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Upstate New York on a Budget
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I missed out on the last of the fall foliage in my favorite upstate haunt of Woodstock, New York. But there's still time to see a fresh snowfall while the holiday spirit is hanging on. If you're like me, you probably have no use for cold; snow and slush come January 2nd.
Woodstock not only offers a cost-effective weekend or day-trip getaway, it's about 2 hours from Manhattan and is easy to explore. The main drag of town, Tinker Street, is peppered with restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. Bus service from Port Authority lets off in this area and you can easily walk from one end of the strip to the other in under half an hour.
Cost break down: A mid-week round-trip adult fare to Woodstock from Port Authority runs about $36 on Trailways. Weekends will run $51.50 or more. If you're going with a group, sign-up for a zip car for the day, or priceline.com your way to a rental car.
My favorite pick for coffee or a beer is upstairs at Joshua Cafe (845-679-5533, 51 Tinker Street) where a cozy, quaint, cabin-style loft hosts live music and performances year-round. Starbucks and brews are on hand for a slightly deflated cost compared to New York standards.
Joshua Cafe is also a great pick for brunch, serving up omelets, falafel, and world cuisine. Try two eggs any style with toast and fruit for $5.50 or a falafel sandwich for $5. Weekend reservations for groups are recommended, and show up early for a seat near the window. For an inexpensive lunch option, Taco Juan's (845-679-9673, 31 Tinker St) serves up cheap spicy favorites, chips, ice creams, and coffee.
Woodstock's legacy is steeped with art and music, and there are a handful of free galleries to tour. Try the Center for Photography at Woodstock (845-679-9957, 59 Tinker Street), Woodstock Artist's Association (845-679-2940, 28 Tinker Street) for ongoing exhibitions. You can also check with the Woodstock Camber of Commerce for monthly concerts and entertainment. I've also discovered impromptu street performances year-round.
Woodstock Wines (845-679-2669, 33 Tinker Street) and Liquor for one of their regular wine tastings or pick up an inexpensive bottle to take back to your room for a frugal evening while watching the snowfall. My favorite spot for local lodging is the Woodstock in on the Millstream (800-420-4707, 48 Tannery Brook Road) where Bob Dylan allegedly stayed during Woodstock's musical rennaissance. Rates start at $129 for their smallest room with breakfast and often require a 2 or 3 night stay on peak weekends and holidays. The Millstream is about a five-minute walk from Tinker Street, where you can dine and drink without worrying about driving.
For more frugal options, stick closer to Kingston where chain hotels including Marriott and Holiday Inn abound. Right now, hotels.com is offering a rate of $99 for a 2-night stay at the Holiday Inn Kingston, less than a 10-mile drive from Woodstock. You'll need a car to get into Woodstock from the hotel, or check with the hotel about local cab rates.
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Email me your budget travel questions and challenges at travelexaminer@yahoo.com. I'll post them here and help you get on the open road.
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