Winter is the perfect time for a romantic getaway. Here are some of the most beautiful winter destinations in North America, from Vermont to Fredericksburg, TX.
The cool air and on top of it wet t-shirts in cold weather and snow-covered landscapes will help you forget about the blistering summer heat and humid days of summer. From hiking to skiing to cross-country skiing, winter provides plenty of outdoor activities outside. And with so many great attractions and shopping nearby, you’ll never find yourself bored without something new to explore or experience together.
1. Santa’s Village (Clarksburg, NJ)
From late November to early January Santa’s Village in New Jersey transforms into a winter wonderland full of holiday spirit. The Christmas theme park has something for everyone, from rides and games to craft making shops and seasonal food.
Santa Claus is also available for pictures at the North Pole. You can bring home your very own personalized family ornament and a DVD of your experience. Many hotels are just minutes away so you don’t have to worry about getting stranded without a warm meal or place to sleep. It is also only 45 minutes from New York City, which makes it an ideal quick getaway when you need to escape the city without having to drive too far.
2. Lake Tahoe at Mammoth skiing (Mammoth Lakes, CA)
The winter wonderland that is Lake Tahoe in California is truly a sight for sore eyes. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, about two hours from San Fran, it’s only a short drive or ski lift ride away from Mammoth Lakes ski resort. The snowy white landscape is surrounded by gorgeous towering red rock mountains that transform into a magical winter wonderland with the first snowfall of the season. The crystal clear blue waters and pink sand beaches provide ideal swimming, fishing and boating conditions all year round.
If you’re staying in Mammoth Lakes, there are a number of accommodations including lodging, condominiums and hotels. You’ll find everything from elegant lodges to romantic boutique hotels with dining options, non-smoking rooms and hot tubs in your room.
3. Lake Tahoe at Kings Beach (Kings Beach, CA)
Located along the rugged shores of Lake Tahoe in Kings Beach State Park, Kings Beach is one of the most sought after beaches on the lake due to its pristine setting. The snow-capped mountain peaks are just visible from the beach and make for incredible scenery when snowfall is heavy enough to cover them with a blanket of white.
Lake Tahoe at Kings Beach has three ski areas within 30 minutes of the lake, including Sierra-at-Tahoe, Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley. There are several lodging options close to the lake, including rustic cabins, cottages and private homes. In addition to lodging choices, there are also several restaurants in the area.
4. Lower Austria (East Troy, WI)
Do you dream of spending New Year’s Eve on a Bavarian farm? Well you can do just that at Lower Austria in Wisconsin. It’s not just a theme park or resort; it is actually a working dairy farm with a street full of shops and restaurants. The quaint Bavarian village has more than 75 shops, including Alpaca sweaters, imported drinks and handmade toys.
The resort’s main attraction is the Thrillerz Theatre, which brings the page to life with special effects and songs from the ‘Thriller’ album. It’s a fun yet unique way for older children to enjoy their favorite music by Michael Jackson. In addition to Thrillerz Theatre, there’s also Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs Ice Show (where you’ll get hit with a snow-flurry) and a Christmas laser light show called A Forest of Laughter (where they warn you not to look directly into the laser lights).
5. Massachusetts (Wareham, MA)
Located an hour south of Boston, Cape Cod is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. You can escape to the White Mountains in Connecticut or Maine, but nothing beats the beautiful sandy beaches at Cape Cod. With over 30 miles of coastline and plenty of things to do from museums and seafood shacks to whale watching tours, there’s something for everyone.
For lodging there are many private homes and cottages along Cape Cod. Some homes have their own private swimming pools while others have hot tubs and fireplaces. There are also several inns that offer complimentary breakfast and dinner, including rooms with Jacuzzis or fireplaces.
6. Fredericksburg (Fredericksburg, TX)
Fredericksburg is a German town about two hours from Dallas, TX. It has a charming downtown area with beautiful architecture and shops that you can walk to in about 20 minutes. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts and quaint hotels near the city center that make for an ideal romantic getaway.
The Hill Country Vineyards and Texas wine trails are also close by if you’re interested in wine tasting or a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride while touring the local vineyards.
Summary:
If you’re looking for a getaway that will make your spirits high, then you’ll definitely want to add some of these beautiful winter destinations to your bucket list. There is something for everyone, from relaxing and romantic lodging to quaint shops and shopping.
