Here's some of the beautiful trees that are changing color in Branson.
Another photo overlooking Branson. My girls sure wished that Ferris wheel was working that day!
Me and the family outside of Branson Landing......one of the newer additions to Branson built in Old Downtown Branson. I love the shopping, the girls got new Build-A-Bear critters and I got a new Vera Bradley tote bag and accessories. (Yes, we love the redheads.......No, they're not twins...I know you'll ask, LOL!)
Okay, I have two stamp sets to give away this month from Rubber Soul. The set is called VACATION and features some cute, cute stick people. I love the dude with the camera and the sentiment *like you blend*....totally cracks me up!! I will be giving away one set to one lucky person who comments on today's post. I'll save the other set for another day so check back soon.
So here's the question you must respond to: Where would you suggest I go for the best mini vacation? Tell me somewhere I can take my family for an extended weekend and why I should go there. I love the beautiful scenery the best but the city life can also be fun! I will pick one winner by the weekend......be sure to leave your name so that I can mention you as the winner. I'll then have you contact me via email with your mailing address. Good luck, I can't wait to read your comments.
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84 comments:
What about a trip to the Grand Canyon? I have never been, but I think it would be a great place to visit!
My most favorite get away for a few days spot would have to be the Redwoods/ Northern California coast. It is so increadably beautiful and relaxing. The kids love to run and play on the beach, dig for aggets,and look for small sea creatures. It is always cooler on the coast in the summertime. The redwoods are breath taking, just an amazing place to visit. Also there are many cute little towns with great shopping if you want a break from all the nature stuff. Hmmm, the kids will be out of school next week...
GREAT card! When I want to get away for a few days, I always think of Cannon Beach, Oregon. It is a BEAUTIFUL little spot on the northern end of the Oregon coast.
The shopping is divine, the beach is beautiful, and there are many fun little places to eat. It doesn't matter if the weather is sunny or stormy. . .it's still one of my favorite places to relax.
Kathy McDonald
OK, probably not a quick weekend for ya because I love on the East Coast, but Washington DC is a very cool, accessible, kid friendly place to visit. We are planning a trip now for our daughter's thirteenth bday. Love the fall pics.
I know that I read somewhere you are from Kansas....right? Well, I am born and raised in NE Colorado. Yes, you got it a hick from the stix!! I can't freakin' ski, but I can set your water and start your combine!! Then I married a Navy man and moved to the the East coast. Spent most of our marriage in CT. I'm hooked, the East has my heart. I bought a 1929 American 4 square house in southern Maine and I will never leave the ocean. So I think the most ideal place for a vacation for you my "land-locked" friend, would be a weekend on the East coast at the beach!! There are so many places to go here. And the states are so small that you can drive thru one in a day and have adventures in different states...Mystic, CT is beautiful in the Fall...I love my leaves too, especially with my Zyrtek...LOL!!! Shopping in Kittery, ME...The lighthouses alone are to die for. So I say come to the Atlantic Ocean!!!
I was going to suggest Washington, DC, but Janet beat me to it (I would definitely second her suggestion though). So I'll make my suggestion Lexington, Virginia. It's a small college town (Washington & Lee and the Virginia Military Institute are both there) with breathtaking views that is full of Civil War-era history. In addition to battlefields, historical houses (including the Stonewall Jackson house) and museums, there are tons of quaint little shops (antiques anyone?) and restaurants all within easy walking distance of each other (and a classic drive-in diner with car-hops (Wright's Dairy) about 30 mintues away). Last, but certainly not least, the hiking is varied and spectacular. In fact, a portion of the Appalachian Trail runs by Lexington.
Love the card - so cute - I'm sure your in-laws will love it. I live in Maryland and we have so many choices - the beach at Ocean City, Amish Country in Lancaster, PA along with a few great stamp stores, Busch Gardens and the shopping in Williamsburg, VA, the beach at Rehobeth, Delaware and as two of the ladies mention - Washington, DC. Have I convinced you? Something to do for everyone! Thanks for the chance at such a great stamp set. :)
Our favorite long weekend getaway is New Orleans. But skip it if you're on a diet...the food is fabulous!
Oooh you should definitely come to Canada!! O.k. not a weekend trip - but still! Or what about Chattanooga? They have an amazing aquarium there and lots of other fun stuff....
