I'm treating my parents to a trip at Christmas this year, and what I'd really like is to go somewhere that

1) Is easily drivable from NYC
2) Is snowy in a winter wonderland kind of way
3) Has the whole old-fashioned/small town/sleighride/twinkling lights/eggnogg by the fire vibe going on

NOTE: They don't ski, so we don't need a sporty snow resort at all. Would rather avoid that, actually.

Has anyone been anywhere this picture-postcard pretty? Or do such things only exist in Capra movies?

Also, if anyone has accomodation suggestions, please share those, too.

Your help is truly appreciated!

I think it's Saugerties, New York that has annual events that include dressing in Victorian era clothing complete with carolers, sleigh rides and the like. New Hope, Pennsylvania is also very quaint at Christmastime and there are many websites for both towns which list activities and accomodations.

I agree with New Hope Pa. Cape May New Jersey also comes to mind. The only problem with both towns, is I couldn't bet on there being snow in either places at Christmas. Maybe yes for New Hope. But certainly not Cape May.They do the Holidays up in an old fashion way. Also many B&B's. If snow on the ground is the ultimate requirement than I am not so sure. Perhaps upstate N.Y. or the New England states.

Please, Please .. not Saugerties, NY for Christmas. I grew up there (and have to go back for Christmas for family)and belive me with the exception of a little festival here or there (which is good for a weekend)and a little antique shopping there is nothing else there. And for the most part, they get very little snow in the wintertime any more (and mostly never at christmas).

You would probably be better off in New England, maybe in Glouster, MA or Rockport. Also suggest Woodstock, VT or Stowe, VT even though you don't want Ski type areas. They have a lot more things to offer.

Have fun.

Woodstock, VT is what came to my mind--lovely small walkable town, Woodstock Inn w/ fireplaces, lovely dining rooms, but I suspect most places like that might already be booked solidly for Chritmas this year. I w ould call them right away, even just to inquire before you get your heart set on it.It's about a 5 hour drive from NYC, very easy (alll interstate highways until the last 5 miles or so)

Manchester, VT near Stratton is a great town. It has some great outlet shopping in a small town atmosphere. Plus, its rightr down the road for Stratton Mountain, a greeat place to ski or do other winter activites. stratton also has a small but charming base village. If you are willing to go further north, i would suggest Tremblant, in Quebec.

The Woodstock Inn in Woodstock, VT does Christmas very nicely. So does the Von Trapp Inn in Stowe, VT. You are more likely to have snow at the latter. Also, the original Von Trapps are still in charge and have Sound of Music singalongs and caroling for Xmas.

Quincy, Roxbury or anywhere near South Boston. Bring plenty of cash though.

The Lake Placid Lodge sounds like it would meet your needs. It is just beautiful, but is considered luxury accomadations(not sure what your budget is).Check out lakeplacidlodge.com
It would be a wonderful outing!

Burlington, VT

I assume Christmas would be great but it's a guess. A few years ago we went to Nantucket for Thanksgiving. STayed at the Jerrad Coffin House (Not sure of spelling) It was wonderful!!! One of the best holidays I ever had. Lovely New England inn, good food, nice bar, warm fire, pretty location. Make it a couple days, and the effort is worth it. Plan on flying becuase the ferry may be iffy due to weather.

Another one that might be easier from NYC area is Rhinebeck, New York. For the life of me I can't remember the name of the inn/hotel, that had a great chedder cheese soup. That did it - The Beckman Arms (I think.)

Otherwise, I would imagine taht any nice small inn in New England, mid-Atlantic, Virginia are.

Bethlehem, Pa.

If there's no room at the Inn, well, you know what to do. . .

But seriously, Bethlehem does Christmas beautifully--horse-drawn carriages, twinkling lights, Moravian cookies. Couldn't guarantee snow, though.

Also in Lake Placid is Mirror Lake Inn. It's right in the village of Lake Placid so you can walk to everything, 5 star dining. Lake Placid has many activities other than skiing!! I also second the idea of Woodstock, VT. Very pretty!!!!

There is also a Bethleham NY it's near Albany. I drove thru Hudson NY last Christmas and it looked beautiful.Not sure of any accomodations tho. If you ever decide to go further then NYC area try Cooperstown NY ,it's much more then baseball town . One of the most beautiful places in NY state.

another great place is the Berkshires... Stockbridge or Lenox, MA. Typical New England towns, very quaint. The Norman Rockwell Museum, The Red Lion Inn on Christmas Eve for caroling, hot spiced cider.. you can't beat it.

Saratoga Springs NY for the Victorian streewalk festival it is I think the beginning of december. Nothing more old fashioned then this downtown all decorated and truly old fashioned.

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Everyone one has been right about the probability of no snow in most areas. Why dont you overnight it in Vermont and then drive to Quebec City. You are likely to have some snow and you will be assured a most wonderful and festive atmosphere. You could stay at some really quaint places in the old city and not spend nearly what you would in Vermont. Plus the availabilty of lodging is better in Quebec too.

In my opinion practically the entire state of Connecticut screams Christmas and its certainly an easy drive from NYC. Litchfield County, Stonington,
the Mystic area is most likely all done up for Christmas too. Also North Conway, New Hampshire seemed very "Christmassy" please bear in mind this from a New Orleans perspective where Xmas is often near 80 degrees! To us anything New England is Christmas

Dear Liz:

I would suggest Newport Rhode Island. All the mansions will be done up for Christmas, and the old center of town will be done too, and I would bet plenty of strolling minstrals. There are many B&Bs in the area, my guess is that many will have fireplaces. There is also a nice Marriott on the waterfront.

As your paents are not into sport, I would think they will love viewing the mansions (please check to make sure of closing and opening times around Christmas.) It may be cold and windy on the coast, but that just makes the fire more inviting....Can't promise snow but they can't even promise that in New England.

Hope this is helpful.