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January is commonly thought of fairly a nothing month, however if you happen to’re something like me, you’ll need to liven it up. You’ll be able to both embrace the chilly and benefit from winter snow sports activities or head to the states with nearly assured fantastic sunny climate. Listed below are my favourite spots to discover…
1. Breckenridge, Colorado
I’m an enormous fan of the mountain city of Breckenridge. It presents unimaginable ski runs deeply coated in good powder for a lot of the winter months, vibrant après choices, and a surprisingly full of life nightlife within the city.Â
It’s stuffed fairly Victorian structure, an enthralling vibe and a gorgeous most important road. In addition to providing legendary snowboarding alternatives it’s crammed with impartial cafes, glorious eating places, and outlets promoting hand crafted merchandise and distinctive souvenirs.Â
This month and February, is when the common snowfall is at its highest, and the city transforms into a phenomenal winter wonderland.Â
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: The Breckenridge Welcome Centre, 203 S. Most important Avenue Breckenridge, CO 80424, Telephone: 877 864 0868
- Common temperatures – minus 1 to minus 7 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Wandering down Most important Avenue, having fun with the magical vacation lights, and stopping off for a heat cup of scorching chocolate.
- Occurring a enjoyable guided snowmobile tour (with Breckenridge Snowmobiling Excursions & Leases) and exploring the extremely scenic backcountry.Â
- Visiting the Worldwide Snow Sculpture Championships, the place I watched groups from everywhere in the world hand-carve their artistic concepts!Â
- Taking a trip on the best chairlift in North America, the views of the snowy winter landscapes under had been unimaginable!
2. Palm Desert, California
I’m a giant fan of this quirky vacation spot which is positioned subsequent to Palm Springs within the sun-baked Coachella Valley in California.
It’s a zen-like spot crammed with pure scorching springs, luxurious lodge, nation golf equipment, connoisseur eating places, golf programs and spa resorts.
Providing heat desert solar when a lot of the Northern Hemisphere is hunkered down for winter, Palm Desert is common amongst celebrities searching for a blissful winter retreat.Â
It’s neither too scorching or too chilly this time of 12 months, so it’s good for all kinds of actions, from mountain climbing and biking to abandon treks and golf. I personally advocate simply lounging by a swimming pool earlier than stress-free at one of many many spas.
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 73510 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260
- Common temperature – 22 levels
My highlights…
3. Zion Nationwide Park, Utah
This distinctive pure reserve is positioned in southwest Utah is crammed with attractive surroundings made up of imposing purple and white Navajo sandstone cliffs, canyons, gorges, forests and putting sandstone dunes.
The park experiences delicate winters in comparison with different nationwide parks within the nation, so many strolling trails are accessible even through the winter months (there’s simply no shuttle system in operation).
I like to recommend together with the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, the Decrease Emerald Pool Path, Kolob Canyons, the Riverside Stroll Path and the Weeping Rock Path in your itinerary as these are all accessible this time of 12 months.
I personally suppose this month is a good time to discover Zion with out the crowds you’ll discover right here within the peak season!
- Guests Heart Tackle: 1 Zion Park Blvd, Zion Nationwide Park, UT 84767
- Telephone: (435) 772-3256
- Common temperature – 10 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Mountaineering to the Statement Level for unimaginable panoramic park views through the scenic East Mesa Path.Â
- Driving the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. It was a winding two-lane street which took us by the park and supplied magnificent vistas at each flip.
4. Massive Sky, Montana
I personally suppose this month is a good month to go to Massive Sky due to its large vary of family-friendly occasions and winter actions in addition to the magical snowy surroundings.Â
These actions embody sledging, snowmobiling, snow-go bike rides, ice trekking, cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing, and the enjoyable après ski scene for many who wish to occasion!
Yellowstone Nationwide Park is close by and for the much less adventurous superior indoor actions embody escape rooms, spa therapies, artwork galleries, native cooking courses and the attention-grabbing Historic Crail Ranch Museum.
I completely love how the winter evenings in Massive Sky, from December to February, are good for cozying up in log cabins by roaring fires.
- Guests Heart Tackle: 88 Ousel Falls Rd Unit A1, Massive Sky, MT
- Common temperatures – 0 to -13 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the scenic Ousel Falls Trailhead and the discovering the frozen waterfall.
- Exploring the distinctive boutiques within the city middle, I cherished the stylish jewellery within the Rhinestone Cowgirl.
- Going for newbie snowboarding classes on the Massive Sky Resort.Â
5. Miami, Florida
Full of sun-kissed sandy seashores, buzzing seaside bars, and opulent At-Deco-style inns, I can by no means get sufficient of this enjoyable metropolis!
