Seasonal Guides
Best Things to Do in Galena for a Winter Weekend
How to Enjoy A Winter Getaway in Galena
Winter is one of the most rewarding times to experience Galena. Snow-dusted hills, glowing storefronts, and a lively downtown create the perfect setting for a memorable Midwest weekend getaway. Whether your plans lean toward outdoor adventure or cozy indulgence, the variety of things to do in Galena during winter makes it easy to tailor your trip exactly how you want it.
Start your weekend with fresh air and adrenaline at Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort, one of the top winter destinations in Illinois. With well-groomed runs, sweeping Mississippi River views, and terrain for all skill levels, it is a must for anyone interested in Galena skiing. If skiing is not on your list, winter hiking and snowshoeing along the Galena River Trail or Casper Bluff Preserve offer peaceful ways to explore the area’s natural beauty.
Downtown Galena is especially inviting during the colder months. Main Street is lined with boutiques, art galleries, wine tasting rooms, and locally owned shops that make browsing indoors just as enjoyable as outdoor activities. Warm up with a long lunch, explore historic architecture, or enjoy wine tasting at one of the town’s popular spots before settling in for a relaxed evening.
Book This Bed and Breakfast For a Winter Weekend
Choosing the right Galena lodging completes the experience. Jail Hill Inn is an elevated Galena Bed and Breakfast just steps from downtown. Each guest suite is designed for comfort, featuring refined furnishings, spa-inspired bathrooms, and thoughtful details that make winter weekends feel indulgent. Guests enjoy a gourmet breakfast each morning and curated afternoon wine and appetizers, creating a welcoming rhythm to the day.
After dinner at one of Galena’s well-loved restaurants, return to the inn to unwind with a glass of wine or relax fireside before turning in for the night. It is the ideal balance of days spent exploring the best things to do in Galena. Winter in Galena is everything you need for a refreshing Midwest escape.
Best Things to Do in New England for a Winter Getaway
The Best Things to Do in New England this Winter
Winter reveals a quieter, more rewarding side of travel, and the best things to do in New England during the colder months go far beyond skiing alone. Snowy villages, cultural attractions, and outdoor experiences create the perfect backdrop for winter weekend getaways in Vermont. From scenic back roads to lively small towns, this season invites travelers to slow down and explore.
Southern Vermont is an excellent place to experience Northeast winter vacations, especially around Brattleboro. Located near the borders of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, this town offers easy access to outdoor recreation while maintaining a strong sense of local character. Days here can be filled with exploration, followed by evenings spent dining, listening to live music, or relaxing indoors.
One of the best places to visit in New England during winter is Mount Snow, just a short drive from Brattleboro. Skiing and snowboarding attract visitors from across the region, but non-skiers will also enjoy tubing, snowshoeing, and scenic gondola rides. Back in town, downtown Brattleboro provides a more relaxed pace with bookstores, galleries, and locally owned shops.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Retreat Trails, a wooded network just minutes from downtown, ideal for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. For a unique local tradition, the Harris Hill Ski Jump hosts one of the longest-running ski jumping events in the country, drawing spectators each winter. Nearby villages like Chester add even more charm, offering historic architecture and inviting lunch spots within easy driving distance.
A Cozy Place to Stay in Brattleboro, VT
Choosing the right lodging makes winter travel more enjoyable, especially for couples and adults seeking comfort and convenience. Boutique hotels in Brattleboro, VT, place guests close to the best things to do in New England while offering a more personal experience. The Inn on Putney Road offers welcoming guest rooms, a satisfying breakfast each morning, and a location that lets visitors spend the crisp winter days outside and warm, cozy evenings by the fire.
Whether you are planning a short winter escape or a more extended seasonal stay, Brattleboro offers a thoughtful mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Winter is an ideal time to discover the best things to do in New England and create a getaway worth repeating.
