Warwick Barn House Winter Getaway

This winter has been a series of up-and-down weather—polar vortexes one week and unseasonably warm breezes the next. By early January, New York City still hadn’t seen enough snow for sled runs or snowmen. With Frozen-mania in full swing at home, we needed a snow fix, so we packed the car and headed for Warwick, NY.

A big NYC ski resort felt daunting with a one- and four-year-old, so we planned a manageable weekend in Warwick. We already loved the town for fall apple-picking trips; now we know it shines in winter too. For our overnight stay we booked a 1790s barn house just off the main street. Host Hanna was as warm as her retro-inspired space—she answered our pre-trip questions (including how to prepare for the looming snowstorm) and had the place ready for a snowy arrival.

We cobbled together last-minute snow gear (second-hand waterproof gloves for Elias were a $3 score) and queued Disney’s Frozen soundtrack on repeat. The drive up I-87 and onto 17A took about an hour and ten minutes. By the time we reached the rollercoaster hills near Sterling Forest the kids were squealing with delight, and we were grateful for four-wheel drive.

Mount Peter—one of the few remaining family-run ski areas in the U.S.—was our first stop. We booked Elias into Pete’s Pals, the toddler ski class for ages four and under. Plan to arrive about an hour early so there’s time to sort rentals and wriggle kids into layers before class begins.

Mount Peter’s staff—from rental shop to ski school—were friendly, patient, and totally tuned in to families. Pete’s Pals pairs each kid with a lead instructor and a one-to-one buddy. Elias lucked out with a snowboarder who cheered him on and proudly dubbed him a “meat torpedo.”

After class (and a round of hot chocolate), we drove through Warwick’s historic district toward the barn house. Hanna greeted us with tips, and the kids immediately set off to explore every nook and cranny. The house is packed with quirky details yet spotless and fully stocked—from toys in the children’s room to a pastel retro kitchen. We accidentally went screen-free; the kids were too busy hopping from room to room.

I loved playing 1950s homemaker in that kitchen—brewing tea, simmering hot chocolate, and pulling dinner together while the kids set up camp in the toy-filled bunk room. By nightfall we were cozied up to the wood stove. Dad claimed official flametender status and kept the fire stoked until bedtime.

The next morning we squeezed in backyard sledding and snowman-building before brunch. Hanna had left a list of local favorites, so we drove 15 minutes to W. Rogowski Farm—an organic, family-owned farm in Pine Island. They serve weekend breakfast (and host a monthly field-to-fork supper club).

Their farm-to-table spread wowed even picky eater Elias; we ordered him a second Banana Chocolate Chip Dirt Bomb. Veggie omelets, bacon, greens, pancakes, and fresh-squeezed OJ disappeared in record time while Selena charmed the staff and Elias peppered everyone with questions about the farm store’s produce.

Rogowski Farm operates a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program with pick-up sites across the city—including the Bronx—so we plan to join when the harvest season begins in June. After browsing the farm store one last time, we loaded the car. The drive back to New York City was short, traffic-free, and blissfully quiet thanks to two sleeping snow bunnies in the backseat. Warwick winter tradition: officially in the books.