Oh, there are so many fun things to do! I'm in the FL panhandle, so I'm not too familiar with your area. If you can do a day's drive, then the Atlanta area is FABULOUS! You can do country things, to big city things. The Georgia Aquarium is awesome! You can tour CNN, the Zoo, the 1996 Olympic Sites. Stone Mountain is awesome as well as Callaway Gardens. So, so much to do in that area! It's one of our favorites to return to time and again.
Thanks for sharing your vacation pictures! Branson is on our list of places to visit, too.
Kellie Montgomery
T'riffic blog candy, Mish! I'm a transplanted New Englander, and still love fall trips driving thru the mountains and checking the color in northwest Massachusetts!
If you're thinking of hitting the Michigan area, Traverse City is nice for family weekend trips. Nice beaches, shopping, shows, and sunsets!
later, alligator!
- Sue B of sueblondin.blogspot.com
Ohhh, the East Coast is where "IT'S" at...lol There is soo much history here, how could you go wrong?? D.C. is good for the family, and even more great on the wallet! My hubby is from Arlington and we'd go visit all the monuments/musuems for FREE! Now, you can't get ANYTHING free here in NYC, but its also a great mini vacation! Although, my top list would have to be Mt. Vernon in VA. You can see and go back in time to the George Washington Era...visit his home, land, and they show you live demenstrations of how they lived in the good ol' days:) I already see LOTS of ppl suggesting VA so you know its not a bad gig:)
What pretty fall colors!! Looks like you all had lots of fun. For more fun, head on over to Colorado to our favorite spot - Steamboat Springs. It is gorgeous with lots to do - horseback riding, hiking, fun shopping and great restaurants. Thanks for sharing!!
ooh, love your card & HOW ADORABLE are your Red-headed girls!?!? I had no idea because you're a brunette! I love red hair. I love the scenery you saw in Branson! I would suggest Manitou Springs in Colorado. It's a quaint old part of town outside of Colorado Springs. Lots of neat shops, close to the mountains, great food. We love CO
For beautiful trees, visit the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina. I visit there twice a year for spring and fall break. Besides the scenery, there are lots of great shopping place including four outlet malls.
Love the photos Mish! I have to put a plug in for Maine - probably not on your list as it would be quite a hike for a weekend getaway, but you can't beat Maine for beautiful scenery, great B&Bs, shopping, great seafood and so much more! Of course summer is our busy season, but anytime is nice! Actually anywhere in New England would be my vote - Vermont is fabulous too! :)
Love your card! What a nice thing to send to your in-laws! I have to plug the west coast!! Seattle is great but if you are wanting to see beauty head to Leavenworth,WA over the HWY 2/Stevens Pass. It is beautiful anytime of year but it is awesome in the snow! I know that is really not a weekend trip for you either but you could fly into Seatac and rent a car to go over. Maybe a 5 day weekend :)
Thanks for always having great tips! FYI-I have made your sweet Chex mix thing like a million times since you posted it. My family loves it!
Your card is adorable, I live in South Florida about 6 miles from the beach, for a mini vacation head to a hotel on the ocean out of season. Sometimes the best vacation is spent close to home, staying in a motel and doing the tourist thing.
Love your cards! Thank you so much for sharing your inspiration! I have an order in to Hanna stamps for my shopping gal and an order in to Ellen's shop for Copic markers! I can't wait to use them! I think you should come to the Mall of America right here in the Twin Cities! Your girls would have a blast at the indoor amusement park, you could shop at our giant Archiver's, and your DH could take in a movie or two! LOL Oh, and there is a hotel right next to the mall with a HUGE indoor water park!It could make for a very fun and exciting trip!
Adorable card! Great family photo!! :) Hmmm, great long weekend trip, well Branson is our favorite so that's out...St. Louis is an awesome long weekend. Lots of great family friendly things to do and much of it FREE. Baseball, the arch, the zoo, the brewery..wave when you go by on 70.
