Busy isn’t a temporary state in December — it’s a way of life.
And only one thing can give you a brief, fleeting reprieve from it all: jetting outta town for a long weekend.
Which is why we’ve rounded up six nearby destinations for attending to the “play hard” part of your ethos, from a Catskills ice-fishing derby with an open vodka bar to an adult sleepaway camp with ski tours and snow bunnies.
Prefer some fun in the sun? There’s a golf-and-wine sojourn in there that’ll warm you right up.
Book now. Something to look forward to will make the 9-to-5 fly right by.
For “Nightlife”: Waterville, NH
Where to stay: Waterville Valley Resort
What to do: A few times a year, the resort holds a not-to-be-missed affair: Starry Nights, a powder-shredding, grub-loving whale of a time. Halfway down the mountain, you’ll stop at the Sunnyside Timberlodge for a full feast. The evening kicks off with a wine-and-cheese hour, proceeds to a sit-down spread (oft times complete with live music and opera a capella) and ends with a Torchlight Parade back down the mountain. That means everyone gets a torch and you all jet down the mountain under cover of stars and darkness.
Where to grub: If you didn’t get your fill at Starry Night, check yourself. But the next day, hit up Coyote Grill for chalet vibes and perfect sirloins.
For Adventure: Catskills, NY
Where to stay: The Arnold House
What to do: Snowshoeing, snowmobiles and a
Where to grub (and drink): Try Prohibition Distillery and Roscoe Beer Company in Roscoe. And if you venture just 10 minutes down the road (via designated driver), you’ll find Catskill Brewery in Livingston Manor.
For the Fam: Woodloch, PA
Where to stay: The Lodge
What to do: There’s something for everyone, from a steaming outdoor hot tub under snowy pines to spa treatments with float therapy to cross-country skiing and ice fishing. But if you really need to tire the little punks out, head to Woodloch Resort’s indoor waterpark, or an even bigger waterpark called Aquatopia at Camelback Resort just an hour down the road.
Where to grub: The Lodge will treat you right. But daytime, you’re advised to head over to the Heron for brunch with a view. And at night, snag a babysitter and jet over to Glass — Wine. Bar. Kitchen.
For the Weekend: Cape Neddick, ME
Where to stay: Cliff House Maine
What to do: Start by gazing out over 70 oceanfront acres atop Bald Head Cliff on the southern coast of Maine, overlooking the ocean’s edge and Nubble Lighthouse. Not too shabby. Daytime should be spent curled by the fire, at the spa, sledding or going on a moose safari. Nighttime snowshoeing under the stars is a must.
Where to grub: Indulge at Cliff House Maine’s very own The Tiller or Nubb’s Lobster Shack. Sneak into town and hit Stonewall Kitchen and any number of the local breweries within a stone’s throw if you get stir crazy. (Note: you won’t get stir crazy.)
For Some UV: Naples, FL
Where to stay: Naples Grande Beach Resort (grand re-opening post-Irma 12/15)
What to do: Chill. Golf. Play tennis. Hit the beach. Hit the spa. Repeat. And should you book from 1/26-1/28, you’d be advised to pop into the 17th annual Naples Winter Wine Festival, which will bring together culinary powerhouses like Dominique Crenn, Jonathan Waxman and Nancy Silverton along with world-renowned vintners from Kary and David Duncan of Silver Oak to Olivier Krug of Krug Champagne.
Where to grub: The area has a loose open-toe shoe policy and the dining reflects it. It can get campy and boardwalk, but the fish fare is still on point at joints like Capri Fish House and Pinchers Crab Shack. If you need your NYC fine-dining fix, head to 1500 South. And don’t miss a ravenous night at the Oyster Society, complete with live jazz.
For Singles: Mount Snow, VT
Where to stay: The Lodge at Mt. Snow
What to do: Club Getaway, an all-adults sleepaway ski camp at your service. It’s two days of all-inclusive toddies, live music and hitting the slopes. And while you don’t have to be a single, it looks like a good place to be one. To boot, there’s an optional private bus shuttle to and from the city.
Where to grub: Included. Cheers!
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