Topic Guide

Holiday & Winter Travel

While many people despise the winter season, I actually love all winter sports including snowshoeing, ice skating, and cross country skiing. I also love cozying up in the house, watching the snow fall down with a hot cocoa by a roaring fireplace. Because I also love the Christmas season, there is no way I would ever be bored. Winter is actually a great time to travel if you love snow, winter sports, and seasonal festivities!

Winter Sports & Snowy Vacation Destinations

I've lived in a lot of cities that are snowy and cold for well over 4 months including: Chicago, Boston, Flagstaff, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. Fortunately, many of the big cities have beautiful ice rinks and you can also take a quick drive to enjoy rustic snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the woods. Flagstaff, a 4 season mountain oasis in northern Arizona, was my favorite winter destination thus far. The city is packed each weekend with a huge ski resort, a wonderful Nordic center, and endless trails for snowshoeing. I survived a massive 3 day, 3 foot blizzard which resulted in weeks of fun winter recreational afterwards. If you love snow, this is the place to go, with over 100+ inches on average per year!

My Top Winter Travel Destinations

Fantastic winter travel destinations for skiers, snowshoers, ice skaters, nature lovers, and photographers.

16 min read

Medina Ice Festival: A 30+ Year Old Winter Tradition

This year, I attended the annual Ice Festival n Medina, a small town just outside of Cleveland. 2026 marked the 30th anniversary.

6 min read

9 Festive Winter Activities

My favorite festive winter activities, from ice skating in downtown Chicago and Boston, to skiing and scenic gondola rides in Lake Tahoe.

12 min read

Winter Fun in Jackson Hole: The National Elk Refuge, Grand Tetons, & Moose Sightings!

Winter fun in beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming including sleigh rides at the National Elk Refuge and scenic drives.

7 min read

Sleigh rides & Skating at Nestlenook Farm in Jackson, NH

Ice skating and horse drawn sleigh rides in the White Mountains of New Hampshire at Nestlenook Farm - a gorgeous winter getaway.

4 min read

Fun & Beautiful Winter Destinations

My favorite winter destinations for skiing, ice skating, attending holiday festivals, and enjoying wonderful mountain scenery.

25 min read

5 Rustic Winter Getaways

Snowy rustic winter getaways, from an award-winning B&B in the White Mountains, to beautiful Lake Tahoe, the country's top ski destination.

13 min read

A Winter Wonderland: Snow Blankets Sedona’s Stunning Red Rocks

I drove down Oak Creek Canyon after a rare 4 inch snowfall. Seeing Sedona's red rocks dusted with snow is truly a sight to behold.

8 min read

Winter Fun in Pittsburgh: 10 Things to Do & See

My guide to winter fun in Pittsburgh including ice skating downtown and visiting the world-class Carnegie museums.

14 min read

3 Days in Flagstaff, Arizona: Winter Edition

My guide on how to spend a winter weekend in beautiful Flagstaff, an Arizona mountain community known for skiing and snowshoeing.

15 min read

Cross country skiing at New Hampshire’s Bretton Woods Nordic Center

Enjoy cross country skiing in the gorgeous White Mountains of New Hampshire at Bretton Woods, one of the largest Nordic Centers in the East.

5 min read

50 fun things to do this winter in Chicago!

My favorite things to do in winter in Chicago including ice skating, world-class museums, festive holiday events, and more!

37 min read

Don’t hibernate all winter! Visit Harriman State Park in Idaho!

My experience cross country skiing at Harriman State Park near Yellowstone. There are 24 miles of groomed trails, beginner & advanced.

5 min read

A Fantastic, Snowy Winter Getaway in the White Mountains of New Hampshire

We enjoyed a snowy winter getaway at Bear Mountain Lodge in the White Mountains. This inn was rated one of the best in the US.

9 min read

Winter Fun in the Smokies: 7 Fun Events & Activities

The best things to do in winter in Gatlinburg including aerial tram rides, festive holiday light shows, and ice skating.

