Designed as a seasonal companion to the year-round Official Fairbanks Visitors Guide, the Winter Guide highlights the unique winter experiences that make Fairbanks an outstanding destination. It showcases key attractions such as the awe-inspiring aurora borealis, thrilling dog mushing adventures, and intricate ice sculptures.
Ice Art Joust Sculpted by Craig Cheledinas, Kevin Roscoe and Steve Brice (Photo by Craig Cheledinas)
The guide offers expert tips for experiencing the northern lights and provides comprehensive information on a wide range of winter activities and events, including skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, hiking, curling and ice hockey.
In addition to outdoor adventures, the guide addresses the diverse interests of visitors by featuring numerous indoor attractions including museums, art galleries, shops specializing in Alaskan-made products, and inviting cafes, breweries, and distilleries.
For a free copy of the Fairbanks Winter Guide, contact Explore Fairbanks at 1-800-327-5774 or (907) 456-5774. You can also order the guide or view it interactively online at www.explorefairbanks.com/guide.
Auberge du Soleil | Napa Valley, CA – Rendezvous for Romance Package
Retreat to Napa Valley for a romantic Valentine’s Day in wine country at Napa’s quintessential adults-only retreat, Auberge du Soleil. For those looking for a romantic getaway to reconnect with the one they love, Auberge du Soleil’s Rendezvous for Romance Package offers a two night stay with a welcome bottle of Auberge Cabernet Sauvignon, $200 resort credit to enjoy a romantic in-room 3-course Le Creuset menu from the Michelin-starred Restaurant, and a 20% spa discount.
Over Valentine’s Day guests can enjoy nightly Aperitif Hour at La Plage adults-only pool, and complimentary courtyard wine tastings from 3-6pm daily. Couples can also take a taste of Auberge at home, with the Auberge at Home Set, offering all the necessities to continue the romantic bliss at home, inclusive of one Auberge du Soleil Winter Robe, one pair of Auberge du Soleil slippers, one Slip x Auberge du Soleil silk eye mask, and one package of ERDA Tea created specifically for The Spa at Auberge du Soleil. The set will be $378+ shipping and can be purchased online.
Package: Peninsula Beverly Hills Ultimate Valentine’s Day Sleepcation
The Peninsula Beverly Hills is a name synonymous with romance, glamor and elegance. This year, the property is offering one of the most unique and luxurious Valentine’s Day experiences with its Ultimate Valentine’s Day Sleepcation. Couples who book the Ultimate Valentine’s Day Sleepcation will enjoy a truly one-of-a-kind romantic experience. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by their personal butler and escorted directly to the hotel’s largest accommodation, The Peninsula Villa.
The two-story Peninsula Villa truly feels like a luxurious residence including a grand foyer, sumptuous living area, elegant dining room and private patio with an intimate hot tub. Head up to the rooftop pool at leisure to enjoy a private poolside cabana for the day with lunch for two, followed by an in-suite couples 90-minute massage in the villa’s second bedroom. Additional touches include two dozen roses and a bottle of champagne. Guests will then be chauffeured via Rolls Royce to Hästens Mattress’ Flagship Sleep Spa on Beverly Boulevard for a private sleep consultation. During this relaxing session, guests will be guided through a sleep spa experience to find one’s recommended firmness. Once you select the Hästens 2000T mattress of your firmness, the bed will discreetly be placed in The Peninsula Villa for guests to enjoy their first night’s sleep. The evening culminates with a custom dinner in The Peninsula Villa prepared by the hotel’s Michelin star Chef followed by an indulgent chocolate fondue dessert experience on the private candlelit patio. The cherry on top of the romantic experience is receiving dual Cartier Love Bracelets at turndown to commemorate the special occasion. Complete the perfect romantic escape with decadent Caviar & Champagne breakfast in bed. Of course, the package doesn’t end upon checkout, as within a few days guests will receive their new Hästens 2000T mattress and monogrammed Peninsula Frette sheet set delivered to their home.
