Winter has a way of slowing us down in the best possible way. The air gets crisp, the river quiets, and Starved Rock Country takes on a peaceful kind of magic that only appears this time of year. And with the snow we’ve already seen, many of us have been reminded of something important: sometimes life asks us to pause… and take a snow day.
As kids, snow days felt like unexpected gifts—moments when the world softened, plans shifted, and we were free to stay cozy, stay close, and stay present. Somewhere along the way, adulthood made it harder to claim those moments for ourselves.
But winter at Harbor Inn brings that feeling right back.
A snow day here isn’t about canceled plans—it’s about permission to rest. It’s slow mornings with coffee by the window as snow drifts peacefully over the harbor. It’s taking in the quiet trails of Starved Rock and Matthiessen when they’re blanketed in white. It’s being with the people you love without rushing anywhere, doing anything special, or worrying about what’s next.
This season, we wanted to capture that feeling and make it easier for more people to experience their own version of a winter pause. That’s why many of our December stays are as low as $99 a night, with 1-night getaways available on select properties. It’s our way of opening the door a little wider for anyone who could use a reset, even if it’s just for one night.
Because one night can feel like the snow day you didn’t know you needed.
At Harbor Inn, our homes are made for winter: fireplaces glowing, kitchens ready for cocoa or comfort food, and waterfront views that make even the snowiest day feel cozy instead of cold. Whether you’re craving a spontaneous overnight escape, planning a mini holiday tradition, or simply looking to slow down before the new year, winter gives you permission to breathe.
And if the weather gifts you with a real snow day? Even better. There’s no cozier place to watch the world turn white than from the comfort of your Harbor Inn retreat.
So this winter, embrace the pause. Let yourself enjoy the stillness, the warmth, the nostalgia—and yes, even the snow. Give yourself the snow day you’ve been needing, the grown-up kind, where memories are made not by doing more but by slowing down enough to feel the moment.
Harbor Inn — Where winter isn’t just a season… it’s a feeling.
And this year, it’s a Snow Day.
