Sunday, September 30, 2012

Enjoying Fall and Winter in the City

Many people may argue that fall and winter are best enjoyed out in the wilderness where you can fully appreciate the beauty of fall foliage, the crisp, fresh air, and make snow angels to your heart's content. However, with the right attitude, attire, and sense of adventure these seasonal pleasures can also be enjoyed in the city.

New York

In the Big Apple, the most obvious place to venture to is Central Park. Beautiful in any season, it's the ideal location for a warming power walk, building a snowman with your kids, or ice skating on the central rink.

For a little something different on a sunny fall or winter morning, hop on the subway to Brighton Beach. It's much less crowded than during the summer, and the air is so very fresh that makes a nice change from inner city New York.

Watch the waves lap the sand while sipping on a hot beverage from one of the many Russian cafes nearby. To warm up after your brisk seaside stroll, head for a hearty lunch of Siberian dumplings or soup such as borscht.

Boston

New England is famed for its stunning fall foliage, and Boston is a wonderful place to admire it. A popular route to stroll along is the charming, tree-lined Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile track with 16 historical sights to discover.

To warm up in the winter, there's nothing quite like ice skating at the Frog Pond rink on Boston Common with views across the city's Downtown landmarks. Join families, couples and other fun-loving folk in a dance on the ice.

Seattle

Snow has a tendency to cover the ground fast and thickly in Seattle, making for picture-perfect winter scenery. Madison Park and its Japanese Garden are ideal for snowball fights and boast beautiful views across Washington state's snow-capped mountains.

After a chilly few hours in the cold, seek comfort at Banya urban spa that boasts warming treatments from massages to super-hot saunas, or indulge in a hot toddy at one of the city's many trendy bars, some of which are speakeasy-themed.

Atlanta

One of the perks of being in Atlanta during the fall and autumn season is its mild climate with temperatures rarely falling below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thanks to the pleasant temperatures, the zoo stays open all year round. Visiting the array of animals, including flamingoes and orangutans is an excellent pastime. Bring along a thermos of hot cocoa or soup and have a brief outdoor picnic.

Albeit slightly outside the city centre, Stone Mountain Park is the ultimate winter destination complete with a slope for sledding. The snow may be artificial, but the experience feels as real as it gets.

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