CHICAGO all lit up for the holidays is awesome and the shopping/walking down the "miracle mile" is so much FUN! There is The American Girl shop, Cheescake Factory, The Paper Source (cool stamps! & paper)and the city alive with people! I can't wait until I can do it again, but until then, I can dream through you!! LOL Chicago has the Shedd Aquarium, and The Field Museum, and something for everyone. Like NIKE says...just do it! {{{smiles}}}
I live in MN and recommend it! Maybe not in the winter because it can be rather brutal up here. The summers are beautiful, we have the Mall of America, lots and lots of lakes, Minnehaha Falls is also beautiful! So much to do. Fall is incredibly beautiful here too!
As the first poster said, the Grand Canyon. I have been there and it is breathtaking! In your car you can stop in so many areas and it looks different in each. I loved it not only for the beauty but also it amazed me so many people from all over the world were there to see it!
Ok, there is 2 for you!!!
My house! The price is very reasonable - okay, maybe not the getting here part - and there are so many places we could go... like Ellen's, JulieHRR's, the Amuse store, to the airport to pick up QC and Cami. We've got mountains and the ocean. I could go on and on. Oh, did I forget to mention that Rubber Soul is nearby?
Boy, there are so many great places to visit. When our children were younger (late grade school) we took them to NCY right before Christmas. It was so much fun...shopping, Broadway shows, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Macy's and those wonderful delis. We have gone several times and always stay in the Times Square area. It's a great 3-4 day getaway, especially if you're looking for something a little different!
Jane R.
What about St. Louis? We used to live there and it is such a neat place. You could visit the arch and even go up to the top and look out over the city through the observation windows. Your girls would love it!
We enjoy going to Branson as well! Have you ever tried Iowa? We return to visit family and there are a variety of things to do. My Mom told me they have a new mall, JOrdan Creek, that is a lot like the Mall of America (There is an Archiver's in it!)Thanks for sharing your talent!
Head to the ocean, to walk in the sand one more time before the snowfalls! It will get you through the winter!!
Oregeon has the best coastlines for walking, collecting shells. Grab a b&b for the night~hmm sounding pretty good to me right now also!
Dawn T
Goodness, this is a tough question as there are so many wonderful "little nooks" throughout our country. A tour threw the Southwest would be gorgeous! See the Grand Canyon and surrounding countryside. It amazes me the beauty in the desert and mountains!
You always have such cute cards! Thanks for the ideas! I live here in Columbus, Ohio and about an hour away is Hocking Hills State park. It is beautiful and there are several trails to hike through, waterfalls to see, caves (not the underground ones) for the kids to crawl around and all kinds of places to stay...cabins, camping, bed and breakfasts, etc. The hikes only take an hour or so, and every so often you hit a neat pool of water or waterfall spilling off the rocks. My four kids (ages 5 and under) love it and it isn't too hard to hike with kids or too long. Plus the weather is ideal in summer, fall or spring. You should come and check it out...I found a website too...www.hockinghills.com! Enjoy! The stamp set is so cute too!
We love weekend getaways ... how about Madison, Wisconsin; Chicago, Illinois; Des Moines, Iowa; Little Rock, Arkansas ... we just did a great getaway staying at a fun B&B between Dubuque, Iowa and LaCrosse Wisconsin and driving along the river road.
oh, i love Chicago for a weekend getaway! great city life, lots of museums, plays and musicals, a zoo, parks, people watching, not to mention shopping! oh, the food options are abundant and marvelous as well! not too far from Kansas, but a world away at the same time. I could go on and on...and I will if you want to go there! There's an American Girl store there...
My favorite quick getaway is Morro Bay, CA. I know it's a bit far for you but it's where DH and I got married and where we would like to retire to one day. Most people think it's a boring little town with nothing to do, but that's exactly the reason why DH and I love it so much
Hi Michelle,
For something different than home, I would go to NYC. There are so many things to do and experience...pick a couple and your mini vacation is filled. And then you can plan to come again and do a couple more things!
Love the card ... and your blog!
I live in sunny and scenic South Florida, which is always a great vacation spot but, IMHO, nothing beats New England in the Fall!
If I had to chose just one New England city to visit, I'd pick Boston.
And thanks so much for sharing your treasures with us!
