Watch CBS News

Guide To Suburban Backyard Getaways

"You gotta' be kiddin' me"! The doubt of a buddy when the "snow" word dropped from loose lips. OK. Winter so far has been changeable at best and while the ski resorts have made valiant efforts to blitz the slopes with man-made snow, winter sports enthusiasts have been looking for options that include snow and ice, but something else, just in case. How about "Backyard Getaways" right here in the suburbs that have a traditional winter flair like ice fishing, but also some options in the absence of a big freeze. Here in no particular order are some I've enjoyed or watched in recent years. -- Jay Lloyd

Sartoga Cover
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

PERKIOMEN TRAIL

Various Access Points
montcopa.org/perkiomentrail

It's a brisk day, but the sun is out, and the Perkiomen Trail beckons for biking and hiking. There are numerous access points in Montgomery County from Valley Forge to the Green Lane reservoir. But if there's snow on the trail, just dust off those cross-country skis and snowshoes. With colder weather and a blanket of white covering Spring Mountain, the trail offers a multi-purpose access point and parking at the tiny village of Spring Mount. Cross-country ski or snow-shoe to the slopes and then rent downhill skis or snowboards for a bit of winter Alpine action. Get your Perky Trail map right here: www.montcopa.org/DocumentCenter/View/3456

Hampton Saratoga
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

GREEN LANE PARK

Off Rte 29, Green Lane, PA 18054
montcopa.org/greenlanepark

Mild temps? Green Lane Park and Deep Creek are primo waterfront hiking and biking spots. But when Deep Creek is in the grip of a deep freeze, grab a handy fishing pole and rig to get through the ice, find a milk crate to park your carcass and take up ice fishing. Yes. They do bite in the winter. Or just dig out your skates and take a few turns in a scenic natural setting.

Wheatfields
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

BACKYARD SKATING

nicerink.com

I found a neighbor who took the concept of backyard getaways very seriously. And so, Brian Vassaluzzo began construction of his own ice rink for winter skating when the mercury falls. But if winter days are mild, his family can still sit around that accompanying fire pit and toast marshmallows. Then just wait for the rink to freeze again. He started with a kit from nicerink.com in Wisconsin where they know about ice. Brian's rink is 35 by 50 feet, but they come in a variety of sizes. Nicerink provides basic parts, you do the work.

Wheatfields
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

GOLF 364

Linfield National Golf Course
66 Church Rd.
Linfield, PA 19468
golf364.com

Unseasonably warm weather? The golf course is open for play. But when you're singing, "Baby, it's Cold Outside" and snow blankets the course, head for the back of the clubhouse at Linfield National where you'll find pro Steve Knapp watching over 5 computerized golfing stations that let you play accurate simulations of some of the world's best courses. I tried it a couple of weeks ago and had a blast. On a wall size screen, you can track the trajectory of your shots, while ordering drinks and burgers from the bar. Better make tee-time reservations. They do get busy. Call:484-791-3563.

Wheatfields
(credit: Jay Lloyd)

TAKE A RIDE

Norristown High Speed Line

This may sound silly, since we all live here and many of us use SEPTA for daily commutes. But for an all-weather weekend winter ride on a train, try the High Speed line that runs from Norristown to 69th Street. A recent weekend guest who is a New York City transportation planner, knew about it and wanted a ride. Off we went. It offers a fascinating view of Main Line streets, homes, streams, wooded setting and golf courses. You can stop near shopping and restaurants in Ardmore and Bryn Mawr or just ride from one end to the other and back again. By the way, seniors ride free. The cash fare is $2.75 each way.

Enjoy winter, whatever the weather!

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.