TarheelsInNj

Hello all! I'm in need of some suggestions for an annual New Year's weekend group getaway. For years, our college friends (15-20 people) have been gathering for a "reunion" of sorts, always on this weekend. Most years we've rented a few condos at Myrtle Beach, which has worked out nicely. However, as our group gets more scattered, this location becomes less practical. Currently we are spread between Atlanta and New York, mostly concentrated in NC, DC and NY.

So, I'm throwing this out for suggestions. Here are our criteria:

-Not more than 8 hours from New York or North Carolina (Charlotte and Raleigh areas). Avoiding I-95 for a holiday weekend would be great as well!

-Relatively affordable to sleep 15, in condos or cabins- we can cram, but would like enough beds/sofas/whatever

-Something to do. Off-season places are fine, but something needs to be open nearby(restaurants, shopping, etc). Mostly we just want to spend time together, but we do need to get out a little bit.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

SAnParis

I live in CLT & we have gone to Amelia Island, on or around New Years, for the past 10-12 years. Easily accessible to the JAX airport, 6 hours or so drive time from CLT. You'll have to hit a piece of I-95 but we seldom have a problem. Great restaurants & shopping, the weather is usually very nice & you really have your choice of places to stay. Condos, Cottages on the beach or B & B's (mostly in the Old Town) or hotels.

TarheelsInNj

Thank you for the suggestion! It sounds lovely, but I'm afraid it might be a bit to far for some of our group (especially those of us in NY!).

ANP2

How about the Clifton Inn: www.cliftoninn.net?

Budman

How about here in October:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34866897

What about a beach house in Ocean City, MD. You could probably get a good deal in the off season.

Devonmcj

There are many mid-Atlantic ski areas that would fit your criteria. Examples: Snowshoe, WV, Canaan Valley, WV, Wintergreen, VA, Deep Creek Lake, MD, Seven Springs, PA. Canaan Valley (including Blackwater Falls State Park) has lots of lodging options, two alpine ski resorts, and cross-country skiing areas.

TarheelsInNj

Thanks so much for the suggestions! I look forward to researching them.

Some of the ski areas, particularly in VA/WV, would indeed be central. However, I'm concerned about our trip getting snowed out. Can anyone offer experiences or advice for this time of year?

Thanks!

Devonmcj

You can never tell about snow that time of year. However, if you're planning to ski, I'd be more worried about lack of snow than too much snow. Unless it's a full-out blizzard, they clear the road pretty quickly in ski resort areas.

Weespxx

We recently stayed at a really cool B&B called the Acorn Inn - outside of Wintergreen. The B&B s a restored stables and it's just an amazing place for a group. There are restaurants in the area and I don't know if the owners would let you cook. It's affordable and about 30 min south of Charlottesville.

GoTravel

What about Atlanta?

TarheelsInNj

Terrific! Thanks for the tip about Acorn Inn- I'll look into it!

Also, thanks for the advice about ski resorts and snow. I guess that's a good point- they want to clear things quickly so people come and spend money!

Unfortunately, Atlanta's a bit far for us Northern folk- flying isn't an option for most of us, budgetarily, because of the holiday. I should have mentioned that we'll all be driving.

Devonmcj

Tarheelsinnj, I hope when you finish your research and make a decision, you'll come back and let us know how it all worked out.

TarheelsInNj

I most certainly will!

LvSun

Bet your group would love Canaan Valley, West Virginia. There are wonderful cabins & houses for rent to accommodate your group and 2 ski areas (Timberline and Canaan Ski Resorts) plus a couple cross country ski areas. Canaan Valley is laid back and rustic.

I'd try to rent a place in Old Timberline (gated community, but in case there is a heavy snow, rent a place on the "flat" side, not on the mountain side unless it is near the bottom of the mountain.) There are also other condos and houses throughout the valley to rent.

Snowed in - there is always a chance but it's not a very big chance. Also, like earlier posted, they do a great job with snow removal.

To check out Canaan Valley, goto
http://www.canaanvalley.org/

Some places to check for rentals: http://www.timberlinerealty.com/
http://www.canaanrealty.com/

Will be glad to give any other info on the area.

FlyingMaltese

How about a house rental in the Outer Banks. An eight bedroom house on the beach would run about $1,500 for a week. The drive to the Outer Banks is about 8 hours. Restaurant are usually open during the holidays because it is a little busier there.