This winter you can plan a weekend getaway filled with live entertainment, an ice festival and family-friendly adventures. Here are places on Long Island and north of town where seasonal fun abounds. COVID restrictions vary from place to place; be sure to check what is currently in force before you visit.
NORTH FORK
Pop-up museum at Tanger Riverhead
That Long Island Science Center has opened a pop-up edition over at the large outlet center in Tanger One. Open daily, kids can try drone racing, an augmented reality sandbox plus a virtual reality exhibit, 3D printer pens and a pixel art station. Guests can explore an interactive Leonardo da Vinci invention exhibition, and STEAM classes begin in January. Admission is $ 15 per person.
INFO Suite 401, 1770 W. Main Street; 631-208-8000, sciencecenterli.org
Sticks vineyards
Order hot mulled wine, cookies and enjoy live music on Saturday afternoon this winter. The winery is hosting a cupcake-and-wine pairing on Jan. 9, Jan. 30, Feb. 13 and Feb. 26 ($ 30). Live music will continue into February on Saturdays and Sundays. A paint-and-sip decoration of wine glasses will be held on February 6 ($ 40). Reservations are required for both events.
INFO 37645 Main Rd., Peconic; 631-734-6200, pindar.net
Long Island Aquarium
The aquarium is home to and hosts a wide variety of living marine and terrestrial animals. Check out the “Sea Lion Coliseum,” a live sea lion show held outside year-round and daily through January and February. $ 39.99 (ages 13-61), while seniors pay $ 29.99 and children (ages 3-12) are $ 27.99 (ages two and younger are free).
INFO 431 E. Main St., Riverhead; 631-208-9200, longislandaquarium.com
Sound View Greenport
The hotel offers the holiday package “A Wild Wild Winter” until 31 March. Stay two or more nights in the middle of the week (Monday to Thursday on selected dates) and save 30% on prices.
INFO 58775 CR-48, Greenport; 631-477-1910, soundviewgreenport.com
HAMPTONS
Candles Fridays in Wölffer Estate Vineyard Taste room
Wölffer Estate Vineyard Estate Vineyard holds this series of live music from 5pm to 8pm Fridays until the end of February. Guests can buy wine by the glass or bottle as well as charcuterie and cheese plate.
INFO 139 Sagg Rd., Sagaponack; 631-537-5106, wolffer.com
Southampton Skating Rink
Public skating sessions are offered daily and sessions must be booked in advance for weekends and holidays. Weekday rates are $ 15, $ 12 for children; weekends $ 20 for everyone. Skates can be rented for $ 5 (cash only).
INFO 668 CR-39, Southampton; 631-283-2158, southamptonicerink.com
The Green Room at Sag Harbor Cinema
Once you have your cinema ticket, you can hang out in the Green Room until showtime. Stay tuned for the movie for more relaxation. The bar offers a signature cocktail menu with chic movie-inspired snacks like “Fear and Loathing in Sag Harbor” and “May the spritz be with you.”
INFO Hovedgade 90; 631-725-0010, sagharborcinema.org
Hamptons Jazz Fest Winter Series
The Hamptons Jazz Fest is scheduled to hold performances Parrish Art Museum (279 Montauk Hwy., Water Mill; 631-283-2118, parrishart.org) and Southampton Arts Center (25 Jobs Ln., Southampton; 631-283-0967, southamptonartscenter.org). Greg Lewis and his group Organ Monk are scheduled for February 25 in Parrish and Manuel Valera and the New Cuban Express are set for the Southampton Arts Center on March 18.
INFO hamptonsjazzfest.com
Southampton Inn
The hotel offers winter deals on Martin Luther King Jr. the weekend (January 15-16) and the President’s Week (February 14-20). Book a room for $ 145, get another room for only $ 72.50 the same night.
INFO 91 Hill St .; 631-283-6500, southamptoninn.com
GEORGE LAKE
Isslotte
The festival, located at Charles R. Wood Park in Lake George, consists of ice castles, a maze, caves, slides and crawling tunnels. Sculpted by craftsmen who have built-in lights to make each castle light up and change colors in time with the accompanying music. $ 20 for ages 12 and older Monday through Thursday, $ 27 on weekends. Age 4-12 $ 15, $ 22 Fridays to Sundays. Check the website for dates.
INFO 17 W. Brook Rd .; icecastles.com
Ice sticks
Hotel guests staying at Glacier Ice Bar and Lounge at Sagamore Resort (110 Sagamore Rd., Bolton Landing; 518-644-9400, thesagamore.com) can sip cocktails at an ice cream parlor. The event (January 21-22 and January 28-29) includes ice-carving demos, live music and bonfires Fridays and Saturdays, fireworks Saturday night and outdoor rental igloos.
Adirondack Pub and Brewery (33 Canada St., Lake George; 518-668-0002, adkbrewery.com is scheduled to also hold its “Funky Ice Fest” on the 21st-22nd. and 28.-29. January. It will be held at its ice cream parlor and will feature live music, ice sculptures and dancing.
Lake George Winter Carnival
This month-long festival takes place on the weekends throughout February. Every Saturday and Sunday there will be events in the city’s Shepard Park, including a daily dog talent show, polar dives and bonfires on the beach. Highlights include the annual Outhouse Race (February 5), motorcycle and ATV ice skating (February 19-20) and car racing on Lake George (February 26).
INFO Canada St., Lake George; 518-668-5771, lakegeorgeintercarnival.com
Gore Mountain
There are more than 120 trails with terrain for all levels of expertise for skiers and a dozen cross-country skiing and snow opportunities.
INFO 793 Peaceful Valley Rd., North Creek; 518-251-2411, goremountain.com
Courtyard Lake George
For visitors attending the Winter Carnival or Ice Castles, Courtyard Lake George is nearby. Rates start at $ 119 per person. night.
INFO 365 Canada St., Lake George; 518-761-1150, modules.marriott.com
HUDSON VALLEY
Katonah Museum of Art
This season, the museum will offer films, lectures, concerts and workshops. Its current “Arrivals” exhibition (until January 23) focuses on immigration, displacement, race, resilience and more.
INFO 134 Jay St., Katonah; 914-232-9555, katonahmuseum.org
Empire State Plaza Ice Rink
Come glide within the view of the large state Capitol Building on this ice rink, which is open Tuesday through Sunday. Skates can be rented for $ 4 ($ 3 for children 12 years and younger), but free skate rentals are offered on Saturdays to everyone. There are also lockers and a pavilion concession area.
INFO Empire State Plaza, Albany; 518-473-6299, empirestateplaza.ny.gov
Renaissance Albany Hotel
It is close to the Capitol Building and features an upscale on-site restaurant, Wellington’s, which serves dishes made from locally grown and produced items. Prices start at $ 179.
INFO 144 State St., Albany; 518-992-2500, marriott.com
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