Best Martin Luther King Day Getaways Near Pittsburgh
Whether the kids are off school and you're looking for a fun way to keep them entertained or you and your sweetheart just need a winter escape, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is one of the season's best times to take a mini vacation. A weekend getaway or even a short day trip can help you unwind and rejuvenate after the stress and chaos of the holidays. No matter which direction you head—north, south, east or west—there's an adventure awaiting you at these five winter destinations. This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, reserve a room, pack up the car and make the short drive to these getaways considered the best by Pittsburghers.
Chautauqua Lake
Maple Springs Lake Side Inn
4696 Chautauqua Ave.
Bemus Point, NY 14712
(716) 386-2500
www.mslsi.com
Chautauqua Lake is a popular summer destination for Pittsburghers, but this lovely lake is also a prime pick for a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day getaway due to its gorgeous lake views, wine tasting tours, vibrant local history, shopping and winter activities. Reserve your room at top-rated Maple Springs Lake Side Inn, Chautauqua's exclusive lakefront bed and breakfast, unpack and get ready to experience the winter happenings all throughout the area. Bask in the beauty of winter at one of the nearby nature attractions, ski areas or hiking trails. If you can't stand the snow, warm up inside at one of Chautauqua's many museums, art galleries, wineries or farmers' markets. Chautauqua Lake is accessible via an easy 2.5-hour drive north on I-79.
Deep Creek Lake
Suites at Silver Tree
565 Glendale Rd.
Oakland, MD 21550
(301) 387-0650
www.suitesatsilvertree.com
Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County, Maryland is one of the most romantic and beautiful spots to snuggle up to your sweetie this holiday weekend. Pack the car up on Friday and make the two-hour drive south to this winter wilderness that offers a variety of winter activities for adventure-seekers as well as a cozy place to escape when the snow blankets the ground. Get outdoors and take a canopy tour, try your hand at dogsledding, lace up your ice skates or hit the slopes on your snowboard or skis. In the evening, watch the flurries fly from the comforts of your luxury lakefront room at Silver Trees Suites where you can reserve its Romantic Getaway Package that comes complete with a welcome basket, discounted room rate, in-suite fireplace and much-needed massage.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Cloverleaf Residence Suites
4130 Tuller Rd.
Dublin, OH 43017
(614) 766-7762
www.cloverleafsuites.com
You don't need to drop thousands of dollars on plane tickets, lodging and activities to have a great escape. If you have gas money for your tank and $8 for parking, a three-hour drive to Columbus, Ohio means budget-friendly family fun at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's free day. On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the zoo will open its doors free of charge to visitors of all ages. Forget bundling up to fight January's freezing temperatures; the zoo and aquarium have tons of indoor exhibits and attractions to keep your little ones warm and entertained. Imagine taking a tropical tour of Discovery Reef and Manatee Coast or experiencing Down Under at Bob & Evelyn's Roadhouse. And because many of the zoo's 140 animals love the chilly winter weather, you're likely to see them at their most active should you choose to check out the outdoor exhibits. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's three-hour drive from Pittsburgh means you can easily make this visit into a day trip, but if you prefer to stay the night, the Cloverleaf Residence Suites offers seasonal packages and spacious suites just five minutes away from the zoo.
Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Main Lodge Hotel
777 Waterwheel Dr.
Seven Springs, PA 15622
(866) 437-1300
www.7springs.com
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Pittsburgh without escaping the winter weather, an easy drive about one hour southeast of the city will lead you to the stunning Seven Springs Mountain Resort. There is no shortage of things to do and see at this four-season resort, Pennsylvania's largest, thanks to family-friendly outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, sleigh rides and so much more. When the cold becomes too much to bear, head indoors for swimming, bowling, miniature golf and roller skating. Settle in for the night with a soothing spa treatment followed by dinner at one of the resort's many dining options, including fine dining at Helen's restaurant or a casual family meal at Timbers. You won't have to fight snowy or icy road conditions to reach your hotel either; there are several resort lodging options, including the highly recommended Main Lodge Hotel with its pet-friendly rooms and welcoming amenities.
Splash Lagoon
Holiday Inn Express
8101 Peach St.
Erie, PA 16509
(888) 465-4329
www.splashlagoon.com
Unfortunately for those craving sun, sand and surf in the winter, the Pittsburgh region doesn't have much to offer, but head north about two hours to Erie and you can experience a tropical getaway during even the coldest months. Splash Lagoon, named countless times among America's best indoor water parks, will take you out of the frigid snow and into the warm waves of the largest wave pool on the eastern part of the country. There are nine water slides, a Tree Tops rope course, a relaxing lazy river and plenty of other wet and wild activities to keep you busy all weekend. Splash Lagoon is a fantastic option for the whole family as well as a couple's weekend escape with kid-friendly splash spots like Monkey Shines Island and Tiki Tree House and secluded adult-only areas for over-21 visitors, such as the Lagoon's Paradise Cove. Planning your stay is a breeze when you reserve your room at the attached Holiday Inn Express, which offers special packages and promotions throughout the season.
Jessica Wasik is a graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in English Studies. She is also a contributing writer for AXS.com and Examiner.com. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
