ZIG ZAG... - One of the hottest new ways to ride a New York mountain is by Alpine Coaster! Similar to a roller coaster, cars on a track take you up to the apex for a thrilling ride down, zigzagging and spiraling all the way! Check out the new Mountain Coaster at Holiday Valley resort in Ellicottville (716/699-2345; holidayvalley.com) and the Alpine Mountain Coaster at Greek Peak Resort (800/955-2754; greekpeak.net) in the Finger Lakes region.
...and ZIP! - Other new adventure attractions across the state include Big Bear Ziplines (888/947-2294; bigbearziplines.com) at Hyde Park in the Hudson Valley. In the Catskills, the New York Zipline at Hunter Mountain, the longest and highest in North America, offers thrills for the whole family with zips and canopy tours from tame to wild. 518/263-5580; huntermtn.com)
TAKE TO THE AIR - Take an inspiring walk through history aboard The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, open year-round in New York City. Set on the historic aircraft carrier, this national icon thrills both children and adults with amazing interactives like flight simulators and historic re-creations. Tour the inside of the Growler submarine or the Concorde's first-class cabin. Get a close-up look at nearly two dozen aircraft on the Flight Deck, and enjoy lunch on the Mess Deck. To experience life aboard The Intrepid, check out the new schedule of “Operation Slumber” overnight visits for families. 877/957-7447; intrepidmuseum.org)
WINTER SPLASHDOWN - Greek Peak Mountain Resort in the Finger Lakes features perfect 84° weather year round inside the Cascades Waterpark, with over 500 feet of water slides, a wave pool, and lots of other splashy fun. 800/955-2754; greekpeak.net)
BLISS BY THE SEA - Sure the beach crowd is gone, but with year-round winery tours, fine dining, charming shops and posh spas, The Hamptons are now a hot destination for a winter getaway. Bonus: The “off-season” rates are newsworthy, too! Nestled amid the dunes of Montauk, Gurney’s Resort Inn & Spa (631/668-2345; gurneysinn.com) has dressed up for the season with newly decorated spa facilities. Check out the host of heavenly new spa packages designed to revitalize you, too! The spectacular ocean views from your cozy room or the king-size heated seawater swimming pool (surrounded by floor to ceiling windows) will renew your spirit.
Camera ready: Gurney’s also prides itself as the only resort with its own talk show. The award-winning American Dream Show filmed at Gurney's Inn is aired throughout New York and New Jersey and watched world-wide on HamptonsTV.com. Shows are filmed once a month, with the big blue Atlantic Ocean as backdrop. If you time it right, you can be a part of the live audience.
This winter’s “Bliss Package” at the elegant Quintessentials B&B & Spa (800/444-9112; quintessentialsinc.com) in Long Island’s wine country will pamper you with spa treatments, candlelight brunches, afternoon teas, and other delights as well as discounts for North Fork wineries and local restaurants.
MOUNTAINTOP LUXURY - Our famous Adirondack hospitality continues to win prestigious awards! The Whiteface Lodge at Lake Placid (800/903-4045; theWhitefaceLodge.com) was just named one of the "Top 10 Ski Lodges in the US" by the Lance Armstrong Foundation and ranked first in the Northeastern US on Travel+Leisure's "Top 500 Best Hotels in the World."
'TIS THE SEASON TO BE TASTING! - Award-winning wineries across New York are hosting seasonal events as well as tours and tasting throughout the winter. (585/394-3620; uncorkny.com)
COOL CULTURAL UPDATES - Art and performance centers throughout the state are all dressed up in seasonal finery! The Metropolitan Museum in Manhattan (212/535-7710; metmuseum.org) is celebrating its new galleries and exhibits with events featuring world-renowned artists. Catch a Patti Smith concert inspired by the exhibit Stieglitz and His Artists: Matisse to O'Keeffe, and holiday concerts performed by Paul Winter, Judy Collins, and the Vienna Boys Choir. Check out nycgo.com for information on New York City events and shows. See new productions of Broadway’s The Addams Family (12/6-11) and Les Miserables (2/28-3/4) at Shea’s in Buffalo’s Theater District. 716/ 847-1410; sheas.org)
MAKE TRACKS TO THE ADIRONDACKS - A stylish new train connects the Adirondack village of North Creek with Amtrak service at Saratoga Springs. The scenic Saratoga/North Creek line runs along the Hudson River to skiing and other winter fun at Gore Mountain, springtime whitewater rafting and mountain biking, and strolling amid North Creek’s friendly Main Street shops, inns and restaurants year-round. With full-length dome cars from the famous 1950s Super Chief and vintage stainless steel double-deck coaches, you’ll travel in comfort and style. Sit back and relax over a leisurely meal, a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine as the magnificent scenery slides by!
Saratoga & North Creek Railway: 877/726-7245; sncrr.com)
Amtrak: 800/USA-RAIL (800/872-7245); Amtrak.com)
For information on more hot winter attractions throughout New York State, CLICK HERE.