A winter journey provides fewer crowds, higher offers, and gorgeous surroundings! Whether or not you take pleasure in snowy landscapes or search hotter climate, listed below are my high locations for the month…
1. Massive Sky, Montana
Positioned Montana Massive Sky is a winter paradise stuffed with snowy landscapes, out of doors actions galore and glorious snowboarding.
This month is a wonderful time to go to as a result of snowfall is at it’s peak in January and February, offering glorious snowboarding and snowboarding situations. It’s additionally previous the busy season which suggests fewer crowds, shorter carry queues and extra space to benefit from the pristine wilderness. Some good offers on lodging and actions could be discovered too.
The surroundings is particularly magical this time of yr with snow-covered mountains, forests and comfy cabins with roaring log fires. Except for snowboarding I counsel making an attempt out as many winter actions as you possibly can, together with sledging, snowmobiling, snow-go bike rides, ice trekking, and cross-country snowboarding.
- Guests’ Heart Handle: 88 Ousel Falls Rd Unit A1, Massive Sky, MT, Telephone: 406-995-3000
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- Common temperature – minus 10°C to 0°C
My highlights…
- Making an attempt a Sno-go ski bike which was lots of enjoyable!
- Occurring a headlamp night time snowboarding tour beneath the starry skies.
- Get pleasure from a comfy eating expertise on the fantastically embellished log-cabin type Horn and Cantle. I extremely advocate making an attempt the cedar plank mushrooms!
- Checking on the après ski scene right here, I beloved the energetic Scissorbills Saloon the upscale Alpenglow on the Summit Resort.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Guests’ Heart Handle: 339 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
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- Common temperature – 17°C
My private highlights…
- The Mardi Gras parades which had been free to attend and a as soon as in a lifetime expertise!
- Making an attempt the glazed colourful King Cake which is a Mardi Gras custom!
- Watching dwell jazz on the legendary Preservation Corridor and the intimate The Noticed Cat Music Membership.
3. Mendocino, Northern California
Mendocino is a lesser know gem in Northern California residence to lovely coastal surroundings, Victorian structure, charming inns and retailers, gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, a thriving artwork neighborhood and quirky allure.
Its perched on coastal cliffs, surrounded by majestic redwood forests, with glorious mountain climbing and biking trails weaving by means of the pure landscapes. With sunshine and scenic views, it’s a stunning vacation spot all yr round however I feel this an fascinating time to make a journey right here.
The climate is cool however not too chilly, there are far fewer crowds and there’s a way more native and intimate vibe this time of yr which I really like.
I like to recommend exploring the gorgeous shorelines, cliffside trails, and breathtaking seashores and the fascinating cultural sights such because the Mendocino Headlands State Park and Museum, Mendocino Artwork Heart, the scenic Russian Gulch State Park and the photogenic Level Cabrillo Gentle Station!
- Guests’ Heart Handle: Ford Home Customer Heart & Museum 45035 Principal Avenue, Mendocino, CA 95460
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- Common temperature – 7°C to fifteen°C
My must-do highlights…
- Taking experience on one of many nation’s greatest historic rail excursions, The Skunk Prepare which begins in and admiring the picturesque landscapes. Fort Bragg to Glen Blair Junction is a superb quick route.
- Having fun with a hike alongside the Headlands State Park coast and catching some Instagram-worthy photographs.
- Strolling down Principal Avenue and discovering a number of cute artwork galleries which have been accumulating artwork because the Nineteen Sixties.
- Exploring the sandy Massive River Seaside and Van Damme State Seaside which had fascinating tide swimming pools and sea caves.
4. San Antonio, Texas
I really like this gem of a metropolis in south-central Texas identified for its wealthy colonial heritage. San Antonio’s sights embrace the Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission preserved as a Museum, the San Antonio River, and the miles-long River Stroll.
I particularly beloved the promenade, which is stuffed with cafes, boutique resorts, eating places, and retailers.
This month is a superb time to go to as many occasions happen, together with the Bud Gentle Mardi Gras Competition & River Parade, the annual Cupid 5K Chase and their model of Mardi Gras!
Texan summers are virtually insufferable, with excessive humidity and temperatures exceeding 90F, so I feel the less crowds and nice climate make this month a much better time to go to!
- Guests’ Heart Handle: 317 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas 78205
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- Common temperature – between 16°C and 19°C
My highlights…
- Having fun with a wander alongside the River Stroll, Paseo del Rio which is called one of many metropolis’s most important sights.
- Experiencing genuine nation music at a dwell efficiency occasion.