Best Ways to Experience Whale Migration on the Oregon Coast
Best Whale Migration on the Oregon Coast to Experience
Whale migration on the Oregon Coast is one of the most exciting wildlife experiences available to travelers who enjoy scenic views and outdoor adventure. Unlike many destinations that require boat tours, Oregon Coast whale watching often happens right from shore, allowing visitors to spot massive marine mammals while exploring beaches, headlands, and coastal viewpoints.
Multiple whale species travel along the Oregon Coast throughout the year, making sightings possible in every season. Gray whale migration draws the largest numbers, with peak movement south from mid-December through mid-January and a return migration from late March through May. Summer and early fall extend the Oregon Coast whale-watching season as resident gray whales feed offshore, while humpback whale migration peaks in late summer and early fall. Orcas and other species make occasional appearances, adding to the excitement.
The southern Oregon Coast offers especially strong viewing opportunities thanks to elevated viewpoints and accessible shoreline. Areas near Bandon offer dramatic coastal scenery that suits travelers looking to balance adventure with relaxation. Morning hours are often ideal for spotting spouts, as calmer waters and lighter winds make whale activity easier to see.
Some of the best land-based whale watching near Bandon can be found along the Oregon Whale Trail. Battle Rock Wayside Scenic Viewpoint offers elevated views that help visitors scan offshore waters. Cape Arago is another popular location, particularly during winter and spring gray whale migration, while Face Rock Wayside Scenic Viewpoint allows whale watching directly from the shoreline. Bringing binoculars improves your chances of spotting spouts, flukes, and surface activity.
The Best Hotels in Bandon are Close to the Action
Staying nearby makes it easier to enjoy whale migration on the Oregon Coast. Choosing accommodations close to the shoreline allows travelers to take advantage of changing conditions and spontaneous sightings. Hotels in Bandon place guests near several official viewing locations while offering a comfortable retreat after cool, breezy days outdoors.
Inn at Face Rock is in an ideal location to take in the excitement, but then retreat in the evenings. Well-appointed guest rooms, an indoor heated pool and hot tub, and a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning round out the offerings. Whether you’re tracking gray whale migration, hoping to glimpse humpback whales, or simply enjoying time along the coast, whale migration on the Oregon Coast offers a memorable adventure built around natural beauty and discovery.
Best Weekend Getaways from Pittsburgh
Places to Visit Near Pittsburgh This Fall
Head north from Pittsburgh into Mercer County this fall, and the drive alone is worth the trip. The hills turn gold and crimson along Route 422 and I-79; the mornings are quiet and misty, and Amish buggies still share the road with cars in some of the state’s oldest farm country. If you’re searching for places to visit near Pittsburgh that feel like a real escape rather than a quick errand out of town, this stretch of Western Pennsylvania delivers some of the best day trips and weekend getaways in the state, most within an hour and a half of downtown.
Moraine and McConnells Mill: Fall Color Along Route 422
Forty-five minutes north of the city, Moraine State Park centers on 3,225-acre Lake Arthur, where foliage reflecting off the water draws visitors every October. Rent a pontoon boat, paddle out to a quiet cove, or walk the Sunken Garden Trail for an easy afternoon outdoors. A few miles away, McConnells Mill State Park packs a historic covered bridge, a rushing gorge, and rust-colored ridgelines into one of the prettiest short hikes in the region. The two parks pair naturally for a full day outside before continuing north toward Mercer County.
Pymatuning State Park’s Spillway and Trails
Pymatuning State Park centers on Pymatuning Reservoir and is famous for the spot where the ducks walk on the fish, a spillway so thick with carp that waterfowl stroll across their backs. Beyond the spillway, guests spend the afternoon on the 18-hole disc golf course, one of seven hiking trails, or birdwatching near the Pymatuning Dam, marked by the castle-like stone Gate House that controls the water flow.
