Cozy Winter Getaways in PA: Find Your Cozy at Raystown Lake

When planning a winter trip, what is it that you need? Do you need to relax and recharge from the holiday's craziness, or some crisp fresh air on a trail? Maybe it's simply a cozy weekend at a unique airbnb. The best part about a winter weekend away in the Raystown Lake Region is that you are able to create the type of itinerary that you need.

Let's look at the perfect weekend in. What does that look like? Book a unique Airbnb, one that goes beyond the ordinary stay. At Airydale Retreat you can spend the weekend inside a dome. Imagine sitting in bed with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, looking out the large windows watching the snow fall. Or, if you stay in the Inn at Solvang's Stabbur Norwegian Cabin, or Tuckaway Tree Farm's A-Frame, you'll have private access to saunas, located within the rentals. While you're there, spend the day with your nose in a book, reading it from cover to cover. Or bring along board games and spend the day being competitive. Hungry? Order dinner from Donna's Family Restaurant and pick it up. Enjoy your dinner in the quiet space of your rental, with each other, chatting over your home-style meal.

Are you an adventure seeker that is going stir crazy being locked inside? Do you need a weekend of thrill? Stepping onto a trail in the winter provides a completely different experience than hiking in the summer. The leaves are off the trees providing views beyond what you might have seen before. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails throughout Huntingdon County, there are enough trails to fill weeks, beyond just the weekend you're planning. If it's cold enough you will want to visit Trough Creek State Park and you might see Rainbow Falls frozen. Speaking of being cold enough to freeze water, the Raystown Dam Pagoda provides lovely views of Raystown Lake frozen, if temperatures allow. After your day outside, warm up with a meal from Hometown Pub or the Village Tavern. Want to trade the chill for something underground? In the winter, the cave is warmer than it is outside, and Lincoln Caverns offers tours on Saturdays.

Sometimes the best itinerary is barely one at all. Spend the day browsing Love It Boutique, Twice Upon a Time and Raystown Reflections Gift Shoppe for something special, whether it's a treat for yourself or a gift for someone on your list. Linger over a long lunch, save room for dessert, add a coffee stop at Standing Stone Coffee Company, or book a massage or facial. Leave space between stops, and head back to your rental early if you feel like it. If you come home more tired than you left, it wasn't cozy.

Winter may move at a slower pace here, but there's still plenty happening. Huntingdon Borough kicks off the season with its Christmas tree lighting and entertainment on Black Friday, and the East Broad Top Railroad's Christmas in Coal Country brings Santa aboard a historic train. Those are just two of the ways to add something festive to your getaway. For a complete calendar of winter events, visit Raystown.org/events.

Not sure where to start? Winter Your Way is a digital itinerary with themes for different kinds of trips. Each one pairs places to stay with things to do and places to eat. Follow one as written or mix and match. The best part is you can create an account, save it to your phone homescreen and come back to planning when it’s convenient for you. 

Whether cozy means a dome with a view of falling snow, a bare-tree hike or a steaming mug of coffee by a fire, only you get to decide. Start planning your getaway at Raystown.org/cozy, or explore the itineraries at raystown.org/plan/passports/winter.