- Experiencing the colourful and enjoyable Bud Gentle Mardi Gras Competition & River Parade.
5. Dying Valley, California
Dying Valley is a desert valley in jap California on the fringe of the Nice Basin Desert. It’s identified to be one of many hottest locations on Earth and is usually in contrast with deserts within the Center East and the Sahara.
As one of many hottest, driest, and lowest nationwide parks and locations on the planet, Dying Valley has unbearably blistering summer time temperatures. So, I’d counsel visiting within the winter as a substitute, because it’s a safer time to go to!
This month’s temperatures are nonetheless scorching, at 23 levels, however they’re nowhere close to the summer time’s hovering and infrequently dangerous temperatures.
The nationwide park within the valley is understood for its distinctive wildlife. I like to recommend recognizing the desert bighorn sheep, lizards, and tiny pupfish, which dwell in swimming pools which can be saltier than seawater.
I’ve skilled breathtaking views by day and stargazing throughout this mesmerizing panorama by night time—bliss!
- Guests’ Heart Handle: Airport Rd, Furnace Creek, CA 92328
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- Common temperatures – 23°C
My highlights…
- Taking a hike alongside Zabriskie Level Path which led to an Instagrammable viewpoint overlooking the panorama.
- Taking binoculars and visiting the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes to expertise the magical stargazing skies.
- Exploring the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes which was an otherworldly expertise!
6. Palm Springs, California
I truthfully suppose that is the right place to flee chilly winter climate, and I’m a giant fan of this funky little metropolis! Positioned 100 miles east of Los Angeles within the Coachella Valley area of the Sonoran Desert, the favored resort metropolis is understood for its clear blue skies, gentle sunshine, pure scorching springs, and splendid facilities.
With attractive boutique resorts, positive eating eating places, world-class golf programs, and wonderful climate, it’s no shock that Palm Desert is a winter favourite decide, particularly amongst celebrities!
Summertime can get extraordinarily scorching, so this month is a superb time to go to as a result of temperatures will not be too scorching, at round 80F, making it supreme for out of doors actions like mountain climbing, biking, sunbathing, and spa pampering.
- Guests’ Heart Handle: 2901 North Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262
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- Common temperature – 24°C
My favourite highlights…
- Taking a experience on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram automobile – the views had been unbelievable!
- Taking excursions round among the well-known resident’s homes, corresponding to Elvis’s Honeymoon Hideaway, Marilyn Monroe’s Home, and Dean Martin’s Dwelling.
- Taking a visit to the Coachella Valley Licensed Farmers Markets, to buy locally-grown produce.
- Stress-free on the unbelievable Spa La Quinta.
7. Vail Ski Resort, Colorado
Positioned close to Vail in Eagle County, Vail Ski Resort is a spectacular ski resort identified for its high quality of snow and slopes. Vail’s different panorama provides over 5000 acres of skiable space.
Moreover snowboarding and winter sports activities alternatives, Vail provides pristine situations with the right mixture of over 300 days of sunshine and over 370 inches of snow every year.
With loads of recent powder and tons of accessible terrain, I personally suppose this month is prime time to go to Colorado, particularly the ski resort of Vail.
Along with on-slope motion, I counsel discovering the unbelievable connoisseur eating places, native pubs, high-class leisure, procuring, and a energetic après scene.
The beautiful Vail Village, designed with cobblestone streets and alpine-inspired structure, is picturesque!
- Guests’ Heart Handle: Vail Welcome Heart 241 South Frontage Rd., Suite 8150 Vail, CO 81657
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- Common temperature – -4 to -18 levels
My highlights…
- Occurring newbie snowboarding classes, it’s not as straightforward because it seems!
- Spending the afternoon skating across the out of doors ice rinks within the city.
- Experiencing enjoyable actions corresponding to snow tubing, ski biking, and the alpine coaster at Journey Ridge.
8. The Keys, Florida
The tropical islands of Florida Keys are located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, roughly 100 miles south of Florida.
These fabulous islands are identified for his or her stress-free ambiance, seaside sunshine, and lovely surroundings. I like to recommend boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving to profit from this lovely space.
Different sights embrace artwork galleries, native boutiques, and recent seafood. The southernmost metropolis of Key West is known for its bustling bars, Mallory Sq.’s nightly Sundown Celebration, and the Ernest Hemingway Dwelling and Museum!
I personally suppose this month is a superb time to go to, with winter crowds petering out, resort costs turning into cheap in Key Largo and Key West, and the climate situations being optimum within the 70s and 80s.
