My Top Winter Travel Destinations

I see winter travel as a great way to break up the monotony of winter. Winter can be a hard time of the year with the bleak skies, cold temperatures, and shorter daylight hours. It helps to have a trip or 2 planed to keep that “summer excitement” feeling all year. I like to mix in city getaways with rustic getaways as both can be equally enjoyable. Take a look at some of

My Favorite Winter Cities

Chicago, IL

*Ice Skating at Millennium Park –The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is open from November to March. Free admission! Great rink but it can get really crowded on weekends.

*Museums – I prefer The Field Museum and The Shedd Aquarium. Check the websites for special holiday events.

*Lincoln Park Zoo Lights -These zoo lights are free! A fantastic event which runs from late Nov-early Jan

*Winter Holiday Events – There are plenty of holiday events such as the downtown Tree Lighting, Christkindlmarket (a German holiday market), The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, and more!

Boston, MA

*Ice skating at Frog Pond – The Boston Common Frog Pond Rink is open Nov-March and hosts competitive figure skating events. There is a small admission free so bring your own skates (rentals are pricey).

*Grab a hot drink and walk around Boston Common – I like The Boston Common Coffee Company and David’s Tea.

*Make sure to be in town for the Annual Christmas tree lighting – This event is complete with live music performances, hot drinks, and live entertainment!

*Grab a bite to eat at Faneuil Hall Markeplace – Lots of great restaurants to take a break from your holiday shopping!

Jackson, WY

*A winter sleigh ride – Sleigh rides start at the National Elk Refuge start in December and end in March/April. Highly recommended – check out my pictures of all the Elk I saw during the ride!

*Drive through Bridger- Teton National Park – Bridger-Teton National Forest is a winter wonderland this time of the year. Check the website for road closures and alerts.

*Ski at Jackson Hole – one of the top ski resorts in the country. Find information about prices and additional activities at the Jackson Hole Mountain website.

*Stroll around the Jackson downtown area – There are really cool arches made out of the shed Elk antlers. You will also find eclectic shops, ice skating, and plenty of great restaurants.

Lake Tahoe CA, NV

*Visit Heavenly Mountain Resort – There is something for everyone at Heavenly: skiing, ice skating, shopping, and scenic gondola rides!

*Take an aerial tram ride – Squaw Valley has year round scenic tram rides. At the top you can ice skate and absorb the majestic views.

*Walk around The Shops at Squaw Valley – This scenic mountain shopping area has outdoor fire pits, plenty of sports apparel stores, and a few great restaurants. I recommend Reserve Wine Bar!

*Ice skate at Squaw Valley – Ice skating and scenic mountain views in the winter months; what could be better?!

Island Park, ID

*Visit Harriman State Park – At Harriman there are plenty of winter activities including groomed cross country ski trails (highly recommended), snowshoeing, and more!

 Jackson & North Conway NH (White Mountains area)

*Visit Nestlenook Farms – Nestlenook Farms is a winter wonderland complete with ice skating, sleigh rides, and snowshoeing.

*Drive around the beautiful snow covered mountains and forests.

*Stay at an inn – Winter is a great time to stay in one of the many inns in this scenic New England town. Plenty of winter activities nearby including Cranmore Ski Mountain, a town ice rink, and scenic drives with views of the spectacular White Mountains.

*Visit Settlers’ Green Outlet stores – Over 60 great outlet shopping choices!