Snow covered hills that are perfect for sledding, charming town centers twinkling with fairy lights, cafes serving up steaming mugs of hot cocoa, beautiful boutiques brimming with treasures…
The festive season is right around the corner, and luckily, we live in one of the most beautiful destinations to enjoy winter’s wonders.
Whether you’re looking for a rustic chic ski getaway, an inspired culinary journey, a weekend of wellness, or a dreamy oceanside escape, it’s all possible within a few hours’ drive.
So bundle up in something cozy, throw your oversize tote in the trunk, and crank up your favorite holiday tunes…it’s time to hit the road for your next great winter escape.
Chatham Bars Inn – Chatham, MA
While Chatham Bars Inn, the iconic grand dame of the Cape, is well known as a summer beach destination, the hotel’s beautifully appointed cottage rooms featuring gas fireplaces, its classically cozy Sacred Cod Tavern, its convivial bar and lounge complete with chess boards and reading nooks, and a serene spa haven located amidst Japanese Zen gardens, make it an idyllic locale for a warming winter getaway. Plus, if you’re up for a little festive fun, the Inn’s holiday calendar is filled with fabulous events running from mid-November through January – with highlights including Wreath Decorating Workshops, Teddy Bear Afternoon Teas, a family Hanukkah Party and Menorah Lighting, Make Your Own Eggnog Mixology classes for adults, and Gingerbread Making classes for the children. As the waves crash on the sand, bundle up with a hot cocoa and join carolers on the Bayview Terrace to croon out holiday classics under the twinkling lights in the wake of a beachside bonfire, or organize a magical visit from one of Santa’s elves, who will hand-deliver milk and cookies to your kiddos and read them a special holiday storybook before bed.
The Lodge at Spruce Peak – Stowe, VT
Alpine adventures and a host of festive fun await at The Lodge at Spruce Peak, an elevated ski-in ski-out hotel located at the base of Stowe Mountain in Vermont. Rooms are a cozy home away from home with the Residences featuring full kitchens, but you’ll definitely want to venture out to experience the expansive spa and slopeside swimming pools. Up your après game with chef-led dining experiences at Solstice and local microbrews at Hourglass. Kick off the season at their annual Spruce Peak Lights Festival on Saturday, December 21st featuring complimentary activities and tastings including Photos with Santa and Ice Dancing performances. Sip a steaming mug of apple cider as you countdown to the Village Tree Lighting, followed by a dazzling firework show over the mountaintops.
Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection – Hudson Valley, NY
Soak up the natural wonders and agricultural treasures of the Hudson Valley this winter, in the most glamorous way possible, at recently opened Wildflower Farms. Enjoy privacy and camaraderie in equal measures with a stay in one of 65 free-standing cabins dotted across the meadows in configurations which cater to couples and families alike. At Wildflower, days start with collecting eggs for breakfast from the chicken coops at the property’s working farm and end with fireside s’mores and hand-shaken cocktails on the communal Great Porch, with plenty of time for holistic treatments and renewing wellness practices at Thistle Spa in between. Stealing the spotlight this winter is a collaboration with renowned landscape designer Lily Kwong, who will be creating stunning holiday installations throughout the property – the ideal backdrop for inspired seasonal programming, from a Thanksgiving Gratitude Hike to a Watercolor Holiday Card Workshop to a Festive iteration of their much-adored Rising Blooms Focaccia Baking Classes, and more.
Ocean House – Watch Hill, RI
A storied seaside retreat within easy driving distance, Ocean House shines during all seasons with guest rooms, dining experiences and service that evoke the glamour of a bygone era. As winter approaches, the hotel lights up with an enticing roster of festive activities – from a Nutcracker inspired brunch to an ice cream social with the Mystic Aquarium penguins to a Latke and Vodka cooking workshop to Holiday Painting classes for both kids and adults. Plus, we’ve recently received a hot tip that during weekends in December, Santa Claus sneaks away to Ocean House for a well-deserved respite! Families are invited to visit his festively appointed guest room for a personal meeting with Santa himself, complete with photos and special gifts, ensuring a truly memorable weekend away.
The details:
Chatham Bars Inn
297 Shore Road
Chatham, MA
508.945.0096
chathambarsinn.com
The Lodge at Spruce Peak
7412 Mountain Road
Stowe, VT
844.367.1672
sprucepeak.com/stay/the-lodge/
Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection
2702 Main Street
Gardiner, NY
855.472.3188
aubergeresorts.com/wildflower-farms/
Ocean House
1 Bluff Avenue
Watch Hill, RI
855.678-0364
oceanhouseri.com
Kelly Berlin began her career at Travel + Leisure Magazine in New York and followed her passion for travel to Hong Kong, where she co-founded groundbreaking startup media company Dim Sum & Then Some. While in Hong Kong, Kelly also served as the Editor in Chief of AWARE Magazine, and has worked as a copywriter for hotels, restaurants, and member’s clubs for over a decade. Kelly is now based in Ridgefield, Connecticut with her husband and two daughters and is a Luxury Travel Agent with SmartFlyer, specializing in multi-generational trips, family travel, and honeymoons. For more travel inspiration, follow her on Instagram @jetsetinspire