California Dreaming...Among Others
Winter blahs kicking in? Here are some ideas for a much needed weekend
From mid-November to the end of December, most of us are wrapped in a whirlwind of anticipation. Somehow we get caught up in the fantasy of lights, gentle snowfalls, and Mariah Carey asking us for our hand as she assures each one of us that we’re all she needs to be happy.
Then January hits.
Though the calendar tells us that the days are, in fact, growing longer, the nights still feel like forever. That pristine snow is now a pile of gray frozen gunk on street corners, and the twinkling lights have all been ripped down and boxed up until next year.
The only thing to do about the winter doldrums setting in is to plan a trip. We here at Broken Palate understand wanderlust. We also understand not having the resources for a two-week expedition. But there might just be enough time for a weekend refresh.
We love a weekend getaway where we can meet new people, eat delicious food, wander museums, and listen to music.
We’ve written about these adventures, letting you know where we’ve stayed, what we ate, and why we loved it in the hopes that you, too, can get inspired. Here’s a wrap-up of where we went in 2024, in the hopes that our travels will inspire you, too.
We’d love to hear where you went in 2024 — and if you have suggestions on what cities to visit and where to eat in 2025. We hope the new year brings you wonder, joy, and deliciousness wherever the road takes you.
A Weekend in Talkeetna, Alaska
Denali views, cold beer, a cat mayor, and more
Just two hours north of Anchorage and halfway to the entrance to Denali National Park, Talkeetna is best known as the gateway to Denali. Serious alpinists daring to climb one of the seven summits use Talkeetna as their base, hiring a plane to take them to Denali Base Camp for the two-week-long summit push.
A Weekend in Exuma
Luxury resorts, fresh seafood, and swimming pigs make for a blissful adventure
For years, I’ve wanted to meet the famous swimming pigs of the Bahamas. So, this time, when the opportunity for a short weekend in Exuma presented itself, I jumped!
A Weekend in Anguilla
Food, drink, and relaxation in the Caribbean’s culinary capital
Anguilla may only span 35 square miles, but the island packs plenty of punch both through rum and restaurants. Widely regarded as the Caribbean’s culinary capital, Anguilla claims it has more restaurants per capita than New York City.
A Weekend in Lake Forest
Just north of Chicago, find cocktails, high tea, and an F. Scott Fitzgerald connection
The Bear has all eyes on Chicago’s restaurant scene, but veer north of the city for a chic afternoon tea, a giant slice of cake, and some of Chicagoland’s most creative cocktails.
A Weekend in Napa Valley
Good food, great wine, and an owl named Hootbert await you in St. Helena
Though Napa and Yountville get the most press, St. Helena is a lovely town in the Napa Valley. This little town of about 5,400 permanent residents boasts several wineries and tasting rooms minutes from the charming Downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and (you guessed it) more tasting rooms.
A Weekend in Fort Lauderdale With Dogs
Dog-friendly stays, bars, and restaurants make this a perfect canine-compatible retreat
Visitors to Fort Lauderdale are treated to pristine beaches, gorgeous luxury hotels, and a fantastic food scene that offers diverse cuisines at various price points. The city is also home to some fantastic breweries, food halls, and independent coffee shops — most dog-friendly.
A Weekend in Toronto
Dozens of breweries, international dining, art, and shopping
When I was invited to go to Toronto to try out both its Museum and Brew Passes, I immediately said yes: A weekend of art and craft beer seems like the perfect way to spend an autumn weekend.
A Weekend in Calgary
Cowboy boots and Flames jerseys are optional, though highly recommended
Nothing better exemplifies Calgary’s attention to detail than its food scene, which fuses the culinary variety of any major city with the charm and flair of Western Canada.
A Weekend in Aspen
Stunning views, après-ski, bespoke cowboy hats, and a Kevin Costner encounter
While you can spend a weekend in Aspen just shopping and strolling, it’s undeniably a ski town as evidenced by the exquisite view of the mountains no matter which way you turn. Take some time to stroll the John Denver Sanctuary and you’ll likely find fresh animal tracks in the snow — a gentle reminder that you’re in one of the most beautiful (and still very wild) parts of the United States yet minutes from five-star hotels and other creature comforts.