![\"New](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/New-Orleans.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"French](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/My-shot-of-French-Quarter-in-New-Orleans.jpg?resize=1024%2C684&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
As I expected, New Orleans was absolutely electric this month \u2014 Mardi Gras<\/a> filled the city with a riot of color, music, and dancing revelers, and the mild winter weather made it easy to dive right into all the excitement.<\/p>\n I flew into New Orleans (MSY) for a week and caught the offbeat Krewe du Vieux and glittering Krewe of Muses parades, wandered through the jazz-filled French Quarter where brass bands spilled music into the streets and balconies overflowed with Mardi Gras beads, and indulged in King Cake (yes, I found the baby!), Creole dishes at the elegant Commander\u2019s Palace<\/a>, and pillowy beignets at the charming Caf\u00e9 du Monde<\/a>.<\/p>\n Location:<\/b> southeastern Louisiana, South USA | Vibe:<\/b> lively, vibrant and fun | Avg temp:<\/b> 18\u00b0C to 20\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n February was a dreamy time to visit Mendocino \u2014 cool, misty weather, empty streets, and a laid-back local vibe made this coastal village feel extra intimate. I discovered it was also peak whale-watching season, and the foggy cliffs and cozy inns made it perfect for a Valentine\u2019s getaway too!<\/p>\n I drove three hours up from San Francisco and spent four peaceful days here. I watched whales from Mendocino Headlands State Park<\/a>, hiked through the misty redwoods at Russian Gulch State Park<\/a>, wandered the romantic cliffside paths, and browsed Main Street\u2019s quirky shops and 1960s-era art galleries \u2014 my favorite was the sea glass gifts at the Astoria Home Decor and Gift Shop. <\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Northern California<\/a>, West USA | Vibe:<\/b> Coastal and artsy | Avg temp:<\/b> 13\u00b0C to 16\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I was very happy I chose this month for my San Antonio trip \u2014 the weather was mild with six hours of sunshine a day, the humidity was low, and the city felt refreshingly uncrowded. I even found hotel deals and a fun lineup of events, including the quirky annual Cupid 5K Chase.<\/a><\/p>\n Touching down at San Antonio International Airport (SAT), I spent a lively long weekend exploring the Alamo and Spanish Missions, meandering the glowing River Walk, and wandering the graceful King William Historic District to tour the Edward Steves Homestead Museum<\/a>, before diving into sizzling Tex-Mex by the waterfront – the Avocado and Portabella fries at the trendy Iron Cactus<\/a> totally stole the show for me!<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>south-central Texas<\/a>, South-Central USA | Vibe:<\/b> historic city with cultural depth | Avg temp:<\/b> 13\u00b0C to 16\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I found this was an ideal time to explore Death Valley \u2014 the temperatures were pleasantly mild, the trails blissfully quiet, and the soft winter light made the desert look extra dramatic! I even caught the first wildflowers blooming and timed my visit with the incredible Dark Sky Festiva<\/a>l, complete with NASA-led talks, stargazing sessions, and astrophotography workshops.<\/p>\n I drove four hours from Los Angeles and spent three unforgettable days basing myself at the family-friendly upscale Inn at Death Valley<\/a>. I hiked Golden and Mosaic Canyons, crossed the otherworldly salt flats of Badwater Basin, and soaked in the stunning views from Zabriskie Point and Dante\u2019s View.<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>California-Nevada Border<\/a>, West USA | Vibe:<\/b> surreal, peaceful isolation | Avg temp:<\/b> 18\u00b0C to 24\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Palm Springs was the dreamiest antidote to the winter blues \u2014 endless sunshine, balmy weather, and retro-chic resort vibes made it perfect for poolside lounging and outdoor exploring without the heavier March<\/a> and April<\/a> crowds. I also got to experience Modernism Week<\/a>, a colorful celebration of the city\u2019s mid-century design.<\/p>\n I drove 1 hour 40 minutes from Los Angeles and chilled for five days, touring iconic mid-century homes, riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to snow-dusted Mount San Jacinto, unwinding with a cucumber-melon body treatment at Spa La Quinta<\/a> and browsing the buzzy farmers\u2019 markets where stalls smelled of citrus, eucalyptus honey, and desert lavender!