A sprawling, Spanish-inspired resort that sits on the golden sands of Surf City USA, Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach is a sun-soaked escape. A perfect haven for a weekend of romance, the hotel is chock full of activities for couples, from spa treatments, bike rides down the boardwalk, private smores on the beach, pool cabanas and more. Specifically for the couple seeking unique experiences and foodie adventures, the resort has just debuted the Art of Pairing at signature restaurant,Watertable.
This culinary offering invites couples on a private journey led by our Chef Tournant and Lead Sommelier for a unique pairing and tasting that encompasses, spirits, seafood, local cheeses, desserts and more. For Valentine’s Day, guests can expect an extra romantic experience.
There’s nothing more romantic than kissing in the rain in Seattle! Rain or shine, embrace romance with “Lotte in Love” this February at Seattle’s most romantic hotel. Enjoy up to 20% off luxurious accommodations, a bottle of Lotte bubbly, and chocolate-covered strawberries—setting the scene for the ultimate romantic escape. Couples can also enjoy a multi-course dinner with live music at Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge on Valentine’s Day. For dinner and a show, you won’t want to miss Teatro ZinZanni, the theatrical cirque experience which celebrates its 25th anniversary with a limited time residency at the iconic Sanctuary Grand Ballroom inside Lotte Hotel Seattle.
*Lotte in Love Blackout dates apply. Terms and conditions apply, 2-night min. stay, 72-hour notice on cancellation or non-refundable, to be booked with 72-hour notice at min. of stay. Book dates Feb. 1 – Feb. 29 Stay dates Feb. 1 – Feb. 29.
Dreamy Stay for your Valentine Package: Spoil your loved one this Valentine’s Day with the stay of their dreams. This all-inclusive package offers the finest in romance and luxury with your choice of an intimate dinner, couples spa experience, or breakfast in bed with a special surprise welcome amenity curated by our culinary team.
The package includes a 2-night minimum stay in a guest room or suite, two amenity passes to Fairmont Spa Century Plaza (retail value: $150), $100 hotel credit to indulge at our food, beverage, or spa experiences during your stay, a la carte breakfast for two each day at Lumière or from in-room dining, overnight valet parking for one vehicle with in-and-out privileges, priority status for an early arrival request, and priority status for a late departure request.
Nestled within the scenic Wasatch Mountain Range, The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection is located on a sprawling 3,500-acre private ranch, welcoming romance seekers to recollect, reset and rejuvenate. The Lodge at Blue Sky, along with the cliffside wellness concept,The Edge Spa, invites guests to slow down and forge meaningful connections with the land, themselves and their partners through intuitive treatments, healing ceremonies and energy journeys. The newEdge Sanctuary in particular is a private space perched on the bank of the Alexander Creek beneath the Edge Spa, designed to be a hidden haven for couples to perform energetic and vibrational healing, sound baths and readings away from the larger spa with an expert guide. The Edge Sanctuary also offers a newcold plunge experience and Scandanavian sauna for the wellness-minded couple.
This Valentine’s Day, couples can enjoy the new Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection collaboration with Parisian institution, Caviar Kaspia. Just in time for the romantic holiday, Solage has brought “the art of caviar” to the Napa Valley – with a twist. Solage’s acclaimed Chef Gustavo Rios has collaborated with the Caviar Kaspia team to create a special caviar-laced menu for couples to indulge.
Playful and innovative menu items will be incorporated throughout the property – at the restaurant, Solbar, the bar, Solbar Bar, and also in-room with the hotel’s Caviar Concierge. Whether it’s a unique take on avocado toast or a twist on chips and dip, the Caviar Concierge will bring couples this elevated dining experience with the click of a button and in comfort of their luxury suite or cottage. To begin, guests can enjoy the Just a Bump, an exceptional cocktail featuring oakland spirits company halfshell gin, dry vermouth, basil seeds, caramelized pearl onions and Kaspia Royal Oscietra Caviar. Other menu highlights will include the Chips & Dip with caramelized onion crème fraîche, Kaspia Royal Oscietra Caviar, crispy onions and house potato chips; Avocado Toast featuring whipped avocado, nut + seeds and Kaspia Royal Oscietra Caviar; Tuna & Hamachi Tartare with dashi creme fraiche and Kaspia Royal Oscietra Caviar; and Pretzel & Caviar with one ounce of Kaspia Royal Oscietra Caviar, crispy sourdough pretzel, bellwether farms creme fraiche, eggs mimosa, red onions, chives.
