North Bay Woman

Just because the temperatures are a little cooler and the days a bit shorter, it doesn't mean your plans to get away from it all should wait until next summer. In fact, for some travel lovers, fall and winter are the best seasons to vacation. Fewer crowds often mean more lodging choices, better prices and depending on the destination, the ideal weather. It's a great time to plan a weekend getaway to unplug from the holiday frenzy or rejuvenate in the new year. Or do something different and spend the holidays away from home by taking the whole family to a warm or a snowy destination. I've picked my four favorite fall and winter weekend getaways that are all within driving distance from the North Bay and my four favorite destination vacations, perfect for a family vacation. Honor Mansion in Healdsburg Experience the romance and tranquility of Wine Country away from the holiday crowds at Honor Mansion in Healdsburg. Once a grand family home, this two-story inn built in 1883 sits on four sprawling acres. Book one of their five luxury suites for an indulgent and relaxing stay. The spacious rooms include an enclosed private patio with an outdoor tub, a fireplace, and the most comfortable beds. It's apparent from the beginning of your stay until the end that Honor Mansion puts their guests' needs and desires first. No detail is left out, no corners cut. In between sleeping and soaking, enjoy bocce, croquet, tennis, basketball, and practice your putting skills on their green. The gourmet breakfast buffet is a delicious feast. Be sure to take advantage of the many different flavors of mimosas offered! Brewery Gulch Inn What's more rejuvenating than a visit to the rugged coast of Mendocino? Staying in a beautiful and inviting inn with a view of the ocean, of course. Brewery Gulch Inn is a Craftsman-style property located a short drive from the town of Mendocino. Guest rooms feature beautifully embroidered linens, perfectly fluffy pillows, soft sheets, plush robes and a gas fireplace. In the downstairs Great Room, a gathering place for guests, there is a spacious deck overlooking the Pacific. Coffee, tea and snacks are always Wonderlands Left: The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe outdoor fire pit with views of the Sierras. Photo provided by The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe. From top to bottom: L'Auberge de Sedona with a view overlooking Red Rocks. Photo provided by L'Auberge de Sedona. Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel brings the holiday trimmings with an inviting lobby and roaring fireplace. Photo pro- vided by Quail Lodge & Golf Club. Sun Valley Lodge in Idaho offers amenities from skiing to sleigh rides all in a picture perfect setting. Photo courtesy of Sun Valley Lodge. The ultimate get-away-from-it-all winter destination is St. Regis Princeville Resort in Kauai, Hawaii. St. Regis Princeville Resort has a spa, golf and dining all with gorgeous views of the Pacific. Photo provided by St. Regis Princeville Resort. >>

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