11 min read

5 Fun Winter Activities in New Hampshire

My top recommended winter activities in New Hampshire including skiing at Bretton Woods and horse drawn sleigh rides at Nestlenook Farms.

8 min read

Winter Fun: Snowshoeing at Myles Standish State Forest

My snowshoeing adventure at Myles Standish State Forest near Plymouth. It's so tranquil and beautiful this time of year.

5 min read

A Winter Walk Through Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary

I took a gorgeous winter hike at Great Neck Wildlife Refuge in Wareham. This is one of many tranquil nature escapes in Massachusetts.

4 min read

20 Reasons New England is Still Awesome in Winter

To me, the best time to explore New England is during the beautiful winter season. Benefits include less crowds plus plenty of snowy fun!

16 min read

A Winter Wonderland in Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff has been named "Arizona's Winter Playground." Phoenix locals flock here each weekend to play in the snow and enjoy winter sports.

13 min read

Winter in Cleveland Bucket List

My guide to winter fun in the Cleveland metro. From zoo lights, to a festive Santa run, to cross country skiing and ice skating.

12 min read

9 Things to do this Winter in Flagstaff, Arizona

My guide to winter fun in Flagstaff, Arizona's charming mountain city. The best skiing, snowshoeing, cozy coffeehouses, and more!

14 min read

10 things to do this winter in Upstate South Carolina

My guide to winter fun in Upstate South Carolina including ice skating, holiday events, waterfall hikes, and local dining.

16 min read

10 Spectacular Ice Rinks to Check Out this Winter

As a skater for many years, here are a few great rinks I recommend. Highlights include Philly's riverfront rink & Chicago's Millennium Park.

15 min read

Attraction of the Week: Winterfest in Philly

Winterfest, featuring an Olympic sized rink, festive concessions, and a beautiful Christmas tree, is my top recommend winter event in Philly.

7 min read

21 Fantastic Things to do this Winter in Philly

My guide to winter fun in Philadelphia including ice skating, holiday events, cozy coffeeshops, museums, and historical attractions.

19 min read

15 Things to do in NYC During the Winter Season

My guide to visiting New York over the winter months. It's a lot of fun with ice skating, museums, shows, and special holiday events.

18 min read

Winter Fun in Washington D.C. – 14 Must-Dos

Winter fun in Washington D.C. including seasonal museum exhibits, ice skating, festive light shows, and seasonal events.

15 min read

Walking in a Winter Wonderland: 10 places to see snow in Arizona

My favorite places to enjoy the snow in Arizona, including snowshoeing at Arizona Snowbowl and cross country skiing at the Nordic Center.

13 min read

Where to See Snow Near Florida

Where to see snow and ski near Florida including the Blue Ridge Mountains, Upstate South Carolina, and Western North Carolina.

13 min read

Snowshoeing in Flagstaff: The Most Gorgeous Destinations

The best places to snowshoe in Flagstaff including the high altitude trails of Arizona Snowbowl and local parks.

7 min read

Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing in Cleveland: My Favorite Parks

My favorite parks in the Cleveland metro for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Both are just a quick drive outside of the city!

9 min read

Christmas Festivals, Light Shows, & Holiday Attractions

I love traveling around the holiday season. All the festive light shows and seasonal events really help to brighten up the dark winter skies. So far, the most impressive tree I've seen is definitely the Capitol Hill tree in D.C. Millennium in Chicago and Winterfest in Philly are my favorite ice rinks, and of course, the Wollman in NYC is iconic especially if you love "Home Alone 2."

14 Fun Things to do this Holiday Season in Northern Arizona

The best things to do over the holiday season in Northern Arizona including skiing, festive light shows, parades, and more.

20 min read

Little America Hotel Lights Up Flagstaff’s Dark Skies with 1 Million Plus Lights

My favorite holiday light display in Flagstaff is the free Little America display which features 1 million colorful lights.

5 min read

Attraction of the Week: The World’s Only Aluminum Tree Museum

I explored the only museum dedicated to aluminum Christmas trees in Brevard, NC. Seeing these vintage trees is a blast to the past!

