America is one country that sees very distinct seasons. And, given the size of the nation, the climate varies quite drastically from one end of the country to another, even during the same season. For instance, during winter, Chicago could be snow-bound, while Florida could be still be boasting sunny beaches.
So, if you are planning a US vacation, especially during the winter, make sure you set your itinerary in advance and bring along clothes accordingly. And, if you do plan to see the best of America in winter, here’s a look at my favourite places.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis is a big city, boasting a large number of options for sightseeing, nightlife, restaurants and more. The city offers ample outdoor activities. You can enjoy a bike ride on the peaceful trails surrounded by splendid streams, lakes and falls, or visit the Minnehaha Falls. The biggest advantage of this city is its perfect weather. When travelling to Minneapolis in winter, take advantage of the light rail, which can take you to any part of the city, that too at a very low price.
Key West, Florida
Key West boasts similar kind of picture-perfect architecture to Cuba. This gives the city a forbidden feel, which is highly unusual and, yet, very attractive. You’ll love the beautiful sunsets in Key West and the mind-blowing ambiance of the city. Although the city boasts a mild marine climate most of the year, December, January and February are ideal months to explore Key West in winter. It is cold but quite bearable at this time.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Want to be a part of a world-class skiing and riding experience? If yes, you cannot afford to miss Breckenridge, Colorado, a one-stop destination for premier ski resorts in the US. You can also enjoy fly-fishing in the Blue River, hiking and mountain biking, white water rafting and more. Staying in Breckenridge will not be a problem, since many residents have vacation homes in this area.
Picture Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
A US National Lakeshore on the shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a very popular park that boasts a spectacular view of the hilly shoreline, extending from Munising to Grand Marais. The major attraction of this park is its naturally sculpted, colorful sandstone cliffs that have taken different forms like arches, shallow caves and even human profiles due to erosion.
Hanover, New Hampshire
Located on the western side of New Hampshire, Hanover is a city rich in culture, history beauty and charm. It is located in the scenic Upper Valley, along the Connecticut River. Winter is the ideal time to visit Hanover to participate in the Dartmouth Winter Carnival. This is Dartmouth College’s annual winter carnival, which started way back in 1911, and is, therefore, one of the oldest winter carnivals in the country. You can participate in the ice sculpture contest, show your skiing talent and witness polar bears swimming here.
Visiting America can be an amazing experience but only if you plan your itinerary well in advance. There is so much to see that you will actually need to limit yourself, based on how much time you have.