By Lindsay Cohin, Reader’s Digest
Maybe the beach or islands fade from your memory when the temps drop, but these warm-weather locales are even more beautiful blanketed in snow.
Montauk, New York
[post_ads]Montauk may lure summer travelers with its sandy shores, surf spots, and resorts (it's one of the top 10 perfect places to escape with your besties), but winter brings something even rarer—serenity. The roads, overrun with cars in summer, are clear and easy to navigate, making for a quick drive to year-round sites such as Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum or Deep Hollow Ranch. Plus, a handful of restaurants and resorts stay open for business despite the cold. Gurney's Montauk turns up the heat with seasonal spa treatments, a Finnish-style rock sauna, a Russian steam room, and an array of wellness programming—all with a beautiful, snowy backdrop!
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Once the world's top whaling port, modern-day Nantucket retains much of its classic charm—sweeping beaches, sand dunes, historic harbors, and seaside cottages. After the crowds have emptied out, this 50-square mile island feels totally and utterly peaceful. Plus, off-peak prices at some of the island's hottest properties mean you can experience New England luxury for a fraction of the cost. Winter rates at the famed Jared Coffin House—a stately brick mansion, once home to a prominent whaling merchant—start at $175. And you can stay at The Nantucket Hotel for $195 (compared to $625 in the summer). Plus, there's cocktail hour in the outdoor hot tub and fondue by the fire pits. Craving more waterfront adventure? Here are 12 awesome island vacations you can take without leaving the country.
Kennebunkport, Maine
When the flakes fall, Kennebunkport—one of the most charming seaside towns in the U.S.—turns into a real-life winter wonderland with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Go for a spin on the ice rink at Waterhouse Pavilion or head to Wells Reserve at Laudholm, where you'll find seven miles of powder-covered trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Want to rev up the romance? Start with an afternoon sleigh ride for two at Rockin' Horse Stables, followed by a cup of hot cocoa by the roaring fire, and end the evening with a candle-lit dinner at the award-winning restaurant at Grace White Barn Inn. But that's not the only foodie hotspot in the state. A drive up Maine's rugged coastline yields a plethora of delicious delights.
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Newport, Rhode Island
Famed for its yacht-filled harbor and Gilded Age mansions, Newport has long been the summer locale of choice for New England's elite. And while that certainly remains true, these days many people are making this coastal community their primary residence. The opening of Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina—with its do-it-yourself hot chocolate bar, mixology classes, and fire pits—further solidified it as a year-round destination. This Rhode Island gem sparkles during the winter. When Jack Frost comes to town, everything—from the cobblestone streets to the historic homes that line Bellevue Avenue—is cloaked in fluffy flakes, making it even more magical. Of course, no trip to Newport is complete with a drink at the White Horse Tavern, said to be the oldest bar in America.
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Situated seven miles off Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard is one of the best beach vacation in the U.S., but what you might not realize is that it's home to 15,000 full-time residents and ferries from Woods Hole run every day (weather permitting), which means this idyllic island doesn't shut down in the winter, but it does mellow considerably. And for solitude-seekers, that's even more of a reason to visit. Adding to its off-season allure are reduced hotel rates, easy-to-secure restaurant reservations, and the promise of skating Uncle Seth's Pond in West Tisbury.
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Cape May, New Jersey
The Jersey Shore is popular summer destination—and a bucket-list stop for New Jersey—here are the top destinations for all 50 states. Cape May's family-friendly fun has plenty to appeal to visitors year round. And the holidays are particularly picturesque. Snow-dusted Victorian homes dressed with yuletide decorations invite visitors to step back in time. And there's even more festive fun to be had at Congress Hall. "America's oldest seaside resort" evokes the spirit of Kris Kringle with a holiday shopping village, seasonal concert series, and even a carousel. The quieter months of January and February are great for relaxing and wallet-friendly getaways as many hotels offer specials. Topping the list is The Virginia, which has a "winter warm-up" package that includes a dining/cocktail credit and a discount on spa services.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod has much to offer to those willing to visit outside of the summer months. Come winter, you'll find many unexpected pleasures like frosty beach walks, cultural attractions, minimal crowds, and tasty treats. Gallery hopping in Provincetown is always a hit. Or, bundle up and hit the trails at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary or the Salt Pond Visitor Center. Afterwards, warm up (and satisfy your sweet tooth) with a cup of cocoa at The Hot Chocolate Sparrow, Hole-In-One Doughnuts, or Pie in the Sky Bakery. For something a little stronger, stop by Cape Cod Beer or Devil's Purse Brewery. And if the weather is crummy, why not expand your mind with a trip to the Cahoon Museum of American Art or the Woods Hole Science Aquarium? Speaking of animals, these photos prove there's nothing better than being a dog on Cape Cod.
