Christmas in New York City is amazing from the shopping to the shows, but it is also hectic and stressful and as every New Yorker knows, once in a while we all need to escape for a weekend or more if time allows. However, One doesn’t need to put their holiday shopping on hold on this weekend getaway as a trip to Ulster County provides plenty of shopping and dining opportunities as well as luxurious accommodations to rest and relax along the way.

Our first stop on our Ulster County Shopping tour brought us to the quaint town of Saugerties, NY. With a small town America feel there were stores like DIG, the inquiring minds bookstore, and the Saugerties antique center to get some holiday shopping in. Ulster County is known to be a huge spot for the antique lover. Our next stop was the Dutch Ale House for some great beer and amazing burgers, which they are known for.

Our final stop for the night was the 4 Star Diamond Mills Hotel. This 30 room boutique property offers gorgeous guestrooms and suites with balconies that offer views of Esopus Falls, which are lit up every evening for a magical feeling. This property also houses The Tavern, a restaurant and pub with a terrific menu, but was unfortunately not open the day we were there, on a monday. Every public space including the ballroom which is available for weddings has amazing views of the falls. For more info visit http://www.DiamondMillsHotel.com

Diamond Mills Guest Room

Esopus Falls View

Marble Bathroom Diamond Mills Hotel

DIG Saugerties, NY

Christmas Event Space Diamond MIlls Hotel

Tavern Diamond Mills

Tavern Library

The following day we continued our shopping tour to Kingston, NY where we had great coffee at the Monkey Joe roasting company while getting quite a lesson in coffee preparation from the very knowledgeable and friendly owners. We then visited Bop to Tottem, Tonner Dolls, Ellipse and Next Boutique before settling down for lunch at Savona’s. Tonner Dolls are the go to for serious doll collectors including celebrities like Demi Moore, Britney Spears and many more. Robert Tonner just opened his new doll boutique at 14 Hurley Avenue, Kingston, NY. For store hours and directions please call (845) 339-2960. Lunch at Savona’s was a very warm and delicious experience. With homemade pasta and warm bread this place was a great mid day stop in between touring the shops. Their $12.95 lunch special is unbeatable. It includes a salad, choice of pasta dish, soda, coffee or tea and a dessert. Please visit http://www.Savonas.com for more info.

Savonas Bar

Savonas

Our final stop of our shopping tour brought us to New Paltz, NY. The home of SUNY New Paltz this college town has seen an influx of expatriates from NYC especially Williamsburg, who crave a smaller town feel at a more affordable cost, at least for now, without giving up on amenities they are used to like great stores and good food. Isabellas Treasures was a favorite of ours. Isabella herself designs uniquely beautiful jewelry as well as curates a collection of pieces for sale by other designers in her boutique as well. She also has a gift shop and sells items for the home .The store is located at 7 N Front St. New Paltz, NY (845) 255-5100. Other shops we visited for holiday gifts included Verde, Rambling Rose and Noras Cottage.

Our final meal on our trip was at The Village Tearoom and Bake Shop in New Paltz. This farm to table restaurant serves up seasonal dishes such as Crisp Roasted Chicken, which is what I had, Chick Pea Stew, and Pan Seared Salmon. Incredibly fresh! The Honey Bee Cake is their specialty for dessert so make sure to leave room. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner or a visit to the bakery. Located at 10 Plattekill Avenue, New Paltz, NY (845) 255-3434

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