Winter getaways: getting out of town but still in-state.

• Author: Kaelble, Steve
• Position: Hotels & Resorts

There's no need to leave the Hoosier state to get away from it all this winter. Indiana has plenty to offer travelers seeking out-of-town diversions with less travel time.

COZY RETREATS

Soccer season's over, the golf clubs are in the closet...winter's the time to simply get out of town and relax somewhere with a hot drink, a warm fire, good food and a comfortable room. The choices are many in Indiana.

The Fourwinds Resort & Marina on Lake Monroe near Bloomington (800/538-1187) may first come to mind as a summertime getaway because of its lakeside location, but it's also ideal in the colder months. The lake is still scenic, especially when viewed from the dining room, and for those who do want some activity the environment is perfect for bird-watching and hiking.

Historic New Harmony, located along the Wabash in the far southwest corner of the state, is a surprisingly ideal escape in winter, not terribly busy and quite cozy, especially if one books a fireplace room at the New Harmony Inn (800/782-8605). Have a memorable dinner at the outstanding Red Geranium restaurant.

In the northwest part of the state coziness awaits at Valparaiso's Inn at Aberdeen (219/465-3753), a B&B known for gourmet cooking and, when the season is right, challenging golf on the Course at Aberdeen. Amenities include a Jacuzzi and an adjacent brewpub and salon spa.

Spa services are a major winter attraction at the Indian Oak Resort & Spa (800/552-4232) on scenic Lake Chubb in Chesterton. It's a great place to detoxify, exfoliate, hydrate, nourish and relax with a massage, body treatment, facial, manicure or pedicure. Wingfield's restaurant has elegant dinner buffets as well as a tempting menu.

DOWNTOWN DIVERSIONS

Getting out of town makes sense for city dwellers, but those in more rural Indiana may appreciate a getaway in one of Indiana's downtown areas. Downtown Indianapolis is particularly appealing this time of year, with Monument Circle decked out for the holidays and Circle Centre shopping a half-block away. A noteworthy downtown addition this year is the new Indiana State Museum (317/232-1637) in White River State Park. Joining its impressive permanent exhibits is "Celebration Crossing," a holiday setting open through New Year's Eve and including the longtime favorite L.S. Ayres train. At the museum's IMAX theater are a giant-screen version of "Star Wars: Attack of the Clones" and the comic 3-D "Santa vs. the Snowman." Replacing "Star Wars" toward the end of the...