Hugs, Deb
You should come see me! I've got 36 Targets, several Archivers, MOA, and of course, Hogie! LOL
Great photos and what a wonderful time you all had .. I would have to put in a plug for GREAT WOLF LODGE here in Michigan ( There may be others around the USA but this is where i know them from since I live here ) It is a fabulous place for a mini vacation and everything is inside so it doesnt matter what time of year you can go .. AWESOME waterpark and fabulous rooms .. Check it out girlie .. Thanks for the blog candy
xoxo
Dawn Griffith
The best mini vacation I've had in a while was the Twin Cities. My husband drove me there for my birthday in December. We went to the Mall of America and did some Christmas shopping and he took me to all the surrounding scrapbook and stamping stores. What a guy. Especially since he HATES shopping. It was a real treat that I hoping he does again this year!
I love northern WI in the fall. The trees, the smells. There is a cute little lodge in Rice Lake with reasonable prices, the rooms are really neat.
what fun reading all the places everyone is suggesting...My favorite little getaway is going to a little town of Sisters Oregon. Great little shops for everyone...so quaint. A very famous quilt show in the summer. Please sign me up for the giveaway.
I know that MY KIND of TOWN...Chicago is......
I think we would start in Chicago..the Art Institute is a must and the Museum of Science of Industry.
We could take DH and drop him off at a sports bar or a sports event.
We would have tea at the Drake or American Girl Tea or BOTH.
Then we could all meet for dinner and shop.
We would put the family on the plane and you could stay here and stamp with me and go stamp shopping.
That would be the first weekend get away...then we would plan for another weekend.
Love you Mishie!!
Weekend getaways are great. I love Chicago. I just love being there, plus there's so much to do. I also love the ocean. There's nothing like being near the ocean, anywhere. Since I live in Michigan the west coast of Michigan will have to do. It's beautiful! There are so many places to pick from. There are many small towns along the coast.
There are so many places I want to visit myself. Now you have me thinking too.
Personally I love the ocean. Just to stick my feet in the sand is the best on earth for me. Luckily I live in the NE so the ocean is only 5 or so hours away... Enjoy anywhere you go..
Michelle,
I would have to agree with a few of the other ladies post that Chicago would be a fun mini vacation. I'm from Michigan and my husband & I have taken our kids to Chicago and have had a great time, between going to Shedds aquairum, the Field Museum and going out to dinner for some Chicago style pizza, oh and of course the American Girl store for my daughter. Its a fun place to go with lots to do!
Love that card!! And the pic of your family ---- your girls are adorable! If I were you and able to take an extended weekend with the family I would dig out a state map, blind fold the hubby, give him a few turns, face him toward the map and let him take a stab at said map. Then go there, or somewhere nearby if he points to somewhere inaccessible. Another take on this is to head toward the selected spot and take all the side roads and interesting sounding towns, ect along the way. Nothing is "planned" it happens as you go.
Shawna Smith
Hi Mish....love the pictures of your trip and your family! My family and I love to go to Eureka Springs, Arkansas! Nice bed & breakfast homes in the beautiful trees, lots of little shops that carry unique items, and the best Italian restaurant in the world!!
Thanks for all your creative inspiration....you're the best!!
I hope I am not to late for your contest! I just love those fall colors from your vacation...and that stick figure "road trip" is adorable. From one VERA lover to another... Karaline H.
Colorado Springs, Colorado...definitely! That is where I met my husband 22 years ago and there are so many things to do there, both indoors and out. We have visited frequently and always wanted to move back but the military hasn't seen fit to send us there. Our oldest son lives there now, yippee, so at least we get to visit more often.
My favorite long weekend getaways are to Charleston, SC or Savannah, GA. I love the history and beauty of these two places. The people are wonderful and the places to dine and shop are almost endless!
What about a trip to western Michigan? We lived on a little town in southwestern Michigan, right on Lake Michigan. It was fabulous! Lots of bed and breakfasts in that area to stay in too!
Angie
I love a long weekend in San Diego...so much to do and see and then there is always the ocean. It's a wonderful trip! Thanks for the offering the candy--love your card!
Door County Wisconson!! It has everything, dining, shopping, scenery and of course water.
I live in southwest VA and I highly recommend a trip to Williamsburg - on the other end of the state. So historic and charming!
We haven't been to Branson since before anyone knew where it was! Since that is in reach for you, I'd suggest St. Louis -- lots of wonderful scenery on the way, train rides, great restaurants, and (oh, yes) that big shiny arch.
