Ulster County Family Staycation

Right in our backyard, literally for some in the Hudson Valley is Kingston, NY.  Just an hour from 684/84 intersection, this quaint city along the water is great to escape the hustle and relax.  My friend and I plus our two kids escaped for a night away in March, we checked out the city and then checked into the Best Western PLUS for the night and the kids did not want to leave.  Sometimes going away yet staying close is just want you need to refocus.

Just down on Wall Street, our first stop was at Kingston Candy Bar, an adorable family run old school feel.  Family owned and run, we picked out all our favorites from Jelly Belly, candy necklaces, brick candies and mini jawbreakers. Chocolate bunnies for spring and peppermint candy sticks filled our bag by the time we were done.  The 1:1 customer service per a group, and staff only touching our choices were some precautions done during this time.

While we found many of the stores closed on Tuesday, weekends the street is bustling with shopping, food and leisure stores all around.  Check hours before visiting mid week.

Dinner was delicious, we visited the SKYVIEW Mexican Restaurant with food for days. Kids refilling their chips and rice just as fast.  Moms at their own table, we enjoyed fajitas, margaritas and the view.  XVUGDUGFK is a must stop when visiting Kingston and the area on way home from a ski or hiking trip. Taco Tuesday anyone?

Back at the Best Western Plus, the kids changed into their bathing suits, begging for quarters for the arcade game.  The saltwater indoor pool in center the courtyard was great for them, just what they needed while we had some drinks and deserts from the bar.  Our room location was just outside the pool, great access to go back and forth, the courtyard was beautiful, a few tables spaced out due to COVID restrictions. The kids stayed occupied until bedtime.

Breakfast was from the delicious hidden gem Half Moon Roudout Cafe.  Chai tea, donuts made right there and crumb cakes.  We sat outside enjoying our food before we left for our next adventure.  Check them out for your coffee run needs.

Last stop of our trip, Belleayre Mountain for a day of riding.  On a beautiful Wednesday, we jumped in the gondola and were up at the top in no time.  My daughter and I hit some diamonds before our friends joining us.  Lunch we ate outside on the patio in the sun, a blue sky day.  Are you the parent of a 3rd or 4th grader? Did you know Belleayre participates in the iSkiNY program where they ski/ride free with an adult throughout the season, just pay a processing fee.  Also Belleayre, Gore and Whiteface are apart of the New York State Big3 ski pass too.  A great mountain for a day or overnight trip in the Hudson Valley region.

Disclosure:  Some attributes of this post were sponsored, all opinions as always are my own and honest.