With or without snow, there are many fun and intriguing things to do for a 3-day winter getaway near Bloomsburg, PA. Central PA will surprise you with ice hiking (way more thrilling than normal hiking) and dozens of covered bridges, all just two hours from Philadelphia and New York City. Follow along day by day, and we will show you why winter (and the holiday season) is a great time to visit. If, for some reason, you don’t see something that fits your style, or if you have a question, by all means, call us! We would love to help you plan your escape from the ordinary.
Friday: Let’s Get Started
Check-in begins at 4 pm. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome from our experienced staff. Settle into your room; which kind did you select? A second-floor adult-only room, or maybe a King Supreme room with a two-person jacuzzi, a gas fireplace, and a European shower. Open a bottle of wine, try out that jacuzzi, and then relax in your bathrobe.
Dinner is easy; walk down to the onsite Brewpub. Friday night is usually the Chef’s Choice, but an extensive menu includes not only your typical medley of burgers and sandwiches but also a wild game menu with venison, elk, and boar. Head back to your comfy room and relax and forget about your normal everyday distractions.
Saturday: Embrace the Adventure
The morning starts with your complimentary continental breakfast, plenty to get you stoked for a day’s activities. Choose from one of two options today: winter waterfall ice hiking or a road trip to photograph covered bridges. Before you head out, make reservations for dinner at our Farmhouse Restaurant.
Winter Waterfall Ice Hiking
This guided trip takes place in Ricketts Glen State Park, which is well known for its extensive number of 22 named waterfalls. Ricketts Glen encompasses more than 13,000 acres that circle a high bluff known as the Allegheny Front. The trip must be reserved in advance with Valley Summit Guided Wilderness Adventures. You can choose either a half-day or a whole-day adventure.
The whole day hike covers 16 waterfalls, including the largest 92’ waterfall (Ganoga Falls), and lasts approximately 4 – 5 hours. The total distance is 5.1 miles and includes a shuttle at both the beginning and end of the hike.
The half-day hike covers 4 waterfalls, including Ganoga Falls, and lasts approximately 2 – 3 hours. The total distance is 2.4 miles, and no shuttle is available (the in and out trip starts and ends at the same spot).
No experience is necessary, and the guides provide crampons, an ice axe, a harness, and a helmet. The guides set up hand lines in advance that you will be clipped onto in certain parts of the trail where it is ice-packed and narrow. What a way to get your adrenaline coursing!
Road Trip to Photograph Covered Bridges
If you want something a little more relaxing but with just as many amazing views, plan to visit some of our areas’ gorgeous covered bridges. The first step is downloading the Columbia and Montour Counties’ Guide to Covered Bridges.
Use the guide to plan your day, they have a couple of suggested driving itineraries. Did you know that there are over two dozen covered bridges within an easy drive of the Inn at Turkey Hill? Although October’s Covered Bridge Festival is a great time to visit and tour the covered bridges, the winter, with a sparkling snow coating, makes a marvelous photo opportunity.
A local photographer has put together some great tips on how to get the best pictures of the bridges in the winter. Take your time! Stop at any local shops or local restaurants for lunch.
Saturday Dinner
Either of these activities is going to leave you with an amazing appetite for dinner! If you just feel like a casual atmosphere, you can return to the Turkey BrewHouse. But, you should celebrate your time away with an extraordinary meal at the Farmhouse. Isn’t it perfect that you don’t have to drive to a great restaurant?
Sunday: It Quickly Comes to a Close
Go ahead and sleep in for a bit; check-out isn’t until noon. Enjoy breakfast, and then it’s time to get packed. If the weather is great, consider adding some extra fun to your getaway and spend the day skiing, snowboarding, or skating! Two other possibilities for your way out include a nostalgic look at some Americana or a visit to one of our local breweries.
Bill’s Old Bike Barn
Bill’s is a huge collection of vintage motorcycles and Americana memorabilia. There is an entire 150-year-old barn reconstructed inside a green metal pole barn. There are some fascinating items there.
Visit Local Breweries
Although you’ve been to the best at the Turkey Hill Brewhouse, there are a half dozen other local breweries in the area. Bring home a growler of your favorite to enjoy and reminisce about your getaway.
Central PA’s Best-Kept Secret
The Inn at Turkey Hill is a wonderful destination in any season. This 3-day winter getaway near Bloomsburg, PA, clearly shows that wintertime is the perfect time to escape from everyday distractions and enjoy each other’s company.