Articles

Activities That’ll Make You Thankful for CNY Winters

Person skiing down McCauley Mountain

With all the snowfall that covers the landscape of Central New York, it is only customary that we have a plethora of winter activities to help explorers beat the winter blues. From wineries and breweries to outdoor or indoor activities, there is something in our region for everyone.

Outdoor Adventure

Tucked in the foothills of the Adirondacks right outside of Old Forge is McCauley Mountain Ski Area.  The mountain has a vertical slope of 633 feet with over 21 different trails. Woods Valley is another spot to shred. They offer endless options of trails and even a snow tubing hill for the little ones. Grab your snowboarding or ski buddies and hit the slopes.

A skier on McCauley Mountain with a view of snowy mountains
View from the top of McCauley Mountain

CNY is the home to many different hiking trails. Once the snow starts, they transform. Take on the different cross-country and snowshoe routes at one of the many state parks in the region. Explore the different wildlife that comes alive during the winter. A popular spot year round is Pixley Falls State Park, which is considered the Canal Trail portion of BREIA trails.

Miss being on the water? Don’t worry, get your ice fishing equipment ready and head to Delta Lake, one of the best locations for cold-weather angling.

Craft Beverage Journey

Tasting craft brews, hard ciders and wines are the perfect way to unwind during the winter months. Brew Central New York has a handful of different options for you to sip on during this time of year.

Fill your flight with tasty brews at Woodland Farm Brewery or test your gaming skills and hunker down at BBG’s, a “barcade” in Yorkville. From pilsners and IPAs to  stouts and ales, there is something for every beer drinker.

Nothing warms you up better than a spirit from Cooperstown Distillery. Not only do their spirits hit it out of the park, but you can always take a tour of the distillery and learn about the process.

Cooperstown Distillery sign
Cooperstown Distillery

Eat Your Way Through CNY

It’s eating season, so be sure to check out all the comfort food spots the region has to offer. Ray Brothers Barbeque in Bouckville is the place for delicious BBQ. According to Food Network, they have the best ribs in New York.

Utica is the home to the delicious and savory chicken riggies. They pride themselves on being the originators of this Italian American dish that is an Upstate New York staple. Taste this popular dish for yourself at Bella Regina of Utica.

Tasty tacos and good times are what you can expect when you eat at Garage Taco in Binghamton. They offer you a variety of different tacos that will fuel the soul.

Woman holding tray of Ray Brothers famous BBQ ribs
Ray Brothers ribs

Discover Your Inner Sports Fan

Looking for a sports fix? If you are a hockey fan, we have the perfect thing for you. Grab your sport-loving friends and cheer on the Utica Comets, an AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks, or root on the Binghamton Black Bears.

CNY is also home to the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, two locations that are full of sport history. Discover memorabilia from famous athletes who influenced the sport, world as we know it.

Hockey player celebrating a score on goal
Comets hockey player celebrating a goal

No matter where your winter travels take you, be sure to make a stop in CNY.