Generally considered to be America's greatest songwriter, Isidore Baline was born in Russia, in 1888, moving to New York City at the age of five. He changed his name to Irving Berlin; Alexander's Ragtime Band was his first hit, in 1911. White Christmas was written for the 1942 movie, Holiday Inn, about a country inn open only on holidays. Berlin's assignment was to write a song for every major holiday of the year. Perhaps because he was Jewish, he had a hard time writing the Christmas tune. Despite Berlin's doubts, Bing Crosby recorded White Christmas, which went on to become the most popular Christmas song of all time. Rent the videos for both Holiday Inn, as well as the 1954 film, White Christmas, and we guarantee they'll put you in a getaway mood.

Icicle Valley or Rocky Mountain High? Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? If your dream Christmas includes snow-topped peaks, take a scenic 105-mile drive from Seattle over the Cascade Mountains to the Bavarian-style mountain resort of Leavenworth, Washington. For a peaceful escape, head to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, just 90 minutes north of Denver, Colorado. Leavenworth, Washington: Located in the Icicle Valley, Leavenworth is surrounded by 10,000-foot mountain peaks, named the Enchantments. First developed as a railroad and lumbering town, Leavenworth's economy collapsed in the 1930s when the train line was rerouted and the sawmill closed. In 1962, the town fathers decreed that given the area's alpine geography, Leavenworth would be recreated as a Bavarian village. Proving the American axiom that "nothing succeeds like excess," it's now a popular mountain resort. The holiday season brings a multitude of theme events, from Christmas fairs (called Christkindlmarkt), with holiday food and gifts, to the Christmas Lighting, when the village is illuminated with thousands of lights, to a plethora of concerts. Sleigh, hay, and dogsled rides, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are all ways to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Contact the Chamber of Commerce for details. Should you enjoy the Bavarian theme, endless shops await; if you like nutcrackers, visit the Nutcracker Museum to see (or buy) 1000s of the little fellows. Lest you break out in a yodel, we recommend a non-Bavarian choice of accommodations: Run of the River. Set by the Icicle River, this handsome log lodge is ideal for a romantic getaway. The six guest rooms have hand-hewn peeled log queen-size beds made up with fine linens and down comforters. Some have wood stoves with river rock surrounds, decks overlooking the river, whirlpool tubs, or even a log swing. The hearty family-style breakfasts are different each day; a favorite is cinnamon swirl French toast, freshly blended yogurt fruit shakes, and warm apple casserole--enough to keep you going until the oatmeal raisin cookies come out of the oven at 3 o'clock. Long-time owners Monty and Karen Turner can answer any question about area activities and restaurants. If there's too much snow for hiking, borrow the inn's free snowshoes to explore the woods. Weekends are pretty well booked through the winter, but great midweek packages and last minute openings are posted on their website. More inns… Estes Park, Colorado: Eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park hosts millions of visitors in warm weather; a winter visit will assure you of peaceful vistas and uncrowded paths for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. If the weather is clear, take scenic Route 7 at Lyons for exceptional mountain views. Winter begins early in the Park, but most snow falls on the western slope of the Continental Divide, leaving many lower elevation trails on the eastern side clear for hiking, with delicate winter landscapes of wind-sculpted rocks, frozen waterfalls, and dramatic ice formations. Contact National Park Service headquarters for information, and be sure to observe safe winter hiking practices. Quiet relaxation comprises Estes Park's off-season appeal, but the holidays do bring the usual assortment of special events including "Celebrate in Estes Park" on December 9-10. If you've always wanted to go snowshoeing, visit on a February weekend, when you can try it for free or for the cost of a charitable donation. The Chamber of Commerce has details. For exceptional comfort, low-key charm, and amazing sunrise and sunset mountain views, stay at Taharaa Mountain Lodge, a log-and-stone, board-and-batten inn built in 1997 in the style of the grand 19th century Adirondack camps. Friendly, welcoming innkeepers Ken and Diane Harlan have taken care to ensure guests' comfort. Each handsome guest room has a fireplace and mountain-view deck; some have a double Jacuzzi tub or steam shower. The common areas include a spacious two-story great room, a cozy den, solarium, and a spacious dining room. If your first time on snowshoes has awakened muscles dormant since the last ice age, a soothing sauna and hot tub are ready to provide relief. Rates include evening wine and cheese, as well as such breakfasts as grapefruit with strawberries, granola and yogurt, and omelets with Gouda cheese and mushrooms. More inns.. Find a B&B | Specials | Recipes | Message Boards | Gift Certificates | Store | Book Online