Miami is a well-liked year-round vacation spot, however this month is a good time to go to. Not solely will you miss the busy crowds of households and spring-breakers however you will discover funky lodge stays at extra budget-friendly costs.
The balmy sub-tropical local weather additionally implies that you’ll be handled to heat climate and loads of sunshine. I like to recommend strolling down the well-known Ocean Drive, visiting museums such because the Vizcaya Museum and Perez Artwork Museum, and discovering the full of life golf equipment and casinos – the choices are countless!
- Guests Heart Tackle: 530 17th St, Miami Seashore, FL 33139
- Common temperature – 23 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring town’s points of interest on a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tour.
- Discovering the Evening Backyard, a spectacular botanical backyard which had gorgeous mild shows this time of 12 months.
- Enjoyable on Miami Seashore and photographing the super-cute Artwork Deco-style lifeguard towers!Â
6. Searching Island, South Carolina
Searching Island is a 5,000-acre semi-tropical barrier island positioned 15 miles east of Beaufort, South Carolina. It’s crammed with pristine seashores, inexperienced forests, a putting historic lighthouse, and an attention-grabbing nature middle.Â
I personally suppose it’s nice to go to through the off-peak months as you keep away from the summer season crowds and it appears like you may have the island to your self!
I cherished the scenic saltwater lagoon, the mushy sandy seashores, the favored fishing pier and the haunting Boneyard Seashore which was crammed with the surreally lovely sight of tree skeletons.
- Customer’s Heart Tackle: 713 Craven St, Beaufort, SC 29902
- Common temperature – 13 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the distinctive surroundings on the Lighthouse Path after which climbing the 167 spiral steps to the highest of the Searching Island Lighthouse and having fun with the picturesque view overlooking the coast and close by islands.
- Taking a night stroll alongside the Searching Island campground and admiring the clear starry skies.
7. Heavenly Mountain Resort, California
The dreamily named Heavenly Mountain Resort is positioned on the southern shores of Lake Tahoe. It’s a very magical spot within the winter with powdery slopes, snowboarding galore, scenic snow-capped mountains and enjoyable après-ski scene, which I extremely advocate profiting from!Â
The ski resort can also be dwelling to an enormous vary winter actions. Right here you possibly can select from snowboarding, ice skating, cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing, snow tubing and my private favourite, the scenic gondola trip which had lovely panoramic views.
- Customer Heart Tackle: Discover Tahoe Customer Heart 4114 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe
- Common temperature – 8 to -2 levels
My private highlights…
- Partying with the locals on the Unbuckle Après Ski Get together, the place the ambiance was electrical, the DJs had been improbable, and the cocktails had been very good – all at an exhilarating 9,150 ft above sea stage!
- Having fun with the Insta-worthy views on the remark tower earlier than taking one of many epic runs again to the resort.
8. Brunswick and The Golden Isles, Georgia
The Golden Isles are dwelling to the charming metropolis of Brunswick and the dreamy barrier islands of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island.
Situated alongside Georgia’s Atlantic Coast, I like the surroundings right here which consists of attractive marshlands, thick inexperienced forests and lengthy, large sandy seashores.Â
I personally suppose the off-peak season is a wonderful time to go to, as you’ll keep away from the summer season crowds and get nice offers on lodging (which vary from cosy inns to luxurious resorts).Â
I like the breathtaking views, the attention-grabbing historic landmarks and the lengthy, large golf programs. Throw in that very good southern hospitality, and personally I feel that is winter break perfection!Â
- Customer Heart Tackle: 2017 Lee St, Brunswick, GA 31520
- Common temperature – 18 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Catching a present on the historic Ritz Theatre within the Outdated City, I cherished the retro decor!
- Exploring the artwork galleries and attention-grabbing museums, my favorites had been the Glynn Visible Arts and the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum.
- Spending an evening tenting at Jekyll Island Campground, I cherished gazing on the unpolluted starry skies right here!
9. Payette Nationwide Forest, Idaho
Based mostly in central-western Idaho, the Payette Nationwide Forest is dwelling to 2.3 million acres of peaceable pure magnificence and I personally suppose it presents a improbable different to the bigger-name ski resorts like Aspen.
It’s blessed with 300 inches of snow yearly and presents an enormous vary of enjoyable winter actions. Out of doors actions embody snowmobiling, snowboarding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country snowboarding, backcountry snowboarding, fats biking and even winter tenting!
Indoor actions embody spa resorts, artwork galleries, museums, purchasing, craft breweries and indoor ice skating.
