I'll be visiting my 20-year-old in mid January. He is studying abroad at University of Amsterdam. We'll have a few days in Amsterdam to see the sights there (he has been there a few months so can be my tour guide there). We want to spend 5 to 7 days train or other travel to nearby cities/countries--enjoy art, food, wine, beer, he is a snowboarder and I cross-country ski . . . but skiing not necessary. Any recommendations on where to go for minimal travel time? We can do multiple countries, but want to focus on a smaller number of destinations where we can really delve into the local culture more. He hasn't done much of any travel since he started school there in August 2010. We're from the Midwest, USA.

Have you been to Europe before? If not, PARIS!

If there is snow then the Sauerland in Germany is close by and the whole area there has good cross country skiing and some snow boarding. Winterberg is the main resort but there are others such as Willingen too.

How about seeing some more of the Netherlands?
Utrecht, Den Haag, Maastricht, Deventer. All well worth a visit. As is the Kroller Moller museum in Hoge Veluwe NP.

If it is cold and freezing get out to where you can have a skate, then enjoy a cup of snert (Dutch pea soup) to warm you up.

Cologne is only a couple of hours away by train, and it doesn't cost much to get there if you book in advance.

Thanks, yes, we were both in Paris a few years ago and loved it. Loving the local suggestions, and Cologne sounds promising too

How about Delft or Bruges?

Side trip to Haarlem from Amsterdam- easy train journey. Lovely place!

Ditto bellini. Definitely Haarlem. It's less than 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam.

And ditto hetismij. Don't leave Holland until you've had your pea soup. I suggest the Cafe Luxembourg at the Spui for lunch.

Bruges is an experience you will never forget! Only a short (2 hours?) train ride from Amsterdam. Personally I can take or leave Paris, but thats me!

Take plenty of warm clothes (including thermals). I was there in Feb this year and have never been so cold in my life.