Enjoy a change of scenery in these convenient escapes across the country.
While some people prefer to hibernate through the winter season to beat the seasonal blues and icy weather, this time of year is a smart time to plan a weekend getaway and recharge your batteries. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a change of scenery in a cold-weather destination or go somewhere warm to get away from it all, there’s an ideal winter getaway for you. From romantic retreats to active getaways, here are eight convenient escapes to inspire you to get out of town this winter.
Wintergreen, Virginia
Wintergreen Resort in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains offers tons of activities that are well-suited for snow-loving families and couples alike. Wintergreen has the usual ski and snowboard slopes, along with the largest tubing area in Virginia. The resort also offers Ridgely’s Fun Park, an area designated for smaller kids that aren’t ready to take on the bigger slopes just yet. Plus, the resort boasts a terrain park filled with rails and tabletops to practice your freestyle skiing and snowboarding skills. Even better, the resort caters to a variety of skill levels. If hitting the slopes isn’t your thing, Wintergreen also offers ice skating and a spa.
Tannersville, Pennsylvania
Camelback Resort’s Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark offers a warm, sunny environment without requiring you to travel somewhere far-off and tropical. Plus, Camelback boasts the Storm Chaser — the longest indoor water coaster in the country — and the Venus SlydeTrap, which is the world’s first raft slide of its kind. The resort also offers activities such as skiing, snowboarding and tubing if you want to venture out in the cold. And if you choose to stay inside and keep dry, the Arcadia Adventure section has a wealth of attractions to keep you busy, from a giant arcade to rock climbing and mini golf. Even better, you’ll find excellent shopping in the surrounding area.
Key West, Florida
Pristine beaches, kayaking and snorkeling are all top selling points for a trip to Key West. Aside from the tropical scenery and sugary sands, Key West features a rich cultural history and heritage. Here, you’ll find Ernest Hemingway’s former home-turned-museum, the Harry S. Truman Little White House, which dates back to 1890, and the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, among other top attractions. Plus, the area’s nightlife scene is always buzzing, with sidewalk cafes, pubs and open-air bars. You’ll find plenty of local shows worth checking out, too, from comedy to musicals, as well as a thriving LGBT community, making Key West far more than a beach destination.
Ouray, Colorado
Popular Colorado destinations such as Vail and Aspen tend to steal the spotlight, but Ouray is a scenic place to spend some quality time in the winter months. Ouray has a unique history as a mining town, and it offers plenty of enticing attractions. The free Ouray Ice Park is one of the top draws here. Whether you want to take on one of the ice-climbing courses or simply people-watch, it’s worth a visit. Afterward, warm up in one of Ouray’s five developed hot springs to enjoy a soothing soak with enchanting snow-covered scenery in the backdrop.
The Big Island, Hawaii
With pleasant average winter temperatures hovering in the high 70s, Hawaii offers a quintessential tropical paradise. The winter season in Hawaii is peak time for whale watching, especially from January to March. The Big Island and surrounding isles also offer flourishing golf scenes and diverse cultural and natural attractions. A helicopter tour or zip lining experience gives you a unique view of the islands, while a nature hike lets you explore the island’s striking typography on foot. Even better, there are plenty of lesser-known sights to discover away from the heavy crowds, from Waipio Valley to Kealakekua Bay.
San Diego
Los Angeles and San Francisco may be the first cities that come to mind when you think of California, but don’t overlook the pleasant temperatures and sunny beaches of San Diego. The city boasts a wealth of free and inexpensive attractions, including the famous San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the USS Midway Museum and the storied San Diego Natural History Museum. After checking out can’t-miss attractions, head to La Jolla beach to enjoy whale watching, biking and snorkeling. What’s more, La Jolla also boasts prime shopping at an outdoor mall, with an ice rink located in the shopping center.
New York City
The Big Apple buzzes year-round, but in winter, the city shines brightly with legendary events and glittering skyscrapers. The famous Rink at Rockefeller Center is one of the most popular ice skating spots. And if you’re visiting during the holidays, the tree in Rockefeller Center and the famous department store window displays are a must-see. There are also a bunch of NYC-only winter events you can plan your trip around, too. Music lovers will appreciate Winter Jazzfest, while foodies won’t want to skip the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival. Regardless of when you want to visit, you can rest assured there will be plenty to entertain you in NYC.
Scottsdale, Arizona
This town couples stunning scenery with a unique culture. You’ll find a bunch of local markets, Native American jewelry shops and art galleries to peruse, along with a thriving culinary scene. The Desert Botanical Garden, located in Papago Park in nearby Phoenix, is a must-see attraction. And Arizona’s striking desert landscapes punctuated by dramatic red rocks are worth exploring by foot, bike or ATV. Best of all, daytime temperatures hover in the high 60s and 70s during the “snowbird season,” making it an ideal time to plan to trip to dodge cold, harsh conditions in other parts of the country.
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