6 min read

Christmas at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville

My guide to visiting the Omni Grove Park Inn this winter. This resort is beautifully decorated and features a gingerbread competition.

9 min read

The 100th Anniversary of The National Tree Lighting in D.C.

2022 marked the 100th anniversary of the lighting of the beautiful National Tree in the Ellipse, a tradition dating back to 1923.

4 min read

Christmas in Cleveland: The Ultimate Guide

My ultimate Cleveland Christmas bucket list including touring A Christmas Story house, ice skating, & the festive zoo lights display.

13 min read

50 fun things to do this winter in Chicago!

My favorite things to do in winter in Chicago including ice skating, world-class museums, festive holiday events, and more!

37 min read

Christmas at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

I toured all the Disney resorts at Christmas. I love the rustic decor of the Wilderness Lodge and the classy elegance of the Grand Floridian.

8 min read

8 Famous Christmas Movie Filming Locations in NYC

The most famous Christmas movie filming locations in NYC including Home Alone 2, Serendipity, and Elf hotspots.

10 min read

12 Festive & Free Holiday Light Displays in Tampa Bay

My favorite free holiday light shows and displays in Tampa Bay including festive boat parades, neighborhood lights, and choreographed shows.

9 min read

Attraction of the Week: Season’s Greetings at the U.S. Botanical Gardens in D.C.

While vacationing in D.C. over the holidays, I strolled around the Botanical Gardens. I loved the landmark replicas & beautiful poinsettias.

4 min read

5 Christmas Attractions in Downtown Pittsburgh

Christmas is my favorite time to visit downtown Pittsburgh. Attractions include the UPMC rink at PPG Place and the Peoples Gas Holiday Market.

7 min read

Christmas at Omni Bedford Springs Resort

On a recent roadtrip, I stopped at the gorgeous Omni in Bedford Springs, PA to dine at The Crystal Room and check out their holiday decor.

5 min read

Christmas in Pittsburgh: 10 Must-Do’s

My favorite things to do for Christmas in Pittsburgh including ice skating, drive-thru light shows, and festive seasonal events.

12 min read

Dining at The Walnut Room on State Street in Chicago

This year, I finally scored reservation to the gorgeous Walnut Room at Macy's on State Street. I love the Marshall Field's theme!

9 min read

My Christmas Stay at the Omni William Penn

I recently enjoyed a wonderful stay at Omni William Penn in downtown Pittsburgh. It's one of the most festive hotels around!

7 min read

A Christmas Story: Touring the Cleveland House

As a long time fan, I absolutely loved learning about the filming process and seeing each room of the famous "A Christmas Story house."

13 min read

5 Free Holiday Displays in Cleveland

No need to spend a ton of money to get into the holiday spirit. Check out my favorite free Christmas displays in the Cleveland metro.

7 min read

Wild Winter Lights at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

My experience attending the annual Zoo Lights festival at the Cleveland Zoo. It's the biggest and most festive holiday event in the metro.

5 min read

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights – A Colorful Lights Extravaganza Like No Other

The wonderful Lincoln Park Zoo Lights festival in Chicago featuring more than 2 million colorful lights, plus ice carving demos.

4 min read

The Best Holiday Activities in Chicago

My favorite holiday activities in downtown Chicago including Lincoln Park Zoo Lights, Christkindlmarket, and ice skating in Millennium Park.

8 min read

Christmas in Chicago!

Chicago Christmas fun including Holiday Magic zoo lights at Brookfield Zoo and Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza.

15 min read

10 Must-See Holiday Displays in Arizona

My favorite holiday light displays in Arizona, from Glendale Glitters to the over-the-top Winterhaven neighborhood show in Tucson.

12 min read

5 Tucson Holiday Events Not to be Missed

My favorite Christmas events in Tucson, a surprisingly great holiday destination. Events include a totally decked out neighborhood display.

