Resorts, bed & breakfasts offering special packages for romantic weekend
KINGSTON, N.Y. (Jan. 30, 2012) – Whether you want to indulge in fun or romance (or both) or dive into chocolate goodness, there’s sure to be something in Ulster County this Valentine’s Day weekend that will make the holiday one you won’t soon forget.
From hand-dipped strawberries to make-your-own cupcakes, local chocolatiers, wineries and lodging locations – are preparing for a weekend filled with fun, excitement and, most importantly, romance.
“Every year, Ulster County’s wineries, hand-made candy shops and resorts put together outstanding events and delicacies for Valentine’s Day,” said Richard J. Remsnyder, Director of Ulster County Tourism. “There are many great things happening this year, which are all contributing to making Ulster County a real destination for you and that special someone in your life.”
On Feb. 11, those who can’t get enough of wine and chocolate will want to head to the award-winning Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery in Gardiner for a special tasting of their rare sparkling wine paired with organic truffles from Lagusta’s Luscious, an organic and fare trade local chocolatier based in New Paltz. Also taking place that weekend (Feb. 11 and 12) is “Sweet & Sinful Revenge” at Robibero Family Vineyards in New Paltz, which offers the opportunity to indulge in wine, chocolate and cupcakes in many different “sinful” combinations.
If you want to spend the weekend with a fun activity for the whole family, there’s the build-your-own cupcake bar at JJ’s Rockin’ Cupcakes, which includes crafts. Taking place from noon-5 p.m. on Feb. 11-12, it’s a great way to get the kids involved in Valentine’s Day.
But you don’t need to go to one of our wineries or a special event to get to enjoy Ulster County’s sweet treats. Just pop into one of the five locally owned chocolate shops where the heart of this holiday comes alive.
Visitors to Kingston can stop into Michael’s Candy Corner where they’ll find large boxes of mixed chocolates and fresh strawberries hand dipped in decadent milk or dark chocolate. Or stop into the newest chocolate shop in the county, Kokokobi, for a visit with a friendly chocolatier making handmade chocolates, barks, chocolate-covered nuts and fruits and hand-rolled truffles. On Valentine’s Day you’ll want their most decadent offering – the Ingrid Bergman Truffle – a hand-rolled truffle with fresh crème covered in dark chocolate.
Travelers to Saugerties will also find two chocolate shops. A maker of exceptional candies for over 80 years, Krause’s Chocolates is a family-owned store run by a third generation confectioner who uses his grandfather’s recipes and hand-dipping techniques to make delightful chocolate treats. From Feb. 12-14 stop into their quaint shop overlooking the Esopus Creek to pick up fresh strawberries hand-dipped in chocolate or their special chocolate covered Carmel hearts. True chocoholics will want to indulge in their solid chocolate edible heart boxes filled with delicious hand-dipped assortments. Lucky Chocolates, found just up the street, create handmade, luxurious, small batch chocolates from organic and fair trade chocolate. Stop in and pick up a box of Love Sweet Love: A luscious collection of 15 passionate flavors including: Espresso, strawberry balsamic truffles; Passionfruit pate de fruits; Honey Pots (little chocolate beehives filled with locally produced honey) and raspberry pate de fruits.
How about a little art with your chocolate? Artist Jenny Lee Fowler will make an appearance Feb. 11-12 at Lagusta’s Luscious and Sweet Marisa’s Upstate Cupcake in New Paltz. The event will include an interactive silhouette paper-cutting activity that all are sure to enjoy, and participants will also be able to sample special chocolates in this shop founded by a passionate vegan chef. Lagusta’s Luscious artisanal chocolates combine a deep commitment to social justice, environmentalism and animal rights with the love of bold flavor of a true foodie and the obsessive commitment to artisan techniques of a chocolatier. Those looking for something other than the usual heart shaped candy will want to pick up the white chocolate strawberry bark, a homemade non-waxy, delicious vegan white chocolate gorgeously swirled into rich dark chocolate, studded with vibrant freeze-dried organic strawberries.
After all this sweet fun, you’ll need a sweet place to stay at a sweet price. Ulster County’s wide range of accommodations have specials going all week, making it convenient for you to get away from it all. Many places are offering spa and resort packages, so you can treat your special someone to a relaxing weekend this holiday.
“There’s no better place for Valentine’s romance than Ulster County,” said Remsnyder. “Our local businesses are making the weekend truly fun and romantic with all of their special deals and great events for couples and families alike.”