A great mini vacation would be to go to Mall of America and go shopping. Your kids would have fun shopping, going to the Rain Forest Cafe and playing on Snoopy's rollercoaster and in the ginormous legoland area. Stay in a hotel that shuttles you to the mall and you're set!
We haven't been to Branson since before anyone knew where it was. (Yes, I'm old.) If that is a good place for your family to get to, how about St. Louis. Beautiful scenery on the way, fun train ride, great restaurants, and (oh, yes) that big shiny arch!
A mini vacation ANYWHERE is to book a room at the local hotel - with a view of course and POOL - and hang out with the family. Eat out, watch movies in the room and go swimming. A great mini break and you won't be reminded of all the work you want/need to do while sitting at home on the couch! (and it saves on road-trip gas!!)
Thanks for the blog candy!!
Bev
twofrogs84@yahoo.com
Totally love the card! I'm on the east coast as well, and I HIGHLY recommend St. Augustine, FL for a mini vacation! It's beautiful (right on the bay), kid friendly, and oh so much history - considering it is the oldest city in the US. My husband and I go there every year for a little getaway, stay at a B&B and just RELAX.
First of all, I too have been completely blessed with a red-headed husband and two red-headed children (one boy/one girl)! Love it!!
My husband and I just went on a mini-vacation to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC and LOVED IT!! It's a beautiful place with loads of history. And the scenery is spectacular with all the hills and trees! Highly recommend it!
Shelli Worgess
How about Newport, RI? It's beautifull any time of year. During the day you can walk the cliff walk, or tour one of the many mansions there. The have a great troley to get you around the town or you could walk - it's not THAT big! The food is wonderful-many restaurants right on the water, they even have harbour cruises (I liked the sunset one best). Many unique stores and boutiques to shop at. I have not been there around Christmas but I have heard they really do a nice job with the decorations. We go every summer for a long weekend but my cousin was just there last weekend and had a wonderful time.
Thanks for the chance to win the creat candy.
Dorothy
I've been to Branson several times because it's so close to home. That makes it a great get away, but not a lot of traveling involved. Another favorite place for my family to vacation is Hot Springs, Arkansas. They have so much to offer a family. There's a theme park (Magic Springs) with a water park (Crystal Falls), fantastic views off of West Mountain and a tower you can ride up in to get a panoramic view, digging for diamonds, fantastic historical architecture at bath house row where you can not only tour old buildings set up like they were in the 30's, but you can get massages and take a long soak in the mineral hot springs waters. There is an aquarium and the thing my kids love the most is the IQ Zoo with animals performing all kinds of tricks. There is horseback riding and trail hiking and a wonderful interactive museum of discovery.
DUH Mishy!!! Central Ohio of course!!!
We took a 4-day trip to Virginia; stayed in Williamsburg and visited Jamestown, Yorktown and Virginia Beach. Went to VB via a bridge that drops under water (as a tunnel) and then back on land. It was neat; great ocean views.
I say New York City would be a fantastic get away. There is so much to do...Broadway shows, museums, art galleries. fantastic restaurants, Little Italy, Chinatown, Central Park, carriage rides, ice skating at Rockefeller Center, shopping, shopping, shopping....
South Street Seaport, and lots of sporting events too.
Have I convinced you yet???? There is something for everyone at any time during the year.
~MaryBeth
There are so many choices, it really depends on what time of year you want to go. I live on the east coast, so in the summer, the beach is a great place to be. If you like the busy, fun packed type place, you can't beat Myrtle Beach, SC. For a quieter, more relaxing weekend, just an hour up the coast, is Wrightsville Beach (my home town). Bring the family and we can stamp!!!
Cindy
Monterey California - best place in the world and the MB aquarium is out of this world~
Suzy H
Halifax
How about the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia or the Carolinas? The landscape is breathtaking any time of year and there are tons of stamping and quilting shops in Virginia. Get going!!!
Mary Puskar
How about a getaway to Austin? The adjacent Hill Country is beautiful, relaxing, and the barbeque and mexican food are to die for! Come on down!
I don't have a favorite getaway for a weekend but visiting Chicago sounds like so much fun.
