If a winter wonderland is on your bucket list this year, here are the top five must-do activities in McCall.

#1 Chase Fresh Tracks

Brundage SnowCat Adventures has been guiding powder-hungry skiers and snowboarders to 18,000 acres of coveted backcountry stashes since the early 90’s. Unlike your typical snowcat program, the terrain doesn’t lie adjacent to the ski area. Instead, you’ll journey several miles beyond the ski area into the Goose Creek drainage and ski or snowboard from four different mountain peaks.

#2 Enjoy Bluebird Groomers

Whether you’re a powder hound, a beginner learning the ropes, or a family looking for some playful adventure, Tamarack has you covered with fresh, fun options and legit alpine terrain. With 2,800 feet of total vertical drop, the views and the playful pitch variations make for a perfect day on the slopes. Be sure to check out the namesake Tamarack grove for a fresh twist on tree skiing. The Tamaracks drop their amber needles each fall, causing these trees to develop less intense tree wells than evergreens and creating a unique off-piste experience that powder fans won’t want to miss. And new this year for the family, “Lumberjack Land” with features like berms and whoop-di-dos, a teepee you can ski under, and lots of friendly looking characters you can high-five on your way through.

#3 Snowmobile the Backcountry

Immerse yourself in the beautiful backcountry of the Payette National Forest with a snowmobile tour from Brundage Snowmobile Adventures. For those new to the sport, a guided tour is a great way to make this high-octane adventure approachable. Tours are geared tailored to take advantage of the fresh groomed trails and lead you to magical places like Hazard Lake and Upper Payette Lake.

#4 Après Idaho Style

Nothing caps a day in the snow quite like a quality après experience. Downtown McCall has that elusive small-town charm with loads of friendly boutiques, bistros, and restaurants for a drink and a bite. We love Rupert’s at Hotel McCall for a decidedly Idaho menu. Chef Gary Kucy combines well-loved staples with adventurous eats while the bar serves up craft cocktails and an impressive wine list to match.

#5 Get Cozy

One of the best things about staying in a mountain town is taking in the view from your warm and cozy lodgings. The Glass House offers a unique take on a traditional vacation rental with stunning views of Payette Lake. With three bedrooms, two baths, ample room to hold the entire family, and two blocks from the heart of downtown McCall, this vintage showstopper is the perfect home base. Looking for something more traditional? Book a room at Hotel McCall. Built in 1904, this boutique hotel offers the warmth of a bed and breakfast with the amenities of a modern hotel.

Looking for more great ideas to plan your winter getaway in McCall, Idaho? Go to visitmccall.org to explore more activities like Nordic skiing, hot springs, fat bike riding, snowshoeing, snow biking, ice skating, and so much more.

VisitMcCall.org

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As the days grow colder, the action starts to heat up at River Riders Family Adventure Park which transforms into Snow Riders in the winter months. This new snow tubing park features 12 lanes and is the longest tubing slope on the east coast at almost three football fields long. A modern Magic Carpet conveyor lift brings you and your tube quickly back to the top of the hill so you can relax and can tube down again!

At night, the party is just getting started. Snow Riders lights up the night with a multi-color LED disco light show. Enjoy the beat of the music and changing of the light as you slide down the slopes with your family and friends.

Even if there is no natural snow on the ground, the brand new and modern snow making machines have you covered! You can go snow tubing at Snow Riders even when the temperatures are above freezing!

After a day of snow-tubing or exploring, Jefferson Counties quaint and eclectic small towns offer an incredible mix of dining options. A great way to start your day is at Sibling Coffee Roasters, a small specialty coffee roasting company located in downtown Charles Town. Sample quality micro-lot single origin green coffee from all over the world and find the one you like the best.

If you want to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, then return to Charles Town for dinner at Alfredo’s Mediterranean Steakhouse & Grille. This family-owned local favorite has been preparing traditional and modern dishes featuring foods from Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Lebanon and Morocco for over 15 years.

Since 2013, Ortega’s Taco Shop has been famous for the “best taco in town.” Featuring locally sourced meats, cheeses, and produce, Ortega’s is a favorite stop for more than just tacos. Just a short walk down the street, discover Sumittra Thai Kitchen. Sumittra showcases authentic Thai flavors prepared with classic techniques. Shareable portions served in multiple courses allow diners to enjoy each dish hot out of the kitchen.

