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garmp's avatar
garmp
Explorer II
Jul 16, 2017

St. Louis, Mo to where it's warm in Feb.

DW is already planning to escape the St Louis cold in Feb and wants to make plans to head west for a couple of weeks at that time. Getting burned out on the Gulf Coast, especially the panhandle area and don't really want to drive 1400 miles to Arizona. We aren't beach people, though it is nice for a while. MUST avoid snow, ice and the such when driving, so that's a consideration.
Any grand ideas on a destination area? We will not sit for a week in one spot. Rather than destination people we are touring people. A couple of nights here, another couple there, etc. Sights, history, interesting and even quirky things and local eateries are our thing. Cities do very little for us. We rather have trees, rocks and a quaint stream for our entertainment.
Appreciate any and all help.

8 Replies

  • Rockhill, we just completed almost an identical trip as you described this June. Loved the springs. And especially Otter Springs where we found out that all the profits go to their Camp Valor Project for wounded and disabled vets. Hits a soft spot for us.
  • Any grand ideas on a destination area? We will not sit for a week in one spot. Rather than destination people we are touring people. A couple of nights here, another couple there, etc. Sights, history, interesting and even quirky things and local eateries are our thing. Cities do very little for us. We rather have trees, rocks and a quaint stream for our entertainment. Appreciate any and all help.



    All you have to do is go just a little further into North Central Florida where the springs are. Rainbow Springs, Silver Springs.

    They are spectacular and there is plenty to see and do in this area, rivers to float down on, or kayak or canoe down, manatees to swim with, 3 State Parks close to each other, all in places steeped in history, within very short distances of each other, etc.

    Start out with Dunnellon Rainbow Springs and River, stop at Silver Springs and then move on over to Crystal River and the springs there. You will see the most insane brighest blue, perfectly clear water you have ever seen.

    IMHO, JMHO the best kept secret in Florida. :W

    Oh, and don't forget to stop at Charlie's Restaurant in Crystal River on the waterfront. THE best seafood ever! :B
  • The hill country area of TX has fairly mild winters with a few short spells of cold weather, in and out quickly. There are several state parks in the area, lots of little towns to explore, etc.
  • 3rd for Rio Grande Valley... Big Bend National Park is interesting - 3 different ecosystems all in one national park - desert, river valley and mountains. On the way down stop at Davis Mountain State Park and go to a dark skies party at McDonald Observatory - check to see if you need tickets ahead of time, it's very popular. South Padre Island is nice at the "end of the road" and Los Fresnos (near Brownsville) has a nice little rodeo in February. Enjoy!
  • Without coming right out and saying it, it sounds like your asking about Galveston and then the RGV and maybe a week or so in New
    Mexico.
    Edit add on. New Mexico has a wonderful brochure avail print or online.
    www.newmexico.org/plan/
    Anyone who hasn't checked it may be surprised.
    Military can even use a beachfront location in Corpus Christi.

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