Folks have mixed opinions on winter — some love the snow, some hate it. Some people live in places that are buried in snow each winter, while others live in sunny locales where “snow” might as well be a word in a foreign language.

Last week, we offered a few options for snow-weary folks to escape the cold and get some sunshine this winter. Today, we do the opposite. For those of you who are looking to get a taste of what winter is all about, here are some winter travel destinations for you to consider.

Boston

Boston is the heart of New England, and it was one of the cradles of colonial America. Boston is unlike any other American city, combining old and new in perfect harmony.

  1. Eat some clam chowder. And don’t call it New England Clam Chowder, either — when you’re in Boston, it’s the only kind of chowder, and you’d be hard-pressed to find better chowder anywhere else.

  2. Visit Quincy Market. Take some shelter from the cold in Quincy Market, an indoor market downtown. You’ll find shops, fresh food vendors and everything a tourist needs, all in one spot and within walking distance of most popular attractions.

  3. Eat in the North End. Boston’s North End, located a short walk from downtown, is home to city’s oldest buildings. Its narrow cobblestone streets will lead you to many fantastic restaurants, particularly Italian locations. Make a reservation in advance so you don’t have to wait.

boston

Montreal

Canada’s second-largest city is a bustling metropolis full of culture. French of the official language, but if you don’t speak it, you should be O.K. — more than half of Montrealers also speak English.

  1. Visit Old Montreal. The oldest part of Montreal is a historic district with many original buildings. You’d be hard-pressed to find a place in North America that feels more like Europe than Old Montreal.

  2. Go to a Habs game. The Montreal Canadiens — lovingly referred to as the “Habs” —  are the oldest and most-successful hockey team in NHL history, with 24 Stanley Cups under their belt. They play right downtown at the Centre Bell. There’s always a good crowd; Montreal is a great city for hockey.

  3. Visit the Montreal Tower and the Biodome. Montreal is home to the Biodome, a huge museum/zoo that recreates climates from around the globe, complete with the wildlife that call them home. Right across the street is the Montreal Tower, built as part of Olympic Stadium for the 1976 Summer Olympics. You can travel 574 feet to the top of the tower for a great view of the city.

barn in winter

The Green Mountain State

More like the White Mountain state in winter, actually. Vermont is a beautiful state year-round. Summer means lush greenery and rolling hills of farmland; autumn means beautiful rustic colors; and winter brings snowy trees and a fluffy, white countryside.

  1. Go on a beer tour. Vermont’s rural, farmhouse breweries are some of the most-respected in the nation. Get out into the countryside and visit Hill Farmstead, located in the part of the state known as the Northeast Kingdom, and also check out Foley Brothers, Fiddlehead, Lost Nation and any of the many, many options. If you don’t have time to hit the countryside, visit The Farmhouse in Burlington to try a wide selection of local beers on tap.

  2. Walk around Burlington. Burlington is the largest city in Vermont, but it’s not very big at all. It is very walkable — particularly Church Street, a pedestrian-only road in the center of town, lined with ornate, old buildings that house shops and restaurants. Add some falling snow and it’s particularly beautiful.

We’re PC Housing, and we connect business travels with temporary housing throughout the U.S. and Canada (in all climates!). Stay in a home on your next trip — not a hotel! Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we serve travelers like yourself.