Pennsylvania Après Ski Bar Is The Best In North America

With many ski resorts and mountains now open for the season it's fair game to start thinking about that post session drink. In recognition of this, USA Today's 10BEST recently named the best après ski bars in North America, and a Pennsylvania establishment was featured.

Of course, hitting the trails on a day of fresh powder is the main attraction. Especially when it's your first visit to the mountain of the season. The excitement of first sitting on the chairlift while the freezing wind gust hits your face is unmatched. Then, calling it a day and then hitting the après ski bar on the grounds to reward yourself is the next best feeling of the day.

Some of your company may opt to ditch the skiing or snowboarding altogether and tell you, "I'm good waiting for you in the lodge. I'll just chill here." Perhaps they are just saving you a stool. But what makes a great après ski bar? There are some basic essentials.

Cold local brews on tap or in a custom ice-cold can always provide that authentic local mountain flavor. An acoustic band or singer-songwriter playing some upbeat tunes to the crowd of wind-burned faces also compliments the occasion. Lastly, this time of year there are often football games that can be on the TV's overhead.

Though the best après ski bars in America are on both coasts, they all have a common theme. They all offer, "top-notch food, drink, and atmosphere — a perfect setting to close out a perfect day on the snow," 10BEST states.

Here is the best news. This Pennsylvania establishment ranked as the #1 après ski bar in North America.

While Wyoming and British Columbia spots combined for half of the list, the Foggy Goggle at Seven Springs Mountain Resort takes the crown as the best après ski bar. "With a number of entertainment stages and a spacious outdoor deck, it’s also known for its spirited nightlife," 10BEST explains, calling it an area hot spot.

Seven Springs Mountain has 33 slopes to enjoy. The Foggy Goggle then has you covered for both food and drink options after your day on the mountain. A menu full of burgers, small bites, and craft draft beers are available to order until 9 pm.

Now that the Thanksgiving meal is behind us and we are all still feeling more than stuffed, it's time we shift our focus. To more food! Here, we'll cut into four great dinner options to feed the whole family at Christmas dinner.

Yes, Thanksgiving requires a lot of hours in the kitchen. Prepping a turkey, maybe even frying one, takes some proper attention. Then, to some, the most important part is the sides that go with the main attraction. Again, making these side dishes means cooking up a storm. However, perhaps we underappreciate the art of this meal. For the most part, the menu is designed for us. Furthermore, it is consistent every year. All you have to decide is how much to make based around how many people will be gathered around your table.

Fast forward a month, and it's time to prepare another epic holiday meal. In addition to running around to grab last-minute gifts, if you are hosting a Christmas get-together you have to do a lot of preparing, again.

Here, we are going to break down some options to jump-start your Christmas prep. First, let's set the table on some criteria, and some bust some myths. You certainly do not need to reinvent the wheel and cook up something extraordinarily unique. In fact, it's best to keep it simple. Dozens of classic dishes have already been well-established as delicious to satisfy your family, friends, and guests.

The thought process in suggesting these four Christmas dinner options is that they are proven to be delightful. They can also be prepared in large batches that do not require a tremendous amount of hours in the kitchen. These meals are family-friendly and are sharable. Some of them you may even be able to combine together. Again, this list won't spark an idea that's never been cooked up. Perhaps it just serves as a simple reminder that these Christmas dinner menu items can be straightforward and delicious enough.

A large tray of a baked pasta based meal that everyone gets to cut into just feels like a natural option. There's room here to customize your tray of course. Add meat, make it a veggie, or have one of each. Plus, the red sauce nicely compliments your holiday-themed table setting.

We'll need to clarify here, your best bet here is a log shaped filet that can be evenly cut into quarter inch - to half inch slices. There's something festive to carving a meal item in your kitchen, that is freshly cooked. You take pride in hosting and then slicing. You place your sliced filet on that serving platter that is used just once a year, walk it into the dining room and then feel joy when everyone digs in.

It's all about the slow-cooker or crock pot. You can let it warm in the kitchen all day, allowing a sharp aroma to seep into every room the family gathers in. This style is for more of the grab something quick and on-the-go Christmas meal gathering. Perhaps you have people in and out of your house, stopping by for a "cheers" throughout the day. A chili bar never disappoints. Add in your side bowls of shredded cheddar, tortilla crisps, scallions, and sour cream, and you are giving your guests the opportunity to put their own touch on your creation.

This is the meal that gives you the option for a fancier sit-down dinner. The ham centerpiece is typically joined by elegant wine glasses and pre-feast toast. Throw some potato side dishes along with an asparagus or string bean casserole, and your living room is now a fine-dining restaurant. This meal allows you to take your time. The next thing you know, it's dark outside, and you are putting a bow on your enjoyable Christmas night.