Winter is a time for relaxation. Whether you’re reclining by a brick fireplace or exploring the snowy treetops, the Garden State has tons of seasonal activities. Sometimes, however, it’s nice to just get away. Embarking on a journey to an entirely new winter oasis is the best way for locals to reset and unwind. Luckily, the Garden State is close to dozens of wonderful winter destinations. So, for everything from waterfront hotels to wellness escapes, here are 10 winter getaways from New Jersey.
The Sagamore Resort – Bolton Landing, NY
At the Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, guests’ winter getaways are a true breath of fresh air. Sitting at the heart of Lake George, this resort offers plenty of relaxing amenities and waterfront views. Stay at the historical hotel, cozy lodge, or rustic castle and experience all the sights and sounds of the Adirondacks.
The best drinks are seasonal ones. From summer’s popular mojito to winter’s famous hot toddy, certain cocktails can truly embody that time of year. But what if the bar itself matched the weather? At the Sagamore Resort, the Glacier Ice Bar & Lounge does exactly that. One of the coolest events in the Northeast, this beautiful resort’s winter bar is fully carved out of ice. Poised at the heart of the Adirondacks, Sagamore Resort gives guests a true winter wonderland.
RiverWalk Resort – Lincoln, NH
Overlooking the peaks of Loon Mountain, the RiverWalk Resort displays snowy, white terrain from every angle. The resort is home to an abundance of skiing and hiking trails, along with milder activities like luxurious spa treatments and outdoor hot tubs. During the winter months, the lagoon pool transforms into a one-of-a-kind ice skating rink. Twirl under the stars or unwind in the game room; at this resort, there are plenty of amenities for guests to try.
And, if you’re hoping to feel like royalty during these chilly months, drive seven minutes to the Ice Castles and bring those dreams to fruition. An award-winning frozen attraction, hundreds of thousands of hand-placed icicles are decorated by professional artists to create a magical winter experience. Complete with frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, fountains, and caverns, the Ice Castles bring fairytales to life.
Sterling Ridge Resort – Jeffersonville, VT
As many dog owners know, it’s difficult to plan a weekend getaway without your furry friend. Luckily, the log cabins at Sterling Ridge Resort offer dog-friendly accommodations. Located in the mountains of Vermont, this resort combines nature and relaxation to create the best winter getaway. Rent your very own private cabin, or scale up to a larger private home, in the heart of the woods for a wintery mix of bliss and adventure. Explore any of the year-round nature trails, either with boots or the resort’s complimentary snowshoes. To warm up afterward, the cabins are equipped with a two-person hot tub and wood stoves.
Castle Hill Inn – Newport, RI
Sometimes, you need a break from the Garden State’s winter landscape. Replace the view of snow-covered lawns and icy trees with the beach town charm of Newport’s Castle Hill Inn. For a seaside getaway, this popular northeast destination offers everything from private beach access to waterfront cottages. Complete with a 19th-century lighthouse, the Castle Hill Inn displays New England’s rich history through romantic decor.
For the best experience, guests can rent private beach cottages sitting along the sand dunes. Indulge in locally-caught seafood, served with one of the venue’s 800 wines. With continental breakfast and the surrounding town of Newport, Castle Hill Inn is the perfect beachfront destination.
Woodstock Way Hotel – Woodstock, NY
Any music fans out there? Look no further than the Woodstock Way Hotel in Woodstock, NY. This hotel serves as Woodstock’s signature hospitality destination. Nestled in a town with deep rooted lore in music history, the hotel plays off that by combining rustic-chic architecture with Woodstock’s counterculture spirit. What you get is a modern hotel that is laden with music history from head to toe.
Taking solace within the Catskill Mountains, Woodstock Way is the perfect destination for those looking to escape into a winter vibe. Kickback in the property’s tannery, which is complete with coffee, local provisions, art and of course, a playlist curated specifically for Woodstock Way. This hotel stands as a great opportunity to explore the rich music history of the area, while simultaneously scoring some much-needed relaxation time.
Canyon Ranch – Lenox, MA
Winter getaways are the perfect time to reset and decompress. At Canyon Ranch, a wellness team of proven experts are devoted to helping guests destress and find inner bliss. Located in the midst of the Berkshire Mountains, this all-inclusive wellness resort combines natural and contemporary notes to create an immersive and calming experience. From saunas in the woods to a luxury spa, there are more than 30 daily activities for guests to enjoy.