- Guests’ Heart Handle: 106240 Abroad Freeway Key Largo, FL 33037
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- Common temperature – 24 levels
My private highlights…
- Taking a romantic sundown sail while admiring breathtaking views with a champagne toast.
- Going parasailing overlooking the crystal-clear blue waters.
- Taking a stroll alongside the historic seaport boardwalk and style some freshly ready seafood.
9. Leavenworth, Washington
Tucked within the Cascade Mountains of Washington, 100 miles east of Seattle, is gorgeous Leavenworth. I feel it’s a captivating gem of a spot with full-on Bavarian vibes, from structure and avenue names to seasonal festivals and vacationer sights.
This month, there’s a packed calendar of actions, together with wine tasting, snowmobiling, snowboarding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledging, dwell music occasions, and different typical winter actions.
With lovely structure, cozy cafes, and connoisseur eating places, I feel Leavenworth is the right winter escape that takes you proper to the guts of Europe!
- Guests’ Heart Handle: 940 US Hwy 2 STE B, Leavenworth, WA 98826
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- Common temperatures – 6 to -5 levels
My private highlights…
- Going snowshoeing on the Icicle Gorge Nature Loop path.
- Indulging in a tasty fondue on the common Pavz Café Bistro.
- Go sledging on the tubing hill.
10. Sizzling Springs, North Carolina
Nestled within the mountains of Western North Carolina, alongside the banks of Spring Creek and the French Broad River, I really like this gem of a metropolis wealthy in historical past and tradition.
Solely a brief distance from Asheville, this charming city is the intersection alongside the historic Appalachian Path. Sizzling Springs is right for out of doors fans because the scenic Pisgah Nationwide Forest surrounds it.
I extremely advocate exploring the assorted mountain climbing paths, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, or visiting Wealthy Mountain Lookout Tower.
Nevertheless, because the identify suggests, Sizzling Spring is greatest identified for its scorching mineral springs. Although the new mineral springs are open year-round, the expertise of soaking in scorching water at temperatures of 102F in chilly climates is actually distinctive, and I’d extremely advocate it!
I personally suppose is the right vacation spot for anybody enthusiastic about out of doors journey, therapeutic, leisure, or perhaps a romantic getaway!
- Guests’ Heart Handle: 106 Bridge St, Sizzling Springs, NC 28743
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- Common temperature – 11 levels
My highlights
- Stress-free within the well-known scorching mineral waters at Sizzling Springs Resort & Spa.
- Tasting hearty delicacies on the Smokey Mountain Diner.
- For many who wish to celebration, have a glass of wine or craft beer at one of many dwell leisure occasions.
11. Valley of Fireplace State Park, Nevada
Valley of Fireplace State Park is understood for its 40,000 acres of vibrant pink Aztec sandstone outcrops tucked in gray and tan limestone.
My favourite pure sights embrace the Rainbow Vista, Pink Canyon, Fireplace Wave, White Domes, Seven Sisters, Fireplace Cave, and Beehives Cave, and they’re all jaw-dropping!
This historic park homes historical petrified timber and petroglyphs that date again greater than 2,000 years. Strolling by means of this park is actually like strolling by means of historical past!
Summers within the Nevada area could be extraordinarily scorching and harsh, so for my part, this can be a nice month to go to as temperatures are way more nice.
You possibly can go mountain climbing or trekking, however personally I’d simply advocate exploring and taking within the unbelievable surroundings!
- Guests’ Heart Handle: Valley of Fireplace Customer Heart, Overton, NV 89040
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- Common temperatures – 18 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Taking a hike on the Rainbow Vista path to admire an Insta-worthy panoramic view overlooking the park.
- Exploring Pink Canyon, identified for being one of the gorgeous locations within the valley.
- Driving by means of the valley to find the magnificent and pure landscapes.
12. Alta, Utah
Positioned within the Wasatch Mountains of Utah in Salt Lake County, Alta is a unbelievable ski space identified for its big selection of slopes. I’m an enormous fan of this snowy winter paradise!
Alta averages 550 inches of snow every year, and its gentle snow slopes supply unbelievable snowboarding alternatives for each stage of skier.
I really like the gorgeous snow-covered surroundings and recent powder snow terrain. It’s greatest visited in the course of the peak winter months when there may be loads of snowfall, and the snow is gentle and powdery!
- Guests’ Heart Handle: 10351 UT-210, Alta, UT 84092
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- Common temperatures – 0 to -10 levels
My highlights…
- Visiting the magical and luxurious frozen sculptures of the Ice Castles
- Hiring a fats bike and taking the winter path round Park Metropolis.
