Winter Road Trip
This December, set out for a winter journey through the Northeast, where country roads, historic towns, festive traditions and cozy moments lead the way between Auberge Collection’s New England destinations. From the quiet beauty of the Litchfield Hills and the Hudson Valley to Newport’s breathtaking mansions and the storybook charm of coastal Maine, discover a distinct expression of the season at every stop.
The Journey
New York City → Wildflower Farms | 1.5 hours
Wildflower Farms → Mayflower Inn & Spa | ~1.5 hours
Mayflower Inn & Spa → The Vanderbilt | ~2.5 hours
The Vanderbilt → White Barn Inn | ~3 hours
White Barn Inn → New York City | ~4.5 hours- Drive times are approximate and may vary with winter weather and road conditions.
Begin planning your escape at [email protected].
An Unforgettable December
Stop One | Wildflower Farms
Hudson Valley, New York | Winter landscapes & fireside rituals
Begin in the Hudson Valley, where the Shawangunk Ridge sets a dramatic winter backdrop. The festive season at Wildflower Farms celebrates the simple pleasures of the Hudson Valley, from spirited gatherings to nostalgic outdoor pursuits. On December 5, NYC cocktail institution Bar Goto brings its distinctive Japanese-inspired take on modern cocktails to The Great Porch Bar for a special guest shift. Throughout the season, the Wildflower Curling Rink invites guests to step into the winter landscape, try their hand at a new skill and gather fireside over hot cider, with weekly instructor-led sessions.
Property Experiences
Winter Curling Rink
Festive Dinners in the Green Room
The Great Porch Guest Shift with Bar Goto NYC
Fireside Cider Hour
Private Vintage Styling
Sourdough Focaccia Making
Botanical Mixology
Spa Treatments at ThistleHoliday Itineraries
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A Spot to Watch the Snowfall | The Movement Studio
Settle into the Movement Studio, where windows frame the frozen pond and snow-filled forest. It’s a serene place to stretch, move and take in the quiet beauty of winter during complimentary wellbeing classes offered up to three times daily.
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Explore the Area | New Paltz & Beacon
Discover the Hudson Valley’s farm markets, galleries and independent shops, then return to the warmth of the farm after a day out.
- Pause for lunch at Grazery Market, where seasonal fare and locally sourced ingredients make for a welcoming stop.
- Step inside The Cronin Gallery to discover contemporary art in a distinctly Hudson Valley setting.
- Browse Another Door for vintage finds, antiques and one-of-a-kind pieces.
- Visit Wallkill View Farm Market for local provisions and farmstand favorites.
- Wander through Antiques Barn in search of unexpected discoveries.
Stop Two | Mayflower Inn & Spa
Washington, Connecticut | A fireside retreat in the Litchfield Hills
Arrive in the Litchfield Hills, where the winter landscape lends a sense of calm to the countryside. Mayflower Inn & Spa welcomes the holidays with festive decorations by Litchfield-based florist Sarah Worden Natural Design. Step into the Library for an exclusive festive dining experience beside the glow of the fire. Curated by Chef Daniel Boulud and brought to life by our culinary team, the six-course winter tasting menu reimagines Café Boulud signatures and classics for an intimate holiday gathering.
Property Experiences
The Art of Pie Decorating
The Zodiac Hour
Daily Movement Classes at The Retreat
Cakes from the Garden Workshop
Explore the Mayflower Trail
Spa Treatments at The Retreat
Visiting Master: Pilates with Tera StudioHoliday Itineraries
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A Place to Watch the Snowfall | The Retreat Relaxation Room
Unwind in the quiet of The Retreat’s relaxation room. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the still pond beyond, offering a peaceful place to pause between treatments and take in winter’s softer pace.
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Explore the Area | Kent & West Cornwall
Discover the towns and shops of the Litchfield Hills, with time to pause for a warm drink or browse local design and antiques.
- Stop at Smithy’s Market for local provisions and handcrafted finds.
