Discover skiing, twinkle lights, and more.
BY STEFANIE WALDEK Country Living
While summer and fall are prime seasons for weekend getaways, winter shouldn’t be overlooked. There are towns across the country that look like picture-perfect postcards in the wintertime, whether it’s due to a light dusting of snow, historic architecture, dramatic landscapes, or a combination of all three. If you’re hoping to take a little break this year to hit the slopes, enjoy holiday festivities, or simply cozy up in a cabin somewhere far from home, here are the prettiest American towns to visit in the winter.
1
Leavenworth, Washington
Connie Coleman//Getty Images
Visiting Leavenworth might be the next best thing to visiting Germany at Christmastime. The town is modeled after a Bavarian village, featuring classic Alpine architecture, beer halls, even a nutcracker museum. You can also visit nearby ski resorts for some downhill action.
2
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
DenisTangneyJr//Getty Images
Established in 1653, Portsmouth is a quintessential New England port town located about an hour outside of Boston. In the winter, enjoy sports like fat-tire biking and ice-skating, followed by après- ski-style drinks in one of Portsmouth’s many restaurants and bars.
3
Bar Harbor, Maine
Nate Parker Maine Photography//Getty Images
As cute and charming as Bar Harbor is, it gets busy in the summer. You can take advantage of the cleared-out crowds in the winter, both in town—where you can, and should, enjoy some chowder to warm yourself up—and in nearby Acadia National Park.
4
Rochester, Michigan
RiverNorthPhotography//Getty Images
More than a million colorful lights adorn the storefronts of downtown Rochester in its annual Big Bright Light Show. Bundle up if you plan on walking the streets, though—otherwise, you might want to take in the sights from the comfort of your car as you drive around town.
5
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Walter Bibikow//Getty Images
Forget about the cold winter temps by heading for a soak in Glenwood Springs’ eponymous hot springs. If you’re willing to brave the weather, spend a day at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park or Sunlight Mountain Resort for thrill rides and skiing, respectively.
6
Park City, Utah
Jason Cameron//Getty Images
Park City has two famous draws in the wintertime: skiing and the Sundance Film Festival held every January. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to ride the bobsled at Utah Olympic Park, which hosted the bobsled event during the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Dunton, Colorado
dszc//Getty Images
If you’re seeking somewhere a little slower paced than Colorado ski hubs like Vail, Telluride, and Breckenridge, Dunton is the place for you. It’s known for its hot springs, where waters are a toasty 85 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit—enjoy them from the comfort of a 19th-century bathhouse. There’s also snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sleigh rides.
8
Sitka, Alaska
filo//Getty Images
Winter can be a lovely time to visit southern Alaska. The pretty town of Sitka has a milder climate, which makes its winter festivals, such as the Sitka WhaleFest and Sitka Jazz Festival, all the more enjoyable.
9
Cape May, New Jersey
Andria Patino//Getty Images
Don’t forget about beach destinations in the winter. Picturesque Cape May is a Victorian-era resort town with a shop-lined main street that’s particularly festive during the holidays. No, you probably won’t be spending much time on the beach, but you can book a stay in a cozy B&B.
10
Taos, New Mexico
Mona Makela Photography//Getty Images
You might not think of New Mexico as a ski destination, but there’s plenty of powder on the slopes at Taos Ski Valley, which has an average annual snowfall of 176 inches.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
11
Littleton, New Hampshire
DenisTangneyJr//Getty Images
Littleton is surrounded by skiing, but there’s plenty to do in town too. The quaint spot is home to the world’s longest candy counter, as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records (it’s 112 feet long!), and a variety of funky boutiques. Stop by the Littleton Diner for brunch, then mosey over to the Schilling Beer Co. for local brews.
12
McAdenville, North Carolina
Elizabeth W. Kearley//Getty Images
For more than six decades, McAdenville has transformed into “Christmas Town U.S.A” for the holidays, with decorations, lights, and celebrations throughout town. Their famous Yule Log ceremony in mid-December includes a parade, singing, and a visit from Santa.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
13
Skaneateles, New York
Matt Champlin//Getty Images
Set on one of New York’s scenic Finger Lakes, the town of Skaneateles has a vibrant downtown with plenty of shopping, dining, and opportunities to sample local wine (this is a wine region, after all). For a winter treat, head out onto the lake for some ice fishing, or ski at Greek Peak Mountain Resort less than an hour away.