16 Cozy Thanksgiving Getaways In Upstate New York You’ll Fall In Love With
When the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, I can’t help but think about escaping to somewhere cozy for Thanksgiving.
Upstate New York offers some of the most charming and inviting spots where you can relax, enjoy delicious food, and create wonderful memories with your loved ones. From historic inns to lakeside retreats, these destinations combine natural beauty with warm hospitality that makes the holiday truly special.
1. The Point Resort – Saranac Lake
It’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting than this secluded retreat on Upper Saranac Lake. The resort sits tucked away from the world, offering you complete privacy and breathtaking views that change with every passing hour. Each room features rustic-luxe charm with wood-burning fireplaces that crackle softly while you watch the lake shimmer outside your window.
When Thanksgiving arrives here, you’ll experience intimacy like nowhere else. The staff treats every guest like family, preparing gourmet meals that rival any five-star restaurant.
If you’re looking for a getaway that combines luxury with wilderness beauty, this place delivers perfectly.
2. Winter Clove Inn – Round Top
Picture yourself walking through 300 acres of stunning Catskills landscape with fall colors painting every tree. Winter Clove Inn has been welcoming guests for generations, and the tradition continues with their spectacular Thanksgiving celebration. The inn’s warm atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Norman Rockwell painting.
Their traditional feast includes all the classics you remember from childhood, plus homemade pies that’ll have you asking for seconds.
I love how the property offers endless opportunities for outdoor exploration before dinner. Whether you’re hiking trails or simply relaxing on the porch, this inn captures everything wonderful about autumn in New York.
3. Curry Estate – Poughkeepsie
History comes alive when you stay at this magnificent estate overlooking the Hudson Valley. Built with incredible attention to detail, Curry Estate combines old-world elegance with modern comforts that make your stay unforgettable. The grand rooms and sweeping staircases remind you of a different era when craftsmanship mattered.
For Thanksgiving, the estate serves a buffet that perfectly blends traditional favorites with creative twists. Think roast turkey alongside bourbon-glazed sweet potatoes that add a sophisticated touch to familiar flavors.
Walking the grounds after your meal helps you appreciate both the food and the beautiful surroundings that make this place so special.
4. Beekman Arms – Rhinebeck
Did you know you can stay at America’s oldest continuously operating inn? Since 1766, Beekman Arms has hosted travelers seeking comfort and good food in the heart of Rhinebeck. The building itself tells stories through its weathered beams and antique furnishings that transport you back in time.
Their Thanksgiving buffet showcases classic American cooking at its finest. Butternut squash, cornbread stuffing, and carving stations with turkey and ham create a feast worthy of the inn’s historic reputation.
I find the combination of history and hospitality makes every meal here feel significant. Plus, Rhinebeck’s charming downtown sits just steps away, perfect for post-dinner strolls.
5. Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz
When I first saw this Victorian castle rising from the mountainside, I couldn’t believe it was real. Mohonk Mountain House looks like something from a fairy tale, with towers and turrets overlooking a pristine lake. The resort has maintained its historic charm while adding luxurious touches like an award-winning spa and cozy fireplaces in every room.
Thanksgiving here means indulging in an elaborate buffet while kids enjoy special activities designed just for them.
The property offers miles of hiking trails where you can work up an appetite before the feast. Everything about this place feels magical, from the architecture to the attentive service that makes families return year after year.
6. Inn at Cooperstown – Cooperstown
Baseball fans and romance seekers both find happiness at this charming inn near the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The rooms and suites feature stunning details that make you feel pampered from the moment you arrive. Cooperstown itself offers small-town charm that’s especially lovely during Thanksgiving when the tourist crowds have thinned.
Their winter packages include hearty breakfasts and special deals that make extended stays affordable. I appreciate how the inn balances historic character with modern amenities, giving you comfort without sacrificing authenticity.
After exploring the town’s museums and shops, returning to your cozy room feels like coming home to a place you’ve always known.
7. The Roxbury Experience – Roxbury
If quirky and fun describe your ideal vacation, you’ll absolutely adore this whimsical destination. Each themed room at The Roxbury Experience offers something completely different, from retro designs to fantasy settings that spark your imagination. The creativity here makes you feel like you’re staying in an art installation rather than a regular hotel.
Thanksgiving in the Catskills means access to fall festivals and scenic hikes that showcase nature’s beauty. The location puts you close to charming towns where local shops sell handmade crafts and delicious treats.
I love how this place doesn’t take itself too seriously while still providing excellent service and comfortable accommodations.
8. Emerson Resort & Spa – Mount Tremper
Nature and luxury merge beautifully at this resort nestled along the Esopus Creek. Watching the water flow past your window while soaking in an outdoor hot tub creates pure bliss, especially when autumn leaves drift by. The resort also houses the world’s largest kaleidoscope, which sounds strange but actually provides a surprisingly mesmerizing experience.
For Thanksgiving, you’ll enjoy gourmet dining that emphasizes local ingredients and seasonal flavors. The spa offers treatments that help you truly unwind after a busy year.
I find the combination of natural beauty and pampering makes this spot ideal for anyone needing to recharge their batteries before the holiday season kicks into full gear.