- Across the street, Smithy Café offers breakfast, lunch and house-baked treats.
- Visit Plain Goods for thoughtfully curated home and wardrobe collections in a landmark Victorian.
- Make an appointment at Michael Trapp in West Cornwall to explore distinctive antiques and design.
- Continue to Sister Parish in Litchfield for storied patterns and enduring craftsmanship.
Stop Three | The Vanderbilt
Newport, Rhode Island | Mansion warmth & festive rituals
In Newport, Gilded Age architecture sets the scene. This festive season, step behind the curtain and into a living advent calendar at The Vanderbilt, where 12 Days of The Macallan unfold throughout the historic downtown mansion every Thursday-Sunday in December. From intimate tastings and considered pours to unexpected discoveries and festive rituals, each day offers a new way to experience the collection. At the heart of the mansion, the Reserve Room serves as The Macallan’s home within the hotel, inviting guests to linger over the collection and discover the craftsmanship behind every pour.
Property Experiences
12 Days of The Macallan
New England Clam Chowder Workshop
Mahjong at the Mansion
Complimentary Mat Pilates
Enchanted Tarot Hour
Cocktails Through the Ages Class
Punch Bowl HourHoliday Itineraries
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A Place to Watch the Snowfall | The Conservatory
Take a seat in the Conservatory for breakfast or lunch, surrounded by expansive windows and views of the season settling over Newport. It’s an inviting place to linger over a meal and watch the winter light shift.
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Explore the Area | Bellevue Avenue & Historic Newport
Browse Newport’s independent boutiques, museums, cafés and historic interiors.
- Visit Audrain Automobile Museum for thoughtfully curated exhibitions celebrating the history and artistry of the automobile.
- Browse Kiel James Patrick and Little Château for distinctive boutiques inspired by Newport’s coastal style.
- Take a break at Beaucoup Café for coffee and pastries.
- Enjoy a private indoor tennis lesson at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, followed by a visit to the museum and its collection of historic tennis artifacts.
On the Road | Newport to Coastal Maine
Continue north toward Kennebunk, with a stop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for lunch and a visit to its historic downtown. Winter weather may affect the drive, so plan for flexibility.
Stop Four | White Barn Inn
Kennebunk, Maine | Christmas Prelude & cozy coastal traditions
End your journey on the southern Maine coast. At White Barn Inn, the festive season unfolds alongside Kennebunkport’s beloved Christmas Prelude, an 11-day celebration that fills the surrounding town with storybook holiday charm. From December 3-13, prelude evenings feature candlelit dinners in the storied White Barn Inn Restaurant, where Executive Chef Cornelia Sühr presents a festive tasting menu, accompanied by carols and live guitar. Beyond Prelude, a rich tapestry of experiences brings the holidays to life, from cookie decorating, cocktail classes, and tea with Santa to a Jingle Bell Hike and in-room fondue making.
Property Experiences
Prelude Dinners with Live Caroling & Guitar
Fondue-Making with Le Creuset
Woodland Dog Sledding
Snowshoeing & Hot Cocoa at Harris Farm
Hat Making with a Local Artisan
Wine & Cheese Pairing
Complimentary Spin Class
Spa Treatments at SaltwoodHoliday Itineraries
Christmas Prelude Week
Christmas on the Coast
New Year’s Eve Weekend
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A Place to Watch the Snowfall | The Library
Spend a quiet afternoon in the Library with a board game and a fireside drink. As snow falls outside, settle into the inn’s warm, intimate atmosphere.
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Explore the Area | Kennebunk & Kennebunkport
Browse Dock Square and the village’s local boutiques, then take a break with a warm drink or something sweet.
- Discover Kennebunkport aboard the Intown Trolley.
- Stop at Dock Square Coffee House for coffee, pastries, and its signature Maine Blueberry Latte.
- Browse SEACRAFT for vintage treasures and maritime-inspired finds.
- Explore Wells Union Antiques for the best selection of curated goods, vintage finds, and antiques.