- Guests Heart Tackle: 500 N Mission St, McCall 83638
- Common temperature – minus 1 to minus 16 levelsÂ
My highlights…
- Taking newbie snowboarding classes which was loads of enjoyable regardless of the numerous falls!
- Occurring a snowmobile excursions throughout the magical landscapes.
- Studying in regards to the county’s historical past and native tribes at Payette County Museum.
10. Kailua Kona, Massive Island, Hawaii
This paradise-like coastal city is positioned on the west coast of Hawaii’s Massive Island. It’s a significantly dreamy spot crammed with blue skies and a tropical local weather all 12 months spherical.
Throughout the summer season months (June to October) is can get extraordinarily scorching, so the temperatures this month (round 27 levels) present the right alternative to get pleasure from its mushy, white, powdery seashores.
I cherished simply sunbathing, snorkeling, swimming, purchasing, stress-free on the spa resorts, exploring the farmer’s markets and absorbing the laid-back vibes.
This space is likely one of the warmest locations within the nation throughout this month, making it a superb alternative for having fun with some winter solar!
- Guests Heart Tackle: Massive Island Information 73-4318 Keokeo St, Kailua Kona, HI 96740
- Common temperature – 27 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Taking a tour to see the KÄ«lauea Volcano and an attention-grabbing espresso farm (there are numerous positioned right here)!
- Discovering the distinctive and exquisite Punaluu Black Sand Seashore after grabbing some picnic meals on the Punalu’u Bake Store.
- Visiting the well-known Akaka Falls, which stands at 442 ft excessive. I discovered it by following the scenic Akaka Falls Loop Path.
11. Alta and Snowbird, Utah
Situated in Wasatch Mountains of Utah, these two magical resorts are a skiers paradise! Providing a few of the greatest alternatives for winter actions in the entire nation, Alta averages 550 inches of snow yearly, so the season may be very lengthy and different.
Snowbird is positioned a mile from Alta and is known for having a all-year-round ski season – it lasts over 200 days! It additionally presents a big selection of slopes, so all ranges of snowboarding talents are welcome right here.
This month sees heavy snowfall in each resorts which covers the highest of an already thick overlaying. I additionally love the intense, clear days right here the place I can see the gorgeous panoramic views as I head up and down the ski raise!
- Guests Heart Tackle: 9260 E Lodge Dr, Snowbird, UT 84092
- Telephone: (801) 933-2222
- Common temperature – 3 levels
My private highlights…
- Indulging in a luxurious aromatherapy therapeutic massage on the upscale Cliff Spa.
- Experiencing thrilling helicopter snowboarding on a contemporary powder day, which was really a once-in-a-lifetime expertise!Â
- Occurring a guided ski tour and discovering the tranquil backcountry trails.
12. White Sands Nationwide Monument, New Mexico
As its identify may counsel, this place is crammed with gorgeous, seemingly countless stretches of vibrant white sand – white sufficient to rival even the freshest snowfall! The area’s dune area may be very dynamic, with essentially the most energetic dunes shifting at a fee of as much as 30 ft per 12 months.
I might extremely advocate seeing the biggest gypsum dune area, the tall, glistening vary of white dunes in Tularosa Basin. This space is dwelling to over 800 distinctive species of fauna and flora that extremely survive in these inhospitable circumstances.
I personally suppose the area’s pure geology and the unimaginable animals make this vacation spot uniquely intriguing. Summers are too scorching, so winter is one of the best time to go to White Sands Nationwide Monument.
- Customer Heart Tackle: 19955 US-70 W, Alamogordo, NM 88310
- Telephone: (575) 479-6124
- Common temperature – 14 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Photographing the white gypsum dunes, which cowl 275 sq. miles of land and are the biggest on this planet.
- Sledging down the dunes was enjoyable (keep in mind to cowl your face if you happen to strive it too)!Â
- Spending two nights tenting beneath the unbelievably clear starry skies at an on-site campsite (there are ten in whole).
13. Dying Valley, California
Dying Valley is a desert valley in Japanese California that borders the Nice Basin Desert and is likely one of the hottest locations on Earth.
One of many hottest, driest, and lowest nationwide parks and locations on this planet, Dying Valley has unbearably blistering summer season temperatures. So I like to recommend visiting within the wintertime as an alternative!
The 2 unique inns right here provide distinct experiences, both stress-free or adventurous. Each have swimming swimming pools and arranged excursions.
