5 Mid-Atlantic Winter Getaways: Dogsledding, Glamping, Oysters, More

If you’re planning a winter getaway, new forecasting models showing warmer temperatures in Mid-Atlantic states as the season winds down may be a deciding factor in choosing a destination.

If you’re planning a ski getaway, it’s a good idea to check out the Mid-Atlantic Ski Report, which provides regular updates on snow cover and other conditions. If you don’t want to chance it, choose a destination that’s fun in all kinds of weather.

Below are five winter getaways to consider.

It’s Not Winter In Maryland Without Oysters

The Maryland Crab & Oyster Trail gives delicious crabs in the warm weather months and wild oysters, dredged from the sea, in the fall and winter — in months containing the letter “r.”

Raw oysters are found at a variety of locations around the Chesapeake Bay. The varying salinity and environments create wonderful flavor differences. Creamy oyster stew, crispy fried oysters and oysters Rockefeller are all regional favorites.

Skipjack Cruises offers a hands-on oyster harvesting experience for people who want to learn more about the traditional methods of harvesting oysters, which were once called the “white gold of the Chesapeake” because they were in such high demand.

Tilghman Island is a great place to hole up for a winter getaway. An authentic Eastern Shore waterman’s village, it is only 3 miles long and 1 mile across at its widest point.

The Two If By Sea Restaurant is known for its award-winning breakfasts. The Blue Waterfront Restaurant at Tilghman Island Inn offers breathtaking waterfront views and a carefully curated menu by owner and chef Tom Green is influenced by the seasons that take advantage of the wonderful local produce, seafood, and premium dry-aged beef of the Eastern Shore.

Another option is Wylder Hotel, which is offering 20 percent off select waterfront rooms, bungalows and suites throughout February.

Tilghman Island is about 90 miles from Baltimore, 135 miles from Philadelphia, 220 miles from New York City and 90 miles from Washington, D.C.

Artsy, Edgy Southern Catskills

The southern Catskills offer year-round fun, including snowmobiling routes, skiing and snowboarding in the winter. This region is also known for its charming small towns.

Andes has hip, artsy edge with an eclectic mix of specialty shops, boutiques, galleries and places to grab a bite or beverage, as well as a wide selection of inns and places to stay. It’s known for locally produced cider, craft brews and spirits, fresh baked goods and luscious farm-to-table meals.

Phoenicia in the southwest Catskills is touted as one of the coolest small towns in America by Budget Travel readers, is a small hamlet whose town center is only a few streets marked on one edge with an oversized, brightly colored “welcome to Phoenicia.”

It’s home to a 1960s roadside motel converted into The Graham & Co. boutique hotel, whose 20 mod-rustic rooms are designed with reclaimed wood and cowhide rugs have kitchenettes. Another option, Piaule Catskill, calls itself a “landscape hotel” and has modern, private cabins tucked into the woods, with wellness sessions including experiences like Reiki sessions, forest bathing, and massages.

While you’re in the area, check out Fabulous Furniture, about 9 miles south of Phoenicia in Boiceville. It offers hand-crafted tables and chairs, but also dinosaurs, robots, space aliens, and rocket ships.

Pretend It’s Sweet Summertime In Jersey

For some folks, winter can’t end, and beachy summer fun can’t come quickly enough. Big Kahuna’s Indoor Water Park in West Berlin, New Jersey, a tropical-themed sanctuary, is a splash with all ages.

It has big slides, a lazy river and a surfing simulator. A kiddie zone is designed for safety and to keep young kids entertained.

The park has dining options as well as a lounge, but multiple dining and entertainment options are available in the surrounding area. The water park, which is open weekends during the winter, has “stay and play” packages with several area hotels.

A sweet surprise awaits people who arrive in West Berlin on Friday or stay past Sunday — the Chocolatrium, a chocolate museum and retail store whose immersive experiences include a bean-to-bar history of chocolate from the pre-Colombian era to today. The experience includes tastings and fun hands-on experiences appealing to all ages.

The Chocolatrium is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Also nearby is the New Jersey Air Victory Museum in Lumberton Township. It houses one of the state’s largest collections of real war planes and model airplanes, as well as hundreds of artifacts related to the history of aviation.

Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Pretend It's Pennsylvania's Iditarod

Here’s an idea for a unique experience in Pennsylvania that will put you in the mood for the 2025 Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race that starts in Anchorage, Alaska, on March 1: Let the Alaskan huskies at Nemacolin resort at Farmington lead you on snowy treks across the southwestern Pennsylvania countryside.

If there’s no snow, the dogs pull a wheeled sled called the Touri Cart. Either way, it includes a kennel tour for a meet-and-greet with the Huskies.

If you’re looking for another excuse for a getaway at the Nemacolin, Winterfest is coming up. The schedule of events includes snowsports, a polar plunge, contests for all ages (including a 21-and-old shot challenge) and live music.

There are plenty of other things to do in the area. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s most iconic house, Fallingwater, is dangled over a waterfall in Mill Run, about 20 miles northeast of Farmington. Tours are open daily (except Wednesdays) from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Another Wright home, Kentuck Knob, is nearby in Ohiopyle. Wright built it for the Hagan family, owners of a large dairy, when he was 86. Its features include a still-fully-functional hexagonal kitchen. It reopens for tours on March 15.

Go Winter Glamping In Virginia

If you’re looking for an out-of-the-ordinary getaway, consider winter glamping in the old-growth forests of the Appalachian Mountain foothills. In Basye, Virginia.

Postcard Cabins has a series of compact tiny homes for people who want to cocoon themselves in the old-growth forests of the Shenandoah National Park. All are situated on a wooded lot with a fire pit. Inside are a comfy bed, private bathroom and kitchenette, plus hot water and heat. Guests don’t have to completely unplug — Wi-Fi is available

Outside scenic nature trails wind through the old-growth forests. Or, check out Bryce Resort. This resort on the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains is a family-friendly four-season resort with 400 acres of ski slopes, snow-tubing runs and ice skating.

Shenandoah County is a great place to sample craft libations at one of its distilleries, breweries, and wineries. Found in charming settings that range from historic downtowns to scenic farms.

Restaurants cater to every taste to offer a wealth of culinary experiences found throughout the county’s towns and villages.