Trifter

Yes, going south for the winter is really a great answer for avoiding the blues. If you are able to schedule a vacation for some time in the winter, you will come back to work feeling like a million without having spent one.

Although January temperatures in Florida’s panhandle are not in the high 70’s that the southern cities of Florida boasts, they still beat the ice and snow and 0 degrees of the northern states. Average temperatures in the Emerald Coast cities like Seagrove Beach and Destin are in the lower 60’s. Warm enough for sunning, but chilly for swimming. Try flying a kite on this sugar white sandy beach. The emerald waters are stunning.

My husband flying “Legs” on Seagrove Beach. Photo by Ave Yarrum

Golf can be played under clear blue skies and to make it even better, early bird specials are offered in January. Courses that are beautifully manicured offer tee times to early risers. The specials at some of the top courses are real bargains. You can play 18 holes with a cart for $39. Twilight specials for play after 2 PM can be as low as $29.

There are bike rental shops along 30A that offer bikes for $15 a day. Take a ride to Seaside and soak in the ambiance of a sweet, little seacoast village. Ride up and down the streets in this colorful community which has more to offer than just housing. Seaside shops are sophisticated and offer everything from beach wear to art and jewelry. The food is great at the Taco Bar and the Market in the shopping village offers some terrific daily specials.

Seaside, Florida photo by Ave Yarrum

For great photo ops, go a little farther west of Seaside to Grayton Beach State Park. The dunes are beautiful and will stay that way in this well-protected park.

“Dunes in Grayton State Park” photo by Ave Yarrum

In February the temperatures begin to warm and then in March the buzz comes back to Seagrove Beach. There is always some activity on the community calendar in Destin just a 25 minutes drive west of Seagrove. But January is the best shopping at Silver Sands Outlet with bargains up to 75% off. If you have Holiday gift cards to spend, come on down.

There’s lots to do or nothing to do but meander around the beach. Wintering in NE Florida is more affordable than you may think…a bit cooler than Miami, but a terrific way to spend some time away from it all.