Now that it’s officially winter in the Northern Hemisphere, I’ve been thinking about some of my favorite cold weather spots! Obviously, a lot of folks like to travel to Florida to warm up in the winter, but as a Floridian? That’s not quite as exciting. In fact, I prefer to travel somewhere cold and make the most of the season. If you’re looking for a wintery wonderland, these are my top recommendations:
East Coast, USA: Asheville, North Carolina
I’ve been able to visit Asheville, North Carolina at various points throughout the year, between work and visits with friends, but there’s something special about going during the winter. The Biltmore is beautifully done up for the holidays, and is definitely a must-do. While there could be snow, it’s not an overwhelming amount if you’re not used to the cold – and I loved sharing the flurries with our dogs when we last visited. Plus, Asheville has plenty of breweries and restaurants, perfect for when you need a new spot to warm up.
West Coast, USA: Denver, Colorado
This is another spot I’ve been able to visit throughout the year, and while I love Colorado over the summer, there is just something special about visiting during the winter – especially with all the outdoor activities. Last December, I got to spend some time there with my team from work, and I had such a fun time ice skating for the first time since high school. That being said, I’ve also had a blast tubing in the snow and exploring the nearby ice castles. Denver is also super accessible to other parts of Colorado, including Boulder (a fave)!
Abroad: Dublin, Ireland
I knew my recommendation would be in Europe – hello, Christmas markets – but over the years, it’s been Dublin that has really stolen my heart. While the last time we went was in the spring over St. Patrick’s Day, our first visit to the city was right before the holidays. I appreciated how everything was decorated for the holidays, and I learned that they really know how to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Temple Bar. There is so much to love about Dublin, and it’s one of my favorite places to share with my family and friends. I’ve actually been looking for tickets for our next visit…