Okay, so I’ve been itching to get out of the city for a weekend, especially with the winter vibes setting in. So I did some digging and planned a couple of trips. Let me tell you all about it!
First off, I started brainstorming where to go. I wanted somewhere that’s not too far from NYC, ’cause it’s just a weekend trip, but also has that winter wonderland feel.
I looked up a bunch of places, like literally twenty of them, and narrowed it down based on what I wanted. And I found a hidden gem. It is Lake Clear. This place is perfect. It’s kind of under the radar, not like those super crowded spots.
I hit the road early Saturday morning, ’cause I wanted to make the most of the weekend. The drive was smooth, just a few hours, and the scenery started getting prettier and prettier as I went further from the city.
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Ice Skating: As soon as I got to Lake Clear, I went straight for the lake. It was frozen solid, perfect for ice skating. I’m not a pro or anything, but it was fun wobbling around. And the view? Man, snowy trees all around, it was like straight out of a postcard.
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Cozy Cabin Vibes: I stayed in this cute little cabin. It had a fireplace, and let me tell you, there’s nothing like sitting by a fire after being out in the cold. I made hot chocolate, wrapped myself in a blanket, and just relaxed. It’s the simple things, you know?
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Nature Walks: I took a couple of walks around the area. The snow made everything look so peaceful. It’s that quiet, muffled sound that you only get with snow. Super serene.
What I did at Lake Clear
The next weekend, I decided to go north, up to Burlington, VT. It’s a bit of a drive, but totally worth it. Burlington in winter is just magical.
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Holiday Markets: They have these holiday markets that are just adorable. Little stalls selling handmade stuff, you know, the kind of unique things you won’t find in the city. I picked up a few gifts for my family, and maybe a little something for myself.
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Skiing: I also hit the slopes near Burlington. I’m not a big skier, but hey, when in Rome, right? It was fun, even though I spent more time falling than skiing. But the views from the top of the mountain were amazing.
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Just Walked Around: Honestly, one of my favorite things was just wandering around the town. The streets are all charming, especially with the snow. I found a couple of nice cafes, had some good coffee, and just people-watched.
What I did at Burlington
Both Lake Clear and Burlington were awesome in their own ways. Lake Clear was more about that quiet, nature-filled escape, while Burlington had more of a lively, festive feel.
Oh, and I also made a quick stop at Hudson on one of these trips. It’s closer to the city, but it’s got that small-town charm. And Lake Placid? That was on my list too. It’s a bit further, but I heard it’s incredible in winter. The snowy serenity. I guess there will always be a next weekend, right?
So yeah, that’s how I spent my weekends. Getting out of the city, even just for a couple of days, made a huge difference. It’s like a reset button. And doing it in winter? Totally recommend it. You get a whole different vibe, and it’s less crowded than in summer. If you’re thinking about a winter getaway, just do it. You won’t regret it!
