Being home for the holidays can always be great, but sometimes packing up and getting away can be even better. Making a good choice of destination is important. It would be easy to throw some sandals and a bathing suit in a bag and head somewhere tropical. If you wish to make the most of your holiday, choose one of our recommended destinations. We feel that these are the five best American towns to visit during the holidays.
Paso Robles, California
The central coast of California may not provide a white Christmas, but it will provide a lovely backdrop for your holiday. Known for wineries and olive groves, you’ll be in a wine-lover’s haven for the holidays. Not having snow can be a relief as you won’t have to concern yourself with the weather in the area. You can focus on shopping at fun shops, dining at excellent restaurants, and tasting wine produced from 40,000 vineyard acres and 40 wine grape varieties. Your lodging options are fairly vast in the area, but our pick is Hotel Cheval. It’s located downtown which will keep you central to all kinds of activities – some of which, like excursions, can be arranged with the hotel.
Bernville, Pennsylvania
Why Bernville, Pennsylvania? Three words: Koziar’s Christmas Village. It began in 1948 when William M. Koziar began decorating his home and property and it soon became known as the Christmas House. From there, he kept going and it expanded to become known as the Christmas Village. For accommodations for your trip, look to Reading, just 16 miles from the Christmas village. Our pick in Reading is Bed & Breakfast on The Park. This historic Queen Anne Victorian Mansion was built in 1887 as the Mould Mansion for Jonathan and Julia (Bell) Mould, prominent in business in their day. You’ll love a quaint Pennsylvania holiday celebration as you experience both the bed and breakfast as well as Koziar’s Christmas Village.
Philipsburg, Montana
Philipsburg, Montana may seem like an odd destination and one with which you may not be familiar, but it is a winter wonderland for the holidays. You’d, of course, expect great downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and sledding in Montana. A stay at The Ranch at Rock Creek will also provide access to a Montana photography workshop or naturalist class, sporting clays, fat tire biking, snowcat and UTV tours, sleigh rides, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and more. Aside from the wide range of outdoor winter activities, the lodging at The Ranch at Rock Creek is true rustic luxury with options that include the Granite Lodge, an Historic Barn, Glamping Cabins, and Luxury Homes. You’ll also enjoy the world-class dining and relaxing spa.
Telluride, Colorado
This former Victorian-era mining town is situated in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado at the base of a popular ski resort. You’ll enjoy this picture-perfect holiday setting as you explore the historic district including the Telluride Historical Museum and the Sheridan Opera House. From winter fly fishing to skiing or sledding and fine dining to luxury accommodations, Telluride is a dream destination. Our pick for accommodations is The River Club, the only full-service condominium property within the town of Telluride and it’s a great place for the whole family to stay.
New York City, New York
What city could be more romantic than New York in the winter? It’s the best city for lively outings including world-class shopping and dining and, of course, some of the best theatre options you’ll encounter. We like to stay central to the action when we take a theatre trip to the city and have fallen in love with the Fitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel. While it may not be the most luxurious hotel, it is four-star-rated, and absolutely lovely and so near the theatre district that it’s become a go-to for us.
A holiday vacation can be a great ending to the year. Are you ready for a holiday escape? To make your holiday getaway even better, look for a local production of The Nutcracker Ballet.
