{"id":24227,"date":"2025-12-23T16:04:01","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T21:04:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/?p=24227"},"modified":"2025-12-24T11:45:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T16:45:15","slug":"winter-destinations-that-shine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/destinations\/winter-destinations-that-shine\/","title":{"rendered":"Destinations that Especially Shine in Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/ideas\/learn-to-love-winter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">I LOVE winter<\/a> and traveling to cold weather destinations. I know a lot of people prefer to <a href=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/destinations\/warm-weather-destinations-to-beat-the-winter-blues\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">flee south for warmer climates<\/a> once the temperatures drop, but I say the more snow, the better! There\u2019s something so invigorating about getting outdoors and trying new activities as the wind turns your cheeks rosy. I truly love places that know how to embrace the cold and make it a whole event instead of just something to survive.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check below for some places that might convince even the biggest snowbird in your group to change direction come winter!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong><strong>Winter Destinations Worth Visiting if You Love the Cold<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/University-of-Wisconsin-Madison-Samantha-with-Students-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24234\" style=\"width:683px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/University-of-Wisconsin-Madison-Samantha-with-Students-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/University-of-Wisconsin-Madison-Samantha-with-Students-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/University-of-Wisconsin-Madison-Samantha-with-Students-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/University-of-Wisconsin-Madison-Samantha-with-Students.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Madison, Wisconsin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/episodes\/season-6\/madison-wisconsin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Madison, Wisconsin<\/strong><\/a> is one of those destinations that I think is somehow <em>more<\/em> magical come winter. Once that lake freezes over, the whole city transforms into an entirely new space, and it\u2019s simply mesmerizing. Stay at the Edgewater Hotel, which sits right on the lake, and watch as locals walk across it. The best is when university students cut a hole and jump right in!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">To cozy up, go to one of the city\u2019s supper clubs. It\u2019s an old school dining experience where you can enjoy good food <em>and<\/em> good company. Be sure to start your meal with Wisconsin\u2019s take on an Old Fashioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>For more, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/destinations\/madison-wisconsin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>check out my weekend guide here<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr style=\"height:2px;background-color:#bcbfbb;border:none;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);\" \/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-2-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-2-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-2-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-2-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-2.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Troms\u00f8, Norway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking to chase Northern Lights, you want to head as far north in Norway as possible. Your best bet is to base yourself in <strong>Troms\u00f8<\/strong> and either drive or take a tour out to the darker areas nearby. In the meantime, the city itself looks just like all those miniature Christmas villages come to life. The best way to enjoy all the colorful facades is zigzagging your way from downtown up to the more residential areas. It\u2019s a small city, so it won\u2019t take you very long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019d <em>strongly<\/em> recommend trying out a Norwegian sauna experience while you\u2019re here, as well as taking advantage of their cosy cafe culture. Get the waffles and brown cheese!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr style=\"height:2px;background-color:#bcbfbb;border:none;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--0);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);\" \/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-3-1-1-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24243\" srcset=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-3-1-1-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-3-1-1-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-3-1-1-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-3-1-1.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Vienna, Austria<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/episodes\/season-3\/vienna-austria\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Vienna, Austria<\/strong><\/a> is an urban winter fairy tale. The city itself is absolutely glorious with a little bit of snow, and if you get too cold, you can easily spend hours visiting palaces from the Austrian Empire. Sch\u00f6nbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace alone could occupy full days! My personal favorite is Hofburg Palace. It\u2019s where the Austrian National Library is located and the Grand Hall will knock your socks off. Not to mention all the books are organized by size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In between sightseeing, try tafelspitz, a classic Viennese dish of boiled veal or beef in broth, served with a mix of minced apples and horseradish. And if you really want to make your winter trip special, go to one of Vienna\u2019s balls! Winter is Ball Season, and tickets are available to all. Nothing quite as fun as dressing to the nines and dancing to a full orchestra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr style=\"height:2px;background-color:#bcbfbb;border:none;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);\" \/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-4-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24219\" srcset=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-4-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-4-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-4-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-4.