<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Southern California Desert,<\/a> West USA | Vibe:<\/b> sunny, retro-chic oasis | Avg temp:<\/b> 21\u00b0C to 24\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Visiting Vail this month turned out to be a fantastic choice \u2014 peak snow conditions blanketed the legendary Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin, the air was crisp and clear, and the cozy fireside apr\u00e8s-ski and alpine village vibe made it feel like the ultimate winter escape for me!<\/p>\n I flew into Denver<\/a> and drove just over 2 hours west on I-70 through snowy mountain passes basing myself at the chic 4-star Tivoli Lodge<\/a> for an outdoor-focused four days. By this month the whole mountain was fully open \u2014 glades, groomers, and famous bowls \u2014 with a stable snowpack that felt softer and less icy under my skis. I also caught the nostalgic Vail Legacy Weekend<\/a> and found out that a thrilling Vail Mountain Winter Uphill Race<\/a> also took place this month.<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Central Colorado<\/a>, West USA | Vibe:<\/b> luxurious alpine village | Avg temp:<\/b> -4\u00b0C to 2\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Escaping winter for the Florida Keys was the best move I could\u2019ve made \u2014 this month delivered golden sunshine, calm seas, and tropical energy without the summer rush. I found great hotel deals, live music on every corner, and fun events like the Key West Art & Craft Festival<\/a>. The water was a bit cool for swimming, but that was my only complaint!<\/p>\n I drove four hours from Miami and spent a sun-drenched week snorkeling the coral reefs (with a wetsuit!) at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, kayaking Big Pine Key\u2019s mangroves, catching Mallory Square\u2019s sunset celebrations, and touring the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum<\/a> \u2014 my favorite part was spotting the adorable six-toed cats roaming around the property!<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>off the southern coast of Florida, Southeast USA | Vibe:<\/b> laid-back island chain | Avg temp:<\/b> 24\u00b0C to 27\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n My winter escape to Leavenworth felt like stepping into a real-life snow globe \u2014 snow-dusted Bavarian buildings, alpine peaks, and crackling fires made it the perfect setting for Valentine\u2019s getaways and winter fun. Even in the quieter season, the town glowed with over half a million lights and a wonderfully romantic atmosphere.<\/p>\n I drove 2.5 hours from Seattle<\/a> and stayed at the charming Enzian Inn<\/a> for short winter break spending my days sledding at Front Street Park, skiing and snowshoeing the Icicle River Trails, browsing twinkle-lit alpine shops strung with warm white lights and cedar-scented wreaths, and ending with a foraged mushroom risotto at Watershed Caf\u00e9 before unwinding in a cozy bar.<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Pacific Northwest<\/a>, West USA | Vibe:<\/b> Bavarian-inspired snowy village | Avg temp: <\/b><\/span>0\u00b0C to 5\u00b0C<\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Soaking in the thermal springs this month was pure magic \u2014 the chilly mountain air made the steaming mineral tubs feel extra rejuvenating, and the quiet Appalachian trails and French Broad River paths were perfect for winter hikes. I loved the cozy, uncrowded mountain-town vibe, the great off-season hotel deals, and the charming Valentine\u2019s and Winter Romance celebrations.<\/p>\n I flew into Asheville Regional (AVL) and spent three relaxing days at the quirky-chic Laughing Heart Lodge<\/a>, soaking in the mineral tubs at Hot Springs Resort & Spa<\/a>, hiking the snowy Appalachian Trail past Lover\u2019s Leap, enjoying riverside walks along the French Broad, and ending my evenings with live folk music and penne with blackened tofu at the Iron Horse Station<\/a>.<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Western North Carolina<\/a>, Southeast USA | Vibe:<\/b> Tranquil, rustic mountain escape | Avg temp: <\/b>8\u00b0C to 12\u00b0C <\/span><\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This month was made for exploring here \u2014 mild days, golden winter light, and quiet trails made the red sandstone formations glow even brighter. I timed my trip to join the magical new moon guided hike on the Seven Wonders Loop, part of the park\u2019s February Hike of the Month series.<\/p>\n Driving just an hour northeast of Las Vegas<\/a>, I spent five days at the nearby North Shore Inn<\/a> at Lake Mead in Overton, exploring Rainbow Vista\u2019s colorful sandstone, squeezing through Pink Canyon and the White Domes slot canyons, photographing the Fire Wave and Elephant Rock in the soft winter light, and wandering among the surreal formations of the Seven Sisters, Fire Cave, and the Beehives.