- Having fun with a scorching chocolate with a shot of gingerbread taste at Hatch Household Candies.
13. Yellowstone Nationwide Park, Wyoming
One of the celebrated nationwide parks within the nation, Yellowstone is stuffed with picturesque pure magnificence and exceptionally numerous wildlife.
Although summers are the preferred, I really like visiting within the winter because it provides a novel expertise and pristine views of white frosted timber.
Skis, snowshoes, snow coaches, and snowmobiles are the principle modes of transportation as roads shut, rivers and lakes freeze, and winter storms blanket the park with fluffy, white snow.
I really like that out of doors exercise choices are infinite. Yellowstone provides miles of trails that lead previous frosty woods, steaming scorching springs, and snow-covered meadows that may be explored on skis or snowshoes.
You’ll discover idyllic surroundings, a lot fewer crowds, and higher probabilities of recognizing iconic animals that have a tendency to maneuver to decrease elevations in cooler temperatures.
At Mammoth Sizzling Springs, I like to recommend recognizing bull elks and bison coated in snow, which is kind of a sight! Views of the steam from the geyser distinction in opposition to the snow, and the blue skies are additionally mesmerizing.
- Guests’ Heart Handle: Grand Loop Street
Yellowstone Nationwide Park, WY 82190 - Map Location
- Common temperature – 0 to -15 levels
My highlights…
- Occurring a snowmobile-guided tour for an expertise of a lifetime within the winter wonderland.
- Exploring the park by cross-country snowboarding on the superbly groomed trails.
- Discovering the picturesque surroundings on a snow coach tour, the place I had a number of stops to take pictures.
14. Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, Arizona
Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, in northeastern Arizona, is residence to the attractive world-renowned Rainbow Forest.
The Rainbow Forest is stuffed with colourful petrified wooden and logs and provides gorgeous views. I personally suppose it’s one of the Instagrammable spots within the nation.
I counsel visiting the Rainbow Forest Museum, which shows beautiful palaeontology displays, Newspaper Rock’s petroglyphs, and the ruined village of Puerco Pueblo.
The park additionally accommodates the Thirties Painted Desert Inn, a museum with Hopi murals. There are numerous mountain climbing and trekking trails on which yow will discover fossils, wildlife, and wildflowers.
This month at Petrified Forest Nationwide Park may be very tranquil, with fewer crowds than in the summertime.
- Guests’ Heart Handle: 1 Park Rd, Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, AZ 86028
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- Common temperature – 13 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Trying out Rainbow Forest Museum on the customer middle and seeing dinosaur skeletons.
- Strolling the park’s most gorgeous hikes, Blue Mesa, and discovering the colored Badlands hills.
- Strolling alongside the quick Crystal Forest loop and admiring the attractive wooden log deposits.
15. Kirkwood, California
Kirkwood Resort is a superb ski resort that receives one of many highest snowfalls on the planet. It provides an in depth choice of terrain and several other winter sports activities at reasonably priced costs.
I personally suppose this month is the right time to take pleasure in Kirkwood and its snow-covered environment. Kirkwood combines the conveniences of a vacation spot resort with the laid-back ambiance of a day hill.
The quaint village is residence to many eateries, bars, and different retailers, which I’d advocate leisurely exploring.
- Guests’ Heart Handle: 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive Kirkwood, CA 95646
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- Common temperature – 5 to -7 levels
My private highlights…
- Watching the snowboarders do unbelievable methods on the quarterpipe.
- Going cross-country snowboarding surrounded by gorgeous views of the mountains.
- Taking within the picturesque surroundings on a snowshoeing journey throughout the 80 kilometers of land.
16. San Diego, California
I feel San Diego is a wonderful vacation spot for this month as a result of it provides an ideal escape from chilly, dreary climate.
However San Diego provides greater than nice temperatures and clear skies within the winter. It has gorgeous sandy seashores, ocean-side actions, and family-friendly parks.
To profit from this unbelievable metropolis, I extremely advocate taking part in swimming, browsing, kayaking, and bodyboarding actions so you possibly can dwell like a neighborhood (a really match one)!
San Diego provides nice all-round climate with sunshine and gentle ocean winds. Common winter temperatures vary from the mid-60s to 70s Fahrenheit, making it supreme for greater than seaside actions.
This month, you’ll additionally discover a lot better offers on resorts and eating places because it’s away from the height season.
Different sights I’d counsel visiting embrace the Immense Balboa Park, Japanese Botanical Gardens, Previous City San Diego, artwork galleries, museums, and gardens.
