Sleigh bells ring, are you listening
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight
We’re happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland
Whether you live in a corner of the country that experiences all four seasons or have to travel to savor the snowfall, the U.S. has something in every corridor for snow seekers.
As leaf peeping comes to a close, let’s shift gears and take aim at several snowy cities, as well as a few tropical getaways for those who need a reprieve from the balmy weather.
Florida Keys, FL
Snowbirds unite in Florida when the winter season hits. From the Panhandle to the Keys, this is a hotspot for sunseekers. Why not go to the place Jimmy Buffett immortalized many moons ago? If you wait out the hurricane season, which draws to a close at the end of November, you can sip on margaritas all through March, tour Ernest Hemingway’s old house, and make the most of the salty Gulf coast breezes from the sway of a hammock.
Breckenridge, CO
If you don’t want to wait until the end of November to visit Florida, let’s head west to Colorado for the slopes in Breckenridge. This year, the ski season is scheduled to open on Friday, November 8. If you can, stay a night or two at One Ski Hill Place at the base of Peak 8. You’ll be perfectly situated for easy access to the slopes, spas, and Main Street Delights.
San Diego, CA
The golden streams of sunlight that spray from Ocean Beach are eager to give you a warm embrace any time of year. But if you need a winter escape, it’s the perfect place to rejuvenate your soul. Find a small rental as close to the beach as you can, pack nothing more than light clothing and a book, and prepare for the sandy shorelines to soothe your soul – in between an ocean kayak or two.
Santa Fe, NM
The desert winds also offer a reprieve when winter sets in. And the beauty of Sedona is that it’s a unique pairing of art therapy and healing spas. Artists of every medium unite in this fair city, and galleries are more than happy to display their work. If you can swing it, see if you can book into the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort for a dip into their healing waters.
Burlington, VT
Back to the slopes! If you missed peak leaf-peeping season in the Northeast, it’s not too late! Embrace the nearby slopes in Smugglers’ Notch, Stoww, or Bolton Valley before returning to your Burlington B&B for a warm cup of cocoa. The magic of these Hallmark-esque towns in Vermont remains elegant and stately all year round.
Savannah, GA
Speaking of beauty, let’s visit a true Southern Belle who endures several months of hot and humid temps, only to cool off in the fall and provide a bounty of opportunities to flounce down her streets. Broughton Street is happy to serve up a little retail therapy, as well as a few art galleries to rival those in Santa Fe. Even though the sun sets early in the winter months, that’s quite alright. Head on down to River Street, ride the elevator up to the top of The Bohemian Hotel, order a craft cocktail, and watch the sun go down over this majestic city.
Park City, UT
Are the Real Housewives a guilty pleasure of yours? Don’t worry, we can keep a secret around here. If you’ve ever wanted to eat at some of those gorgeous-looking restaurants or hit those sparkling slopes, now’s the time. Maybe you’ll even stumble upon a filming crew or two! The three top contenders for a luxurious ski resort stay include the Waldorf Astoria Park City, The St. Regis Deer Valley, and Marriot’s MountainSide.
Destin, FL
For some more Gulf Coast glory, Destin is another fine destination. The best way to play it here is to rent a condo right on the beach. This is the kind of place where you load up the fridge with supplies and enjoy the fact that you have an oceanfront balcony for a few days. Of course, there are ample opportunities to go shopping – as well as antiquing – but the main gist here is simply to set your clock to ocean time and forget about life for a little while. When you’re ready for a meal, however, Harry T’s is the place to be.
Whitefish, MT
Big Sky Country – the land of sensational sunsets, no matter the season. While Whitefish, proper, has plenty of places to say, the recommendation we want to make here is the Montana Treehouse Retreat. Owned by a lovely couple, we’re talking actual two-story treehouses nestled between the evergreens with wide panoramas, easy access to Glacier National Park, and close proximity to one of Montana’s finest downtowns, Whitefish.