I counsel recognizing its distinctive wildlife, akin to desert bighorn sheep, lizards, and tiny pupfish dwelling in swimming pools saltier than seawater. I additionally extremely advocate stargazing free from mild air pollution on this mesmerizing panorama at night time! It’s a significantly distinctive journey expertise!Â
- Customer Heart Tackle: 328 Greenland Blvd, Dying Valley, CA 92328
- Telephone: (760) 786-3200
- Common temperature – 19 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Taking a journey alongside Artists Drive and discovering the Artists Palette while admiring the pink granite and sumptuous rock formations.
- Having fun with a hike by the Golden Canyon, which supplied some significantly Insta-worthy views.
- Catching a dawn at Zabriskie Level, some of the iconic locations in Dying Valley. The panoramic views had been gorgeous!
14. San Diego, California
I truthfully suppose San Diego is a wonderful vacation spot to go to this month as a result of, whereas it’s cooler in contrast with different months, it nonetheless presents a terrific escape from chilly, dreary climate. It boasts an nearly picture-perfect, year-round Mediterranean-like local weather with sunshine and mushy ocean winds.
I like to recommend exploring its lovely seashores, family-friendly parks, world-class eating places, fashionable bars, and glorious inventive and cultural choices, that are particularly satisfying with thinned-out crowds through the winter.
I’d additionally advocate selecting from numerous actions akin to sunbathing, browsing, kayaking, and bodyboarding; they’re all nice enjoyable and can immerse you within the Californian way of life!
Different points of interest I’d counsel visiting embody the Immense Balboa Park, the full of life Gaslamp Quarter, the Japanese Botanical Gardens, Outdated City San Diego, artwork galleries, museums, and gardens.
- Customer Heart Tackle: 996 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
- Common temperature – 19 levels
My highlights…
- Taking a stroll round San Diego Botanic Backyard on the 4-mile-long trails, which took me previous a shocking array of wildlife.Â
- Visiting the Outdated City and sampling the tasty tacos on the Mexican eating places.
- Exploring on the hop-on-hop-off bus to discover all town’s most important points of interest.
15. Mt Baker, Washington
Mt. Baker Ski Space is an epic ski resort in Washington with unbeatable snow ranges of as much as 17 meters per season, excessive inbounds terrain, and vastly accessible backcountry. I personally suppose the contemporary powder snow in excessive volumes makes Mt. Baker a superb attraction for skiers and snowboarders.
Since Mt Baker will not be as nicely often called a few of its comparable ski resorts, it’s usually much less crowded, making it preferrred for anybody searching for discreet ski time away from the push.
Together with its groomed ski trails, I extremely advocate collaborating within the enjoyable winter sports activities right here, like snowmobiling, snow hikes, sledging, and exploring the spellbinding old-growth forest!Â
- Customer Heart Tackle: 7509 Mount Baker Hwy, Maple Falls, WA 98266
- Common temperature – minus 9 to minus 14 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the unimaginable space by snowshoeing.Â
- Making an attempt the tasty microbrews at North Fork Beer Shrine.
16. South Padre Island & Port Isabel, Texas
South Padre Island is a resort city on a barrier island crammed with mushy seashores and calm waters, positioned off the coast of Texas. Whereas summers can get too scorching, and spring attracts giant crowds, I personally suppose winter, with nice temperatures between 55°F – 75°F, is one of the best time to go to South Padre Island.
I’d extremely advocate visiting the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Centre, a five-story watchtower with marvelous views of migrating birds.Â
A brief journey away is Port Isabel, which is separated from the shores of South Padre Island by the two.6-mile-long Queen Isabella Causeway. I counsel a magical dolphin recognizing cruise, strolling alongside Laguna Madre Nature Path, or a picnic in Isla Blanca Park.
With its nice subtropical local weather and wealthy tradition and historical past, I truthfully suppose it’s no shock that South Padre Island is a favourite winter vacation spot for a lot of – it’s a dreamy gem!
- Customer Heart Tackle: 600 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
- Common temperature – 21 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Visiting some of the Instagrammable spots, Vacation Sandcastle Village, and seeing unimaginable life-size sculptures.
- Taking a visit to the leisure district and making an attempt out the Ferris wheel, mini-golf and go-karts.
- Having fun with a relaxed stroll alongside the seaside while listening to the serene sounds of the ocean.
17. Moosehead Lake, Maine
This deep, cold-water lake within the Longfellow Mountains is the biggest mountain lake within the jap United States.
I extremely advocate cozying up in a country cabin by a serene frozen lake surrounded by picturesque surroundings. It’s pure cosy bliss, particularly if you happen to’re on a romantic break.