<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Southeast Nevada,<\/a> Southwest USA| Vibe:<\/b> Fiery red rock surreal wonderland | Avg temp: <\/b>15\u00b0C to 21\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Spotting desert bighorn sheep with hooves clattering on the rocks and the occasional lizard darting across the warm sandstone in the quiet desert air!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Alta this month left me in awe \u2014 deep snowpack, fresh powder, and brilliant blue skies against dazzling white slopes made every run feel picture-perfect. The alpine scenery was stunning, the laid-back, no-frills vibe refreshing, and I loved the lighter crowds and better prices compared to the busier winter months (which were December<\/a> and January<\/a>).<\/p>\n There were plenty of fun events too, from the Valentine\u2019s heART Market<\/a> and Snowshoe with a Naturalist hikes<\/a> to the weekly Ski with a Ranger<\/a> program. I flew into Salt Lake City International (SLC), drove just over 40 minutes, and spent four active days at the chic 4-star Snowpine Lodge<\/a> \u2014 tackling Alta\u2019s legendary High Rustler, soaking up views from Albion Basin, and ending each day indulging in the lively apr\u00e8s-ski scene.<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Northern Utah, Western USA| Vibe:<\/b> no-frills alpine feel | Avg temp: <\/b>– 3 to 2\u00b0C <\/span><\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Visiting Yellowstone this month really felt like stepping into another world \u2014 snow transformed the park into a dazzling winter wonderland, and watching geysers erupt through frosty air was an extraordinary experience. The quiet, crowd-free atmosphere and soft winter light made it ideal for photography. <\/p>\n Flying into Jackson Hole Airport, I stayed at the unique Yellowstone Park Hotel<\/a> in West Yellowstone and spent my seven days watching Old Faithful erupt against a snowy backdrop, skiing near Mammoth Hot Springs, spotting bison and wolves in Lamar Valley, joining guided snowshoe tours, and exploring the park\u2019s remote interior by snowcoach.<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Northwest Wyoming<\/a>, Northwest USA| Vibe:<\/b> snow-covered geothermal natural paradise | Avg temp: <\/b>-15 to 0\u00b0C <\/span><\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I found that February was an awesome time to visit Petrified Forest \u2014 the cooler weather made long hikes comfortable, the trails were blissfully quiet, and unlike many parks, everything stayed open (although the facilities closed around 5 pm). It felt like I had the surreal pastel badlands streaked with soft lavender, rose, and clay-orange bands and ancient petrified logs almost to myself! <\/p>\n I drove two hours from Flagstaff and based myself at the quirky 4-star Brad\u2019s Desert Inn<\/a> for a long weekend. I hiked the Blue Mesa Trail through pastel-striped badlands, wandered the glittering Crystal Forest, saw centuries-old petroglyphs at Puerco Pueblo, and joined a fascinating ranger-led backcountry tour of the colorful Painted Desert.<\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Northeastern Arizona,<\/a> Southwest USA | Vibe:<\/b> Surreal and quiet desert solitude | Avg temp: <\/b>10\u00b0C to 16\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Kirkwood totally won me over \u2014 the deep powder, rugged bowls, and challenging terrain made for epic skiing and snowboarding, yet the resort still felt laid-back and blissfully uncrowded. I also loved that it\u2019s one of California\u2019s more affordable ski spots, and I happened to visit during the exciting IFSA 2* Collegiate Qualifier<\/a>.<\/p>\n I flew into Reno-Tahoe International Airport, drove 1 hour 45 minutes southwest, and spent a short-winter break at the cozy 4-star Kirkwood Mountain Resort<\/a>. I skied, gazed in awe at the pros take on The Wall and The Cirque, snowshoed through Kirkwood Meadow, and wrapped up my days with a Hot Toddy at the mountain-chic Wall Bar<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
3. Mendocino, Northern California<\/h2>\n
![\"Mendocino](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Mendocino.jpg?resize=999%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Mendocino](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Mendocino-winter-break.jpg?resize=1000%2C549&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n
4. San Antonio, Texas<\/h2>\n
![\"San](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/San-Antonio-River-Walk.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Edward](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-photo-of-Edward-Steves-Homestead-Museum-in-the-King-William-Historic-District-in-San-Antonio-in-Texas.webp)
<\/picture>\n
5. Death Valley, California<\/h2>\n
