You Must Be Trippin'

Where are the Rinks?

January 20 2010 by Karla Henriquez
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The winter holiday season has come and gone and I'm already reflecting on my fondest memories. One thing I noticed this year, during my three visits to the Rockefeller Center, was the enthusiasm of all those who were down on the skating rink. I watched people who were obviously experienced skaters as they effortlessly glided across the ice, twirling a partner or teaching a child. Then there were those who spent most of their time falling down and laughing. Everyone was having so much fun! I found myself wishing that I wasn't eight months pregnant and an inexperienced skater, bound to take a tumble.

Skating at the Rockefeller Center is one of those things that visitors try to do when they travel to New York City in the winter. One night, I saw determined tourists standing in line in the rain, waiting for their turn to hit the ice! Although the skating rink at the Rockefeller Center is probably the most iconic in the country, you don't have to travel to New York City to enjoy some ice time in a romantic setting. There are rinks all over the country - wherever you decide to travel this winter, consider taking a turn or two around a local rink. Where can you find them?

Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, Canada is the world's largest skating rink. It runs a distance of almost five miles, and you can access it for free! There are skate rental shops at either end, and you can stop for hot cocoa and a fried pastry at kiosks in between. If you're looking for a great time to visit this rink, consider going during Winterlude, a festival that runs from February 5 through the 21 this year.

Make it a weekend and stay at the Best Western Macies Hotel located close by.

Millennium Park's McCormick Plaza and Ice Rink in Chicago, Illinois is another notable outdoor rink. Now in its ninth season, it's becoming a must-do for those daring enough to brave the Chicago winter season. For a nearby stay, check out the Best Western River North Hotel.

The Frog Pond at Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts is one of the coolest sites in town during the winter season. Take a spin around the ice and enjoy the country's oldest public park even during the frostier months of the year.

Best Western Roundhouse Suites

In Washington D.C., the National Gallery Sculpture Garden becomes a skating rink during the winter months. Skating here offers the unique opportunity to view some extraordinary sculptures while you glide across a frozen surface.

Best Western Georgetown Hotel and Suites

Residents of St. Louis, Missouri have made skating at Steinberg Rink a 52 year-old tradition. If you're looking for a romantic place to hold someone's hand in this city during the winter months, you've found it!

Providence, Rhode Island has an outdoor rink in the heart of downtown at Kennedy Plaza. Whether you go in the day or night, you'll love the view of the Providence cityscape.

Best Western Providence-Seekonk Inn

Outside of Denver, you can breathe in the smell of pine and snow as you skate on a natural lake in the mountains at Evergreen Lake House. The lake is divided up into several rinks so you can take a class, join a pick-up hockey game, or just skate around the larger rink with the crowd.

Michiganders are ice skating enthusiasts. While there are many notable rinks all over the state, I think the John and Dede Howard Ice Arena in St. Joseph is unique because it has open sides and a roof - you get an indoor/outdoor skating experience and the rink is open for public skating most of the time.

These are just a few of the many rinks that can be found all over the country. I would love to find out about other hidden spots, so if there's one you've discovered, please share!

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