Time and the Valleys Museum
Grahamsville
The amazing stories behind the formation of the region’s reservoirs are fascinating. Interactive exhibits here will captivate children and adults. And after your museum visit, head west five miles on Route 55 to the Neversink General Store, where an array of tasty snacks awaits.
Winter hours: Thurs–Sun, noon–4 p.m; call in advance.
332 Main Street, 845.985.7700, www.timeandthevalleysmuseum.org
Kiwanis Ice Arena
Saugerties
In holiday weekends in December, you’ll find Santa driving the Zamboni on the Olympic-sized rink! There’s public skating on weekdays and weekends, and the Skating Club of Saugerties holds a skating school here.
Open daily, August through mid-March.
6 Small World Avenue, 845.247.2590, www.kiwanisicearena.com.
Catskill Mountain Country Store
Windham
After skiing at Windham, stop and savor hot chocolate and home-baked goodies at this country market/restaurant/bakery. If the kids get restless, step outside to visit the “looking zoo,” a replica of a pirate ship, and a short woodland path for exploring. Owners Natasha and Drew Shuster offer local products for sale, as well as stunning Christmas wreaths and trees. Make this unique attraction a family outing, even if you don’t ski!
Open Mon–Fri: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 5510 Route 23, 518.734.3387, www.catskillmtncountrystore.com
Florrie Kaye’s Tea Room
Carmel
Take a trip back in time and experience an elegant traditional English afternoon tea. The décor is eclectic and charming. Owner Gina Aurisicchio and her sister, Edi (pictured above), opened the business only three years ago, and they describe the cozy ambiance and attentive service as “an extension of what we do at home.” Gina’s niece Alix is in charge of the stunning rose gardens at the entrance.
Note: The first Children’s Christmas Tea will be held Tuesday, December 4, at 3:30 p.m. — call and reserve a seat.
Open Tues–Sun, 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
69 Gleneida Avenue, 845.225.TEAS, www.florriekayes.com
Woodstock resident Joanne Michaels is the author of 10 books, including The Hudson Valley and Catskills Mountains: Only the Best Places, published this year in its 10th edition.