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Nagano Prefecture, Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to winter in Japan, head to <strong>Nagano Prefecture<\/strong> for all things skiing, hot springs, and\u2026 snow monkeys! You\u2019ll be spoiled for choice surrounded by the Japanese Alps; there\u2019s at least 80 ski resorts to choose from depending on your skill level. Pick one that has its own onsen system so you can spend your evenings soaking in a hot spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you need a break from the slopes, head to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park for the snow monkeys or into one of Nagano\u2019s smaller towns for history and culture. Matsumoto is particularly charming. As a bonus, it&#8217;s the hometown of artist Yayoi Kusama, so you can see much of her world famous work at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr style=\"height:2px;background-color:#bcbfbb;border:none;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);\" \/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-5-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24220\" srcset=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-5-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-5-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-5-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-5.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Big Sky, Montana<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I mean what destination says winter like <a href=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/episodes\/season-6\/big-sky-montana\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Big Sky, Montana<\/strong><\/a>? Considering they see 250 inches of snow on average\u2026 I\u2019d say they know their way around freezing temperatures. Come here if you want to take full advantage of the outdoors. Between skiing or snowboarding, nearby Yellowstone National Park, fly fishing in the Gallatin River, or going on a real life sleigh ride, there\u2019s so much to do to keep you outside. Just make sure <a href=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/ideas\/packing-for-winter-travel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">you wear all the right gear<\/a> to stay warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr style=\"height:2px;background-color:#bcbfbb;border:none;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);\" \/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-6-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24221\" srcset=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-6-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-6-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-6-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-6.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Copenhagen, Denmark<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What better place to put <em>hygge<\/em>, the Danish concept of cozy warmth and belonging, to the test than where it was popularized? With its colorful facades and plethora of caf\u00e9s, <strong>Copenhagen<\/strong> manages to combat the winter grays with its architecture and cozy culture. The city goes even further come February when the weather is at its bleakest and the sun sets as early as 3:30 PM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For three weeks, the Copenhagen Light Festival brightens the inner city and harbor with a variety of illuminations and light art. Plus, if you can time your visit with their <a href=\"https:\/\/diningweek.dk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">annual dining week<\/a> (usually the second week of February), you can take advantage of different restaurant deals. This <em>is<\/em> the city of Michelin restaurants, after all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr style=\"height:2px;background-color:#bcbfbb;border:none;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);\" \/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-7-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24222\" srcset=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-7-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-7-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-7-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-7.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Qu\u00e9bec City, Canada<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/episodes\/season-4\/quebec-city\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Qu\u00e9bec City<\/strong><\/a> is a <a href=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/destinations\/a-wintry-quebec-city-travel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">winter fairytale<\/a> come to life. Not only do the Qu\u00e9b\u00e9cois embrace the snow with vigor, most of the city really does look like it belongs in some medieval folktale. Whether it\u2019s the grandiose Fairmont Le Ch\u00e2teau Frontenac watching from above or the European style of Old Qu\u00e9bec, you\u2019ll wonder if you stepped back in time. Stroll along Petit-Champlain, hop in a wooden toboggan to speed down Au 1884 Slide, and head over to \u00cele d\u2019Orl\u00e9ans for semi-frozen falls and a cozy sugar shack experience. If you really want to embrace the cold, plan your visit around the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quebec-cite.com\/en\/what-to-do-quebec-city\/events\/quebec-winter-carnival\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Qu\u00e9bec Winter Carnival<\/a> in early February.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oh, and there\u2019s always ice canoeing for the <a href=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/destinations\/outdoor-winter-activities-in-quebec-city\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">truly adventurous<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr style=\"height:2px;background-color:#bcbfbb;border:none;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);\" \/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-8-1-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24244\" srcset=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-8-1-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-8-1-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-8-1-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-8-1.