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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A train, plane or car ride can easily transport you to Cambridge, which is located on the opposite bank of the Charles River from Boston and approximately six miles from Boston Logan Airport. Once here, get ready to experience Cambridge’s eclectic energy, world-class museums, historic sites, diverse restaurants, small boutiques plus an incredible live music scene all within our quaint neighborhoods and famous “Squares.” Cover all that with a blanket of snow from Mother Nature (if you’re lucky!), and Cambridge becomes an even more magical and curious destination to explore.

Home to over twenty hotels and the largest number of hotel rooms outside of Downtown Boston, Cambridge is ready to welcome you for a weekend, a week….or longer! If you’re planning a family vacation, Royal Sonesta Cambridge Boston is sure to be a favorite for all ages. The riverside hotel boasts one of the largest indoor pools around and is an eight minute walk from the Museum of Science. For those seeking a romantic getaway, The Charles Hotel and Kimpton Marlowe offer cozy bed and breakfast packages for two. Whatever winter getaway you envision, there is a Cambridge hotel for you!

Colder temperatures and a little snow won’t stop Cambridge; there are plenty of winter activities to enjoy. A few special experiences you will not want to miss are the Taste of Chocolate Weekend, Cambridge Crossing’s annual Aprés Cambridge event, the chance to dine riverside in a heated Igloo at the Royal Sonesta’s ArtBar, or the opportunity to show off your moves at the Canal District Kendall ice skating rink, open daily thru mid-March.

Kendal Canal Ice Skating Rink in Cambridge

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day present, use the Cambridge Business Diversity Directory to find that unique gift that you’ve been looking for, while supporting small and minority-owned businesses throughout Cambridge!

Cambridge is also the birthplace of higher education in America, home to both Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), located just 2 miles apart. Both universities house renowned museum collections that are open to the public and make for a memorable winter afternoon activity.

Foodie? You’re in luck. Cambridge is famous for its eclectic mix of restaurants, with many featuring winter-inspired or seasonal dishes. Cambridge will spoil you with choices, from fresh and arty to elegant including fan favorites like Puritan & Company, Harvest, Alden & Harlow, Oleana, and Giulia. And if you have a sweet tooth, Toscanini’s ice cream is a hot spot that the New York Times once called “the best ice cream in the world” featuring hundreds of flavors that rotate throughout the year — well worth the risk of a mild brain freeze.

While some destinations hibernate as colder temperatures creep in, Cambridge, MA comes alive with indoor and outdoor events and activities for everyone. Make Cambridge your winter destination this year!

Visit CambridgeUSA.org

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Plumas County is more than just another winter resort. With the historical and unique hotels, B&Bs and lodges, the enchanted evenings of sparkling stars, brisk morning walks and runs, the quirky towns of this county always have something to offer their guests that makes Destination Plumas County out of the ordinary. From events to activities to relaxation, there is something for everyone to enjoy and make a lasting memory.

Chester has just opened an ice-skating rink at Chester Community Park. The rink offers 45-minute skating sessions for $5.00 per person, including skate rental: Fridays, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 4:00p.m. Heat lamps and a firepit keep you toasty warm between turns on the ice while roasting marshmallows for ooey-gooey s’mores—a must for every outing. In the evenings, they offer another way to stay warm—with cocktails and other beverages. January through March. www.lakealmanorarea.com

Join a ranger-led off-trail snowshoe hike and explore the wild and wintry Red Fir Forest at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Ranger-led snowshoe hikes cover one to two miles of moderately strenuous terrain and last approximately two hours. The exact route can vary with snow and weather conditions. Meet at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, at Lassen Park, located at the Southwest Entrance via Hwy 36 to get a free ticket (first come). Hikes begin at1:30 p.m. Snowshoes (and how to put them on) are provided. To schedule a group hike, visit https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/ranger_led_programs.htm. January through March. 530.595.4480 for more information and conditions.

