Winter Wonderland

February is here and it has brought us freezing temperatures and, well, not much else. But don't let the cold grey weather get you down! Silver Chips Online has compiled a list of fun, closeby winter activities guaranteed to help beat the winter blues. Whether you're into skating in the city, skiing in the mountains, or tubing down a giant hill, each of these places is car or metro accessible, and will help get you off the couch and into this year's winter wonderland.

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Skating Rink

Take a trip to D.C. for the day to ice skate in the sculpture garden at the National Gallery of Art. View fantastic sculptures and enjoy music from a state-of-the-art sound system while skating in the open air. While you're there, treat yourself to a mug of hot chocolate or a gourmet sandwich or wrap at the Pavilion Café.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.; Sunday, 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.Admission: Per 2 hour session, beginning every hour: Adults: $7.00. Seniors (age 50 and over): $6.00. Students with ID: $6.00.

Nearest Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter green line.

Wisp Resort

Whether you are looking for a day trip or a long weekend getaway to experience some midwinter fun, Wisp Mountain resort is a great way to embrace the season with the best outdoor activities (plus snow). Located in Garrett County, Maryland, Wisp is 180 miles from the Washington D.C. metro. Wisp is equipped with 132 skiiable acres, 32 trails for all levels of skiers, and several 750 ft. tubing lanes. Lessons are offered for first timers in skiing, snow-boarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and tubing. Kick back and relax at Wisp's comfortable ski lodge located near several popular bars and grills after a long day of winter recreation.

Address: Wisp at Deep Creek Mountain Resort

P.O. Box 629

296 Marsh Hill Road

McHenry, MD 21541

Hours: Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Directions: (From D.C. metro) I-270 to Frederick, MD. Take I-70 West to Hancock, MD to I-68 West and Cumberland. Take Exit 14A to U.S. 219 South to McHenry. Follow signs one mile to Wisp.

Ski Liberty Mountain Resort

Just 78 miles away, Ski Liberty is the closest ski area to Washington, D.C. and well worth the trip. Equipped with slopes for skiing (including a 5,200 ft. ski run) and snow-boarding, and with 15 lanes for snow tubing, the resort also offers night skiing on all of their 10 acres of terrain parks. The resort is open for winter recreation seven days a week.

Address:78 Country Club Trail, Carroll Valley, PA 17320Hours: Monday- Friday: 10 a.m to 9p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Directions:From Washington, D.C./ Northern Virginia, take I-27 North to Fredrick. Exit onto Route 15 North to Emmitsburg, MD, exit left onto South Seton Ave. (blinking light near Getty gas station). At traffic light in town, turn left onto Route 140 West. At PA line, Route 140 West becomes Route 16. Turn right on Route 116. Liberty Mountain Resort is three miles on the right.