Friday
Your romantic escape begins with a check-in at one of New Jersey’s upscale resorts, set in a winter wonderland. The snowy playground known as Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon boasts slope-side lodging with your choice of studio, one- and two-bedroom accommodations in The Appalachian, as well as vacation rentals in the gated condominium community of Black Creek Sanctuary. Just 10 minutes down the road, the luxurious Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg offers guestrooms and suites in its AAA Four-Diamond–rated Grand Cascades Lodge, as well as the family-friendly Minerals Hotel.
Once you’re settled into your personal oasis, tuck into a delicious dinner at Crystal Tavern, a farm-to-table eatery located in the clubhouse at Grand Cascades Lodge. Tease your appetite with fresh raw oysters, then move on to your choice of seasonal selections perfectly paired with an artisanal cocktail.
Saturday
Start your day on the slopes of Mountain Creek, where eight lifts will bring you up to the mountaintops so you can ski or snowboard down dozens of trails, from easy beginner runs to challenging black diamond routes to freestyle terrain trails. The snow tubing park offers even more options for dashing down the mountain – no equipment or experience needed. After a day in the snow, head to the mezzanine level of the Red Tail Lodge and warm up with a gourmet meal and a signature cocktail at Schuss.
If you’d rather stay indoors, you’ll find plenty of high-energy activities at Minerals Sports Club. Guests of Crystal Springs Resort can choose from fitness and yoga classes, swim laps in the indoor pool or keep up their workout regimen on cardio and strength machines. After a day of active pursuits, get pampered with a relaxing couple’s treatment at the resort’s top-rated Reflections Spa. Or enjoy some self-care with a 50-minute Art of Reflection body massage or an exfoliating cinnamon brown sugar scrub for silky-smooth skin. If the slopes, sports or spa aren’t your thing, Crystal Springs Resort guests can find (literally) hundreds of other exciting things to do on the property, from the heated snow pool to paint-and-sip workshops.
For dinner, make your way to the gourmet Restaurant Latour at Crystal Springs Resort to take in views of the Kittatinny Mountains while indulging in artful, seasonal dishes paired with exquisite varietals from the expansive list at The Wine Cellar, which has won Wine Spectator’s Grand Award every year since 2006.
Sunday
End your winter retreat on a high note with breakfast at Kites Restaurant on the second floor of Minerals Hotel. Savor delectable favorites including chocolate chip pancakes, classic eggs Benedict and The Jersey Sandwich, before heading home.
As always, check out your destination’s official website or social media channels for need-to-know details before your arrival. Looking for even more wintry adventures and getaways that inspire chilling out? Download our free Official Travel Guide or sign up to receive our e-newsletter today.