The Historic Longboard Racing Revival Series takes a vintage spin on skiing at Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl! The sport of downhill ski racing began in 1861 in Onion Valley, between Quincy and La Porte. The goal is to beat the 1st-speed skier record set in 1867 of 88mph set by Cornish Bobon 12-foot-long wooden skis. This must-see (and participate-in) event is dependent on snow and weather conditions and happens at noon on every third Sunday in January through March. 530.832.4309. www.plumasskiclub.org.

Quincy, the annual Groundhog Day hosted by the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, begins at 1:00p.m. with several mini-contests, complete with prizes, throughout the afternoon. This includes“TheBach,” a bachelor/bachelorette auction; a chili cook-off; beer and wine poured; homemade goodies to taste; and vendors galore to delight any shopper. World-famous groundhog, Chuck Wood, delivers his winter prediction at 4:00 p.m. February 4, 2023,1:00p.m. www.quincychamber.com

The Chilly Chili Cook-Off, hosted by The Almanor Foundation, is a must with 15+ chilis to sample. See an ice carver turn 200lbs of ice into a fabulous sculpture; enjoy adult beverages; s’mores kits for $1 to roast over firepits; live music from the local singing dentist; a toque contest, and more. Monies to benefit the town ice skating rink. February 18, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. $10/adults; $5 for kids. For more information, visit https://almanorfoundation.networkforgood.com/events/49522-chilly-chili-cook-off

Snow, snow and more snow activities are aplenty. Not to be missed, we offer cross-country skiing through most of the county to include across beautiful Chester Meadow in the shadow of Lassen Peak, or along the west shore trail at Lake Almanor with open vistas of the lake and Dyer Mountain. We have family-friendly budget downhill skiing at Coppervale; sledding and with the“just right” snow conditions, we have dog sled races and action-packed snowmobiling. Just like frolicking in the snow?Many places you can just step out the front door of where you are lodging and make snowmen, snow angels, or have a fast-and-furious snowball fight.

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The Alexandria-Pineville, Louisiana, area is known for amazing events throughout the year, and Alex Winter Fête is no exception! Alex Winter Fête is back this year with several returning favorite attractions along with new activities for everyone to enjoy! This Alexandria winter celebration is FREE to all ages, from December 8 to 11, with numerous must-see events, including ice skating, live music, food, shopping and visits with the Jolly Old Santa himself!

Try a twirl on the outdoor ice-skating rink! The rink is open every evening, December 8 to 11.

• Thursday, December 8 @ 4:00pm – 8:00pm
• Friday, December 9 @ 5:00pm – 11:00pm
• Saturday, December 10 @ 10:00am – Midnight
• Sunday, December 11, Alexandria Christmas Parade @ 2:00pm, Ice Rink opens after parade until 8:00pm

You can even purchase Fast Passes to get you out on the ice faster! Get them for the night or even the whole weekend!

Bring the kiddos to explore the children’s area known as Jolly Junction, and interact with talented stilt-walkers, fire-breathers, live bands, and more! See if you can spot Alex, our Winter Fête Elf on the Shelf! Come play games and watch Christmas movies with us!

Be sure to download and print out your Letter to Santa to drop off in Santa’s Mailbox in front of the Mini-Park on 3rd & Johnston Street. Your letter may even get read by Santa himself and posted on theAlex Winter Fete Facebook and Instagram pages!

Come shine with the Alexandria Museum of Art during Winter Fete for our Winter Fete Illuminated Procession on December 10th. Come walk with our giant snowman, Christmas tree and SANTA! We’ll line up at 5:30 and roll at 6pm.

And, the whole family will want to watch in wonder at the fire works over the Red River. Fireworks are set to light up the sky on the night of Saturday, December 10th.

Don’t miss the downtown shopping vendors and delicious food that Fêtes have become known for as well. Get your belly as full as Santa’s, and your Christmas gift list checked off (twice)!

