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With colder weather on the way, check out these wonderful winter getaway destinations

With colder weather on the way, check out these wonderful winter getaway destinations

Melinda Green

Cabin fever? We don’t know what you’re talking about. Ohio has so many places for winter getaways—whether you like frosty adventure or cozy nesting, there’s something out there just for you! Here are our top ten getaways for this season.

Whisked Away

Escape to Tuscany, at least in spirit, at Gervasi Vineyard Winery & Resort. Experience live music, winery tours, cooking demonstrations, a cigar lounge, over 30 varieties of wine, and a boutique distillery. Add that to Gervasi’s luxurious accommodations and dining, and it’s a definite romantic getaway.

Winter on the River

Head northeast to Cleveland if you want to catch the return of their Winter RiverFest, an annual celebration that transforms Rivergate Park and Merwin’s Wharf into a holiday wonderland. Dine inside of an igloo, check out the holiday storefronts, sip a winter beer on a rooftop in front of a roaring outdoor firepit, or just take in the festive decor. This year will even include a seasonal ice skating rink for the first time ever.

Season of Hope

Find adventure in Lake Hope State Park. When the lake freezes over, get on the ice for skating or fishing, and do some sledding on the snow. You can also visit the historic Moonville Tunnel or the Zaleski State Forest for target-shooting, before warming up in your heated cabin.

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Keep Cozy

Stay warm at Punderson Manor Lodge. Bunk in a cabin or a 1920s Tudor-style mansion and gather around the outdoor bonfire pit. There are plenty of outdoor and indoor activities at Punderson State Park, nearby West Woods Park, and around Geauga County.

Outdoor Adventure

With striking views of Lake Erie, Maumee Bay Lodge has true Ohio character. Bring your winter sports gear, because the surrounding state park has a 70-foot sledding hill. And if it’s been cold enough, you can ice skate on the lake. The park is also a winter home to many types of raptors, ducks, and gulls.

Fountain Festivity

For much of the winter, Cincinnati’s Fountain Square boasts an ice rink—but this one also has bumper cars! When you’re not on the ice, check out family-friendly (or adult-friendly) breweries, walk over the Ohio River bridges to Newport, Ky., and learn about cold-weather-loving animals at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Tranquil Escape

Boasting beautiful views of the Appalachian foothills, Murphin Ridge Inn is a perfect place to rekindle romance or enjoy some peace and quiet. After a breakfast of Foggy Bottom Pancakes (a famous breakfast dish created at the Inn), bundle up and take a hike through nearby parks and preserves, or shop at Amish-owned businesses in surrounding towns.

The Quiet Season

Winter is the off-season in Hocking Hills, and your visit won’t be nearly as crowded as fall. Bring your best-gripping, waterproof footwear, because when the weather is right, the falls freeze and ice structures abound. Feet getting tired? Equestrian Ridge Farm offers guided horseback trail rides year-round!

Keep it Moving

Want to stay busy? Head over to Warren County. Book a room at the Golden Lamb, take a self-guided Underground Railroad walking tour in nearby Springboro, check out the renowned murals in Franklin, and visit Caesar Creek State Park and Pioneer Village.

Hit the Slopes

Snow Trails claims the longest ski trail and longest tubing lanes in Ohio. When you need a break from the slopes, tour the famous Mansfield Reformatory and keep an eye out for paranormal happenings. Or head over to Malabar Farm State Park to tour the grounds and learn about early American farm life.

If you like this, read: Off the Beaten Path

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