ROMANCE BLOOMS AT ULSTER COUNTY TOURIST DESTINATIONS

KINGSTON, N.Y. (Feb. 3, 2011) – Valentine’s Day weekend is the perfect time to fall in love with Ulster County’s skiing, resorts, spa treatments and gourmet food.  Across the county, a host of establishments are offering special packages of exhilarating, refreshing and comforting romantic activities at reasonable rates.
“This year, Ulster County has a special array of inviting deals and packages for those looking to enjoy some snow and romance around Valentine’s Day,” said Richard J. Remsnyder, tourism director for Ulster County Tourism. “Whether you’re looking for fun outdoors or indoors, there is a lot to take advantage of here this winter.”
If you’re looking for a heart-warming spa treatment or a weekend delighted by chocolate, Mohonk Mountain House is offering two packages – a Harmony Couples Massage package and an Art of Chocolate package for the weekend.
The massage package is on Feb. 13 and 14. Enjoy an aromatic side-by-side massage featuring Mohonk’s own custom blend of essential oils of ylang ylang, orange, sandalwood and jasmine to promote a sense of romance, comfort and harmony. The session ends with a warm stone massage of the neck and shoulders. The cost is $250 per couple for 50 minutes; room rates start at $165 per person, per night based on double occupancy, which include dinner and breakfast, afternoon tea and cookies and resort activities (swimming in the indoor heated pool, fitness classes, yoga and meditation, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snow-tubing). Reservations: 800-772-6646. www.mohonk.com
The Art of Chocolate package is Feb. 11 through 13, with demonstrations and tastings planned throughout the weekend. Those sessions include Sunday’s highlight events – an hour with cookbook author Lora Brody, who will help guests make their own chocolate bar in this hands-on session, and a guided tasting, complete with a visual tour of the chocolate shops of Paris, by chocolatier Oliver Kita. Rates for the two-night stay begin at $217 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. Reservations: 800-772-6646. www.mohonk.com
Belleayre Mountain is hosting Save A Pet Day Valentine’s Couple’s Race on Feb. 13. Make a $25 donation to the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society and get registered for the Valentine’s Day Ball and Chain Couples Race. The Humane Society will show off some of their pets available for adoption. Husbands and wives, parents and kids, and friends will be connected by a “ball and chain” for the race. www.belleayre.com
Seeking the thrill of a good murder mystery? Go to dinner at the Holiday Inn Kingston for “GK’s 80th Valentine’s Day Birthday.” Mingle and interrogate outrageous characters to gather clues and determine who the killer really is. Seating begins at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12, and the cost is $39.95 per person. The Holiday Inn also offers a live band in Gather’s Feb. 11-13 and provides an option to purchase lift tickets for skiing. Reservations: 845-338-1299. www.hikingston.com
The Emerson Resort & Spa has a wonderful twist on the holiday for those looking to lure their love by making their own culinary delights. Emerson’s gourmet chef, Curt Robair, is presenting a cooking class before the holiday weekend – from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 9, called “Learn to Cook with Natural Aphrodisiac Foods.” The curriculum will include making a meal of lobster, shrimp and scallops in a delicate crepe purse with sweet amaretto cream; filet mignon on truffled mashed Yukon gold potato, sautéed asparagus and a wild mushroom demi-glace; and hand-rolled chocolate truffles. The cost is $175. Reservations: 845-688-2828. www.emersonresort.com
The River Rock Health Spa is featuring its new Woodstock Peace and Love Menu of services that includes a “Do You Believe in Magic” couples package where you can enjoy a side-by-side sandalwood aromatherapy Swedish massage, as well as an organic sweet red rose facial for her and an organic thermal mud facial for him. The package costs $429 for two and allow three hours as this package also includes complimentary champagne, hot cocoa and chocolate treats. Reservations: 845-679-7800. www.riverrock.biz
If seeking something a little more spiritual, Mount St. Alphonsus in Esopus is having its Married Couples Day from 1 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 12. Married couples are invited to celebrate and thank God for the graces they have received throughout their life together as a couple. There will be a Eucharistic celebration and a renewal of marriage vows followed by a candlelight group dinner. The cost is $65 per couple. Reservations: 845-384-8000. Overnight accommodations are available. www.mountsaintalphonsus.org
Hudson Valley Resort & Spa in Kerhonkson is offering a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries upon arrival as well as a continental breakfast each morning from Feb. 11 to Feb. 14. Treat yourself to the spa facilities or a massage, dip in the pool or warm yourself in the Jacuzzi. The cost is $149 per room per night with some suites available at $239. Reservations: 888-948-3766, ext. 3090. www.hudsonvalleyresort.com
