by Scott Laird
Last updated: 5:00 AM ET, Thu January 26, 2017
Photo courtesy of Visit Bucks County
Let's face it: cities are great, but sometimes an escape for the weekend to relax and get away from it all is just the ticket. This week I've collected several midwinter specials at smaller hotels and inns at bucolic rural destinations across the country. Not only are they out in the country, they're not too far out for weekenders to reach on a Thursday or Friday evening after a long city center workday. Whether you're on the East Coast, out in California, or up in the Evergreen State, there are weekend getaways out in the woods to suit almost any fancy.
Get Cabin Fever in Bucks County
Close to both New York City and Philadelphia, but worlds away from the urban maw, Bucks County, Pennsylvania is rife with modern art, Revolution-era history, and plenty of covered bridges. Set on the Delaware River, Bridgeton House is offering a Cabin Fever Package Special through Jan. 31.
Guests booking a two-night stay will enjoy complimentary wine & cheese upon arrival, afternoon tea, champagne at breakfast one morning and a late checkout. This same package is also available for three night stays over President's Day weekend.
Wine Down or Whiskey à Gogo on the Mendocino Coast
Another destination far from the city is California's bucolic Mendocino Coast. So attractive, in fact, that some dedicated return guests jet in via private plane just for Sunday Brunch at Little River Inn. February is the time to visit, here, with plenty of packages involving high spirits. On Friday Feb. 10, the local American Craft Whiskey Distillery will hold the second annual Cabaret Pairing, featuring a tasting, live music from a guitar virtuoso, and a paired, locally sourced menu.
Tickets are $125 and themselves pair well with the Rustic Romance Package which includes a two-night stay in an ocean view room, dinner for two, a map to the "Kissing Benches of Little River" a souvenir backpack, filled with goodies for a romantic hike including lip balm, breath mints, and fudge. If vino is more your varietal, the International Alsace Varietals Festival (Feb. 24-27) has its own package, including an overnight stay in an Ocean View Fireplace Room, Grand Tasting entry for two, and a complimentary bottle of Alsace-style wine.
Slip Away to the Inn at Langley
Calm, idyllic ocean views await on Washington's Whidbey Island, far removed from the urban centers of Seattle and Vancouver. Through Feb. 4, The Inn at Langley is offering special weekend rates from $325 per night. It's low season for the island, and the region in general, although weather can be surprisingly mild.
Enjoy Northwest Cuisine, a stroll through historic Langley's bookstores, art galleries, and boutiques, or relax with a cup of the hotel's bespoke coffee blend by your wood-burning fireplace and a room with a view of Saratoga Passage and the Cascade Mountains. Whatever your need to escape the city for the weekend, it can be done at great value in the first month of the year.
Valentine's Day is on the horizon so next week I'll have some packages for the lovebirds out there.
Topics From This Article to Explore
