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How to spend winter vacation weeks traveling by car in US

How to spend winter vacation weeks traveling by car in US

Old Aug 2nd, 2009, 02:51 PM
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How to spend winter vacation weeks traveling by car in US

My husband and I would like to travel by car for 4-6 weeks through the southern, warmer climes of the United States this winter, rather than to deposit ourselves in a resort. We were considering places like Alabama, South Carolina, panhandle of Florida, southern Texas, etc. We are open to suggestions about specific areas and cities and sections of the US that you deem worthy and interesting to visit. We would like to touch upon cultural attractions, noteworthy areas and possibly, unusual, surprising spots. Also, of course, we do appreciate scenery very much/\. We would appreciate your suggestions and information, as well as any literature or travel books that could help to educate us and point us in the right direction. Has anyone done something like this; if so, woould like to hear about your travels. Thanking you in advance for your information. [email protected] We could start out from NY. or fly to a destination and then rent a car. Looking forward to your messages.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2009, 03:25 PM
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If you want warm weather in Florida in the winter, you'll have to travel in the southern half. Fun spots are Fort Lauderdale, South Beach, the Everglades, the keys and Key West.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2009, 04:21 PM
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In Florida: St. Augustine and Cape Canaveral, Key West, the Everglades, there is a Ponce de Leon monument that is part of the National Parks system outside of Tampa. St. Augustine has an amazing fort that goes back to the Spaniards.

New Orleans. It may not be that warm (I remember standing around outside during lunch time in middle school in Louisiana and being really cold).

We really enjoyed Savannah, GA. The architecture was interesting as was the history and it's very pretty and laid-back.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2009, 04:24 PM
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St. Augustine, FL has everything on your wish list: history, art galleries, good & reasonably priced restaurants, (outlet) shopping, nice beaches, etc. It's also off the radar for most tourists.

A few links:
http://www.staugustine.com/visit/
http://www.visitflorida.com/St_Augustine
http://www.getaway4florida.com/
http://www.getaway4florida.com/nights/
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Old Aug 2nd, 2009, 05:04 PM
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the replies for driving trip in warm weather in the winter in U.S. seemed to center on Florida. We were hoping to travel to places like Alabama, Mississippi, Panhandle of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, maybe southern part of Texas. Anyone out there have ideas of such a trip or has been on one? Need help! [email protected]
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Old Aug 2nd, 2009, 05:26 PM
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"the replies for driving trip in warm weather in the winter in U.S. seemed to center on Florida. We were hoping to travel to places like Alabama, Mississippi, Panhandle of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, maybe southern part of Texas."

I think you'll have to give it some time. It's only been a little more than 2 hours since you posted your request.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2009, 05:44 PM
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Florida has the best winter weather. If you travel to S Carolina, you might have an ice storm to deal with. It won't last long, but it could be an interesting driving experience. South Texas also would have nice winter weather. Dallas can get ice.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2009, 06:35 PM
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What about the Southwest? Arizona and Southern California have excellent winter weather if you like the desert.

Otherwise, as others have said, South Florida would be your best bet. I have been to the other locations in Spring and Fall and have enjoyed them but the winter can be depressing. Even New Orleans is not at its best in December and January.

And the Rio Grande Valley in Southern Texas is a pretty dismal place anytime of year. I love San Antonio and Austin but not in mid-winter.
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Old Aug 2nd, 2009, 08:36 PM
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Like Otis says, think Southwest. Fly to LA and rent a car. Within a days drive you can get to plenty of other warm places in California and Arizona. Palm Springs, for example, has been a winter getaway for easterners for many years. There's the California coast up to San Francisco and down to San Diego. There's the desert all the way to Phoenix and Tucson. Lots of places to see and things to do. Don't forget Death Valley.

There will probably be some rain at times. We sure are hoping for it! No snow unless you deliberately go looking for it at the higher elevations. Have you watched the Rose Parade on TV? That's what it's like most of the time. Really.