- Guests’ Heart Handle: 996 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
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- Common temperature – 19 levels
My highlights…
- Experiencing a panoramic sundown on a ship tour.
- Stress-free with a Korean Therapeutic massage on the Aqua Day Spa.
- Going for a hike alongside Torrey Pines State Park trails, the panoramic views had been unbelievable!
17. Magic Mountain Ski Resort, Vermont
Positioned in southern Vermont, New England, Magic Mountain is a ski resort on Glebe Mountain with a 1,500-foot vertical drop.
This true snowboarding treasure has steep, slender trails, glade snowboarding, and reasonably priced costs. I really like that the no-frills expertise retains the deal with the actions and the costs low!
Snowshoeing is one other common exercise on this scenic area, and I’d additionally advocate it for those who take sufficient precautions. With uncrowded slopes and recent snow tracks that always final days, that is the place to ski!
The area can be very scenic, with attractive views of the Inexperienced Mountains. And when it snows, Magic seems magical, I promise!
- Guests’ Heart Handle: 495 Magic Mountain Entry Londonderry, VT 05148
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- Common temperature – -1 to -14 levels
My highlights…
- Snowboarding the right pistes.
- Having fun with meals and drinks on the common Black Line Tavern.
18. Windfall Canyon State Park, Georgia
Windfall Canyon, a 1,000-acre Georgia state park, is usually known as the “Little Grand Canyon”. It’s thought of considered one of Georgia’s Seven Pure Wonders, and I really like this surreal magnificence spot!
The park is beneath sea stage with 16 totally different canyons, exposing 43 totally different shades of soil starting from gentle orange, salmon, and pink to white, purple, and pink.
I personally suppose the magnificent colours make this one of the lovely hikes in Georgia. The paths alongside the canyon supply placing views and are additionally an ideal place to look at an excellent sundown.
I’d additionally advocate exploring the close by sights, together with Amicalola Falls and Tallulah Gorge.
- Guests’ Heart Handle: 8930 Canyon Rd. Lumpkin GA 31815
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- Common temperatures – 17 levels
My private highlights…
- Staying over at a campsite positioned alongside the Windfall Canyon backcountry path.
- Visiting the colourful rock formations referred to as Little Grand Canyon.
- Going mountain climbing to discover the canyons and seeing unbelievable Insta-worthy views.
19. St Augustine, Florida
Crammed with marvelous seashores, St. Augustine makes an incredible vacation spot all yr spherical. Winter is particularly nice as a result of whereas the remainder of the nation offers with harsh chilly temperatures and snow, St. Augustine is reveling within the solar!
Throughout this month, temperatures are nice, fluctuating between 40 and 70F. Crowds are much less, and you may usually discover many off-peak season offers within the metropolis’s greatest resorts.
I like to recommend visiting the St. Augustine Fountain of Youth, the Spanish masonry fort of Castillo San Marcos Nationwide Monument, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum.
I’d additionally counsel happening the spooky however fascinating ghost tour, making the most of the golf programs, and exploring the great San Sebastian Vineyard.
- Guests’ Heart Handle: 10 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
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- Common temperatures – 21 levels
My must-do highlights…
- Taking a wander down St George Avenue which was stuffed with an array of artwork galleries, retailers, and eating places.
- Studying concerning the historical past at Oldest Home Museum and discovering what life was like in St Augustine years in the past.
- Ingesting the water from Ponce de Leon’s Spring of Everlasting Hope at The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.
20. Desk Rock State Park, South Carolina
On the fringe of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Pickens County is a 3000-acre park known as Desk Rock State Park.
The park accommodates Pinnacle Mountain, the tallest mountain within the state, and is understood for its exceptional pure magnificence. It’s an out of doors lover’s paradise!
For my part, the towering mountain serves as a lovely backdrop for the park and its services. The park accommodates cabins and a campground, and I really like that there’s an old school swimming gap on one of many park’s two lakes.
If the climate permits, I extremely advocate tenting, swimming, boating, paddling, kayaking, canoeing, mountain climbing, biking, and bird-watching within the park.
Desk Rock can be an entry level for the well-known Foothills Path and Palmetto Path. It’s a basic getaway for anybody having fun with the cool winter air and pure outside. Get pleasure from!
- Guests’ Heart Handle: 158 E. Ellison Lane Pickens, SC 29671
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- Common temperatures – 13 levels
My private highlights…
- Kayaking on the tranquil waters of Lake Pinnacle.
- Taking a hike to the highest of Desk Rock and Pinnacle Mountains and admiring lakes and waterfalls alongside the way in which.
- Go wading within the stream positioned close to Carrick Creek Falls.