Shockingly, Minnesota Isn’t on the Best Winter Destinations List This Year
When you think of cold weather in America, does anything besides Minnesota come to mind? Seriously, any time I go anywhere and mention I’m from Minnesota, I get the whole “Oh man, how do you handle those winters?” reaction.
So, imagine my surprise (and, honestly, frustration) when I saw this list and found that Minnesota didn’t even crack the top 10! And don’t get me started on the baffling choice for the number one cold-weather winter destination.
The list was put together by WalletHub. They analyzed almost 70 major metro areas, using 37 different factors to rank each one. Everything from two weeks’ worth of flight data to safety scores and even weather forecasts.
In the end, they came up with a list of the top cold-weather destinations that won’t break the bank and are easy to reach.
I literally just wrote about how it'll be cheaper to fly this holiday season with Minnesota being the most affordable place to fly into, soooo...
I digress. Let's look at the top 5. Just wait until you see the number one pick. Insert eye roll here.
Acording to VisitCincy, you can spend a day skiing, snow tubing, or snowboarding at Perfect North Slopes or ice skating at Fountain Square. If you'd rather stay inside when the weather's cold, explore indoor options like the Cincinnati Art Museum, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, food tours, and live music venues.
According to ChooseChicago, winter is one of the most magical times of the year in Chicago, when snow gives the city an added sparkle. Embrace the season and set off on a wintry adventure, from ice skating in the shadow of Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”) to sledding and snowshoeing within view of the snowy lakefront.
While winter may not be primetime for Washington DC tourism, those who brave the weather will be rewarded with quieter attractions, festive events, extra-cozy restaurants and bars (with easier-to-book reservations), and the chance to see the city at its softest and most magical, according to Viator.
According to WalletHub, New York City has a ton of attractions, including ones that are perfect for winter vacationers. Like the fifth-most ice skating rinks per capita and a very high number of music venues, spas and affordable restaurants with at least 4.5 stars.
Say what? Does it even get "cold" in Atlanta?? It doesn't snow. The average high in the winter is between 50 and 60. That's not a winter. ;)
Wallethub says, The Atlanta metro area is the best cold-weather winter travel destination of 2024 because it has a large number of attractions and an especially high number of shopping centers, spas, food festivals and restaurants per capita.
Minnesota did make the list, but more of an honorable mention spot in the number 14 position. Do you agree with their top 5? Do you think Minnesota should have been higher?
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