Five Day Trips Over Winter Break

By Emily Grunes

Everyone’s favorite season is finally here! With Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza and the New Year just around the corner, the break is just days away. Although everyone loves school vacation, 11 days with nothing to do can get old fast. For most Croton kids, the constant quandary is finding something to do. For those of you going on a ‘staycation’ in Croton this break, here is a list of five, relatively cheap day trips. These day trips within an hour and a half from Croton are a great way to suppress the common case of “Croton Fever”.

Holiday Markets NYC

To really get into the holiday spirit this season, explore New York City’s festive holiday markets. Hop a train into from Croton into Manhatten for $22.50, and walk to some of NYC’s outdoor holiday bazaars for the best shopping and snacking in the area. I found the best markets to be Bryant Park, Union Square, and Columbus circle. Get lost in the hundreds of artisan gift stalls, and sample flavors from all around the world. I recommend trying hot chocolate from No Chewing allowed in Bryant park!

Ice Skating at Bear Mountain

The best way to get through the coldest winter days of December is to embrace them. This break, try ice skating at Bear Mountain State Park. This seasonal skating rink is out of a postcard, looking over the Hudson, and nearby mountains. The rink is open from 10:00 A.M to 7:30 P.M. with a five-dollar entrance fee per each hour and a half session. Go skating with your friends, and then warm up inside the Bear Mountain Lodge with some hot chocolate or tea.

Cross Country Skiing at Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park

Everyone dreams of a white Christmas. With some snow in next week’s forecast, there are so many ways to get out and enjoy it near Croton. One of my favorites is cross country skiing in Fahnestock State Park. The park offers 18 km of machine groomed trails for you to explore. Cross country skiing is a great way to get immersed in the winter woods, while also working off the ‘holiday break 15’. A full day ticket costs $10 for full access to the perfectly tracked trails.

Hike Popolopen Torn with a view of the Christmas Star

It may be strange to think about hiking in December, but now is actually one of the best times to climb some of the beautiful mountains nearby. My favorite for this holiday season is Popolopen Torne. This short but dramatic scramble gives a beautiful view of the Hudson Valley. there is also a view of the ‘Star of Bethlehem’ perched on Bear Mountain for the holidays. It is a 24-minute drive to get to Popolopen, and the hike itself is an approximately three and a half-hour loop. This hike is a favorite in the area and is a great way to get outside and spend a sunny winter day.

Lyndhurst Mansion Christmas

Visit Lyndhurst Castle in Tarry Town to travel back in time to a Victorian Christmas party. Lyndhurst Castle was constructed in 1838 and was home to some of the wealthiest New York families. Today, Lyndhurst Castle is open to the public and is restored to its former glory. For the holidays, Lyndhurst is decorated in extravagant Christmas decor of the 1800s. For a $16 ticket, you can tour the historic mansion and learn about the holidays in Westchester before during the 19th century.