10 Fun Winter Getaways

Vacations are always needed this time of year to ditch the winter routine.  A quick escape to somewhere fun could include warm weather and water, an urban escape or a mountain with a world-class ski resort.  Decide which getaway is for you and pack your overnighter!  Here are some east coast vacation suggestions for a quick weekend, long weekend or a week of fun. 

Key West

If you looking to go as far south as you can and still be in the contiguous states but also have a Caribbean feel, then Key West is for you.   Key West is rich in history and has a very laid back feel.  You can begin your trip on Duval Street and wander to Mallory Square to see street performers, musicians, and lively bars.  Part of the rich history is the pirate culture, shipwrecks and one famous writer, Ernest Hemingway.  One of the most popular things to do in Key West is to snap a photo with the colorful buoy marking the southernmost point of the United States.

Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain

Steeped in Olympic tradition, Lake Placid is a charming alpine village that attracts visitors for its winter activities.  While the “Miracle on Ice” is a great memory the town offers many few memories to make including skating on Mirror Lake and skiing and snowboarding down the road at Whiteface Mountain.  Lake Placid has world-class facilities for nordic skiing, snowshoeing and bobsledding. Whiteface has the highest vertical drop in the east and the summit offers a 360-degree view of the Adirondacks and clear-day glimpses of Vermont and even Canada, 

Martinique

Break out your French and visit the Paris of the Caribbean.  On this gem of an island you won’t find big resorts or many Americanized customs but you will find the best of food, drink, and beauty.  Martinique has stunning unspoiled beaches, picturesque hiking and stunning snorkeling to enjoy.  The rum produced in Martinique is world class and is identified by the French government as its own identity, similar to Champagne.  Martinique, c’est magnifique!”

Panama

Panama is in the eastern time zone and very accessible from the US.  Panama is a very small country, and home to pristine white beaches, inhabited and uninhabited islands, mountains, jungles, plantations, native American cultures, quaint small towns, and a modern cosmopolitan city with a very developed skyline.  You will find a mix of Miami-style modernity and charming colonial architecture when you visit.  January, February, and March are the best months to visit Panama as it is the dry season so you will encounter very little rain. 

Sugarloaf, Maine

Sugarloaf is located in the northern section of Maine that sits above the NH-Canada border.  It is the largest ski area east of the Rockies.  This is a skiing/snowboard/snowshoe destination as the town is very quiet however, at the Sugarloaf resort you can participate in ice skating, a massive fitness center, an anti-gravity complex, bowling, and live music.

Bermuda

Love sailing and water activities?  Bermuda is for you!  Located off the east coast of the United States, Bermuda is a British Territory and not considered to be a Caribbean island but you see stunning crystal clear water, beautiful pink sand, and hidden coves.  Getting around the island to visit instagrammable places like historic Town of St. George, the capital Hamilton and many beaches is fun by scooter.  Get used to the driving the other side of the road! 

Miami

The Latin capital of the US is a great place to visit during the winter.  There is plenty to do year-round including vibrant beaches, art festivals, delicious Cuban food, and great Latin music.  During March Miami hosts the sailing world during Miami Sailing Week on Biscayne Bay.  Check for brightly colored spinnakers off the coast. 

March in Miami is also home to Miami Film Festival, Carnival, the Orchid Festival, Jazz in the Gardens, Miami music week, Miami Tennis Open, and the Deering Seafood Festival.  All these events are enjoyable in the warm but not hot weather season. 

NY

Spring break vacations for families don’t have to be in warm-weather destinations. Now is the perfect time to visit the city that never sleeps.  You can visit world-renowned museums, Broadway, Central Park, Chelsea market and Twin Towers memorial and in March NYC hosts the St. Patricks Day Parade, Winter Wine Festival in Times Square, and Macy’s Flower Show.  So much to do and see in the Big Apple!

Aruba

The best sunsets in the Caribbean are known to be in Aruba.  They are enhanced by the fine powdery white beaches and record sunny days.  Aruba’s other best of the Caribbean is diving.  The diversity of dive spots for snorkeling and scuba is spectacular but not to be forgotten is wreck diving. 

Arubans are friendly and prideful and they show their strong sense of pride celebrating their National Anthem and Flag Day (Status Aparte with Dia di Himno y Bandera) on March 18.  Each Caribbean Island has food or beverage that are known for, Aruba’s food tradition is cake or bolo preto (black cake), a rich fruit cake soaked in brandy and rum for at least a month before being served.  Yum…

Stowe, Vermont

Locals say early to mid-March is typically the best skiing of the season at Stowe.  If you would like to be a spectator one day, Stowe hosts a 25 and 50km ski marathon in March!  Additional winter activities available are dogsledding, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, and even moose tracking (my personal favorite!).