There’s something about a road trip that brings out the adventurer in all of us. The promise of open roads, unexpected detours, and quality family time makes even the smallest journeys feel special. This Sunday morning, we loaded up the car—kids bundled in puffy jackets, coffee cups filled to the brim, and a carefully curated karaoke playlist queued up. With the music blasting and spirits high, we set off on a winter adventure. Destination: Ulster County.
Our first stop? Meet up at My Father’s House in Nyack. Brunch and live music with our family cousins is always fun. There’s nothing like kicking off a trip with good food, good music and great company. Nestled in a cozy setting, this spot offered the perfect warm-up to our journey. As we settled in, the kids were quick to spot the variety of chicken and waffles. We all opted for that plus Mac n cheese and short ribs. Future us knew that we would be taking a lot of it for takeaway. I needed a coffee to stave off the impending coma. The live music added a special touch—soothing yet lively, setting the tone for trip.
From there, we drove two hours to our rental house, excitement buzzing in the car. But upon arrival, we realized a small challenge—lots of ice met our front-wheel-drive vehicle. Winter in upstate New York is no joke, and the slick driveway was a reminder of that. After some careful maneuvering (and a couple of deep breaths), our families managed to get settled in. The house itself was charming—warm, inviting, and the perfect hideaway for a few days of winter fun. The adults set up while the kiddos played. We were in for the night.
Monday morning greeted us with crisp winter air and the promise of fun. After a slow, cozy breakfast at the house, we headed out to Wood n Wheels, an indoor roller-skating and arcade spot that we knew the kids would love. 15-20 minute drive later, we were sizing up roller skates. I was not getting on rollerblades in front of my kids so they could shame me. Skates were a good choice as our kids had never been on wheels before and I got to show them how to do it. I was surprised how much came back to me so quickly as I haven’t been on skates in a very long time.
The moment we stepped inside the building, nostalgia hit. The roller rink had that classic feel—upbeat music, and a steady stream of skaters gliding (and sometimes stumbling) across the floor. The kids were eager to lace up, and after a few wobbly starts, they found their rhythm. We skated alongside them, laughing at our own awkward attempts while cheering them on.
After an hour or so of skating, we took a break at the arcade. It was a treasure trove of flashing lights and buzzing machines, racing games, and claw machines that, despite our best efforts, refused to relinquish their stuffed animal prizes. Video games are no longer 25 a play. The kids took turns racking up tickets, trading them in for small trinkets and candy before we finally peeled them away to head back to the rental.
Back at the rental house, the kids found a little hill for sledding. Then we settled in for a quiet evening—dinner hot cocoa and SNL’s 50th year celebration. It was the perfect way to recharge for the next big adventure: skiing.
Tuesday morning we packed up our things to head home by way of a ski day at Mount Peter. Located in Warwick, Mount Peter is known for being family-friendly and perfect for beginners. On the drive, the kids in both cars buzzed with anticipation. They would be getting lessons and parents would be drinking hot cocoa and rum. The slopes were still icy but the kids loved being in the snow. The instructors were patient, and the overall atmosphere was warm and welcoming.
The kids enjoyed the bunny trail and the icy slope while I sat in the chalet with the bags and hot chocolate. They had a few spills but after a while looked like pros. The day was a success. All they wanted was more. By the time we wrapped up, everyone was equal parts exhilarated and exhausted.
As we stood in the parking lot giving hugs, saying goodbyes and preparing to head home, there was a collective feeling that the trip had been too short but exactly what we needed—a mix of adventure, relaxation, and quality time together. From the music-filled car rides to skating and skiing, every moment had been a reminder of the joy that comes from stepping away from routine and embracing new experiences.
This long weekend had delivered the perfect winter getaway, and as we hit the road one last time, the kids already started asking: When can we do it again?
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