If you still want 4 seasons - then I recommend southern Indiana or southern Ohio. Lot of small, quiet conservative towns, get snow but not lake effect, lot of wild life, only a few hours drive to a population center.
12 hours drive will get you Chicago, New York, Philly, DC, Cincy, Columbus, Indianapolis, Cleveland (next best theater district outside Broadway), Pittsburgh etc for quick weekend excursions to major museums, shopping, shows or whatever.
Central Ohio is beautiful! I know.