9. Mirbeau Inn & Spa – Skaneateles
How often do you get to experience French elegance without leaving New York? Mirbeau Inn & Spa brings Provence to the Finger Lakes with stunning architecture and manicured gardens that look picture-perfect year-round. The attention to detail here impresses even the most discerning travelers who appreciate fine craftsmanship.
Their Thanksgiving offerings include spa treatments that melt away stress and dining experiences that rival anything you’d find in Manhattan. Skaneateles itself ranks among New York’s most beautiful villages, with boutique shops lining a charming main street.
After your spa day, strolling through town while enjoying the lake views creates memories you’ll treasure long after the holiday ends.
10. The Otesaga Resort Hotel – Cooperstown
Elegance defines every aspect of this lakefront resort that’s served guests since 1909. The Otesaga sits majestically on the shores of Otsego Lake, offering sweeping water views that change beautifully with the seasons. Its colonial architecture and impeccable grounds make you feel like you’ve joined an exclusive club from another era.
Thanksgiving dinner here means white-tablecloth service and carefully prepared dishes that honor both tradition and innovation. The resort’s golf course and recreational facilities give active families plenty to do between meals.
I’m always impressed by how the staff maintains such high standards while making everyone feel genuinely welcomed and valued throughout their stay.
11. Geneva On The Lake – Geneva
This Italian Renaissance-style villa transports you straight to the Mediterranean, despite being firmly planted in the Finger Lakes. Built in the 1910s, Geneva On The Lake combines European sophistication with American hospitality in ways that feel both exotic and comfortable. The lakefront setting provides stunning sunset views that paint the sky in brilliant colors.
For Thanksgiving, you’ll savor meals prepared with local wines and regional ingredients that showcase the area’s culinary excellence.
The intimate size means personalized attention from staff who remember your preferences. I love discovering the nearby wineries and returning to this elegant retreat where every detail has been carefully considered for your enjoyment.
12. The Sagamore Resort – Bolton Landing
Arriving at this resort on its own private island feels like discovering a hidden treasure. The Sagamore has welcomed guests since 1883, maintaining its Victorian grandeur while updating amenities to meet modern expectations. Lake George spreads out in every direction, with the Adirondack Mountains creating a dramatic backdrop that photographers dream about.
Their Thanksgiving celebration includes activities for all ages, from spa treatments to outdoor adventures on the lake. The dining rooms serve elaborate feasts that satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family.
Though the resort is large, it never feels crowded, giving you space to create your own perfect holiday experience surrounded by natural beauty.
13. Whiteface Lodge – Lake Placid
If you’re seeking ultimate luxury in the Adirondacks, this lodge delivers beyond expectations. Whiteface Lodge features massive suites with full kitchens, stone fireplaces, and furnishings that blend rustic charm with contemporary elegance. The resort sits minutes from Lake Placid’s Olympic venues, giving you access to world-class facilities and charming village shops.
Thanksgiving here means enjoying a spectacular feast while knowing your suite offers all the comforts of home.
The kids’ program keeps younger guests entertained while adults relax at the spa or explore nearby trails. I’m constantly amazed by how this property manages to feel both grand and intimate, creating an atmosphere where families genuinely connect.
14. The Lodge at Woodloch – Hawley
Though technically just across the border in Pennsylvania, this all-inclusive resort draws countless New Yorkers seeking complete relaxation. The Lodge at Woodloch takes the stress out of vacation planning by including meals, activities, and spa treatments in one package. You won’t need your wallet once you arrive, which feels wonderfully freeing.
Their Thanksgiving program features cooking classes, nature walks, and wellness activities that refresh both body and mind.
The cuisine emphasizes healthy preparations without sacrificing flavor, proving nutritious food can taste amazing. I appreciate how the resort encourages you to try new experiences while never pressuring you to do anything beyond your comfort level during your stay.
15. Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa – Lake Placid
Are you looking for a place where the scenery literally takes your breath away? Mirror Lake Inn sits right on the water’s edge, where the lake reflects surrounding mountains so perfectly you’ll question which side is real. The resort has been family-owned for generations, creating a welcoming atmosphere that larger chains simply can’t replicate.
Thanksgiving brings special menus featuring regional specialties and traditional favorites prepared with exceptional skill.
The spa uses local ingredients in treatments that connect you to the landscape around you. After your massage, sitting by the lake watching clouds drift past feels like meditation, helping you appreciate the simple beauty that makes this region so special.
16. The Inn at Erlowest – Lake George
This stone mansion rises dramatically from Lake George’s western shore like a castle from your favorite storybook. Built in 1898, The Inn at Erlowest combines historic architecture with boutique hotel amenities that make your stay memorable. Each room offers unique character, from tower suites to lakefront accommodations with private balconies overlooking the water.
For Thanksgiving, you’ll enjoy intimate dining experiences that feel more like visiting a friend’s elegant home than staying at a hotel. The inn’s smaller size means genuine connections with staff who share insider tips about the area.
I find the combination of history, natural beauty, and personalized service creates exactly the cozy escape that makes Thanksgiving truly special.
