We've just recently retired & would like to spend one to two months away from our snowbound home! Most "snowbirds" in our state flock to AZ, but we'd prefer something different as we don't golf. We're looking for a base where we can relax & enjoy day-trips or weekends to nearby local areas. We enjoy driving back roads, farmer's markets & local history - outdoor activities such as walking/biking/perhaps kayaking - good restaurants/local shops - friendly people to meet or join in activities -light traffic (not accustomed to heavy city driving) - and of course, warmer weather than -20 negative degrees!!! We do love laid-back beach areas such as Sanibel Island FL, but are interested in all suggestions. I know that we have to make arrangements far from actual travel dates, so any suggestions of what areas to consider or other helpful advice would be most appreciated!

Congratulations on your retirement. Is your plan to drive your own vehicle to whatever warm spot your pick for your winter home? I/we don't spend a whole month away from our home in central Oregon but we did drive to Yuma AZ last month. Neither of us plays golf but we do geocache sometimes which checks several of your boxes. Arizona has a lot more than golf going for it. On other trips there we have visited the Grand Canyon and Sedona.
If you want to be near the Caribbean, you should also check out South Padre Island in Texas.

OP Wrote: "light traffic (not accustomed to heavy city driving"

Most places that are popular with snowbirds trying to escape the cold of their "snowbound" homes are going to have more than their fair share of traffic during the winter months. For example, you mentioned Sanibel Island in SW Florida - that island has basically one main road that traverses the island from south to north. It, and the extension that goes across the neighboring Captiva Island, can be very slow going between January and the end of April. Likewise, the main roads in areas further south like Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples and Marco Island can have hordes of traffic in High Season.

The Hill Country of Texas is famous for its rolling hills, clear streams, and German architecture. The region has such a mild climate it has attracted many retirees. Explore German towns such as Fredricksburg which features stone buildings built by Germans, biergardens and a lively downtown. Eat German food. Check out Bandera, the self-proclaimed “Cowboy Capital of the World”. Ride horses on a nearby guest (dude) ranch. Be sure to eat the world-famous Texas chili, Tex-Mex and BBQ. Float or tube one of the rivers such as the Frio, Medina, Guadalupe or Blanco. Go hiking in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, or Lost Maples State Natural Area. Picnic at Hamilton Pool Preserve.

A little surprised to see North Carolina on your list of possibilities. The mountains, of course, get a reverse flow - people escaping the heat in Florida in the summer. The tourist season at the beach starts wrapping up after Labor Day. Where I live just outside the state capital gets quite a lot of permanent retirees, but I'm not aware of any snowbirds. We do have reasonable traffic outside rush hour, plenty of hiking and biking trails, some history (Old Salem) and much better food options than when I first moved here. Winters can be quite pleasant: this year we had snow three successive weekends, but it was gone in a day each time. Even when we get a "proper" snow storm, it's not a problem if you're willing to stay home for two or three days (I know you know how to drive in snow, the problem is all the other people who do not). The beach is a two-three hour drive, as is Wilmington (historic houses), the mountains (Asheville) a bit further.

We've been to the Myrtle Beach, Pawley's Island, Charleston areas of SC as well as Asheville, Charlotte, Seagrove NC and Orlando, Ft. Myers, Sanibel Island in FL on East Coast and have visited Phoenix, Sedona, GC in AZ. We're not familiar with other coastal areas along NC, SC, GA, FL, etc. (other than areas mentioned). We would most likely drive our own vehicle to where-ever we'd stay. It could be one month here, another there. We'd be comfortable in areas that would require a light sweatshirt or jacket instead of a parka, but still offers activities to do or are nearby. Small communities or towns would be OK, although I know that's not the norm. We''re capable of driving; but 6 to 8 lane traffic raises our blood pressure! We're new to all of this, so please forgive our inexperience!