Volant and New Wilmington: Amish Country Shopping
Set into the rolling hills of Lawrence County, Volant is an easy village to fall for. Amish buggies share Main Street with cars, and an 1812 gristmill has been converted into a sprawling antique and craft shop worth an hour of browsing. A short drive away, New Wilmington holds the second-largest Old Order Amish population in Pennsylvania and a walkable college-town center, while the borough of Mercer is known for its domed courthouse and a square full of boutiques. Together they make for one of the more unique things to do in PA this season, especially for anyone building a full weekend getaway from Pittsburgh.
A Pennsylvania Castle for Your Fall Getaway
After a day exploring Amish country, Buhl Mansion is the natural place to end up. Built in 1891 in Sharon, PA, as a Romanesque wedding gift from steel magnate Frank Buhl to his bride, Julia, the mansion is now a ten-room boutique hotel about an hour and fifteen minutes north of Pittsburgh. A turret room, a gas fireplace, and a two-person Jacuzzi tub come standard, along with champagne waiting at check-in, an on-site spa, and breakfast in bed the next morning.
It’s one of the most photographed Pennsylvania castles and a fitting home base for a romantic getaway in PA this fall. Extend the evening with a treatment at the Buhl Mansion Spa or dinner at Ashley’s Fine Dining, the restaurant at sister property Tara – A Country Inn, just down the road. For couples planning one of this season’s better weekend getaways for couples, check out Buhl Mansion in downtown Sharon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Buhl Mansion from Pittsburgh?
Buhl Mansion sits in Sharon, PA, about an hour and fifteen minutes north of downtown Pittsburgh, making it an easy base for day trips throughout Mercer and Lawrence Counties.
What’s the best way to plan a weekend getaway near Pittsburgh in the fall?
Pair one or two outdoor stops, like Moraine or McConnells Mill, with an afternoon in Amish country towns like Volant or New Wilmington, then settle in for the night at a property close to both, such as Buhl Mansion in Sharon.
Where should couples go for a romantic getaway in PA?
Sharon, PA offers a concentrated romantic getaway experience, with Buhl Mansion’s turret rooms and on-site spa within walking distance of downtown shops like Daffin’s Candies and The Winner.
Best Weekend Trips from Pittsburgh for Winter Getaways
Romantic Weekend Trips from Pittsburgh this Winter
Winter is an ideal season for weekend trips from Pittsburgh, especially for travelers looking to slow down and enjoy meaningful time away from the city. Fewer crowds, cozy settings, and shorter drives make winter weekends perfect for spontaneous escapes. Heading further north into Pennsylvania’s countryside offers an easy change of scenery without the stress of long travel days.
Mercer County stands out as one of the most appealing areas for winter weekend getaways in PA. Quaint towns, scenic country roads, and seasonal activities suit couples and friends alike. Choosing romantic getaways within two hours of Pittsburgh keeps travel flexible, which is especially helpful when winter weather can change plans quickly.
Downtown Sharon provides a welcoming small-town experience with local shops, coffee spots, and casual dining. A visit to the Spa at Buhl Mansion adds a layer of indulgence, with full-service treatments and couples massages that feel especially restorative in winter. For shoppers, Grove City Premium Outlets offer excellent off-season and tax-free deals just a short drive away, making it a favorite stop on weekend trips from Pittsburgh.
Outdoor exploration remains rewarding even in colder months. Winter walks at Buhl Park or along the trails at Maurice K. Goddard State Park offer open views and peaceful surroundings. Many couples also enjoy exploring the Mercer County Wine, Brew, and Spirits Trail, where winter tastings allow more time to talk with staff and enjoy each stop without crowds.
Stay at a Historic Bed and Breakfast in PA
Where you stay can influence the entire experience of your winter getaway. For travelers seeking weekend getaways in PA that feel personal and relaxed, a Bed and Breakfast in PA offers a natural fit. Tara – A Country Inn offers an inviting setting with attentive hospitality, homemade breakfasts, and on-site dining options, eliminating the need to venture far to find an elegant meal.
