Have you ever dreamed of an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh ride through a snowy winter wonderland? There are some spectacular places in the U.S. where you can do just that. Here’s a look at the ten destinations to make your dream come true.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge is a beautiful historic mountain town in Colorado. It was famous for mining back in the 1800s, but it’s now home to one of Colorado’s premier ski resorts. In the wintertime, Breckenridge is magical. The Victorian-style homes are lit up with dazzling holiday lights and covered in a blanket in snow, and, of course, it’s also home to Nordic Sleigh Rides.
Nordic offers a unique package that includes a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh. You’ll glide through the snow covered forests and end at an authentic mid-19th century mining camp dining hall where you’ll be treated to delicious email and a comedy show. This may be one of the best winter experiences in the world.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Winter is the time to go to Jackson Hole, it’s filled with sparkling deep powdery snow, and in the shadow of one of the most magnificent mountain ranges in the world, the Grand Tetons. If you’ve got the cash, Snake River Vintage Sleigh Rides offers a deluxe dream-come-true.
The outfit offers private sleigh rides in an authentic western experience. For the dinner ride, you’ll sail along the edge of the Snake River that will take you to Tipi Camp. Here you’ll sit by the crackling fire while you sip hot beverages and enjoy appetizers with views of the snow peaked mountains.
You’ll enjoy a gourmet meal in a warm Tipi, and likely discover there is nothing like fine dining in the great outdoors. The meal includes: Free Range Buffalo, Dutch Oven Roasted Potatoes and Steamed Asparagus with Lemon-Butter Sauce and Toasted Almond. For desert, you’ll indulge in their famous Dutch Oven Baked Apple Tarte Tatin.
Bald eagles, elk, and even moose are often spotted along the way. Paradise!
Stowe, Vermont
In Stowe, Vermont, Gentle Giants’ offers sleigh rides driven by gentle Percheron and Belgian draft horses with beautifully lit “santa style sleighs,” and spectacular New England scenery. You’ll ride through covered bridges, winding brooks throughout the snowy forest on comfortable, luxurious seats.
You’ll be treated to views of Vermont’s highest peak, Mt. Mansfield along the way.
Black Hills of South Dakota
The Black Hills have a special beauty about them in every season, but in the winter a soft blanket of snow across the hills and valleys make it even more impressive. At Mystic Miner Ski Resort, an Old World Charles Dickens Sleigh Ride offers a picture-perfect winter experience.
Your journey will take you through snow-covered spruces and pines, and begins at the comfy lodge, offering all the amenities you could ever want. The resort is a special secret for mid-westerners. It offers affordable family skiing on some of the best powder in the region.
K.C. Dermody is a freelance writer and a Featured Contributor for Yahoo!Travel. She has traveled to nearly all 50 states, and many countries worldwide, and has a passion for imparting what she has learned from her experiences to others.
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