Although the singing of carols that rang through the streets during Christmastime has faded, and stockings and wreaths have been tucked away until next year, the merriment of the holidays leaves a lasting glow in hearts. As January arrives amid the snowy backdrop of winter, discover seven of our favorite destinations to which one may escape, welcoming the freshness of a new year with repose.
Clifton Inn
At the Clifton Inn, one can enjoy a comfortable room or suite in five beautifully restored 18th- and 19th-century buildings furnished with antiques, sophisticated artwork, fine linens, claw-foot soaking tubs, and rainfall showers. Dine in coziness at the hotel restaurant, 1799, or in the Library with its warm ambience and festive holiday spirit. Options also include a chef’s counter dining experience in the kitchen.
The Chanler at Cliff Walk
As if painted by a master artist’s hand, Newport’s famed scenic path Cliff Walk is a sight to behold, with this storied mansion overlooking the water a perfect locale to rejoice in the beauty and still the soul. Formerly a congressman’s abode, The Chanler at Cliff Walk opens to fine-dining restaurants and twenty guest rooms offering ample privacy and old-fashioned luxury.
Thorp House Inn
Just off the shores of Lake Michigan, in the botanically blessed town of Fish Creek, Wisconsin, the historic Thorp House Inn brims with charm inviting travelers to warm up by the fire. Choose between six unique guest rooms or a secluded cottage for a more intimate stay, each elegantly adorned with furnishings reminiscent of bygone days. Breakfast is prepared fresh each morning, preparing visitors for an idyllic day exploring snowy surrounds.
LDV at the Maidstone
![Left: Guest suite at The Maidstone with the hotel’s signature pajamas hanging nest to a window. Right: Dining room at The Maidstone with a fire in the room’s fireplace.]](https://victoriamag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2-3-scaled.jpg "2 - Victoria")
Though some may equate the Hamptons with summertime, the whitewash shingles and green awnings of the Maidstone are a welcome sight year-round. For more than 150 years, the boutique hotel has established a reputation of top tier hospitality, but a partnership venture with LDV Hospitality in 2023 breathed a new vitality into the space with subtle Italian flair and a world-class culinary experience. Promising La Dolce Vita or “the good life,” a stay at the East Hamptons auberge ensures moments of magic.
Mirror Lake Inn
Like a snow globe, January transforms the Adirondacks into a wintry wonderland as gentle snowfall sprinkles the trees and water freezes like glass, perfect for skaters to glide upon. Nestled upon the shores of Mirror Lake, an eponymous hotel is as tranquil as its surrounds. Featuring a spa, superb dining experiences, and a menu of outdoor adventure options, Mirror Lake Inn is a superb destination to rejuvenate among the crisp mountain air.
Wickwood Inn
If travelers have ever stepped inside the iconic Brown’s Hotel in London, England, they might be surprised to discover familiarity in Wickwood Inn. Originally built in 1937, the bed-and-breakfast has traded owners several times over the years. Most recently, Chicago-based design firm Soucie Horner, Ltd. beautified the space, paying homage to the hotel’s history and sprucing the eleven guest rooms with vintage finds and thoughtful renovations. The lakeside charmer offers a communal experience, with a shared breakfast giving visitors the opportunity to swap stories while indulging in farm-fresh seasonal offerings and local coffee.
The White Hart Inn
Amid the horse farms and rolling hills of Salisbury, Connecticut, a hospitable inn is a cherished place of gathering for locals and travelers alike. Originally constructed as a farmhouse in 1806, The White Hart Inn underwent renovations in 2010 and reopened in 2014. Blending touches of timeless elegance and local legacy, the hotel features works of art by beloved American painters and charming furnishings from crystal chandeliers to four-poster beds. Not to be missed is a meal at the property’s restaurant offering the culinary delights of Chef Paul Pearson.
Text Lydia McMullen
To discover more winter getaways, see “Cozy Retreats” in our January/February 2025 issue, available on newsstands and at victoriamag.com.