South Padre Island, TX
It’s easy to forget that the Lonestar State has some of the best beaches in the country. But, way down south, where the border kisses the Mexican sunshine, you’ll find South Padre Island, a beachgoer’s delight. From luxury hotels to pristine rentals, you can savor the sun, swim in the pool, and dip your toes in the sand. If there’s any watersport you’ve been meaning to try, South Padre will find a way to put you out on that water.
Sun Valley, ID
Speaking of forgotten destinations, doesn’t it seem like Idaho doesn’t get enough credit for being a visit-worthy state? Up in Sun Valley, you’ll find Sun Valley Lodge, where glamour gods like Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable found it noteworthy enough to visit. Like Breckenridge, it’s a snow globe filled with winter sports. But, even if that’s not your cup of hot cocoa, you can still relax in the spa, take a sleigh ride, and plan to enjoy oodles of live entertainment, night after night.
Boston, MA
Now, for some of the destinations that sparkle and shine when the holiday season rolls around. When paired with its harborside delights, Boston turns into a ball of magic as Christmas is approaching. Holiday markets abound, especially in Faneuil Hall, which is always jam-packed with goodies. You can also purchase tickets for The Nutcracker by the Boston Ballet. Or, a simple stroll down Acorn Street, with its cobbled lanes and snowy streets, will dazzle and delight as you marvel at the Christmas decor on those beautiful homes.
New York, NY
It’s possible New York is the King of Christmas, but there are plenty of contenders. Christmas in New York bottles its own brand of magic, especially if you stick to Midtown. Stroll Fifth Avenue, where the likes of Cartier and Saks are gloriously gift-wrapped. Gaze up at the tree in Rockefeller Center. Sip on some hot cocoa from Serendipity. Ice skate in Central Park. If you need a little holiday boost this year to propel you into the Spirit of the Season, New York will deliver. While you’re here, see if you can enjoy any of these unforgettable experiences in New York City and beyond.
Natchitoches, LA
Not too far from the bayou, the sweet little city of Natchitoches puts on a Christmas spectacular that rivals the streets of NY. They kick things off on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and sail all the way through to the Epiphany on January 6th. With over 300,000 lights, 100 displays, and plenty of cheer floating through the air, this seasonal slice of heaven will give you all the warm and fuzzies.
Sugarloaf, ME
The name alone does it for us. You can just picture a savory day at the slopes, followed by a decadent dinner and a tasty delight for dessert. Nestled into Sugarloaf Resort, you can have it all in this corner of the country. The LOAF is a ginormous mountain, but it all centers around one base area where the energy is electric. You don’t have to look far to make some new friends to race down the slopes before meeting back at the lodge to clink a glass or two. In fact, we love the East Coast so much that we’ve selected 30 of the most charming spots to visit time and time again.
Maui, HI
Clear across the country, paradise can be found. From golden beaches to wholesome hiking, you can soak up the sun in Kapalua Bay or hide beneath the trees in Haleakalā National Park. Where whale watching abounds and the wildlife is uniquely colorful, you can embrace the kind of healing that only Mother Nature provides while still combining it with a little bit of local shopping in Lahaiana Old Town.
Flint, MI
Let’s close by stepping back in time to a quaint lakeside village filled with historic buildings from the 1800s, including a general store, print shop, and stained-glass church. This is a wholesome winter getaway where you can ride the Ferris wheel while nibbling on kettle corn before hearing the call for “all aboard” on an iconic steam train. Like many of the local cities and towns on this list, Flint transforms into a winter wonderland when the cozy season sets in and is very much worth the northbound adventure.
Walking In a Winter Wonderland
However you’d like to treat yourself to a winter getaway, America has it all. From sandy shorelines to snowcapped mountains once graced by the likes of Marilyn Monroe, you can craft the perfect getaway.
And, whichever corner of the country you’re headed for, we have a destination guide queued up to help you craft the perfect itinerary and savor some star-filled hot cocoa nights.