White Christmas: Our Favorite Holiday Destinations

 

There is nothing more nostalgic and heart warming than seeing a beautiful white panorama out your window during the holidays. The way in which the snow lights up the sky will remind you that you’re  safe and put you in the holiday spirit like nothing else. This is why at Authentic Home, we have scoured the globe for:

Our Five Favorite North American Holiday Destinations

1. Quebec, Canada.

This beautiful and historical city features intricate architecture, an amazing dining scene, and beautiful winter landscapes. To really enjoy a winter wonderland, check out their Ice Hotel, where you can rent a room and sleep on a hand-sculpted ice bed, with plush linens. Enjoy a scratch cocktail or a glass of wine in their ice bar. You can definitely check that one off your bucket list!

Quebec’s quaint alleyways and buildings truly embrace the beauty of the winter cold.

The Ice Hotel is an unforgettable attraction for people all over the world.

2. Leavenworth, Washington.

This picturesque Bavarian-inspired town is the perfect getaway for anyone looking to dine, relax, ski, and enjoy the many festivals during the winter months. Enjoy their annual Christmas lighting festival, taste local wines, or dine in a cozy cafe overlooking the beautiful snowy mountains while enjoying a local band. You will feel as if you are so far away, yet so at home.

Leavenworth’s Downtown district is so picturesque, you feel as though you are in an impressionistic painting of an old Bavarian village.

The Pine River Bed and Breakfast truly captures the coziness of being snowed in, with rustic cabin-like features and beautiful snowy views. Looking for cabin-like Interior inspiration? Check out our Pinterest Board.

3. Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods New Hampshire.

Bretton Woods was built in 1772 by Royal Governor John Wentworth. This grand, elegant palace features excellent cuisine, Alpine skiing, and snow swept carriage rides. Cozy up in your elegant room by the fire, or partake in one of their many seasonal events.

Ever wondered what a “one-horse open sleigh” looks like? At Omni, not only can you see one, but you can experience one in all of it’s glory.

Take a ride behind a team of sled dogs through the snow! This is one of Omni Mount Washington’s most famous attractions. You can see the sheer size of the resort in the backdrop of the above image.

4. Whistler, British Columbia.

This beautiful mountain ski village has everything you could possibly need to experience a winter vacation at its best. Located in the heart of the Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains of Canada, Whistler has one of the longest running ski seasons in North America.

The beauty of Whistler, B.C., is that the restaurants, shopping, and entertainment are all within walking distance of your hotel or resort when you stay within the village. Bundle up after a long day on the mountain and take in the glistening holiday lights, excellent cuisine, and beautiful scenery.

5. Berkshires, Massachussettes

With open roads, quaint towns, and classic red barns, the Berkshires deliver all the dreamlike wintry romance of New England. Snowshoe through open trails, explore  the Norman Rockwell- esque town of Stockbridge, and enjoy candle lit dinners in one of  the many cozy restaurants, while taking in the beautiful snowy surroundings.

Beautiful historic buildings, like the Wayside Inn Grist Mill pictured above, truly capture the beauty of a New England winter.

The Red Lion Inn, in Stockbridge, MA is a beautiful old colonial hotel perfect for truly capturing the historic elegance of winter in the Berkshires.

Are you getting into the Holiday spirit? Looking for some inspiration? Authentic Home’s Kathy Banak has shared her family cookie recipes, here. Looking to switch up your decor? Bronze holiday interiors are making their debut for 2014- see our inspirations, here.