Alongside the creative caviar menu, couples can cheers with a curated selection of champagne and sparkling wine pairings. Options vary from classic Champagne houses like Laherte Freres to local Napa Valley favorites like Domaine Carnerors. From the crispness of Brut to the bone-dry elegance of Ultra Brut and the delightful allure of Rosé, each sip harmonizes seamlessly with the nuanced and rich flavors of the caviar.
For a romantic escape, find yourself amongst the 850 lush acres of greenery, sparkling lakes and sunshine at Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley, California. The hotel’s “Retreat to Romance” Valentine’s Day promotion includes a Lavender bath amenity from Santa Cruz’ Bonny Doon Lavender Farm, a bubble bath filled with rose petals upon arrival, a complimentary bottle of local wine and a box of Monterey’s Lula’s chocolates. Guests can enjoy a spacious suite with undisrupted views from their private outdoor patio and can relax with a couple’s massage at Spa Adeline followed by a dip in the heated outdoor pool.
The resort offers a number of outdoor activities for the active couple including: 18-hole Robert Muir Graves-designed golf course, nature trails, tennis and pickleball courts, complimentary ebikes, and a VIP shuttle to Point Lobos Nature Reserve for incredible hiking. What’s more, couples can indulge in a three-course prix fixe menu on Valentine’s Day at $98.00++ Per Person featuring East Coast Scallops, Chicories and Citrus Salad, Beef Wellington, Poached Maine Lobster, Mille Feuille for dessert and more. *Valentine’s Day promo code: VDAY; valid for stay dates February 9 through February 16.
A sleigh ride through the snow and woods underneath a starlit Montana sky, a storytelling and singing cowboy, a shot of honey moonshine, a classic Montana prime rib meal cooked over a century-old railroad stove, dining by candlelight, rosemary popovers, crème fraiche mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and huckleberry cobbler–it’s all part of the Sleigh Ride Dinner at Lone Mountain Ranch.
The 20-minute sleigh ride takes adventrueres to the historic North Fork Cabin, warmed by a wood burning stove from the early 1900’s to give it even more of a step-back-in-time feel. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that is now entering its 35th year, making it an intergenerational family experience for many and one to not forget for those doing it for the first time.
Lone Mountain Ranch, in Big Sky, Montana, has become a world-renowned destination since it was homesteaded in 1915 with 30 unique rooms and cabins, that spans over 100 years.
With the location in mind, the ranch offers guests a variety of outdoor seasonal expeditions and adventures all year round,
The Midwest is the setting for some of the most iconic holiday movies of all time, such as A Christmas Story, Home Alone, and even National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and when it comes to the holidays, there is a resort in Lake Geneva, WI that offers one of the grandest celebrations in the Midwest. Grand enough for any holiday movie buff.
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is one of the Midwest’s top vacation destinations for holiday fun with its annual Christmas in the Country experience. A six week celebration, this cherished holiday resort tradition features over-the-top holiday décor, private igloo dining, breakfasts with Santa, a heated Trolley Tour of Lights, the option to have a decorated Christmas tree in your hotel room, and new this year, a jumbo gingerbread display of its beautiful ski hill. In addition, the city of Lake Geneva is full of holiday charm and programming, with wonderful Midwest holiday hospitality.
Family together Christmas celebration concept. Festive place setting for holiday dinner with natural decorations from fir tree branches.
Here is a rundown of what is on Santa’s list at Grand Geneva this year (and yes, you can catch him swimming and skiing if you’re lucky):
Family together Christmas celebration concept. Festive place setting for holiday dinner with natural decorations from fir tree branches.