Canyon Ranch was recently named the Best Wellness Retreat in Massachusetts by World Spa Awards for its attention to detail and customizable experience. Guests can select a pre-scheduled pathway focusing on a particular area of health and wellness, or create a personalized agenda. Take courses on yoga practices or engage in art classes. For a calming winter getaway from New Jersey, Canyon Ranch has plenty of amenities.
Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz, NY
If you’re looking to get away, what better place than a castle in the mountains? Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York provides guests with a relaxing escape from bustling neighborhoods and mundane architecture. The resort was first founded in 1869 as a Victorian-style castle. Now a National Historic Landmark, the converted castle peaks over the water to give guests a genuine, regal stay.
Offering upscale dining, private fireplaces, and outdoor activities, the Mohonk Mountain House is a cozy, magnificent escape. During the winter season, this destination hosts ice skating, Christmas tree displays, festive decor and activities for kids. Relax indoors at the yoga mats and indoor pools, or explore the 85 miles of mountain trails at this winter getaway.
Skytop Lodge – Poconos, PA
Exploring new environments is a primary motivation for traveling. Weekend getaways are nothing without new sights, sounds, and activities. Keeping this in mind, the Skytop Lodge in Pennsylvania includes an entire adventure center. Offering seasonal fun like snow tubing and skiing, along with activities such as paintball, there’s something for everyone at this resort. For lodging, guests can choose from Skytop’s cozy lodge, cottage, or inn rooms.
Skytop Lodge sits along 5,000 acres of land. A private oasis in the midst of the Poconos, its rustic exterior and woodland views reconnect guests with nature. With plenty of dining options on-site, including seven choices for each meal, this destination brings the calm, peaceful allure of winter to your front door.
Whiteface Lodge – Lake Placid, NY
When it comes to winter getaways and activities near New Jersey, Lake Placid is a must-visit. A venue for the Winter Olympics in 1980, Lake Placid sits among New York State’s Adirondack Mountains. If you’re hoping to hike along the shoreline or experience its history for yourself, Whiteface Lodge is a wonderful retreat. Its rustic, timber design complements the surrounding mountains, offering private cedar and mahogany balconies to enjoy the scenery.
The lodge includes health and self-care activities, along with attractions for kids. Scavenger hunts, movie theaters, obstacle courses, and science experiments are all among the featured activities for guests. Whether it’s to break the cycle of daily routines or experience the historical nature of Lake Placid, this popular destination is a great way to connect with nature and tranquility.
Savage River Lodge – Frostburg, MD
Let’s be honest––it isn’t a winter getaway without the crackling of a gas log fireplace and the scent of crisp, woodsy pine. Enjoy both of these and more at Savage River Lodge in Frostburg, Maryland. Surrounded by more than 700 acres of State Forest land, guests have plenty to explore outside the private, two-story cabins. Wake up to fresh juice and muffins outside your door to start the morning. For other dining options and activities, visit the central gathering place within the main lodge. There, a full bar and restaurant, as well as an entire lobby, await interested guests. With opportunities to hike or simply curl up indoors, this getaway destination combines woods and wonder.
The Harborside Hotel – Bar Harbor, ME
Acadia National Park is a beautiful destination regardless of the season. However, there’s something uniquely spectacular about the park during the winter months. Home to the tallest mountain in the U.S. Atlantic coast, it remains the second-most-visited National Park in the country. Acadia is also one of the key attractions for guests staying at The Harborside Hotel in Bar Harbor, Maine. Just a drive away from the park, this coastal hotel combines contemporary decor with waterside enticement.
Positioned beside Frenchman’s Bay, The Harborside Hotel decorates suites with natural wood accents, marble bathrooms, hot tubs, and fireplaces for a cozy, upscale stay. For a closer look at the water, guests can also stay in one of the boathouse suites sitting along the heart of the marina. From hiking trails to fresh dining, this multifaceted hotel includes activities for every getaway’s itinerary.
Planning on visiting any of these 10 winter getaways from New Jersey? Share with us in the comments!
Main photo by Gela Del Rosario
Mary Sparago is 22-year-old creative writing and policy enthusiast who's always looking for new dogs to pet. In her spare time, Mary enjoys listening to K-pop and playing video games.