A great weekend getaway is the Welsboro area of Pennsylvania. It is along the north/central part of the state and includes the PA Grand Canyon, and some absolutely breath-taking scenery. It is an area big enough for a weekend, but not so big you can't see it all in the weekend. Especially right now with the leaves. Well, they are almost gone, but fall is gorgeous here in PA!!!
You really need to go back to Branson at Christmas time! Very festive! You really need to see the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone.
The Central Oregon Coast is wonderful - lots of things for adults & kids - some of our best weather is September/October.
NancyS (momsnack)
Please come to Boston!!!! Isn't there a song with that line in it!? There's so much to do, great SPORTS TOWN!! Yeah Red Sox, Go Patriots, Keep up the streak Celtics, you get the picture; the Museums, shopping, and the BEST Italian restaraunts; how can you go wrong; in fact, we're going in on Sunday for dinner in the North End then to see Bruce Springstein at "the Garden" for my B-day! And of course, a short drive away and you're on Cape Cod, a couple hours north and you're in the White Mountains. There's nothing like New England! (PS, I have been lusting after that vacation set for months thanks to you!).
Mish,
Take your family Charleston, SC where you can stay in a quaint hotel in the heart of this lowcountry city. It is a fabulous walking city so be prepared to walk everywhere. There are plenty of great restaurants, shops, european-influenced gardens, and historical sightseeing. The aquarium is fun. Great walking tours and home tours. This town is oozing with character and charm. The ocean is very close by (just over the bridge) so plan on a day over there as well. Have fun.
I agree with the othr swuggestion to just have hubby point to a plac on the map - how exciting to just explore...
Ohterwise - its upcountry Maui where you'd wanna be. :D
Well, Mishie, I think you should com here so I can see you again and meet all your redheads, clown shoes and all...*wink*
PLUS, there's alot that can be done here in a long weekend!
Well, as many others have already suggested, I would have to say just about anywhere in Virginia would be a great bet. I live just outside of Richmond, and what I love most about the area is this - within 1 - 1 1/2 hours you can be at the beach to the east, the mountains to the west, a city with history (Washington DC) to the North, and a slower pace with the friendliest people just about everywhere you turn. We have the most beautiful fall colors right now, the change of seasons are amazing. If you've never been here try us out, I think you'll like it!
It's a bit of a drive for you, but my favorite weekend get away is a drive over to the coast for a weekend on the beach. Simple, easy, but a little piece of Carolina blue heaven. Early mornings with the sunrise on the beach, late nights with a sunset on the beach, and lots of surf and sun in between on the beach. Only go back to the room for food and potty breaks. That's my idea of a fun weekend away.
I'd say Amish Country, PA (Lancaster County) for a nice family vacation. Lots to do in the area and some awesome Amish owned stamp stores.
I'm in St. Louis and there are so many fun things to do right here in town. Our St. Louis Zoo is nationally recognized and it's FREE to get into! We have a fantastic science center, which is now featuring "Bodyworlds 3". An art museum, a history museum...The City museum, which I've heard is INCREDIBLY AWESOME... I've not had the chance to visit yet. In my neck of the woods, St. Charles County, we have historic Main Street, which is lined with quaint shops, including a precious little paper crafting shop. (Rock, Paper, Scissors) Lots of yummy restaurants along Main Street too... but I am biased. Good luck in planning your next mini-vacation. ;)
Love your vacation card and family pics.
If I could choose a place I would choose San Diego for the weekend.
I think you should come here!
You can drive on the beach and see Alaska....
You can see whales, bear, deer....
You (or Eric) can go fishing....(with Carey - LOL)
The boys can go hunting.....
My friends have daughters close to your kids' age, so they could hang out....
Then you can stamp and I can suck up all the mojo in the room!
{wink}
I would totally recommend Cape Cod...it is beautiful there and so full of history, we just got back frm there in September, we had a tour guide this time and it was so interesting to learn about the beginnings of our country.
We usually go to ST. Jacobs County. It is around Waterloo, Ontario. The area has many Amish and Menonite people living there.
Since you like fall colors, I feel that the best mini vacation spot would have to be on the North Shore of Minnesota. The fall colors peak in late Sept, so it would have to be next year, but a GREAT place! You have to go to Lutsen, MN which has a gondola that brings you to the top of a mountain and there are great hiking spots there! If you want to go somewhere in the winter, it is also a great ski resort :)
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