Fortunately for some, Presidents Day falls on Feb. 15 this year, giving valentines one more day to celebrate and the opportunity to take a weekend getaway or just an overnight trip with your sweetie.
For those last-minute planners who aren’t looking to spend a fortune, there are great places to visit in Cortland, Syracuse and Ithaca. There are also options in Binghamton for those who aren’t looking to travel. Whether you want to rough out the cold weather and stay outdoors, go shopping or look for a new bar scene you still have time.
In Cortland, about 45 minutes away by car, the popular mountain resort Greek Peak offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing all day and for several hours at night. Greek Peak also features the Hope Lake Lodge and Waterfalls Spa, which can be a romantic getaway for couples.
Students can receive $8 off a day ticket and $4 off a night ticket for mountain activities with their BU ID. Greek Peak offers student discounts for season passes as well.
If you are interested in a little pampering, the resort offers package deals like the SKI + SPA Package, which includes a daily lift ticket and an Apr√É.√®s ski massage for $144 each. The SKI + SPA + STAY package, featuring a hotel room, a daily lift ticket and an Apr√É.√®s ski massage starts at $344 per night, plus tax. More packages are available and can be found on the resort’s Web site, www.greekpeak.net.
In Ithaca, which is also less than an hour away, you can find a mixture of outdoor and indoor possibilities.
You can check out the famous Gorges, as well as the Commons, which is a two-block pedestrian mall lined with shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. There is a great variety of places to eat that will satisfy any craving. If you want to check out the local bar scene and make it a longer stay, there are several hotels in the area at affordable prices.
If you are willing to travel a little farther, a great place to have fun with friends or a valentine would be Armory Square in Syracuse.
There you can find great shopping, restaurants, bars and art houses. Armory Square is also home to the Bristol IMAX Omnitheater, which is located in the Museum of Science and Technology. Not only are there plenty of things to do in Armory Square, but you can also find ice skating at Clinton Park or visit the notorious Dinosaur Bar-B-Que restaurant.
Jessica Smith, a junior marketing major, feels a trip to Syracuse is not complete without a little barbeque.
“It is a really authentic taste with a relaxed, fun atmosphere and there’s live music playing every night,” Smith said.
For those of you who would rather stay in the Binghamton area, Traditions at the Glen is a resort with a spa located in Johnson City. They offer a special “Couples Overnight Escape Package” which includes a one-night stay at the hotel, a couples’ massage and breakfast in bed for less than $400. They also have a Valentine’s Day Brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., which costs only $18.95 per person.
Whether you are looking for something adventurous like hiking through the Gorges or visiting the slopes at Greek Peek, or just looking for some different places to shop or eat other than the usual spots you go to in Binghamton, you have plenty of affordable options. So don’t miss out on the chance to experience new places or take a day trip with friends during the upcoming long weekend.