One of the bummers about an Upstate New York winter is that a lot of the historic sites close until Memorial Day. I think November and December are terrific times to travel around here. No bugs, no humidity, no crowds! But I can understand why the historic sites close--- imagine trying to heat (and keep clean from travelers' muddy boots) 200 year-old houses! Nonetheless, I miss the travels.

But there's good news for New York travel lovers. Several of New York's finest historic homes are going to be open for the Christmas holidays. The homes are all decked out in holiday splendor, too!

Bennington Battlefield Historic Site in Grafton, NY
Clermont State Historic Site in Germantown, NY
John Jay Homestead Historic Site, in Katonah, NY
Knox's Headquarters in Vails Gate, NY
Lorenzo Historic Site in Cazenovia, NY
Olana Historic Site in Hudson, NY
Sackett's Harbor Battlefield Historic Site in Sackett's Harbor, NY
Schuyler Manion Historic Site, Albany, NY
Staatsburgh Historic Site, Staatsburgh, NY
Washington's Headquarters Hitoric Site, Newburgh, NY

The holiday openings are usually very special. Some places serve refreshments, other have games or sleigh rides, and some others have little giveaways, like promotional bags or candy. Check out the links to go to the official New York State Parks & Recreation site listing for each historic site. You can find directions, contact information, a calendar of events, hours of admission, and admission costs.