Spending evenings by the fire, enjoying a nightcap in the lounge, or relaxing in your guest room encourages guests to slow down and reconnect. Winter weekend trips from Pittsburgh are about comfort, simplicity, and quality time, and Mercer County delivers on all three.
Birding Spots Along the Florida Coast Near St. Augustine
Discover Spring Birding on the Great Florida Birding Trail
Spring is prime time to explore the Great Florida Birding Trail near St. Augustine, where coastal wetlands, maritime forests, and tidal creeks create reliable habitat for both resident birds and seasonal migrants. This stretch of Florida’s coast is well-suited to an adventure-focused itinerary because you can cover multiple environments in a single day without long drives, then return to town for dinner, history, and an easy evening.
Start with Anastasia State Park, one of the top things to do in St. Augustine. This park is a productive mix of beach, tidal marsh, and maritime hammock, and a worthwhile stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail. The shoreline and salt marsh boardwalk are strong choices for wading birds, terns, skimmers, and migratory shorebirds, especially when you time your visit around lower tides. Continue south to Fort Matanzas National Monument, another fabulous stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail, where estuarine edges and wooded trails can add rails, ibises, and raptors to your list, plus a short ferry ride that makes the outing feel like part nature excursion, part local history.
For open-coast scanning, Ponte Vedra Beach offers classic surf-zone birding with shorebirds along the tide line and pelicans cruising just above the water. If you want a quieter, more secluded stop, head to Pellicer Creek Conservation Area, where freshwater wetlands and shaded hammocks support a different mix of species and a calmer pace, including productive paddling opportunities when conditions cooperate.
The GTM Reserve is another must as you travel along the Great Florida Birding Trail, with broad estuary views and mudflats that reward patience, especially during migration. Round out the day with a change of scenery at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, where formal gardens meet a distinctive coquina shoreline, and bird activity often pairs well with spring blooms.
Stay Close to the Trail at A Downtown St. Augustine Hotel
After your time on the Great Florida Birding Trail, base your stay at St. Francis Inn, steps from historic downtown St. Augustine. Begin mornings at our St. Augustine Hotel with a gourmet buffet breakfast before heading out with binoculars and a field guide. Return for a complimentary social hour with wine, beer, and light snacks, then wind down with courtyard s’mores and evening desserts packaged for you.
With guest rooms, suites, and private cottages, plus thoughtful touches like fresh flowers and sherry in every room and a heated pool for recharging between outings, it is a practical, comfortable home base for spring birding on Florida’s coast. Book directly to plan your next adventure.
Catch Peak Fall Foliage
Fall Things to Do in Ithaca, NY: Waterfalls, Wine Trails, and Foliage
Fall is the season that makes the list of things to do in Ithaca, NY, worth planning a whole trip around. The hillsides above Cayuga and Seneca Lakes turn gold and red, and the wineries release new vintages as the leaves reach peak color. Spend a few days around Ithaca enjoying waterfalls, wine, and harvest season.
Ithaca Waterfalls Worth the Drive
No list of things to do in Ithaca is complete without its waterfalls. Taughannock Falls, just outside Trumansburg, drops 215 feet in a single plunge, taller than Niagara Falls, and the gorge trail leading to its base is one of the most photographed spots in the Finger Lakes during foliage season.
Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park round out the region’s best hikes, each with a series of cascades and swimming holes carved into the gorge walls. Closer to downtown, the Ithaca gorges connect the city directly to the Cornell University campus, cutting through shale and sandstone exposed over hundreds of millions of years. It’s a short walk with one of the most dramatic settings in the region.
Follow the Cayuga and Seneca Wine Trails
Fall is harvest season along the Cayuga Wine Trail and the Seneca Wine Trail. Tasting rooms pour new releases right as the surrounding vineyards change color. Savor flights at a handful of stops; many Finger Lakes tasting rooms offer small bites you can enjoy on a patio with a lake view. Staying centrally located between the two trails means either one is a short drive from your room.
