Interesting and not far away: where to go for a couple of days from Moscow in winter?

President of Pro-Vision, author of the Vinogradov.story community

Spending the weekend on the couch, traveling through YouTube videos is an obvious idea, but not very inspiring. In order not to be painfully ashamed of the aimlessly lived weekend, I propose to organize a small trip for a couple of days and not too far from Moscow. A few ideas for locations – in the winter selection.

Tula

Must-see: Iskra Creative Quarter, Octava Cultural Center, Lykërka Lofts, Kazanskaya Embankment, Yasnaya Polyana.

The best thing you can do in Tula is to forget about cannons, gingerbread and samovars and immerse yourself in the post-industrial present of the city. Several public spaces with recognizable local specifics are successfully functioning in small Tula.

The creative “Octave” hosts exhibitions and lectures, and the multimedia Museum of the Machine Tool with a focus on the country’s industrial achievements. The red-brick Liqueurka Loft in the former warehouses of a liqueur distillery is primarily known for its steampunk monument to Levsha taming a giant flea, but will also please fans of craft drinks and local cuisine.

But I recommend visiting Yasnaya Polyana, one of Tula’s tourist classics: walking around the snow-covered estate is a pleasure.

Tula

Suzdal

De Museum of Wooden Architecture, Spaso-Yefimiev Monastery, Gostiny Dvorare a must-see.

Suzdal is actually a monument of Ancient Rus in three-four hours from the City. Not spoiled by modern spontaneous construction, it has preserved the idyllic pastoral atmosphere and charm of the white-stone one-storeyed town.

In winter, in frosty weather, the white walls of Suzdal monasteries seem to try to merge with the landscape, hinting that the most interesting things are inside: the rich colors of three hundred years old fresco paintings, and goosebump-inducing multi-voiced Christmas chants, and traditional treats.

By the way, being in Suzdal and not getting burnt by hot sbitnem is like being in Burgundy and not drinking wine: you can, but it is better not to.

Suzdal

Plos

Must-see: Sobornaya Gora, “Coffee House of Sofia Mikhailovna Kuvshinnikova”, Museum of Landscape.

Those who are tired of roads and distances should spend a couple of days in pedestrian Plyos. At one time this small town on the Volga River absolutely charmed landscape painter Isaac Levitan, and after a leisurely walk with mind-blowing views it becomes clear why.

Winter Plyos is a postcard panorama of the city and the wooden Resurrection Church from the Sobornaya Hill, the aroma of grains and curd kuleika in the “Coffee House of Sofia Mikhailovna Kuvshinnikova”, skillful works in the Museum of Landscape and recognizable filming locations of “Cruel Romance”. There is also the Milovka skiing complex for those who plan to combine cultural and active vacations.

Plyos

Rostov Veliky

Must-see: Rostov Kremlin, Lake Nero.

Rostov Kremlin has been seen by everyone without exaggeration – if not in person, then on the frames of the chase along the fortress wall in the movie “Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Profession”.

Inspired by the movie, you can plan your route in cinematic scenery – the architecture of the city and Lake Nero located here allows you to do it. If you are lucky with the weather, you will be able to skate on the ice of the lake – and it will be one of the most picturesque rentals of this winter.

Rostov Veliky