As the seasons turn once again, this time from the gentle mildness of fall to the icy cold of winter, we are reminded of the soaring heights and crushing lows of the end of this blustery time. It’s the season of cheer and mulled wine, but also of snowblowers and falling on ice. For me, the joy of coming home and stripping off snow-caked layers is not equal to the horror of living through months of snow. That’s why when the snow starts to fall, I get out of town!
Would you like to live the snowbird life with me? Here are some of the best destinations for getting away from the icy terror of winter!
San Diego, California
I admit I have a bit of bias here, as I spent lots of time growing up in San Diego. But let me tell you, dear reader, there is nothing – nothing! – more pleasing than waking up on Christmas morning and wearing shorts outside.
San Diego is a beautiful city that’s easy to get around and definitely has Christmas spirit without all the cold. The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a 40-year old Christmas tradition familiar to Californians and baffling to those seeing it for the first time. A squadron of ships bedecked in the most lavish lights and décor glide through the bay illuminating the faces of young and old. Santa sits atop the largest one, offering a jolly “Ho! Ho! Ho!” to the children. It sounds corny, but if you’ve never experienced it, it’s a sight to behold.
The World Famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park are also prime destinations that put on really great winter celebrations.
Sedona, Arizona
Tucked deep within the red rocks of Northern Arizona lies a mystical land known only as Sedona. It’s located between Phoenix and Flagstaff and is regarded by many as the New Age Capital of the World.
Vortexes, alien abductions and 4 million visitors a year in search of spiritual experiences define this town, which was established in 1902 and has a long history of cultural relevance.
The only downside to Sedona is that despite it being a tourist town, you sort of have to find your own fun. Maybe I’m just a little averse to the outwardly touristy activities, but if you are not, there are plenty of Pink Jeep tours, vortex explorations and new age people to meet. Truth be told, I could stories about all the strangers I met in Sedona, but perhaps that is for another blog post.
Hermosillo, Mexico
One of the quieter, lesser-known spots in Mexico. I really enjoy this beachside town that is overlooked by many international tourists, and instead serves as a vacation spot for Mexican residents of the state of Sonora.
The weather during the winter is pretty warm and the beaches are open year round. Hermosillo is the capital of the region and as such, there are lots of things to do in the city. However, a vague knowledge of Spanish is necessary; this isn’t one of those international metropolitan cities where English is accepted. This may or may not be a deal breaker, but it’d be a shame if you missed out on the charms of this historical city in Mexico.
[box]Thomas Stone is blog on behalf of Sears and other prestigious brands. He enjoys 90s Norwegian Pop, international travel and not thinking about snow. [/box]