We hear there is also a Gumbo Cook-Off! Santa’s “elves” will be dragging pots and delicious ingredients out of that magic sack to compete for the Alexandria Rotary Club’s Alex Winter Fete Best Gumbo, with proceeds benefitting the Doll& Toy Fund! And you thought Santa only ate cookies and milk!

The festivities get kicked off with the traditional lighting of the tree during Holiday Magic, including the magic of community choirs, school groups, and dance troupes. Then, Santa’s arrival at Santa’sVillage at the Alexander Fulton Mini-Park on Friday, December 8 at 5pm.

Dig that ugly sweater (orT-shirt) out of the closet and come run The Rapides Urgent Care Ugly Sweater 5K on Saturday. Register online to get your collectible Ugly Sweater Dri-fit shirt or walk up Saturday, December 10 at 7 am and sign up (shirt not guaranteed at walk-up registration) by the steps of Alexandria City Hall. The 5K starts at 8am! All proceeds benefit the YWCA of Alexandria/Pineville’s Girls on the Run program, so sign up and bring your friends (even furry ones) to work off some of those Christmas calories in advance!

And, you absolutely cannot miss the Alexandria Mardi Gras Association Christmas Parade in downtown Alexandria at 2 pm on Sunday. You know if a Mardi Gras Association is putting on a parade, it’s going to be a good one!

Check out the calendar of events for Alexandria Winter Fête as well as other events throughout December on our events page or visit us on Facebook.

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Calling all artist and art lovers – downtown Pontiac will quickly become your new happy place! Pontiac has over 25 large, colorful, outdoor murals created by a talented group of artists known as the Walldogs. Simply follow the red footprints from mural to mural for a walking tour with nostalgic charm! Our collection of miniature art cars is scattered around the downtown sidewalks – each one created by a local artist or art group – great for photo opps! The Pontiac Community Art Center is a studio, teaching space, gallery, and retail sales outlet for locally produced works.  Pontiac is also home to The Museum of Gilding Arts.  Created by the International Society of Gilders, the museum focuses on the history, craft and art of using precious metal in design and decor.  

With a name like Pontiac, of course we love cars! You’ll also love and appreciate our one-of-a-kind museum:  The Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum and Resource Center.  With classic Oaklands and cool Pontiacs, this museum is the only museum dedicated to just these two automobile brands.  The museum is also home to one of the largest collections of oil cans and antique road maps around.  

History Buff? We’ve got you covered! The Pontiac Museum Complex houses a variety of exhibits and displays: 

The Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum offers a collection of images, artifacts, and stories about the nation’s most famous road – Route 66. Memorabilia related to the iconic Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire including his school bus home ‘The Road Yacht’, VW Microbus, and a gallery of his artwork.  

The Livingston County War Museum is staffed entirely by volunteer veterans. This museum pays tribute to the men and women from Livingston County who served in the nation’s military since World War I.  

Ron Selle and Darlene Agner have beautifully curated fascinating exhibits that delve into the history of three transformative time periods in our nation’s history:   

The Life in the 1940s – Featuring four rooms, completely furnished with furniture and toys of the era. Be sure to stop into the “Stage Door Canteen” to enjoy some vintage1940s music.   

The Life on the Titanic - This exhibit portrays the life and times of the ship, its passengers, and the elegant Edwardian Age. The items on display are contemporaries of those that sank on the famed ship as well as items from the rescue ship. 

The Music of the Civil War – Learn about the music that was popular during the Antebellum period, the war itself, and Reconstruction Era. There are framed original editions of sheet music with recordings as well as displays of antique musical instruments and soldier artifacts.   

Most famously, the city has many connections to our nation’s 16^th President, Abraham Lincoln. Follow the Looking for Lincoln Story Trail and learn more about this important historical figure and his connection to Pontiac. Located on the south lawn of the Historic Courthouse is a life-size commemorative statue of Honest Abe himself – another great selfie spot awaits! 

To learn more about Pontiac, head online to visitpontiac.org or call the Pontiac Tourism office at (815) 844-5847.  

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