Winter as a time of year is so lovable and precious. You can do many things in winter, as well for winter. There is skiing, an enjoyable and healthy sport, promoting physical conditioning and much socializing. Ice fishing is also popular, an exercise more of the mind in planning and preparation, than of the body through actual fishing. Then there are the activities of preparing for winter, such as stocking cordwood for the fireplace and preserving and storing food like squirrels. Winter has just one fault: it can be very cold.
If you do not like the cold, the solution is to take a summer vacation in winter; that is, go south. Escape the harshness and cold of winter by going someplace where summer reigns year-round, in or out of the United States of America. In the US, several destinations easily come to mind, famous for certain activities much enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Florida
Named by the Spanish conquistadores for its flowery land due to the perpetual summer, America’s panhandle can offer the sea, sand and sun. Fishing -in the flats or offshore– is great from Fort Lauderdale and the keys, with regular tournaments being held there. Shark, kingfish, marlin, sailfish, tarpon, wahoo, snook and groupers are some of the more popular fishes sought in Florida, through conventional fishing or flyfishing, which is increasingly becoming popular.
Scuba diving and snorkeling likewise are popular activities in the Florida reefs, indulged by many undersea enthusiasts. The marine life can be spectacular, ranging from the soft-bodied, colorful but dangerous nudibranchs to the great white shark, from the poisonous conch to the large but essentially harmless jellyfish. And, you get a lot of exercise and a glorious golden tan without really trying hard for them.
Otherwise, there is Disneyland in Orlando, and the Everglades with its alligators if you prefer some different kinds of thrill.
California
If you prefer the Pacific Ocean, go to California. Fishing is as good there (or better, if you ask the locals) as in Florida, so are snorkeling and scuba diving. The town of Indian Wells also offers many spas for massage and other forms of relaxation, golf and tennis, and the resorts there give excellent service. Then of course, there is Hollywood to explore and the spectacular annual Rose Parade to witness. California can offer its visitor so much sometimes a season is not enough to see or experience them all.
Georgia
For exquisite Southern cooking and charm, Savannah bests other places hands down. Ante-bellum mansions of period architecture and places of historical interest are now open to visitors, while great restaurants and spooky old cemeteries are alternative places to go.
Tropical United States offers many things to someone avoiding winter’s coldness. Summer there can be permanent, and the numerous activities vary widely in form and venue. Fishing, diving, snorkeling, movies, and relaxation spas are just some of them. Going south is thus a very viable alternative to avoid winter. Birds do it regularly, so there must be something in it for humans also. Don’t you think so?
