By Debbie Gardner
debbieg@thereminder.com
It’s February, the shortest month of the year, but also the one when most New Englanders want a break from the daily trudge through dreary weather, no matter how mild. It’s also the month for lovers, with Valentine’s Day reigning supreme on Feb. 14. Together, they make great excuses to plan a romantic getaway.
With that in mind, Prime reached out to Sandra Marsain, vice president of Membership, Travel & Marketing for AAA Pioneer Valley – and her expert staff – for February getaway ideas. Here are some of the getaways they suggested:
Q: With the holidays only a few weeks past and New Year’s money resolutions on many minds, a February getaway may seem a stretch. What can you suggest for the budget-minded?
“The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA, might be a good budget option for a romantic over-night that’s a short drive away. The iconic Inn – which features a year-round outdoor heated pool and hot tub in addition to multiple dining options – offers several packages, including a Date Night that combines an overnight stay, bottle of house wine and a $50 dining voucher (Feb. 11 through May 23, with some restrictions), and for the art lover, a Norman Rockwell Museum package, that includes accommodations, a $50 dining voucher and two tickets to the Rockwell Museum (available through May 23). Complete details are available online at www.redlioninn.com or call 413-298-5545.
“For those looking for a winter-themed affordable getaway that’s not too far out of town, a trip to the Summit Lodge at Killington Ski
Resort is a good budget choice. This 44-room, family-owned resort retains the charm of a old-fashioned New England Inn, while offering amenities like a full buffet breakfast with your room, two heated outdoor saltwater pools, an on-site spa and pub, and free shuttle to ski areas. Complete details are available online at summitlodgevermont.com or 802-422-3535.”
Q: What are some nearby options if someone is looking to plan a moderately priced getaway in February?
“The family-owned Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid, New York, might be a good option for a romantic overnight or weekend getaway. The nearly 90-year-old historic Inn, which has been a Lake Placid fixture since the 1930s, offers scenic views, four-diamond dining options, a spa, and great skiing packages for the active minded. And the skiing venues are great – Lake Placid hosted the Winter Olympics back in 1980.
“Getaway package options here range from a ski weekend package – including an option to ski with two-time Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht – a Couples Getaway that includes a beautifully appointed room with a romantic four-poster king-sized bed, champagne and chocolates upon arrival and your choice of credit toward dinner at The View, their award-winning restaurant, or services at the Mirror Lake Inn spa, to the Ultimate Night Out that includes accommodations in one of the Inn’s classic suites, a hearty Adirondack breakfast, candlelight dinner in The View and a spa service for each member of the couple. For date availability and pricing visit www.mirrorlakeinn.com or call 518-523-2544.“
Q: If someone is looking to go all out and impress, what can you suggest?
“For something that’s still considered close to home, a stay at one of the luxury resorts – such as the Whiteface Lodge – in Lake Placid might be a good choice. Dubbed one of the
“100 greatest hotels in the world” in 2017 by Top Flight Network, the all-suite Whiteface Lodge – constructed in 2005 as the vision of a former Olympian and a developer – is an extraordinary hotel that seamlessly blends the classic charm of an old-fashioned Adirondack getaway with the modern amenities today’s travelers crave. The sprawling resort features an on-site movie theater, skating rink and bowling alley, in addition to indoor and outdoor heated pools and hot tubs, a full spa, fitness classes, a five-diamond restaurant and more. For specialty packages, date availability and pricing, visit www.thewhitefacelodge.com or call 888-582-0505.
“Of course, for the ultimate, price-is-no-option February getaway, nothing beats booking a cruise to some warm destination, like the Caribbean. There’s also that once-in-a-lifetime getaway to a romantic city like Paris or Rome.”