Catch Peak Foliage and Apple Harvest Season
Anyone searching for fall foliage near me in the Finger Lakes can plan for late September through mid-October, when color typically peaks across the hills surrounding Cayuga and Seneca Lakes. This same stretch overlaps with apple harvest season at local orchards offering u-pick access, and the region’s harvest festivals bring cider, baked goods, and local growers into town for the weekend.
Book a Finger Lakes Wine Country Hotel Near Ithaca, NY
The Inn at Gothic Eves sits in the village of Trumansburg, just minutes from Taughannock Falls State Park and centrally located between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes. Our Finger Lakes Boutique Hotel offers luxury guest suites, an on-site spa, and a farm-fresh breakfast each morning, making it an easy home base for a fall trip built around waterfalls, wine, and foliage. After a morning on the trail, guests can soak in a hot tub or book a massage well before dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to see fall foliage near Ithaca, NY?
Peak color typically arrives in the hills around Cayuga and Seneca Lakes from late September through mid-October, though timing shifts slightly from year to year depending on the weather.
How tall is Taughannock Falls?
Taughannock Falls drops 215 feet in a single plunge, making it taller than Niagara Falls and one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States.
Where can I find the Cayuga and Seneca wine trails?
Both trails run along their namesake lakes in the Finger Lakes region, with dozens of tasting rooms accessible by car within a short drive of Trumansburg and Ithaca.
Is there an apple harvest festival near Ithaca?
Local orchards run u-pick access through the fall, and the region hosts harvest festivals with cider and baked goods, typically held in downtown Ithaca in late September.
A few days built around Ithaca’s waterfalls, wine trails, and fall foliage are easy to plan and even easier to enjoy from a Finger Lakes Wine Country Hotel. Book your stay at the Inn at Gothic Eves today.
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
A Fall Guide to Lancaster County’s Favorite Corn Maze
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Ronks is one of the most talked-about attractions in Lancaster PA once autumn arrives. The farm offers a full day of family entertainment, with more than 70 attractions spread across the property. The highlight is the corn maze, ranked the best in the nation by USA Today. There are acres of pumpkins, sunflowers, and zinnias ready for picking. If you are planning a fall trip to Amish Country with the kids, you won’t want to miss Cherry Crest.
When the Cherry Crest Fall Season Runs and What Tickets Cost
Cherry Crest’s fall season runs September 19 through November 7. The U-pick pumpkin patch runs September 13 through October 26, and fireworks light up the sky every Saturday night at 8:30 pm through the end of the season. Admission costs are tiered, with weekdays priced lower and expect to pay a premium on Saturdays in October. Buying online ahead of your visit saves a few dollars over gate pricing, and kids two and under get in free. Before you buy your Cherry Crest Adventure Farm tickets, note that paintball, apple blasters, and gem mining cost extra beyond general admission.
The Headline Attraction: The Amazing Maize Maze
This year’s design, Let Freedom Ring, covers five acres and 2.5 miles of paths, bridges, and clues, which is exactly why this corn maze in Lancaster PA keeps landing on national best-of lists. You choose your challenge. The easy route takes about 20 minutes, the intermediate route runs closer to 45, and the difficult route can take nearly two hours for groups determined to finish without help. Maze guides are stationed throughout if anyone needs a nudge in the right direction.
Fall Festivals and Other Activities
Beyond the maze, families spend hours at the Animal Grove, the Baby Chick Hatchery, and the pedal carts, plus gem mining, duck races, and the Farm Tour Wagon Ride. Three festivals anchor the season:
- The Hometown Heroes Festival on September 19 honors local first responders with a parade and fireworks.
- The Cider Donut Fall Festival on September 26 centers on Cherry Crest’s donuts, with a wagon ride out to hand-feed them to the farm’s cows.
- Pumpkin Madness closes the season on November 7 with pumpkin smashing, bowling, and a glow-in-the-dark pumpkin drop.
