This is, arguably, the best part of winter: the few weeks leading up to it being over. While there’s still a nip in the air, there are still adventures to be had -- don’t miss them!

Here are three things to make sure you do before winter ends:

1. Eat dinner by a toasty fire

Before things warm up too much, make sure to get your crackling fire fix in. This can either be at home, if you’re lucky enough to have a working fireplace, or at a cozy inn or other restaurant with room for comforting fireside chats.

Bonus points for consuming beverages or foods that are winter-themed. Examples include: mulled wine, hot apple cider (spiked or not), hot toddies, Kahlua hot chocolate; food-wise, don’t miss French onion soup; venison stew; fancy mac ‘n cheese; and hearty meatloaf.

2. Go skiing/snowboarding

If you haven’t hit the slopes yet, do it now! Don’t wait for things to get really slushy. The best places to get quality, low(er)-cost slopes passes include Costco, and online outlets like liftopia.com.

Once there, make sure to challenge yourself. Part of the thrill of snowboarding or skiing is learning new skills, so make this the year you try out moguls or hit up the back side of the mountain. That way, you’ll feel accomplished at the end of the day and even more deserving of an après-ski drink or massage.

3. Hit up hot springs

Speaking of relaxing in style, hot springs are the ultimate cross between a hot tub and an epic bubble bath. They’re natural, beautiful, and, depending on the hot spring itself, usually really good for your skin.

If you’re in Southern California, there are hot springs in Joshua Tree and Palm Springs. In Northern California, Harbin Hot Springs is one of the most famous on the west coast. The east coast has hot springs in Virginia, upstate New York (Saratoga), North and South Carolina, and more.

It’s worth doing a little research and making at least a day to fully relax, let go, and soak in all the goodness.