North Carolina Spot Honored as Top Coastal Area in America

We're heading into December, so it's difficult to think about beaches right now. But, in certain areas of the U.S., it's always a good time to hit the beach. As someone who lives in the Midwest, I definitely wish we could have our beaches open year-round. But, it obviously gets super cold in the Midwest during the winter months. That said, if you're looking at a winter getaway and America's best vacations, Good Housekeeping has has a new list out. It features the best coastal areas in America. What's extra cool is that one North Carolina spot has been named a top coastal area.

The report highlights beaches and getaways from all over, including getaways in Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, New York and even Portugal. One interesting pick was their "cottages at the lake" choice at The Cove. That's located at Sylvan Beach in Sylvan Beach, New York. The Cove at Sylvan Beach boasts 70 two- and three-bedroom cottages with kitchens, outdoor grills, living rooms and washer/dryers. As a Midwestern, that sounds like a totally familiar vacation.

So, which North Carolina area has been honored as a top coastal area in America? It's the Crystal Coast, of course. Good Housekeeping notes that it's also referred to as the Southern Outer Banks, with the 85 miles of scenic shoreline on North Carolina's Crystal Coast. It's truly beautiful. They add, "Sure, you've heard of Nags Head (thanks, Netflix) but the 11 Crystal Coast communities about three to four hours southwest of that should be on your radar too. It's easy to drive from one to the next, so your crew could be UTVing around Cape Lookout National Seashore in the morning, exploring the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores in the afternoon and heading to the buzzy Amos Mosquito's in Atlantic Beach for dinner." Find the full list here.

It's never too early to start planning an exciting winter getaway, especially since the most popular winter vacation spots get booked up quickly. The good news, though, is that most people take vacations in the summer, so traveling in the winter can be a bit more relaxing. You are also able to usually find better travel rates during the winter season, except during the holidays. If you don't have to travel during the holidays, just don't, because it's a mess. So, what are the best winter getaways in the U.S.? North Carolina has one of them.

I've researched some of the most popular winter vacation destinations in hopes of finding the perfect spot. The following list includes not just sunny, warm getaways, but also some areas that people who love snow can enjoy. Honestly, many people who live in a warm climate like to flock to a snowy location for a bit during the winter to get that seasonal experience, even if that seems counter intuitive. Of course, those who live in the northern parts of America love to go to a warm spot and get away from their daily lives filled with snow and ice.

I'm a Michigan girl, so I'm very familiar with the cold and ice in the winter. Not that I like it. Each year, I say I'm going to escape, even if it's just for a few days, to a warmer location. But, I never do. Maybe this year will be different. Looking at vacation rates, it's fairly easy to find some good deals, again, if it's not during the holiday travel season. Read on for some of the bets winter getaways in the U.S., based on my research. What's your favorite winter vacation spot? Reach out to me on social media here and let me know. Have a fantastic winter, and stay warm.

If you're looking for a mild getaway, Savannah, Georgia, is a great choice. It's pretty mild in the winter, so not too cold or too hot. The Historic District is a popular winter vacation spot, too.

https://visitsavannah.com/

The beautiful area of Asheville, North Carolina, has plenty of gorgeous snowfall, and it's less dangerous than many other areas with snowfall. Lately, Asheville has one up in population, but it's still a popular tourist destination. One choice spot is the French Broad River, with lots of winter activities, breweries and restaurants.

https://www.exploreasheville.com/

If you want to enjoy a winter vacation and learn about history, Philadelphia is a great vacation spot. Sure, it's won't be like sunny Florida. But, Philly has lots of great museums and historical spots to enjoy indoors, while staying toasty.

https://www.visitphilly.com/

I know what you're thinking. Why go to Michigan in the winter? Well, if you love snow, then it's worth the trip. Traverse City, Michigan, is a quaint town, but it's big enough to have lots of things to do and places to stay. It's also cold in the winter but not as cold as, say the Dakotas.

https://www.traversecity.com/

If you want to get away from the snow and ice, go to Key West, Florida. It's considered one of the finest tropical spots in the U.S. during the winter months. Soak up the sun and have a margarita, because why not?

https://keywest.com/