INFORMATION FOR EVENTS
Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery, 331 McKinstry Road, Gardiner, NY 12525
845 255-4613; yancey@whitecliffwine.com; www.whitecliffwine.com
Robibero Family Vineyards, 714 Albany Post Road, New Paltz, NY 12561
845 255-WINE; Rnywine@yahoo.com; www.robiberofamilyvineyards.com
JJ’s Rockin’ Cupcakes at The Shirt Factory, 77 Cornell Street, Suite#11, Kingston, NY 12401
845 750-934
CHOCOLATIERS
Lucky Chocolates, 115 Partition St, Saugerties
845-246-7337; www.luckychocolates.com/
Krause’s Chocolates, 41 South Partition Street, Saugerties
845-246-8377; www.krauseschocolates.com
Lagusta’s Luscious, 25 North Front Street, New Paltz
845-255-8834; http://www.lagustasluscious.com
KoKoKobi, 604 Ulster Avenue, Kingston,
845-331-1037; www.kokokobi.com
Michael’s Candy Corner, 773a Broadway, Kingston
845-338-6782; www.michaelscandycornerandflorist.com
VALENTINE’S DAY LODGING PACKAGES
Honor’s Haven Resort and Spa,
1195 Arrowhead Road, Ellenville, NY 12428
877-WOW-HAVEN; 845 210-1600; www.honorshaven.com
Why not affirm your love by booking the “Romance Getaway Package.” You’ll enjoy VIP accommodations along with a bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries with turn-down service. That evening, your first cocktail is on us in the Zephyr Lounge where you can show off your crazy dance moves. The next day take advantage of the Resort’s yoga and wellness classes designed exclusively for couples – learn how to give the best healing massage! Don’t forget to ask us about our spa treatment discounts – one more thing to make your trip an experience to remember! Rates are Weekday $140 / Weekend $155 per person per night, based on double occupancy (Rates are subject to prevailing NYS and local tax as well as an 18 percent resort fee.)
The Guest House at Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary,
35 Van Wagner Road, Willow, NY 12495
845-679-5955; info@woodstocksanctuary.org; www.WoodstockSanctuary.org
“A Room With a Moo Valentine’s Day Special”: After more than a year of eco-friendly renovations to their pre-Civil War farmhouse, Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary is proud to present their new, über-charming B&B. The Guesthouse offers a hearty, serve-yourself vegan continental breakfast, the luxury of restored claw foot tubs with showers, free WiFi, live rooster “alarm clocks” next door – with all of our other wonderful rescued farm animal friends just steps away! All profits earned go directly to the care of the organization’s 200-plus rescued farm animals and their advocacy work on behalf of farmed animals everywhere.
Valentine’s Week Special: From February 10-16 book a night and you’ll receive a box of Cocoa-V Chocolates and a certificate for 15 percent off dinner at Woodstock’s Garden Cafe (2 night minimum for Fri/Sat/Sun night stays).
Diamond Mills Hotel, Tavern & Conference Center,
25 S. Partition Street, Saugerties NY 12477
845-247-0700; www.diamondmillshotel.com
This new boutique hotel offers world-class cuisine, luxury accommodations and one-of-a-kind special events. Poised above the falls of the Esopus Creek in the historic Hudson River town of Saugerties, Diamond Mills has 30 guest rooms, each overlooking the falls and two spacious King Suites with living areas and rustic fireplaces.
Valentine’s Package: Your two-night stay in a luxury king or queen room includes a $50 Tavern Gift Certificate and a free Champagne breakfast in your room. $500/room (taxes and gratuities not included)
Emerson Resort & Spa, 5340 Route 28, Mt Tremper, NY 12457
877 688-2828, 845 688-2828; info@emersonresort.com; www.emersonresort.com
Ski, Spa & Seduction Package: Two mid-week (Sunday through Thursday) accommodations at the Lodge or Inn. One FREE Belleayre Mountain Lift Ticket (additional vouchers priced at just $30 each). Apres Ski Platter (cheese and fruit tray with a bottle of Emerson Private Label red or white wine). $200 Spa Voucher.
Need more romance? Ask about adding chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne and couples massages! Rates start at $661 for The Lodge and $759 for the Inn, not including tax and gratuities. Not available President’s Day Week (Feb. 19-23, 2012).
Holiday Inn/ Kingston, 503 Washington Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401
800 HOLIDAY (465-4329), 845-338-0400; ignnysales@cooperhotels.com; www.hikingston.com
Holiday Inn Kingston offers something different on Valentine’s Day – dinner and a murder mystery show, Lord Mansfield’s Fox Hunt Banquet, presented by Woodstock’s famous Bird on A Cliff Theater Company. Along with nobility, you’ll attend Lord Mansfield’s annual fox hunt banquet. As you enter Mansfield’s Mansion you’ll be greeted by Jeffries, the butler. He, the epitome of solicitousness and decorum, ushers you into an elaborate dining room where a boisterous maid is serving up hors d’oeuvres. Gypsies are preparing a feast and Lord Mansfield is concocting a potent home brew in the kitchen. Thievery, debauchery and magic occur as one of the characters meets an inevitable fate. Solving this crime will be a challenge for all! Seating at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, and the cost is $39.95 per person. Reservations recommended.
