Hi everyone,
I'm looking for suggestions for a nice trip to take during the winter. The thing is, I'm a little budget-constricted, and so I'm looking for somewhere drive-able from Philadelphia (can be a long drive), and also somewhere not too expensive. I am not specifically looking for skiing, but I am looking for a cozy place to spend some time with family (4 people, no kids).

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks so much!

PS: I could only select 5 states to "tag," but my query is certainly not limited to those states!!

Not too expensive can mean a lot of different things - and a ski resort - even if you don;t ski can be big $. Are you looking for countryside or city. (If you're going in Jan or Feb city hotels rates can be rock bottom. Country inns might be bargain if there are no winter sports nearby.

If you want something outdoorsy like hiking, cross country skiing, or snowshoeing, look at the website for the Appalachian Mountain Club. They own a number of facilities ranging from tent camps to huts to lodges. They are not cheap but are cheaper than the commercial equivalent, and they were, back when I belonged, always memorable.

If you are couple and want an enjoyable, quiet weekend, the beach is a great place to go in winter, and you can almost certainly find an inexpensive package from one of the places that is open year round.

If you want to do this more on a budget, then I would avoid winter sports areas, as those have the highest prices in winter (and are probably already booked out). Also avoid President’s weekend. So Vermont, Mass, New Hampshire and upstate NY are probably best avoided.

From the Philadelphia area, I would say to consider Pennsylvania Dutch country or the Bucks County area, the Brandywine river area in Delaware, the St Michaels area of Maryland. The Williamsburg area would also work, as would the Harper’s Ferry area of VA and WVA. The Hudson River Valley area may also work, I refer to the area nearer to NYC like Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow and other areas along the river north of there like West Point. I love the Monticello VA area, but not sure if in winter the temps are what you would want. These would offer you lovely outdoor settings, and also the possibility for other activities (Brandywine has Winterthur, the PA Dutch area could include Gettysburg for battlefield/history as well as antiques, which are also a big part of a trip to Bucks County. The Hudson Valley has the mansions of the Robber Barons such as the Vanderbilt Mansion or Kykuit the old Rockefeller Mansion as well as West Point. St Michaels will be quieter, but should have a good bit of shopping still available in winter.) If you get snow, you could possible cross-country ski or snow shoe (the latter is far easier and more fun, IMO; perhaps rent your own equipment to bring with you). If you don’t get snow, then just winter walking, museums, shopping etc. Biking should also be an option in many places as long as there is no snow. Canoeing/kayaking should be possible too.

I agree that beach areas can also be a good choice in winter; as winter walking on the beach is great. Again, prices will be low. One drawback may be that shops and restaurants in many towns may be closed. But if you go to somewhat more permanent towns, that may not be the case. Spring Lake New Jersey is a lovely town (not a lot of country areas however) and I find Lewes Delaware to be completely charming.

I would definitely recco you look at something like vrbo.com and consider renting a house or apartment. This should be the best I terms of budget, and there seems to be a lot out there. I would assume you could find a house or apartment with a fireplace. If you avoid ski area rentals, you should find good bargains in the winter as that would be the low season. B&Bs may also work, try Karen Brown’s guide, she generally has good suggestions, see http://www.karenbrown.com/Select_Des..._America/8.php.

As a city alternative, Washington DC would work well. You could even train between the two and wont' have to pay for gas or parking. Weekend rates at hotels in downtown DC in winter should be pretty good. Although it is a long drive, the Newport RI area may also be a good mix of things to do indoors as well as out.

If you decide to visit somewhere that has decent public transport then very definitely compare the price of driving INCLUDING the time, the gas, the food, the parking, etc., to an alternate means of transport INCLUDING air...you may be pleasantly surprised that if you plan carefully it may be better to fly..and how valuable is all that possible drive time, anyway?

Colonial Williamsburg comes to mind. There are small historic inns right in the park where you can walk out at night and be right in the center of a world that has passed.

Ocean City Maryland in winter can be wonderful. Much is open and weather can be more temperate so long as an Atlantic storm isn't around. As Cicerone mentioned, a winter walk on the beach can be super. OC is near Lewes BTW.

DH and I spent a lovely time at the Inn at Meander Plantation one year. It has an excellent cooking school. Check online for it. There was a similar B&B in PA when we were looking for cooking schools. OC would be less costly.

You probably "know" the Wilmington DE area but Longwood Gardens, Winterthur and the other duPont homes are always wonderful. Can't speak to the prices in the area hotels. There are a couple of vineyards in that area and tastings available. Again, check online.

Gettysburg PA is just wonderful. Something for the Battle "buffs" and antique-ers.

Looking forward to your trip report!

Forgot to say that Meander is in VA between Culpeper and Orange-they can get snow in that area but can provide the fireplace you want.

Williamsburg makes a great winter get-away. They have their best prices, although the place is quiet, and the temperatures are far milder than those in Philadelphia.