11 min read

16 Festive Holiday Attractions & Activities

Wonderful Christmas activities I've enjoyed across the US including light shows, ice skating, boat parades, zoo lights, & city events.

24 min read

Dazzling Christmas Trees Around the Country

The best Christmas trees I've seen traveling and moving around the US, from the iconic Rockefeller to a Tumbleweed tree in suburban Phoenix.

23 min read

Attraction of the Week: Forest City, North Carolina Christmas Lights

I took a daytrip to Forest City to check out the Lights festival on Main St. With 1+ million lights, it's one of the state's biggest displays.

5 min read

10 Places to See Holiday Lights Near Asheville, NC

My top picks for holiday light displays near Asheville including a great drive-thru light show and a few quick daytrips around WNC.

10 min read

The Best Holiday Events in Western North Carolina

My guide to holiday fun in Western North Carolina including a quirky Aluminum tree museum and a gingerbread competition.

13 min read

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year in Tampa Bay

Festive holiday activities in the Tampa Bay metro including ice skating on a real rink, boat parades, zoo lights, and more!

10 min read

Christmas in Tampa Bay: Snow, Holiday Boat Parades, Tree Lightings & More!

My guide to the best Christmas events in Tampa including festive light displays, spirited boat parades, zoo lights, and more.

13 min read

Christmas in Las Vegas

Vegas gardens go all out during the holiday season. I love the incredible poinsettia displays at The Bellagio and The Wynn.

9 min read

Christmas in New York Bucket List: 10 Festive Holiday Attractions

My experience visiting NYC at Christmas including ice skating in Central Park and seeing the iconic Rockefeller Tree and giant red ornaments.

14 min read

5 Festive Holiday Events in Charlotte NC

My favorite holiday activities in Charlotte including Carowinds Winterfest featuring 5+ million lights and festive shows.

7 min read

5 Free Holiday Attractions in Washington D.C.

My guide to the best free D.C. holiday events. Along with the free museums, you can see 2 grand trees and a botanical garden display.

8 min read

Attraction of the Week: Florida Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights

Featuring over a million colorful lights, Holiday Lights at the Florida Botanical Gardens is one of the Bay's most festive holiday events.

5 min read

Winter Fun in Boston: Holiday Activities and more!

The best things to do over the Christmas months in Boston including ice skating at Frog Pond in beautiful Boston Common.

4 min read

Unique Holiday Celebrations Across the Country

My favorite festive, unusual, and beautiful holiday displays and celebrations I've explored around the country on my travels.

22 min read

Christmas in Paradise at Longwood Gardens

My experience attending Christmas at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. Highlights include thousands of poinsettias and special shows.

7 min read

Christmas in Philly: 10 Festive Events Not-to-Be Missed

The best Christmas traditions in Philly, from ice skating along the Delaware river waterfront, to a 60+ year old festive display at Macy's.

14 min read

10 Things to do Over the Holidays in Asheville, North Carolina

My favorite holiday activities in and around Asheville including the renowned Gingerbread competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn.

12 min read

Top 5 Christmas Events in Greenville, SC

My favorite Christmas events in Greenville including The Festival of Trees and Ice on Main featuring a real skating rink.

9 min read

Attraction of the Week: Winterfest at Carowinds

My experience attending the amazing Winterfest at Carowinds theme park in the Carolinas. This is a super festive event with fabulous shows.

8 min read

Prescott: “Arizona’s Christmas City”

My guide to visiting "Arizona's Christmas City." The city features a festive drive thru show, frosty temps, and plenty of holiday cheer.

7 min read

Attraction of the Week: Phoenix Zoo Lights

The annual Phoenix Zoo Lights spectacular includes over 4 million colorful lights and special desert themed displays.

6 min read

Attraction of the Week: The National Gingerbread Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn

The most incredible gingerbread houses I've ever seen were at The National Gingerbread Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn of Asheville.

6 min read

Bucket List CheckOff: Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

The iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade held in NYC each year, featuring 100's of festive balloons, has been going strong since 1924.

8 min read

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