Winter Road Trip Resources
Although winter is a good time for "cocooning," the months
between November and March represent one of the heaviest roadtrip
times of the year. Some travelers are on the road to warmer climes
while others are headed for winter playgrounds. Snowbirds (those
with summer homes in northern states like Idaho, Michigan or Maine
who head to the southern states when the temperatures plunge below
freezing) represent a crucial economic boost to states like California,
Arizona and Florida. On the east coast, the two primary "snowbird"
corridors are I-75
and I-95.
The migration of winter vacationers to the world-class ski resorts
in the Colorado Rockies and California's Sierra Nevadas also keeps
highways busy. On this page, we have included destination ideas
for snowbirds, winter vacationers, and those who just like cold-weather
adventures. Some are links to articles on this site, and the balance
go to other sites with information about the best winter destinations
in North America.
Winter
Road Trip Tips: Bob
Schaller & Dennis
Weaver share suggestions and wisdom for great &
safe cold weather traveling (11/13/05)
Top
Ten Snow Sports Location in the U.S. & Canada: Compiled
by the editors of Snow Sports Guidebooks, this site features detailed
information about resorts throughout North America. (8/15/04)
Mustard
Festival: Spring comes early in California!
When the mustard blooms on the foothills in February
and March, Napa Valley celebrates with a festival featuring
art exhibits, special wine tastings, and tours.
50
Inches of Fresh Snow! Winter events at Mammoth
Mountain, California, including the U.S. Snowboard Grand
Prix in January.
Interactive
Florida Planner: This site gives a pretty good overview
of the various attractions found within Florida's counties. Be sure
to click on the Interactive Map—cute sound effects!
Death
Valley National Park, California: Winter is prime time for
exploring the back roads of this magnificent park. Carrying plenty
of water and other preparations are still important, but daytime
temperatures are far more comfortable than they are in summer. One
of our favorite drives is Titus
Canyon.
Southern
California - Arts and Crafts: "Winter Fantasy"
is held on four weekends in late November and early December on
the grounds of the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach, California.
Rose
Parade - Pasadena, California: Flowers, floats,
and marching bands are always a good excuse for a roadtrip,
and "it never rains on New Year's Day in Pasadena!"
Phoenix,
Arizona - I brake for Barbeque: Road guru Bob Schaller guides
road trippers to the tastiest selections in the greater Phoenix
area.
Hot
Springs of the Oregon Outback: Two great places to get yourself
into hot water on US Highway 395 in eastern Oregon.
Northern
Minnesota Winter Fun: Info about ice fishing, dog sledding,
snowmobiles, and more chilly hobbies.
St.
Paul , Minnesota - Monumental Ice Carvings:
The 118th annual Winter Carnival features the largest
ice castles anywhere.
Kirtchener, Ontario - Christkindl Market Festival:
One of the largest Christmas markets in North America
features German music, arts & crafts, food, and
art. Kirtchener, known as Berlin until 1916, welcomes
thousand of visitors in early December.
Bentleyville,
Minnesota - Holiday Lights:
In the woods just north of Cloquet, Minnesota, a team
of volunteers has created a 4-acre winter wonderland
with millions of lights, hundreds of huge snowflakes
and 230 lighted reindeer scattered around the trees.
The event is free, and hot cider, coffee and cookies
are served to all visitors. (11/30/07)
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