Travel

Best Outdoor Ice Skating

With the recent cold spell that has hit the country, many people are running inside as quickly as they can to warm up. However, there are a select few that revel in the cold and embrace the chill. For those enthusiasts, there are plenty of places to enjoy some outdoor ice skating so that you can have some below-freezing fun! Here are our favorites, with the best inns to stay at when you want some homemade hot chocolate and a fireplace to warm you up afterwards.

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Blue Cross RiverRink – Philadelphia, PA
Right next to the Delaware River, the Blue Cross RiverRink offers picturesque views and immersive light shows to supplement the rink itself. Perfect for large groups, dates or family outings, private rentals are available or just go to experience the outdoor fire pits. A fireside cafĂ© and indoor arcade games are also located on the premise for those that don’t wish to be out in the cold for long.
Where to stay: The Alpenhof Bed & Breakfast (http://www.bnbfinder.com/Alpenhof) has something for everyone, no matter what their budget is. Whether you stay in their private cottage or one of the five rooms in the main house, you will definitely want to make use of the private balconies, fireplaces and Jacuzzis to keep you warm in the dead of winter. Wake up every morning to their famous All-American Breakfast and make your way to some of the best skating in Philadelphia.

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink – Washington, DC
Located in the heart of the nation’s capital, the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink is surrounded by history and Capital fans from the local NHL team. With group and private lessons, including Snowplow Sam for young children to learn the basics of skating, everyone can walk away from the Ice Rink as expert skaters. Hockey lessons are also available to make you feel like you are at the Winter Classic, the NHL’s annual outdoor game (which this year was held at nearby Nationals Park!).
Where to stay: A charming Row House that was built in 1890, the Meridian Manor Bed and Breakfast (http://www.bnbfinder.com/Meridian) is the perfect base for your outdoor winter fun. Located near Dupont Circle, make use of the inn’s convenient location by seeing several DC attractions including the Smithsonian Museum and National Zoo. A roaring fire will be waiting for you each night upon your return.

Irvine Spectrum’s Holiday on Ice – Los Angeles, CA
Since it is located in gorgeous Southern California, there are plenty of reasons for you to visit Irvine Spectrum’s Holiday on Ice, especially if you are seeking the joys of ice skating without the frigidness of the cold. The rink is under a canopy located close to the Ferris wheel at the Irvine Spectrum shopping center, making it perfect for young kids who choose to use ice scooters to join in on their older siblings’ and parents’ ice skating session.
Where to stay: Known for their acclaimed chefs and terraced gardens, the Casa Laguna Inn & Spa (

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