The journey actions on provide right here embody winter hikes, snowmobiling, and snowshoe trails by day, campfires, and stargazing into the clear northern skies by night time.
And if you happen to’re nonetheless after extra, you may even see the elusive Northern Lights in your journey. I didn’t see them on my journey, but it surely’s doable!
On this month, the close by Squaw Mountain can also be open to snowboarders and skiers as nicely.
- Customer Heart Tackle: 480 Moosehead Lake Rd, Greenville, ME 04441
- Common temperatures – minus 6 to minus 18 levels
My highlights…
- Beginning the day with a hearty breakfast across the lake, prepared for a full day of snowy actions.
- Taking a snowmobile trip alongside the Moosehead Path, which supplied an expansive and scenic vary of 160 miles.
- Going cross-country snowboarding across the lake and experiencing the gorgeous surroundings.
18. Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, Florida
Located within the Gulf of Mexico, west of Key West, Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park contains of seven islands with protected coral reefs. Right here, you possibly can escape the chilly winters and relish the nice and cozy Floridian sunshine all 12 months spherical.
Because the identify suggests, the Dry Tortugas have a dry winter season (November-March) with little or no rainfall, which isn’t as scorching and humid as its summer season months.
I personally suppose January is a good time to go to as a result of the nice and cozy temperatures enable for snorkeling, sunbathing on the seashores, and having fun with different water sports activities like kayaking and boating with out being too scorching and humid.
Additionally, with fewer guests, you may have a significantly better likelihood of recognizing uncommon birds that decision this space dwelling, together with the Brown Noddy, Sooty Tern, Brown Pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, and Black-bellied Plovers.
My private favourite islands are the Loggerhead Key, which has an iconic lighthouse and sea turtles, and Backyard Key, which has attractive seashores and the historic Nineteenth-century Fort Jefferson.
- Customer Heart Tackle: Florida Keys, FL 33040
- Telephone: (305) 294-7009
- Common temperatures – 24 levels
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the historic Fort Jefferson which supplied gorgeous views overlooking the crystal-clear waters and surrounding islands.
- Experiencing a few of the greatest snorkeling in Florida on the Moat Wall and South Coaling Dock Ruins.
- Taking a stroll across the lush Bush Key.
19. Tucson, Arizona
Tucson has been dubbed the ‘Metropolis of Gastronomy’ by UNESCO, and rightly so!
This wonderful metropolis presents a few of the most outstanding eating places, cafes, bars, and breweries within the Southwest – and so unsurprisingly, Tucson’s downtown is a thriving hub of exercise and enjoyable.Â
Other than its wealthy meals scene, Tucson presents spectacular pure magnificence and is surrounded by nationwide parks and pine forests, akin to Saguaro Nationwide Park and Mount Lemmon, a colossal cave, open-air museums and gardens, and an iconic outdated city. I might extremely advocate exploring all of them!Â
Summer time will get highly regarded, so I extremely advocate visiting through the winter months as an alternative.
- Customer Heart Tackle: Southern Tucson Customer Heart, 115 N. Church Ave. Tucson, AZ 85701
- Common temperatures – 19 levels
My private highlights…
- Taking an underground tour at Kartchner Caverns State Park and discovering the mesmerizing cave formations.
- Visiting Pima Air and Area Museum, the world’s largest aerospace museum which was dwelling to over 300 plane.
- Taking part in a spherical of golf within the Tuscan sunshine.
20. Fairbanks, Alaska
Considered one of Alaska’s largest cities, Fairbanks, is located at a latitude that makes it good for witnessing the famed Aurora Borealis.
Your probabilities of seeing the Northern lights are increased this month, however the crowds are fewer because of the very chilly climate. Because it’s formally low season, January presents significantly better flights, inns, and tour offers.
I feel it’s a magical place with serene mountains, pristine rivers, and lakes teeming with wildlife, so be sure you spot wildlife right here!
Expertise sunrises and sunsets that final a very long time (usually two hours), and that is when the sky’s made up of a kaleidoscope of good oranges and blues.
There’s additionally an array of winter actions on provide, and I counsel sledging, snowmobiling, snow mountain climbing, and visiting the close by Chena scorching springs!Â
- Customer Heart Tackle: 101 Dunkel St, Fairbanks, AK 99701
- Common temperatures – minus 8 to minus 26 levels
My highlights…
- Experiencing the sky coming alive on a Northern Lights tour and watching the lights shimmering above me – an expertise I’ll always remember!
- Discovering the artistic and unimaginable sculptures on the Ice Museum.
- Enjoyable on the lovely Chena Scorching Springs Resort, which is run off geothermal power.
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