Nothing says romance like Ol’ Blue Eyes and Michael Dell presents “The Little Sinatra Show,” which promises to be a night of Sinatra like you’ve never seen him before. Enjoy a romantic dinner and dancing starting at 5 p.m. at the Skytop Steakhouse, which overlooks Kingston. Reservations: 845-340-4277. www.skytopsteakhouse.com
Pair wine with chocolate and cupcakes in sinful combinations at the Robibero Family Vineyards for the “Sweet and Sinful Revenge” package from 4-5 p.m. Feb. 12. One can sample four different wines while learning about the history of the grapes and the art of pairing. The cost is $15 per person. Reserve by Feb. 10 at Rnywine@yahoo.com. www.rnewyorkwine.com
Rondout Inn’s “Romantic Getaway Weekend for Two with Brunch” package includes a lovely deluxe Sunday brunch at top-rated Ship to Shore restaurant on the Kingston waterfront after enjoying a full continental breakfast and welcome bottle of champagne in your room. The inn is set above an antique shop in the heart of the city’s historic district, among galleries and specialty shops and fantastic restaurants. The cost is $350 per couple. Reservations: 845-399-2902. www.rondoutinn.com
Whitecliff Vineyards in Gardiner features a sparkling wine and truffle tasting, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Feb. 12 and 13, which includes Whitecliff’s artisanal wines and the work of Rosendale’s Lagusta’s Luscious. Demonstrations by two Hudson Valley artists are part of the experience from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday as sculptor Robert Breur and painter Vince Natale will be on hand producing Whitecliff-inspired works as part of the year-long event, Art & Wine in the Hudson Valley. Tastings are $12 and include a souvenir Whitecliff glass. No reservations necessary. www.whitecliffwine.com
The Phoenicia Loft, a haven for lovers, writers, artists, musicians and outdoor enthusiasts, this month provides a romantic hideaway in the heart of the Catskills featuring luxurious, modernist comforts. Enjoy the soaker tub, steam shower and radiant floors all at a special rate this month. The reclaimed barn wood, wide pine floor boards and mountain views add to the ambiance as do the bottle of prosecco and chocolates. The cost is $375 per couple. Reservations: 845-688-2941. www.phoenicialoft.com
Highland Manor Bed and Breakfast’s “Romantic Getaway Package” includes a choice of its garden, country or Tuscany suites, all with Jacuzzi tubs from Feb. 11 to Feb. 15. The rooms include relaxing bath salts, aromatherapy candles, specialty chocolates, fresh cut flowers, a specially packed picnic of fresh fruit, assorted gourmet cheeses and a bottle of sparkling cider. Enjoy a full gourmet breakfast in the cozy dining room. The cost starts at $410 per couple for two nights. Reservations: 845-691-9080, with at least a two-day advance notice. www.highlandmanorbandb.com
Catskill Rose Lodge & Dining in Mount Tremper this month offers two chilled splits of sparkling wine, a rose and chocolates in your room as well as $10 dinner specials plus a full bar, wine cellar and tasty desserts. The cost is $259 per couple. Reservations: 845-688-7100. www.catskillrose.com
The Inn at the Ridge Bed & Breakfast in Wallkill is offering a third night free when a Friday and Saturday night are purchased. The package runs the entire month and includes 12 long stem roses, a bottle of wine from a local vineyard, dinner for two at Lombardi’s Restaurant and the inn’s legendary six-course gourmet breakfast that includes a sparkling bellini peach nectar cocktail. The cost is $375. Reservations: 845-895-9251/845-565-0527. www.innattheridge.com
Mountain Meadows Bed & Breakfast in New Paltz offers two-night stays between Feb. 13 and Feb. 18 for a full breakfast, afternoon refreshment and a box of chocolates. The cost is $250 per couple. Reservations: 845-255-6144. www.mountainmeadowsbnb.com
Guests at The Renwick Clifton House Bed & Breakfast in Saugerties will arrive to amazing Hudson River views from this 1812 Southern-style mansion. Cuddle up next to a warm, cozy fireplace in the library or parlor and then settle into one of the well-appointed rooms. Enjoy a massage and afternoon tea. Savor exotic, organic chocolates prepared by a local chocolatier. Purchase a bottle of wine from a nearby specialty shop (complimentary gift certificate provided). Dine in a top-rated restaurant and enjoy a gourmet breakfast at the Clifton House. Call for cost and reservations: 246-0552. www.renwickclifton.com
If fine dining at an 18th century Dutch Colonial mansion will warm your valentine, try The Inn at Stone Ridge. Enjoy its gourmet restaurant and fireside dining. Call for reservations: 845-687-0736. www.innatstoneridge.com
The Howard Johnson Inn in Saugerties provides one night’s lodging and lift tickets for two at Hunter Mountain between Feb. 11 and 14. Call for rates and reservations: 845-246-9511. www.hojo.com/hotel/01656
For more information on Ulster County tourism events: www.ulstercountyalive.com
Caption:
Mohonk – Chocolate roses will be part of the festivities at Mohonk Mountain House’s The Art of Chocolate weekend starting Feb. 11-13. It’s one of the many Valentine’s activities in Ulster County.