We live in northern NH and would like to vacation first of March someplace warm where we can bicycle, golf and soak up the sun. Any spot OUT of New England!
Thank you.

Charleston and Hilton Head immediately come to mind, but the weather isn't guaranteed to be really warm (nothing like the coldness of New England though) in the first of March. You could always head into Florida or even to the Gulf.

How about the Florida Keys??

Is Hilton Head overly congested and commercialized? Are there bike paths and things to do other than hang out on the beach? Thanks for your reply, too!

You are planning a time of year when (for the Southeast U.S., at least) warm weather and good beaches cannot be guaranteed above a latitude somewhere around Fort Myers. From there south on either coast of Florida, it's going to be usually pleasant. I wouldn't even consider something as far north as Hilton Head if your stated goals are going to be met. Good luck.

Hilton Head isn't overly congested or commercial. There are LOTS of bike paths. Most of resorts include more residential areas along with the ocean front properties. It is still very beautiful.

You'll need to get to Fla. (at least) for decent weather. I'm not keen on HH myself. Of course I'm not keen on resorts either. Resort or not ?

Try the Destin, FL area, but becareful of scheduling with Spring Break!!

Think Maui... it will surpass you wildest dreams for golf, sun and relaxation. I know, I just got back! Aloha

If they're looking for golf, the Keys aren't the right place. Maybe Arizona?

www.hereinfranklin.wordpress.com

Fort Myers Florida--see if you can rent a unit at Gulf Harbour. it's residential but oweners there sometimes rent out their units to people by the week or month.

Sanibel/Captiva islands off the gulfcoast of Florida. Canoeing, biking, shelling, relaxing, Can't beat it. Would recommend South Seas Plantation on Captiva or Song of the Seas on Sanibel,

Hilton Head is overly congested and completely commercialized.

"Warm" is relative and you may think coming from NH that anything above freezing is warm. However, anywhere north of central Florida is not likely to be all that warm during the first week of March. In SC, GA and northern Florida, you might have 70s, but it could be 60s, or even 50s.

There are great deals to the Carribean this year.

Hi lawerl, I'm in southern NH and share your anguish.

To thaw out, we like to fly out of the Manchester airport on Southwest to one of their non-stop destinations in FL and even a few times to Las Vegas. Southwest also flies Manchester to Phoenix non-stop. Any of those places should be nice and warm by March.

We're also thinking of Charleston, but there aren't any non-stops from Manchester or Boston, although it's still under consideration for March and highly recommended by other Fodorites.

How about Death Valley? The area has so much to offer and the golf course is really unique. You could stay at the historic Furnace Creek Inn for a more upscale experience. Fly into Las Vegas, rent a car, and you'll be there in 2 hours.

At first I thought you joking, but Furnace Creek Inn is legit and actually looks quite nice on their website.

My bones are starting to thaw just thinking of such a warm place - jk - but the thought of it is pleasant enough. Thanks for the idea!

No joke! We have gone to Death Valley at least 30 times. The weather is so comfortably warm (and we love to hike). The geology is so interesting and, yes, the Furnace Creek Inn is lovely. I love the view from their pool. However, most times we have stayed at the very average, but fine with us, motel - Furnace Creek Ranch.

Thank you all for your replies!