Men's Journal

December has arrived, and with 2009 winding down, now is the perfect time for an adventure. This weekend join the pack by dog sledding the snowy flats in northern Minnesota, tour one of the premier arts festivals in sunny Miami, or check out the future of cars at the L.A. Auto Show.

By Diane Kahng and John Cookson

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Dog Sledding, December 4-6

Ely, Minnesota

While America’s frosty last frontier and the Canada’s icy Yukon are dog sledding central, there are still great places to answer the call of the wild in the lower 48. Ely, up in Minnesota’s wintry northern stretch between Ontario and Lake Superior, is a dog sledding hub within reach for a great weekend getaway. With January through March being the busy season for dog sledding, this is the perfect time to go for a canine-powered ride across Minnesota’s snow trails. Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge offers three-night packages starting at $775 per person that include lodging, meals, and everything you’ll need for a mush, including an expert guide to show you the trails. Skiing and snowshoeing are also available nearby. White Wilderness, White Wolf, and Chilly Dogs offer comparable packages. One weekend won’t prepare you for the Iditarod, but it will sell you on this exhilirating way to explore the winter landscape.

Travel and Accommodation

Fly into Duluth International Airport from which Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge runs a shuttle to Ely. Once there, use the included lodge and adjoining cabins as your base.

Art Basel, December 3-6

Miami, Florida

Escape the cold this weekend and head to Art Basel in Miami, Florida. Arguably the most important art festival in the United States, it breaks the traditional mold by also showcasing music, film, architecture and design. Even the uninitiated can gain a few tips about art collecting at the Art Basel Conversations, where famous art collectors, museum staff, publishers, and other experts will answer questions.

Many events also pair free food and drink with their exhibitions and lectures, such as the LoweDown Happy Hour at Lowe Art Museum, or the Breakfast at the Bakehouse at Bakehouse Art Complex where you can sip coffee and meet artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts. Other places will offer discounted food prices such as the Urbanite Bistro for the Art Whino Goes Urbanite event.

If you’re not the most sophisticated art guru, there are plenty of legendary Miami parties to attend, such as Le Baron at Florida Room.

And of course, don’t forget you’re in Miami: there are endless opportunities to hit the beaches to remedy that office pallor, or check out the Everglades National Park for some exotic sights. Explore 1.5 million acres of swamp, prairie and jungle by hiking, camping, or canoeing through the waters known as the “river of grass”—just watch out for crocodiles and panthers.

Travel and Accommodation

After landing at Miami International Airport, head to one of these hotels that Art Basel Miami Beach has negotiated for this week with Turon Travel. There are special 3-night packages for places in Miami Beach and Miami with guaranteed lowest rates.

L.A. Auto Show, December 4-13

Los Angeles, California

‘Innovation’ might as well be the theme of the cars featured at this year’s L.A. Auto Show. From high concept cars to future floor room models, from fuel efficiency to dashboard design, the vehicles gathered at the LA Convention Center are cutting-edge. A number of debuts have the auto industry buzzing, including the Honda Personal-Neo Urban Transport and the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. An afternoon among these autos will prime you to take on the open road. Luckily, U.S. Route 101 stretches out along America’s western flank all the way up to Olympia, Washington.

Travel and Accommodation

Escape the LA sprawl and knotted roadways by camping outside of the city. Here is a map of campsites. For your trek north on the 101, California’s coast is dotted with state parks, many of which offer beachside camping.