![\"Death](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Death-Valley-California.jpg?resize=1000%2C537&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Death](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Death-Valley-California.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n
6. Palm Springs, California<\/h2>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-Instagram-shot-of-Marilyn-Monroe-Statue-in-Palm-Springs.webp)
<\/picture>![\"Palm](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Palm-Springs-California-Motel.webp)
<\/picture>\n
7. Vail Ski Resort, Colorado
![\"Vail](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Vail-Ski-Resort.jpg?resize=1000%2C562&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/h2>\n![\"Vail](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Vail-Ski-Resort-USA.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n
8. The Keys, Florida<\/h2>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-snapshot-of-Florida-Keys.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-photograph-of-Florida-Keys-Sunset.webp)
<\/picture>\n
9. Leavenworth, Washington<\/h2>\n
![\"Leavenworth](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Leavenworth-Winter.jpg?resize=1000%2C659&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Leavenworth](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Leavenworth-winter-resort.jpg?resize=1000%2C717&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n
10. Hot Springs, North Carolina<\/h2>\n
![\"Hot](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Hot-Springs-North-Carolina.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Hot](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Hot-Springs-North-Carolina.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n
11. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada<\/h2>\n
![\"Valley](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Valley-of-Fire-State-Park-Nevada.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Valley](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Valley-of-Fire-Nevada.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n
12. Alta, Utah<\/h2>\n
![\"Alta,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Alta-Utah.jpg?resize=1000%2C669&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Alta,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Alta-Utah-ski-resort.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n
13. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming <\/h2>\n
![\"Yellowstone](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Tellowstone-in-winter.jpg?resize=1000%2C598&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Yellowstone](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Yellowstone-National-Park-winter.jpg?resize=1000%2C655&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n
14. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
![\"Petrified](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Petrified-Forest-National-Park-USA.jpg?resize=1000%2C669&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/h2>\n![\"Petrified](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Petrified-Forest-National-Park.jpg?resize=1000%2C662&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n
15. Kirkwood, California<\/h2>\n
![\"Kirkwood,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Kirkwood-California.jpg?resize=1000%2C647&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Kirkwood](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Kirkwood-California-winter.jpg?resize=1000%2C750&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n
![\"Big](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Big-Sky-Montana.jpg?resize=1000%2C563&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Big](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/My-photograph-of-Big-Sky-Montana-in-winter.webp)
<\/picture>This month was made for visiting this cozy mountain gem \u2014 peak snowfall turned the Madison Range into a snowy wonderland, and with the holiday rush over, I enjoyed wide-open trails, short lift lines, and a peaceful, uncrowded vibe. Off-season deals made it feel like a luxury trip without the hefty price tag and the awesome Best in the West Showdown<\/a> event also took place this month!<\/p>\n Flying into Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN), I drove an hour south and spent five cozy days at rustic-chic Lone Mountain Ranch<\/a>, relaxing by crackling fires under star-filled skies. I skied Big Sky\u2019s legendary slopes, snowshoed through Gallatin Canyon, and warmed up with cedar-plank mushrooms and handcrafted cocktails at Horn & Cantle<\/a>. <\/p>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-IG-snap-of-Shelter-Island-Marina-in-San-Diego.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/My-photo-of-Cafe-Coyote-y-Cantina-in-Old-Town-San-Diego.webp)
<\/picture>