Grand Geneva officially kicks off the season with its annual Illumination Ceremony taking place on November 19, 2023, where the resort literally flips the switch to start the season, with over-the-top holiday displays, lights, animated designs, grand Christmas trees, and plenty of photo opportunities to capture the holiday cheer. Now in its 29th year, the Illumination Ceremony will feature activities for kids, holiday cookies, hot apple cider, a dazzling fireworks display, and an appearance from the big guy himself, Santa Claus! Guests are asked to bring an unwrapped, new toy for local children. The event will support Walworth County Deputy Sheriff Department and its Toys for Kids program.
There’s a tree in the grand hotel, and one in your room as well. For a modest extra charge, guests can have the resort’s holiday elves add a little magic to their stay at Grand Geneva or its on-site sister property, Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, by adding a holiday tree to their room. Travelers will enjoy a fully decorated tree in their guestroom upon arrival, complete with ornaments, ribbon topper and an ornament to cherish at home (take-home ornament available at Grand Geneva only). It’s all the Christmas cheer with none of the cleanup!
Trolley Tour of Lights: For some traditional holiday fun, visitors can hop aboard the heated and enclosed Grand Geneva trolley for a tour around the resort’s dazzling light displays and decorations, including the beloved 12 Days of Christmas animated display. For those who miss the trolley, visitors can take their own car down Grand Geneva Way, starting at Hwy 50.
An Igloo Experience. Baby, it’s cold outside but cozy inside one of Grand Geneva’s igloos. Offered at the resort’s Embers Terrace, visitors can reserve a private igloo for festive dining, holiday drinks, and gathering with friends and family. This fun winter experience is available for up to 6 guests for a 90-min reservation.
Brunch with the Big Guy. Grand Geneva’s Brunch with Santa will take place on select dates in November and December. Designed for children, families enjoy brunch served tableside.
Santa Mail: Speaking of the big guy, guests and visitors may take advantage of Grand Geneva’s magical mailbox and drop off letters to Santa Claus. Located in the resort’s main lobby, Santa’s helpers collect the mail daily at 3pm to mail it to the North Pole. The best part? Santa takes time out of his busy schedule to send a message back.
Gingerbread House Walk: Area residents, in amateur, professional, adult and child categories, display their sugary masterpieces beginning November 19 through the holidays, creating a Gingerbread House Walk on the upper level in the resort’s Ristorante Brissago foyer. Judges from United Way of Walworth County and Grand Geneva will award cash prizes for the top three overall winners in five different age groups. New this year: The resort will feature its very own over-the-top Gingerbread display of its Ski Chalet on a 3×3 ft board. The sugary sweet ski display is made with 50+ lbs. of flour, 3 gallons of molasses, 6 dozen eggs, 12 lbs. of butter, 20 lbs. of brown sugar, and lots of colorful candy.
Where Santa Goes to Splash & Swim: Grand Geneva’s resort campus is also home to sister-property Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark. This all-suite resort features rooms with kitchens and extra space, plus its very own indoor waterpark where it is always a warm 86 degrees. A perfect holiday escape for families, the resort also offers Breakfast with Santa, plus holiday hotel package deals. Santa has previously been spotted taking a swim at Timber Ridge, and on December 22 and 23, he will be taking a relaxing break and greeting guests in his very own Santa cabana in Timber Ridge’s Moose Mountain Falls.
Grand Geneva’s The Mountain Top is one of the country’s top family-friendly ski hills. The perfect ski and snowboard hill for beginners, The Mountain Top is slated to open for the season on December 16. It is also one of Santa’s favorite slopes, and he is slated to make an appearance at the ski chalet a few times this holiday season!
In case the weather outside is frightful, there are plenty of other delightful family-friendly activities to enjoy, including holiday movie nights, ornament painting, gingerbread house decorating, and other fun holiday crafting and games.
Grand Geneva’s Midwest Holiday Hospitality by the Numbers
2 million twinkling lights
6 weeks of celebration
50lbs of flour for an oversized ski chalet gingerbread display
1 set of skis for Santa
7 igloos
32ft outdoor Christmas tree with 24,500+ lights
1 Santa cabana
50+ gingerbread houses on display
70 holiday light displays, including 14 animated
66 indoor holiday trees
For additional information on holidays at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, please visit grandgeneva.com