It’s easy to fill a day at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Lancaster PA, especially once you add live music and the on-site food vendors.
Where to Stay Near Cherry Crest Adventure Farm
A day at Cherry Crest means a lot of walking, sun, and kettle corn, and Verdant View Farm sits just a short drive away with something the farm can’t offer: an overnight stay. Guests wake up to a family-style breakfast made with our own pastured eggs and homegrown produce, then head to the barn for morning chores alongside our farm crew before the day’s adventures even start.
Kids get more hands-on time with animals and without the crowds. If you’re deciding where to stay near Cherry Crest and want to turn a day trip into a full getaway, our historic farm stay in Lancaster County is a fitting bookend to a day of petting zoo, corn maze, fresh cider donuts, and family fun.
Book your stay at Verdant View Farm and make Cherry Crest part of a full fall weekend in Lancaster County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cherry Crest Adventure Farm known for?
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is best known for its Amazing Maize Maze, one of the top-ranked corn mazes in the country, along with more than 70 fall attractions, festivals, and U-pick fields.
When does Cherry Crest’s fall season run?
The season runs September 19 through November 7, with the U-pick pumpkin patch open September 13 through October 26 and fireworks every Saturday night.
How much are Cherry Crest Adventure Farm tickets?
Ticket prices are tiered by day of the week, with weekdays cheaper than Saturdays and the highest rate on October and November Saturdays. Buying online in advance saves money over gate prices. The farm offers a 25% discount for active duty military and their families.
Where should I stay near Cherry Crest Adventure Farm?
Verdant View Farm, a working farm just a short drive from Cherry Crest, offers overnight farm stay accommodations with farm-to-table breakfast and morning chores, making it a natural home base for a Amish County fall getaway.
Coffee Mill Ski Area for the Best Winter Getaway in Minnesota
Best Coffee Mill Ski Area Winter Getaway in Minnesota
Winter in Minnesota is the perfect season for outdoor adventure, scenic drives, and cozy escapes, and Coffee Mill Ski Area is a favorite destination for travelers looking to enjoy classic Midwest skiing without the crowds. Located in Wabasha, this approachable ski area offers beautiful surroundings and reliable conditions, making it a great choice for both casual skiers and those planning a full winter getaway.
Coffee Mill Ski Area features groomed runs, scenic views of the Mississippi River Valley, and terrain that welcomes beginners while still appealing to experienced skiers. Its bowl-style layout helps protect slopes from winter winds, allowing for comfortable days on the mountain. Many visitors enjoy pairing a ski day with other things to do in Wabasha, MN.
Beyond skiing, Wabasha offers memorable winter experiences. Visitors can explore historic Main Street, attend seasonal events like the Grumpy Old Men Festival, or visit the National Eagle Center, one of the top attractions along the Mississippi River. Ice fishing on Lake Pepin and winter wildlife viewing are also popular when conditions allow.
Relax and Recharge at a Red Wing Bed and Breakfast
Staying nearby enhances the experience, and a Red Wing Bed and Breakfast offers a peaceful alternative to crowded ski resorts. Located about 30 minutes from Coffee Mill Ski Resort, Round Barn Farm provides a comfortable home base for winter in Minnesota, especially for couples, solo travelers, and friends planning a seasonal escape.
After a day on the slopes, guests appreciate returning to warm common spaces, quiet evenings, and thoughtful amenities designed for cold-weather comfort. Hearty breakfasts start ski days on the right note, while oversized soaking tubs and cozy guest rooms make it easy to unwind. Many travelers enjoy relaxing by the fire, sharing a bottle of wine, or simply slowing down after time outdoors.
For travelers exploring Minnesota ski resorts, Coffee Mill Ski Area delivers a relaxed pace, scenic setting, and easy access to regional attractions. Pairing a ski-focused itinerary with a stay at a Red Wing Bed and Breakfast creates a winter getaway that balances adventure with comfort, making it easy to enjoy everything the season has to offer.