Winter Escapes: Exploring Warm and Cold Weather Getaways
As winter deepens, it’s the perfect time to explore destinations that cater to your seasonal preferences. For those seeking warmth, Florida’s sunlit beaches and Arizona’s desert landscapes offer inviting retreats. Alternatively, the Midwest presents snowy escapes, from luxury resorts in northern Minnesota to the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan in Door County. Each location provides unique experiences tailored to your winter desires.
Florida
Anna Maria Island is a laid-back coastal retreat with seven miles of soft, white sand beaches, offering a relaxed Florida feel without the intrusion of high-rise buildings. The island welcomes visitors with cozy beachfront accommodations, such as the Mainsail Beach Inn, which features twelve residences ideally situated on Holmes Beach. Beachgoers can unwind at popular spots like Manatee Public Beach, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and amenities, including the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, which offers an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. The island also offers cultural attractions, including art galleries and museums, providing a rich blend of relaxation and engagement for all visitors.
In nearby Bradenton, the Riverwalk offers a scenic promenade along the Manatee River. The Manatee Village Historical Park preserves the area’s pioneer heritage with restored buildings and exhibits, while the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature showcases Florida’s natural history and houses a planetarium. For dining, PIER 22 provides a waterfront experience featuring modern and classic American cuisine. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Robinson Preserve’s nature trails and waterways, ideal for hiking, bird-watching and kayaking through mangroves, providing opportunities to spot manatees and dolphins just offshore.
The Perfect Day — Anna Maria Island and Bradenton
Begin your day by renting a bike to explore Anna Maria Island’s charming streets. For lunch, stop at The Ugly Grouper, known for its lively atmosphere and fresh seafood. In the afternoon, take the Monkey Bus for $5.00 plus tips to Robinson Preserve in Bradenton, where you can kayak through mangroves and observe local wildlife. Return to Anna Maria Island for dinner at the Sandbar Restaurant, a beachfront favorite celebrated for its fresh catches and stunning sunset views.
Bonita Springs, Florida, is a charming coastal city nestled between Naples and Fort Myers along the Gulf of Mexico. Known for its pristine white-sand beaches, such as Bonita Beach Park and Barefoot Beach Preserve, it offers visitors a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Everglades Wonder Gardens, a historic botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary featuring a variety of exotic and native plants, as well as wildlife exhibits. For those interested in the arts, the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs hosts local, regional and national traveling art exhibitions. After a day of exploration, guests can retreat to the historic Shangri-La Springs, a boutique hotel established in 1921, offering elegant accommodations, an organic spa and dining options on its expansive 8.5-acre property. With its diverse attractions and rich history, Bonita Springs provides a memorable experience for all visitors.
Fort Myers is a vibrant city that offers visitors a rich blend of cultural, historical and natural attractions. Located along the Caloosahatchee River, the city boasts a revitalized downtown River District, featuring charming brick-lined streets, eclectic shops, art galleries and a diverse culinary scene. History enthusiasts can explore the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, where the famed inventors’ homes, laboratories and lush gardens provide insight into their lives and innovations. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, a serene wetland sanctuary teeming with wildlife, ideal for peaceful walks and bird-watching. With its sunny climate, friendly atmosphere and array of activities, Fort Myers caters to travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
The Perfect Day — Bonita Springs and Fort Myers
Begin your day in Fort Myers with a yoga session by the water at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, followed by a tour of the historic homes and gardens. Enjoy an authentic Italian dinner at Bruno’s of Brooklyn, then savor a craft cocktail at Hogwash.
Arizona
Phoenix offers a variety of attractions for visitors. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Desert Botanical Garden, featuring a wide range of arid-region plants, or hike the trails of Camelback Mountain for city views. Art and history lovers will appreciate the Heard Museum’s Native American art exhibits and the Musical Instrument Museum’s diverse collection. For a unique experience, consider a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert, providing panoramic views of the landscape. With these diverse offerings, Phoenix provides a memorable experience for all visitors.
Scottsdale, Ariz., offers a diverse array of activities for visitors. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which features over 225 miles of scenic trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Art lovers will appreciate the Scottsdale ArtWalk, a weekly event in Old Town Scottsdale where galleries open their doors to showcase local and international artists. Architecture enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and desert laboratory, offering insights into his innovative designs. Additionally, Scottsdale Fashion Square, the largest shopping mall in Arizona, provides a premier destination for luxury shopping, dining and entertainment. For accommodations, consider the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, a AAA Five Diamond resort featuring six pools, including one with Arizona’s only white sand beach, and five award-winning restaurants and bars. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural events, recreational activities and upscale amenities, Scottsdale provides something for every traveler.
The Perfect Day — Phoenix and Scottsdale
Begin your day with a morning hike up Camelback Mountain, followed by a rejuvenating spa treatment at the Sisley-Paris Spa within the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. In the evening, take a Waymo autonomous vehicle to The Italiano, a restaurant offering classic Italian dishes and a warm atmosphere.
Grand View Lodge — Nisswa, Minn.
Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, Minn., offers a variety of amazing winter activities and amenities to ensure an unforgettable stay. Guests can enjoy ice skating on the resort’s maintained rinks and ice fishing on Roy Lake. The Glacial Waters Spa provides a range of treatments to rejuvenate the body and mind, offering an escape from the winter chill. The NorthPark recreation facility features an indoor pool with a waterslide, swimming lanes and two hot tubs, as well as a fitness center offering various classes. Unique dining experiences are available in heated igloos at the Northwoods Pub, where guests can enjoy meals in a cozy setting amidst the snowy landscape. Evenings can be spent roasting s’mores by the fire pits providing a perfect end to a winter day. Accommodations at Grand View Lodge range from cozy cabins to spacious lodge rooms.
The Perfect Day
Begin your day at Grand View Lodge with a cycling or yoga class at the NorthPark Recreation Center, followed by a hearty breakfast buffet in the lodge. Afterward, embark on a scenic hike through the surrounding trails. Upon returning, relax with a soak in the state’s largest hot tub at NorthPark. Treat yourself to a massage at the Glacial Waters Spa, and conclude your day with dinner from CHAR Craft Steaks.
Door County, Wisc.
Door County, Wisc., is a picturesque peninsula located between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, approximately a 5-hour drive east of the Twin Cities. The county comprises several charming communities, each offering unique attractions. For instance, Fish Creek, situated along the bay of Green Bay, is renowned for its traditional fish boils — a culinary experience where freshly caught Lake Michigan whitefish are cooked over an open fire, a practice deeply rooted in the area’s Scandinavian heritage. Visitors can also explore other quaint towns similar to Fish Creek; Baileys Harbor and Sister Bay, each offer their own blend of local culture, dining and shopping experiences. In winter, the county’s five state parks provide ample opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serene, snow-covered landscapes. Seasonal festivals celebrate local traditions, and the area’s wineries and breweries offer tastings of regional specialties. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures or cozy indoor experiences, Door County offers a memorable winter getaway.
The Perfect Day
Begin your day with an ice fishing adventure in Sturgeon Bay, followed by lunch at Blue Front Café; then, enjoy fat tire biking at Cave Point County Park, and conclude with pizza and beers from One Barrel Brewing Company and Pizza Bros.
5100 Eden Ave, Suite 107 • Edina, MN 55436
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