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. The Valais Region, Switzerland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s pretty impossible to pinpoint just <em>one<\/em> Swiss destination to enjoy come winter but if I absolutely had to, I\u2019d choose the <a href=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/episodes\/season-2-2\/lake-geneva-valais-switzerland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Valais Region<\/strong><\/a>. Start in the beautiful city of <a href=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/destinations\/why-you-need-to-plan-a-trip-to-the-swiss-side-of-lake-geneva\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Geneva<\/a> before hopping on the train to Corsier-sur-Vevey. There you can visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chaplinsworld.com\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chaplin\u2019s World<\/a> and explore all things Charlie Chaplin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then head to Nendaz, a tiny mountain village where you can take part in just about any winter activity imaginable. Martigny is another gem for one very specific reason \u2013 the St. Bernard! At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barryland.ch\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BarryLand<\/a>, you can both learn more about Switzerland\u2019s National Dog <em>and<\/em> interact with them. If you\u2019re lucky, you\u2019ll get to be bombarded with puppies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr style=\"height:2px;background-color:#bcbfbb;border:none;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);\" \/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-9-1-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24245\" srcset=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-9-1-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-9-1-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-9-1-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-9-1.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Traverse City, Michigan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s a lot to love about <a href=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/episodes\/season-8\/traverse-city-michigan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Traverse City<\/strong><\/a> all year round, and in winter that means pure adventure. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore absolutely transforms once snow starts falling. That Dune Climb turns into the perfect sledding hill while the hiking trails turn into the perfect cross country skiing trails. And if you really want to try something fun, look into fat biking. These mountain bikes are specially adapted to cycle on snow <em>and<\/em> sand. When you need a break, there\u2019s a fantastic food and local wine scene. Whatever you do, make sure to try the raclette at <a href=\"https:\/\/leelanaucheese.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Leelanau Cheese<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr style=\"height:2px;background-color:#bcbfbb;border:none;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);\" \/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-10-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-10-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-10-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-10-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Winter-Destinations-Blog-10.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Lake Placid, New York<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To round out this list, I have to mention the very place I love bringing my kids every year. <strong>Lake Placid<\/strong> was home to the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, so you <em>know<\/em> it makes for a fun cold weather stop. I actually just got the whole family ice skates for our last trip! Come January and February, Mirror Lake is perfect for ice skating or cross country skiing and even offers dog sledding, which my kids loved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are still Olympic venues up and running like the speed skating oval where Eric Heiden won FIVE medals. And for downhill skiers, Whiteface Mountain has the greatest vertical east of the Rockies with nearly 300 skiable acres and 94 trails. If you have someone in your crew who would rather do something a little less active, send them to Main Street &#8211; it\u2019s right out of a Hallmark movie!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">And there you have some of my favorite winter destinations!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Any I&#8217;m missing? What snowy destination would you want to see us feature in Places to Love next? Let me know below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Website-Pinterest-Graphic-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24229\" srcset=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Website-Pinterest-Graphic-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Website-Pinterest-Graphic-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Website-Pinterest-Graphic-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Dec-26-Website-Pinterest-Graphic.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I LOVE winter and traveling to cold weather destinations. I know a lot of people prefer to flee south for warmer climates once the temperatures drop, but I say the more snow, the better! There\u2019s something so invigorating about getting outdoors and trying new activities as the wind turns your cheeks rosy. I truly love&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":24233,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,294],"tags":[1081,213,253,338,1080],"post_series":[],"class_list":["post-24227","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destinations","category-holiday-ideas","tag-cold-weather","tag-packing","tag-snow","tag-winter","tag-winter-packing","entry","has-media"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Destinations that Especially Shine in Winter - Samantha Brown&#039;s Places to Love<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/samantha-brown.com\/destinations\/winter-destinations-that-shine\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Destinations that Especially Shine in Winter - Samantha Brown&#039;s Places to Love\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"I LOVE winter and traveling to cold weather destinations. 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