5 of the Most Magnificent Midwest Winter Getaways

The Great Lakes, rugged backcountry roads, and vast prairie land lure visitors to the Midwest each year. As temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall, the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland. Consider planning the trip of a lifetime to one of these magnificent Midwest winter getaways. Read on for some of our suggestions on where to go this winter.

“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” — Aristotle 

1. Galena, IL 

Attend holiday events, shop for unique gifts on Main Street, or cozy up by the fire. Galena, IL, is home to a variety of winter activities that will keep you entertained throughout the season. Fresh snow paints a scene that elicits wonder. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, or even ice golf!

Select Dining Suggestion: In Galena, you’ll find everything from French and German-inspired dishes to mouth-watering Italian plates. Consider eating at Fritz and Frites, Goldmoor Dining, or Fried Green Tomatoes! 

Where to Stay

Inn at Irish Hollow

2. Ohio’s Hocking Hills 

When everything freezes over in the winter, the Hocking Hills of Ohio transform into a winter wonderland. Visit wineries. Indulge in delicious cuisines. For an outdoor adventure among natural wonders, embark on a winter hike, sled at Lake Hope State Park, ice skate on Lake Logan, or go cross-country skiing at Glenlaurel Inn and Cottage! 

Select Dining Suggestion: Maybe you’re in the mood for smoky BBQ. Perhaps you’re craving a sweet treat. If you find yourself in Hocking Hills, OH, consider visiting Penny’s Pastries for a donut or apple fritter. Millstone Restaurant Smoked BBQ is the place to go for wings, ribs, or pulled pork! 

Where to Stay

Glenlaurel, A Scottish Inn & Cottages

Unwind in an atmosphere of effortless, old-world elegance at Glenlaurel, A Scottish Inn & Cottages. Choose between 20 inviting accommodations across a sprawling 140-acre estate. Opt for a romantic, richly-appointed room or suite to a secluded croft or cottage! 

Glenlaurel

3. Ohio Wine Country

For the ultimate food and wine experience, visit Gervasi Vineyard in Canton, OH. There, you can dine at a rustic, upscale Italian Bistro, sip wine at the Crush House (a contemporary winery, wine bar, and eatery), and sample spirits at the Still House (a distillery featuring cocktails and coffee). Additionally, you learn more about their five-acre vineyard, portfolio of wines, and their state-of-the-art winemaking facilities! 

Select Dining Suggestions: If you ever make it off the property to eat somewhere else, try Bender’s Tavern if you’re keeping it upscale or TD’s Tailgate Grill for a more relaxed vibe. 

Where to Stay 

Gervasi Vineyard Luxury Suites

If you’re going to tour the grounds and taste the wines, you might as well stay. Gervasi Vineyard’s Luxury Suites exude a Tuscan-inspired air. They offer three different ways to stay: in the Villas, in the Casa, or in the Farmhouse! Each boasts various rooms that set the scene for the ultimate getaway. 

Gervasi Vineyard

4. Lake Michigan’s Stafford Bay 

Plush, glistening blankets of snow drape and drizzle a sentimental scene for those looking to enjoy a romantic winter getaway on the shore of Lake Michigan. Couples will find no shortage of things to do in the winter around the area. Take a guided winter rafting trip down the Sturgeon River with Big Bear Adventures. Throw on a pair of snowshoes and trek across vast, white landscapes. Warm up while shopping in Boyne City. Visit Friske Orchards ten miles south of Charlevoix. You might even enjoy taking a winter horseback ride at Boyne Highlands! 

Where to Stay 

Stafford’s Bay View Inn 

Stay in this gorgeous, Petoskey, MI mansion on the lake. Stafford’s Bay View Inn offers attentive service, country inn dining, and elegant accommodations to ensure that your stay in this relaxed, historic setting remains a pleasant memory for years to come! 

Stafford’s Bay View Inn

5. Door County, WI 

Visit quiet Door County, WI, on the peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. Here, you will encounter a diverse range of cultures and their influences from Native Americans as well as Belgian immigrants. Visit sites such as the Pioneer Schoolhouse and the Belgian Heritage Center to learn more about the region’s history. Then, spend some time gazing up at the twinkling stars beneath the cold, winter night sky in the evenings. 

Select Dining Suggestions: For authentic Swedish cuisine, Al Johnson’s where goats graze atop its sod roof. You might also like to try fried cheese curds, beer cheese soup, or Colby cheese while you’re in Wisconsin! 

Where to Stay

Hillside Waterfront Hotel

Stay in one of the oldest buildings in Ephraim, Wisconsin. Hillside Waterfront Hotel boasts a history back to 1890 and earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places! In fact, much of the village was built around this beautiful mansion, which makes it easy for guests to explore nearby attractions. 

Hillside Waterfront Hotel

Additional Romantic Winter Getaway Resources 

• 6 of the Most Romantic Winter Cabin Getaways in the US 
• What Are the Best Winter Honeymoon Destinations in the USA?
• Be Merry With One of the Best Christmas Vacations for Couples
• Steal a Kiss at One of These Romantic New Year’s Eve Destinations 
• 6 of the Best Valentine’s Day Weekend Getaways in the US

Stay Select

Make the most of your midwest winter getaway when you stay at a Select Registry property. Cozy up in comfortable accommodations and watch the snow falling from your window. Each of our properties boasts a standard of quality that sets them apart from your standard hotel experience. Additionally, each one also exudes its own unique character. From bed and breakfasts and inns to boutique hotels and luxury lodges, rest assured that you’re in great hands.

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