For a unique lunch or dinner, try Cocina Plantosaurus in downtown Charles Town. This Puertorican fusion restaurant is a 100% plant-based restaurant.

If a cold beer and pub food is more your style, look no further than Abolitionist Ale Works in downtown Charles Town for fun, flavorful and unique beers for every palate. Specialty pizzas, sandwiches, and appetizers complement the brews.

A brisk morning walk along the C & O Canal Towpath is the perfect way to kick off a day in Jefferson County. Enjoy beautiful views of the Potomac river as you follow the well-maintained path. Access the path by crossing the bridge in Shepherdstown into Maryland. If you stay at the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, the path is literally three minutes away.

After your morning work out, head downtown to Betty’s Restaurant for a hearty breakfast and some local color. This old-school favorite is the quintessential small town morning gathering spot for local news and great food.

After a relaxing and informative breakfast, head up the street to Four Seasons Books to find the perfect novel or “beach trash” to fill a lazy afternoon in front of a warm fire.

For more information on creating your own Jefferson County getaway, visit WhereAlmostHeavenBegins.com.

The post Jefferson County, WV – Quickly becoming an historic winter getaway. appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Remember snow days as a kid? You’re breathless over blankets of fresh powder as your heart pounds with joy at the news–school’s canceled!

You spend the day building snow forts, launching snowballs, and sledding down the steepest hill to fill your memory bank to the brim.

Ready to embrace the pure joy of playing in a world of sparkling snow as a carefree kid?

Bend, Oregon, makes the perfect winter escape from adulthood as you burrow into a snow cave filled with boundless winter nostalgia. Find winter fun right in town and in the nearby majestic snow-capped Cascade Mountains. We’ve got everything from sledding hills to ice skating to acres of downhill terrain at Mt. Bachelor.

Cap it all off with warm, whipped cream-topped drinks around a crackling fire.

Grab your mittens, toboggan, and thermos full of hot cocoa, and let’s frolic and play the Bend way!

Sledding is undeniably one of the most giggle-worthy winter activities. When the snow gathers, every hill becomes your playground. When it snows in town, head to Drake Park, Hollinshead Park, or Al Moody Park and try your chance at beating Clark Griswold’s new amateur recreational saucer sled land speed record. As snow falls in the upper elevations, Wanoga Sno-Park is a must for tubing and sledding. A short drive from town, Wanoga is not only the gateway to great snowshoeing and dog-friendly ski trails but also an expansive sledding area with a huge warming hut at the base.

If winter nostalgia wraps you in an urge to hit the slopes, leave ample time for devouring a piping hot bowl of chili and swapping brag-worthy ski stories with friends at the lodge.

Mt. Bachelor is the Pacific Northwest’s destination winter wonderland and purveyor of epic days on the mountain. A hefty average snowfall, one of the longest winter operating seasons in the U.S., and oodles of bluebird days stack up to some serious, whimsical winter fun.

Skiers and snowboarders will relish more than 4,000 acres of terrain. For the never-have-I-ever newbie, book lessons through the “Ski or Ride in 5” program. IKON pass holders get seven days of full access at Mt.Bachelor, enough to experience the whole mountain.

Skiing Mt. Bachelor and Wanderlust Moonlight Snowshoe Tour – Visit Bend

Is strapping sticks to your feet and hurtling down a mountain not your speed? Enjoy snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, or an expedition on the wild–and furry–side with a dog-sled ride. When you’re done, refuel and quench your thirst at one of several bars and restaurants across the mountain.

While most of the snow resides in the mountains, the young-at-heart devotion to winter runs deep in Bend. Plenty of crisp days, occasional bouts of snow, and scores of recreation make the season magical. Glide and twirl on ice skates at The Pavilion. Take your latte to go and enjoy a dazzling winter walk along the Deschutes River at Drake Park. Head downtown or to the Old Mill District and shop for handmade gifts and souvenirs. If snow’s falling, grab some snowshoes for a hike through Shevlin Park and build a holly, jolly figure made of snow. Beer lovers will want to explore the territories of the Bend Ale Trail, where craft beer is served up with fire pits and cozy tasting rooms.

Bend’s the perfect place to re discover your inner kid. Join us this winter to recreate childhood memories or build new ones with your own family. Let Bend transport you to a sparkling world full of joy, magic, and mountains of fun.

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