I love to give credit when credit is due, and credit is due to the weathermen and women in New York City. Their predictions for the weather this past weekend were absolutely right — they predicted snow and snow it did! I was fortunate enough to be in upstate New York for the first snowfall, where four to five inches accumulated into a winter wonderland.  I was with great company, surrounded by incredible food and wine, which only made the snowfall that much better. I was born on Long Island, but I am a winter girl at heart. I love being in the snow and visiting the mountains whenever I can. This weekend, I was reminded of the time I spent in Vermont, as a student at the University of Vermont. Everyone there loved to be outdoors in the summer or the winter. Skiing and hiking the local mountains, Stowe, Sugarbush or Jay Peak, were popular activities. I know anybody reading this who knows me now can’t picture me with anything but my stilettos and BlackBerry, but it’s amazing what you learn about people, or yourself, when given a chance in a new environment. For all those beach lovers out there (especially those dwelling in a city), as winter gets underway across North America, take a step outside your typical comfort zone and breathe in some fresh mountain air! I’m full of great suggestions for weekend getaways if you need any ideas. And if you have some ideas for excursions, send them my way! — Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher