Skip to content
Celebrate love in a cozy and enchanting way this Valentine's Day by exploring some delightful upstate destinations!
Upstate New York is brimming with charming small towns, picturesque landscapes, and hidden gems that make for the perfect romantic escape! Whether you're into mountainside retreats or dreamy lakeside getaways, we got you covered with these handpicked date ideas to add a dash of romance (and adventure!) to your Valentine's Day.
1. Grab drinks at Scribner’s Lodge
Iceskating at the "Glice" Rink, enjoying s'mores by the firepit, relaxing at the sauna, and then grabbing drinks at The Prospect - how more perfect can this date-cation get?? Scribner's Lodge has every amenity that you need to enjoy a winter wonderland retreat and their restaurant serves a "playful twist on local cuisine inspired by the rich and diverse offerings of The Catskills".
2. Go on a snowboarding or ski trip to Hunter Mountain
Go out and enjoy Winter while you can! Hunter Mountain is a great place to ride through the slopes and maybe even try some snow tubing! The resort has plenty of food options to choose from and classes if it would be your first time trying out any winter sports. Bonus points if you luck out with a Bluebird Day!
3. Visit Samuel’s Sweets (and maybe even get a chance to see Paul Rudd!)
Wait, did we just say Paul Rudd?! Yup. Fun fact: Samuel's Sweets in Rhinebeck is owned by Paul Rudd, Julie Rudd, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Hilarie Burton! In 2014, the shop faced the possibility of shutting down due to the passing of its owner, Ira Gutner. It was then when Paul, Jeffrey and their spouses, Julia & Hilarie, stepped in to purchase the shop! With years of memories attached to Samuel's, both for themselves and countless others in the area, they couldn't bear the idea of the beloved establishment closing its doors. Rudd especially believes in the importance of community and feeling connected to where you live. So viola! The more you know!
4. Stay for the weekend at Shandaken Inn
Shandaken Inn is a cozy, luxurious bed and breakfast nestled in The Catskills. The inn has been welcoming guests for almost a hundred years and is only two and a half hours away from New York City. Enjoy their 12+ private acres of land, rustic yet modern beautiful bedrooms, grab a delicious bite at their on-site restaurant, The Clubhouse, and enjoy the complementary breakfast served every morning for guests.
5. Check out an indoor winter farmers market
Don't forget your farmers! Indoor farmers markets are just as great as outdoor ones, and you can still find fresh local foods grown with love. And it's not just veggies you'll find there: from beeswax candles, handmade chocolate truffles, herbal tinctures, tasty fresh breads, and more - you'll always stumble across something unique!
Check out the Troy Farmers Market, Schenectady Farmers Market, Saratoga Farmers Market, Empire State Plaza Farmers Market, and the Spa City Farmers Market this winter!
6. Enjoy some delicious local coffee at these spots:
Schenectady: Graham's Coffee Parlor
Burnt Hills: Cupola Coffee
Saratoga: Kru Coffee
Albany: JA Pequeño (Jacob Alejandro)
Troy: Little Pecks
Scotia: Storied Coffee
