jenblase

DH will be turning 40 this June 1st. He has mentioned several times over the past few years that he would love to go on vacation in the states somewhere where we could rent a cabin or condo, sit in a cozy "living room" in front of a fireplace drinking wine and just enjoy our beautiful surroundings. Bring our Kindles and read, go on sleigh rides, and eat wonderful meals. We had an experience like this in Grindelwald, Switzerland, and I think he would love to recreate the setting, without having to travel to Europe for it. The thing is, neither of us ski, nor do we want to go to a place that's primarily known as a "ski town." (well, DH did try skiing once in Lake Tahoe, and almost broke his leg!)

We *might* go with another couple, so if we could find a private residence that would sleep 4 people, with stunning views and amenities, and maybe has a nice town or towns nearby where us girls could do some shopping, that would be ideal!! We live in Chicago and we've travelled considerably, but I'm having a difficult time thinking of places that will have everything he envisions.... at least not in the States. So what ideas do you have for me - Colorado, New England???

Obviously since he is turning 40 in June, this trip will have to wait til this winter, which is fine w/him.

Thanks!!

jenblase

Oh, did I mention he wants a mountain view?! I think he expects the Eiger outside of our bedroom window.

tovarich

Jackson N.H. great village near Mount Washington.Paul

PeaceOut

Are you going in June? Wanting sleigh rides?

LittleDickensD

I can think of a few really remote, beautiful places in New England. But then you may have to give up the shopping and amenities. I wouldn't rule out a ski town. You can find many places that have houses VRBO were you are out of the fray, but can drive into town to take advantage of shops, restaurants, etc. Plus, any ski town will have lots of other fun non-ski/snowboard activities, like skating, ice sculptures, sled dog tours, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, etc.

Not that you'll have impressive mountains, but what about someplace like Mt. Tremblant, Que? The nice thing is it gives you a foreign feel, and the snow stuff.

If you want the stark, jagged mountain views you'd be better off heading out west (and don't forget western canada). I'm a native Vermonter and LOVE our mountains, but they bear no resemblance to the Eiger LOL.

Gretchen

Might look at Steamboat Springs. I'll bet you can get a good flight there from Chicago.
Of course, Aspen. Stay at the Little Nell!!
Breckenridge would do, slopeside. And you have an outlet city nearby in Silverthorne, plus a really cute little downtown in Breck.

Gretchen

Might look at Steamboat Springs. I'll bet you can get a good flight there from Chicago.
Of course, Aspen. Stay at the Little Nell!!
Breckenridge would do, slopeside. And you have an outlet city nearby in Silverthorne, plus a really cute little downtown in Breck.

volcanogirl

We really liked Breckenridge even though it's a ski town. It's beautiful, and they have shopping, sleigh rides, good restaurants, and all that.

http://www.breckenridge.com/town/town.aspx

capxxx

Mountain Top Inn in Chittendon Vermont meets your requirements. They have a big inn and some separate cabins and such on the property.

alley

Check out The Balsams Resort in Dixville Notch, NH. We stayed there for a weekend a few years ago and it was what you are describing. Food was fantastic. It's also the famous venue of NH's first-in-the-nation midnight presidential primary vote.

Also, here is link to an article the other day in the Boston GLobe. I have no knowledge of the place described but you might be interested to check it out.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/new...antic_getaway/

tomfuller

There will still be some snow on the tops of many of the Cascade Mountains on June 1. Check Bend or Sunriver Oregon.
If you don't like skiing, try snowshoeing. Rentals available several places in Bend. sunriverresort.com

nlg

We went to Breckenridge several years ago(in May) and we had snow while we were there. We stayed at the Valdoro Mountain Resort and had a nice view. We could walk into town and they also had a shuttle van that will take you anywhere in town you want to go-we used this several times when the altitude was bothering me. We also went to Smuggler's Notch Mountain Estates near Stowe VT last year in May and also had great mountain views and lots of hiking trails and restaurants nearby by.

Littleman

Forget skiing. Go to Blackberry Farm for the best time in your life for great food and fine times.

Blackberry Farm @ 1471 West Millers Cove Road, Walland, TN 865 - 984 - 8166.
http://www.blackberryfarm.com/

brmsimmons

Another recommendation for Stowe. I'm not sure what your budget is but we spent our honeymoon at The Stone Hill Inn.
http://www.stonehillinn.com/

jenblase

I'm back! Thanks for all of the suggestions so far. OK, I'm not thinking of doing Denver/Estes Park and doing the trip over his actual birthday (June 1) instead of waiting til this winter. The Cardinals are playing in Denver over Memorial Day weekend (he's a Cards fan) so I am going to get tickets to a game, and we'll spend 2 nights in Denver proper. Then we will head to somewhere close to Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park - maybe Estes Park? I was looking at the Della Terra Chateau which looks very nice. We will probably spend 6-7 nights in Colorado total. Does anyone have any suggestions for things to do/see?

jenblase

I meant to say "NOW thinking of doing Denver" instead of not thinking... oops!!

boom_boom

While in the Denver area you could drive to Golden for a tour of the Coors brewery, the city is also home to the Col. Railroad Musuem.
If you continue over Trail Ridge Pass to Granby you can follow US 40 back to I-70 and it's a easy drive from there Vail or Breckenride or Georgetown (a neat loop rail trip), Glenwood Springs (hot springs) or the historic Colorado Gold Rush era town of Frisco.