I hereby certify, under oath, that I am not a member of any Chamber of Commerce, and that I wear only short sleeved shirts.
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Old Aug 3rd, 2009, 03:56 AM
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As others have pointed out, the weather "can" be warmer and very pleasant in many places you have mentioned, but it isn't for sure at all--and maybe not even south Florida. Cold snaps happen. It will not be reliably "balmy" except in Florida.
So, I would concentrate on interesting cultural ideas. Charleston, Savannah, St. Augustine, over to New Orleans along coastal Alabama. Maybe up the Natchez Trace in Mississippi. On down to San Antonio, maybe across the border into Mexico.
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Old Aug 3rd, 2009, 04:49 AM
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If it were me, I'd fly to JAX - Start in Amelia Island & work my way around FLA. (allowing at least two weeks in the Keys) & over to Nola. From Jax you could also easily fit in Savannah & Charleston as well.
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Old Aug 3rd, 2009, 04:51 AM
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From Nola it is also easy access to Natchez & Vicksburg as well as Jackson, MS.
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Old Aug 3rd, 2009, 07:20 AM
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This sounds like fun! While it won't be tropically warm in these locations, depending on where you are coming from, the weather may seem pleasant to you. I've been to Charleston, SC in late December and nights were chilly, but the days were in the upper 50's/low 60s...and one day got up to 70. I thought I was in heaven, coming from KY, where it was in the 40's.

Anyway, I like the idea that SanParis2 mentioned. If you start in Charleston and follow the coast down, you could hit Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Ft. Lauderdale/Miami, all the way to the Keys. Then work your way up the Gulf side....Naples, Ft. Myers, Sarasota, Tampa....and then veer over to Alabama, Mississippi, and end in New Orleans. With 6 weeks, you could see and do a lot. With the exception of South Florida, most places will be "off season", so you could also luck into good rates.
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Old Aug 4th, 2009, 05:06 PM
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I am disappointed at not hearing from anyone who has some ideas about visiting several states in Southern USA during winter months. Everyone mentions Florida. Are there any other viable places to visit?? [email protected]
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Old Aug 4th, 2009, 05:54 PM
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We gave you Charleston, SC, Savannah,GA, New Orleans,LA, Natchez and Vicksburg, MS......what other states are you interested in visiting? If you want truly warm weather, Florida is going to be the only state that really offers that in the winter and I think that's why so many of the posts have dwelled on Florida. However, several people have given you feasible plans for traveling through multiple southern states.
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Old Aug 5th, 2009, 07:09 AM
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Are you Civil War buffs? Music fans? Are you interested in the Civil Rights Movement? Do you like natural beauty or are you city people? Are you interested in political history? I would really think about what interests you and then look for locations that fit those interests in states other than Florida.
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Old Aug 5th, 2009, 07:09 AM
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An addition to my last reply: Just don't expect it to be warm. It will be warmer, but not warm.
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Old Aug 5th, 2009, 10:29 AM
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Thanks to Cferrb for asking pertinent questions. We love natural beauty but also we want to visit some cities if they have special significance either re: civil war or not.
so, we are interested in noteworthy places/ If interesting areas are in cities, ok, but we do not want to wander amongst crowds aimlessly.We have travelled extensively to foreign places, but wanted to make this trip low key and interesting. I would love to hear your suggestions. Has this helped? [email protected]
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Old Aug 6th, 2009, 04:49 AM
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I thought there were a good many interesting places mentioned in several states. The "warm" need has been amply addressed. Historic places like Charleston, Savannah, Beaufort, Jax, and the Keys. New Orleans? Biloxi? Natchez Trace?. I thought that was a really nice itinerary, personally, with some nice warm weather.
If you are interested in civil rights I cannot recommend too highly the Civil Rights memorial in Montgomery, designed by Maya Lin at the Southern Poverty Legal Center. It is incredible.
Since we now know you are interested in Civil War sites, maybe get a map of those sites and connect the dots.
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Old Aug 6th, 2009, 04:50 AM
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And of course, in Miami en route to the Keys, you have one of the coolest cities in the world for Art Deco architecture.
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