Emma Radebaugh
Whether it’s the cold-weather activities of a ski town or the enchanting nature of a historic downtown, there’s a lot to fall in love with in the winter—and you can often feel the magic of winter best in a small town. Whisk your loved one away for a romantic winter weekend trip—it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with your honey! Check out some of the best small towns for a romantic winter getaway and start planning your weekend of love.
Stowe, Vermont
The quintessential romantic small town, Stowe has been fostering love for years. It’s not just the superlative skiing and breathtaking landscapes—the real draw lies in the town’s enchanting atmosphere. From quaint B&Bs to friendly faces, there’s so much to love about this town.
Telluride, Colorado
Another favorite of small town-lovers everywhere, Telluride has the superb skiing of famous ski towns such as Vail and Aspen with the village feel of your favorite fairy tale. There are plenty of beautiful vacation rentals here in which to hunker down. Plan a romantic dinner at a mountaintop restaurant after a day of skiing for a day you’ll never forget.
Bear Valley, California
A true small—and we mean small—town, Bear Valley had a population of just 121 people at last count! This is the place to go if you really want a tranquil, secluded winter escape with your loved one. You’ll find plenty of mountain cabins with fireplaces and hot tubs here, so you can come back from a day of tubing and warm up with each other.
Ontonagon, Michigan
If you and your significant other are nature-lovers but not necessarily skiing experts, head to Ontonagon, right next door to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The trees are covered in white during the wintertime. Take a winter stroll, and then head back to a charming inn and envelop yourself in the coziness of the town.
Bar Harbor, Maine
A fabulous place to visit in warm weather, Bar Harbor is a place you shouldn’t discount in the winter. In fact, its beauty is even more stunning when nearby Acadia National Park is covered in powder and the fog lifts off from the water. Head to the winery, relax at the spa, and enjoy some rejuvenating time together.
Alta, Utah
Utah is full of small towns, and this one is at the top of our list for romantic getaways for a few reasons. Only 40 minutes from Salt Lake City, Alta can provide you with a taste of the city atmosphere if you need it. But if you don’t, there’s plenty to do here, including heli-skiing, snowshoeing, snowcat skiing, and more! The bewitching landscape is something you don’t want to miss.
Fairbanks, Alaska
This may be a bit of a hike for some couples, but it’s definitely worth it! Fairbanks is one of the best places to see the aurora borealis, and what’s more romantic than that? Take in the views from a heated “aurorium” cabin or on an overnight dogsled tour. Fairbanks offers plenty of hot springs, spas, and gorgeous cabins—if you can make the trek, you should.
