Baby, it’s cold outside.

So what!

You don’t have to be outdoors to have fun. Instead, plan a heart-of-the-winter weekend getaway to one of the many cozy and comfortable hideaways in the Catskill High Peaks. You don’t have to be a skier, snowboarder, or ice climber to enjoy all of the indoor winter fun that the High Peaks has to offer.

All you have to do is fold your arms, nod your head, blink once and you’re there. Okay, so maybe it’s not that easy, but if you don’t ski—even if you do—and you’re looking for an über-cool place in the northern Catskills to stay, hop on a Pine Hill Trailways bus and travel three or so hours to Margaretville, NY (the village adjoining Roxbury) where you will be picked up at the “station” and ferried by car to The Roxbury, where you can relax in comfort and effortlessly relive some of your best childhood memories as well.

Life is art and art is life. At least, that’s the way Gregory Henderson and Joseph Massa, co-owners of The Roxbury see it. And they’ve carried their philosophy over into the rooms at this ultra-hip boutique hotel.

If you’re looking to hibernate for the weekend, you won’t be able to resist Fred’s Lair, amusingly-appointed with tiger-skin pillows, pebble stone shower, and bed-throws made of seven different kinds of faux fur. Yabba Dabba Do! No one could blame you for wanting to be a throw-back in this room.

If you’re a romantic, but can’t afford a gift from Tiffany’s, give the gift of a weekend in The Roxbury’s “Go Lightly-a-Go-Go” room, where you and your loved one can experience what it’s like to sleep in a life-sized Tiffany’s blue gift box. This room, inspired by Truman Capote’s unforgettable character, Holly Golightly has been fitted with sparkling blue glitter glass mosaic tiles that flash like diamonds. It’s the perfect room in which to pop the question.

Then there’s the Mod Pod, the Partridge Nest, the I Dream of Jeannie room, and, well, you get the picture; you can also relax in a studio room (sans TV or movie theme), kitchenette, or shimmering spa. The Roxbury is located at 2258 County Hwy 41 in Roxbury, NY. For more information, call them at 607 326 7200 or visit www.theroxburymotel.com.

Looking for something a little older fashioned?

Wrap yourself in a blanket of history at the Scudder Hill House, a historical farmhouse, ca. 1860, that sits on five wooded acres with a picturesque view of Lake Wawaka. For those of you who prefer to embark on your adventures indoors, Scudder Hill House offers 24-hour access to books, games, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, mini-refrigerator, microwave, telephone and internet service. If you’re looking for a place to escape far from the ‘madding’ crowd, you’ll love the simplicity.

In 1635, Thomas and Elizabeth Scudder and their five children came to Salem, Massachusetts. They were the first of the Scudder line to arrive in the New World. That’s practically Pilgrim material. The Scudders were English, coming from Dartford and Darenth in Kent, England south and east of London. They arrived in Salem in 1635 and some of the children or their children—or their children’s children—eventually made it to Roxbury, NY.

Ask the innkeepers how their Scudders made it from Salem to Roxbury. Storytelling is a great way to pass the time indoors.

The Scudder Hill House is located at 24 County Hwy 8 in Roxbury. For more information, call 607 326 7310 or visit www.scudderhillhouse.com.

What makes the Fairlawn so unique is that this distinctive inn on Main Street, Hunter Village is green rated (three leaves by Audubon International) and Number One in New York by the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Assoc. They offer a full cooked-to-order breakfast with a large menu (for a B&B) that is locally purchased—as sustainable and organic as possible. They use organic essential oils to make all of their cleaning products. Every room has a private bath, a queen sized bed and flat screen TV with DVD player. They are also pet friendly in two of the nine rooms.

The friendly innkeeper, Chuck Tomajko, is an art and antiques collector. Because of his additional business across the street (antique mall) the decorations and furnishings constantly change. “Each room is individually decorated and as I like to say, with the ambiance of the Victorian times with all the amenities of the 21st century,” says Chuck. “I had a vision of what the Fairlawn could be and recognized that in a five year plan ending in 2008. Gardens, patio, fresh paint and upgrades to every facet of the inn—linens, duvets, towels fireplaces and more. We offer a snack area, complimentary carbonated drinks etc.”

This unique inn is situated on Main Street in the laid-back village of Hunter. Because of this, there are many things to do within walking distance and Chuck is more than willing to provide directions for a “junking—or inexpensive antique shopping” tour and a kind of mini concierge service. Ask him and he’ll tell you where to go locally, or if you’re planning to use the “hub-and-spoke” method of traveling using the Fairlawn as your central location, you can visit: Howe Caverns, the FDR Site, Cooperstown, Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz, Ulster County Wine tours, etc. Chuck is more than happy to send you a list of things to do in addition to a restaurant list so you get great food.

At the Fairlawn, individual attention is what counts.

The Fairlawn is located at 7872 Main Street in the Village of Hunter. For more information, call them at 518 263 5025 or visit www.fairlawninn.com.

So grab that book or board game and head for the Catskills in the chilly winter months to come. Don’t forget to bring along at least one friend who’s willing to brave the elements and maybe even try the Zipline at Hunter Mountain. Brew her—or him—a cup of steaming hot cocoa when she returns. Set yourselves up by a roaring fire, or its equivalent, lean back into those plush cushions and listen carefully—but comfortably—to her chilly outdoor tales.