Probably not a good winter destination, but the cabins at PA's state parks are among the best kept secrets for nature-lovers (though the cheap, off-season prices seem to have risen since I went last year). I did three days/two nights at Promised Land State Park and loved every minute of it. It's spartan living, and you have to bring your own supplies, cut your own firewood (or buy it), but I'm the type of guy who enjoys that (I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm not a beach person). So the comfy sheets and tasty food must be your own.

Again, probably not what you're looking for, but other people may read this who like ruggedy-outdoorsy type stuff.

hmm... we're not much of the ruggedy-outdoorsy type people. We like day-hikes, but in this weather, that seems unlikely to appeal.

Was thinking more along the lines of someplace with a posh b&b or hotel, some good restaurants, and something interesting to do in the day. It's the daytime activities that are killing me.

So far, my best idea is to take the Acela down to DC, and wander around some of the museums in the daytime.

B&B in the Hudson Valley? You can tour the Rockefeller Estate (Kykuit) and I know there are a bunch of other historic-y places there. There's Sunnyside, Washington Irving's home. Very good food around Kykuit, although I can't remember specific restaurants.

http://www.hudsonvalley.org/index.html

Oh crap, I just looked at that website and all the historic homes are closed for the season. Sorry!

amro: damn, that was a fine idea for a lazy weekend. I'll keep it in mind once historic home season opens again :-)

There are many, many cute bed & breakfasts and inns in New Hope, PA. Great restaurants, neat shops. And it's close to the Mercer Museum, Moravian Tile Works and Fonthill Mansion.

And Eideteker...thanks for the info on the cabins! I had no idea. We'll definitely check those out in the spring.

I forgot to mention the Michener Art Museum, also neat.

jrossi: If you need any info on them, just ask. I stayed the first week of June (last week before the season). Best to go during the week if you can (cheaper). It gets chilly at night. I learned how to build a fire to keep me warm throughout the night (including taking my motorcycle about 50 miles to find a hatchet that would fit in my bike's luggage).

I woke up without an alarm clock, checked the fire, made breakfast, went on a 12-mile hike before lunch, rowed a boat back and forth across the lake, then went for a swim. Then I came back and had to chop firewood again. It was exhausting and I wouldn't have traded it for the world. Your experience may vary.

If you go, take pictures (I didn't) and let us all know how it went!