the job done when you crave a day on the slopes but not the five-hour flight. Get there early or BYO — ski and board rental lines can back up.
Just south of Phoenicia lies Shokan. Pull off at Fruition Chocolate for campfire-ready bars (graham crackers and mallows not included) and dark chocolate-covered jalapeno corn nuts, all made on-site in small batches.
From there, it’s a one-minute drive to Scandinavian Grace, a design junkie haven filled with Nordic blankets, kitchenware, decor, and other treasures.
Grab sandwiches and stinky cheese to go from Cub Market (3203 Route 212, Bearsville; 845-679-6569) before tackling Overlook Mountain. The hike is steep, but the view from the top and spooky hotel ruins on the way up are worth the effort.
Warm up with hearty yet refined wild boar ragu over sweet potato gnocchi at newcomer A Tavola down in New Paltz. Husband-and-wife team Nathan and Bonnie Snow earned their stripes at NYC’s Al Di Là and Sfoglia.
Closer to Phoenicia, the Peekamoose continues its reign as the area’s hautest restaurant and taproom. You’ll need a reservation. Try the fondue made from locally produced cheddar and stout.
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