New Year’s Eve is the time for parties, lots of friends, watching the ball drop, and probably alcohol consumption. Perhaps a kiss at midnight. But what if you want to skip the whole party scene this year? If you’d rather ditch the crowds and seize the opportunity for one of these romantic weekend getaways with your significant other, or have a girls’ weekend, this post is for you. Here’s a list of all the best weekend getaways to enjoy for New Year’s 2017.
Napa Valley, California
New Year’s means splurging, and doing things you otherwise might not. Napa Valley is the place where you can indulge in decadent wine, scenic views and delicious food. If you book in advance, try a meal at the French Laundry. Tour a winery or hike in the Bothe-Napa Valley State Park while you’re there.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
If you’re looking for a wild, steamy New Year’s, head to the equator. Rio is known for its extravagant celebration. Everyone goes to the beach at night, nearly two million people, and they traditionally wear white. Copacabana Beach is the party’s headquarters. For an extra special splurge, stay at the Copacabana Palace, which is right on the beach. At midnight, you can watch the fireworks display.
Memphis, Tennessee
Go away with your girlfriends to Beale Street this year. They have an annual “Bury Your Blues” event, where you can throw away your troubles into an open coffin. If you’ve had a year of bad relationships, this is the perfect time to let it all go. Handy Park offers live music with a variety of bands. Don’t miss the 10-foot Gibson guitar drop at the Hard Rock cafe, and then catch the fireworks show.
Saranac Lake, New York
Sneak off from the hubbub with your significant other to a quiet resort in the woods. Enjoy the fantastic mountain and lake views. Stay at a cozy place like the Point Resort. When you’re not out ice skating, skiing, or snowshoeing, cuddle with your sweetheart in front of the fireplace. Book an in-room dinner, and have breakfast in bed the next day. It’s a cold time of the year for New York, but you’ll find a way to stay warm.
Amelia Island, Florida
Grab your girls and celebrate the New Year in style! Gatsby style, that is. Every year, the Ritz-Carlton throws a New Year’s Eve Black and White Gala. Bring your fanciest, classiest black and white dress and party the night away. There will be dancing, live music, fireworks and luxurious food. If you’re lucky, you may meet a charming young man straight out of the Roaring Twenties to kiss at midnight.
New Orleans, Louisiana
This year, party it up in the French Quarter. Dance in a nightclub, or go on a fireworks cruise. Jackson Square has a huge party annually, and is full of partygoers milling about until midnight. Instead of a ball drop, “Baby New Year” drops from its post on top of Jax Brewery. Fireworks will be shot off over the Mississippi after the drop. Then the partiers move on to Bourbon Street and celebrate until dawn.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is full of clubs, bars and other places that you’ll find celebrators. Specific neighborhoods to hit would be Lincoln Park, Logan Square and Wicker Park. Enjoy a boat cruise around Lake Michigan and watch the fireworks at midnight from Navy Pier. Or, go on the Fireworks Dinner Cruise on Mystic Blue. It will have food, a champagne toast, a fireworks show and you’ll see amazing views of the city skyline. At the end of the cruise, there will be a thirty minute dockside party.
Washington, D.C.
The Washington Plaza Hotel hosts an annual James Bond 007 Thunderball black-tie party. It will be complete with red carpet interviews and roaming photographers, perfect for you and your girlfriends to come dressed as gorgeous femme fatales. The hotel will be decorated to represent several international locations, and will showcase 007-inspired props from the classic James Bond movies. Of course, the party will also have exotic cars. Live music and international buffets will be present, as well.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
In Bader Field, there will be a Life in Color event to kick off the New Year’s celebration. Music, iconic DJs, dancing, art and painting will all be involved in this event. If that’s not your scene, there are lots of shows, concerts and nightclubs to choose from. The city will be sure to keep you and your girls busy for the whole weekend.
Head to one of these weekend getaways for the hottest New Year’s Eve celebration.
