No matter what your religious affiliation is, the winter holidays have a certain charm of their own that’s impossible to ignore. Maybe that’s why so many people enjoy the idea of traveling around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, a period that marks the end of the calendar year and the beginning of a new adventure. To that end, here are four US regions that are guaranteed to offer you a great wintertime experience:
1. The Outer Banks
A 200-mile stretch of peninsulas and islands off the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks is a world-renowned tourist hotspot that features several unique attractions and charming resort towns. In the wintertime, the region generally still enjoys a decent weather while also coming alive with holiday cheer. From the OBX Festivus Road Race in Southern Shores to the gorgeously-decorated Poulos Christmas House in Kill Devil Hills, there is always something to see and do here during the winter holidays. If you’re interested in OBX rentals, be sure to peruse local listings and make your booking ahead of time.
2. New England
The picturesque beauty of New England in the wintertime needs no introduction. With most of the region being blanketed in snow throughout the season, charming little towns like Stowe, Vermont and Jackson, New Hampshire become veritable winter wonderlands. In addition, New England’s many ski resorts ensure that all the popular winter sports can be practiced at your discretion. And if it’s big city atmosphere you crave, you could do a whole lot worse than Boston, where Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are on par with that of any big city.
3. Napa Valley
While Napa Valley is traditionally considered to be a fall destination due to the area’s close connection to the wine industry, there is something to be said about experiencing wintertime in northern California. Aside from the fact that the area’s forgiving climate translates into relatively warm days and sunny weather, there is a myriad of reasons to consider paying it a visit between December and February. For one, the entire valley floor becomes blanketed not in snow, but in a vibrant carpet of yellow mustard flowers. Secondly, the fact that Napa holds a Truffle Festival in January and dedicates an entire week in February to fine eating and restaurants should tell everything you need to know about the area’s commitment to wintertime festivities.
4. The Pacific Northwest
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The Pacific Northwest region encompasses four states in the US as well as one province in Canada, which are all linked by shared geographical conditions, including the presence of the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Rocky Mountains on the east. Snow is common in wintertime, making Christmas and New Year’s Eve particularly fairytale-like. The cities of Portland and Seattle are especially noteworthy and have plenty of good things to recommend them, but the Pacific Northwest also has numerous smaller cities like Florence, Oregon and Langley, Washington, that you should make time for.
And so we’ve reached the end of our quick rundown of some of the best regions for experiencing the winter holidays in America. Of course, there are many other places worth your time and attention, depending on your budget and personal preferences. So start by writing down a list of potential destinations and see which one best suits your own needs and expectations.
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