Although lesser-known than that other national holiday in November, these two holidays make for a great excuse for a getaway: National Hiking Day falls on today, November 17th, and is closely followed by National Camp Day on November 19th. Even though fall, spring, and summer seem to get all the attention when it comes to camping and hiking, the winter can be just a magical time to plan your next outdoor adventure—don't let the impending cold weather keep you from the fun. "There’s a special kind of joy in embracing the outdoors, in being active and playful, and yes, even in getting a little muddy,” Ali Rasmussen, co-founder of Spacious Skies Campgrounds, says. “Our philosophy is to ‘Take Your Indoors Outdoors,’ encouraging everyone to step out of their comfort zones, to exchange screens for nature scenes and to embrace the outdoors, especially as the seasons change. It’s not about retreating indoors as winter approaches, but about celebrating each moment under the open sky.” While many top hiking and camping spots close during the winter season, nine of the Spacious Skies campgrounds are open during the winter. Plus, they are all located near parks and outdoorsy attractions so campers can explore each destination in a variety of ways. In honor of National Hiking Day and National Camp Day, here are a few places to get outdoors and enjoy this season. French Pond (Henniker, New Hampshire) Hit the slopes at Mt. Sunapee Ski Resort. Beloved by area skiers for more than 75 years, Mt. Sunapee Ski Resort is also a state park. “Sunapee” is an Algonquian Indian word that means “Goose Lake,” and the ski area is indeed known for giving visitors goosebumps, with some epic expert runs and four terrain parks in addition to family-friendly beginner and intermediate runs. Spacious Skies French Pond features RV sites year-round as well as glamping options including retro RV rentals and a secluded one-bedroom cottage during the milder seasons. Belle Ridge (Monterey, Tennessee) A man balances on a downed tree on a hiking path by Jon Flobrant - Unsplash At Belle Ridge pack up your daypack and walk right out of your RV or glamping cabin to on-site trails that lead to backcountry waterfalls, overlooks, caves and a catch-and-release fishing pond. And if you don’t get dirty enough after exploring these on-site options, head to nearby Cummins Falls State Park, a rugged 306-acre park situated on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River on the Eastern Highland Rim. Sparsely visited in the winter, this scenic destination is home to the 75-foot-high Cummins Falls, the eighth largest waterfall in the state of Tennessee. In addition to RV sites, Spacious Skies Belle Ridge features lodging options like glamping cabins, luxury cabins and a vacation house for groups of up to 12 campers. Country Oaks (Dorothy, New Jersey) Break out your binoculars and head to Spacious Skies Country Oaks, a wooded oasis in the southern New Jersey countryside about an hour from Philadelphia and less than 40 minutes from the famed boardwalk of Atlantic City. The campground is close to wildlife management areas and hiking trails and near rivers and lakes in a region that is acclaimed for its birdwatching opportunities. Shenandoah Views (Luray, Virginia) Hikers watching the sunset by Brayden Winemiller - Unsplash Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and close to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views offers access to numerous hiking trails such as the Bearfence Mountain Trail. This short but rugged hike leads to some of the best views in the park, but to get to them you’ll need to scramble over rocks. In addition to RV sites, Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views features glamping yurts and deluxe cabins in the spring, summer and fall. Hidden Creek (Marion, North Carolina) Spacious Skies Hidden Creek is just a short distance from the Linville Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of North Carolina. This wild and rugged destination features elevations of 3,400 feet along the rim, and hikers will find the terrain is steep and challenging. In addition to RV sites, the campground – which has recently completed major enhancements – features 17 deluxe one- and two-bedroom cabins. Sandy Run (Fayetteville, North Carolina) Forest views from inside a camping tent by Scott Goodwill - Unsplash Near this delightfully scenic campground is the J.Bayard Clark Park & Nature Center, a natural woodland area that is dedicated to preserving the environment and providing educational information about its wildlife and plants. The park features meandering paved and unpaved trails that lead to one of the highest waterfalls in the coastal plain as well as secluded picnic areas and live animal viewing areas. The Sandy Run campground is especially popular among snowbirds heading south in the fall because of its easy access from major highways. Look for the campground’s colorful mural, created by Carolina artist Christine Crawford. The mural aptly features the Spacious Skies Campgrounds slogan, “Take Your Indoors Outdoors” and it often is the colorful backdrop for camper photos. Savannah Oaks (Savannah, Georgia) The southernmost campground in the Spacious Skies collection, Savannah Oaks is close to the Okefenokee Swamp Park, with boat tours, interactive exhibits and animal encounters, hiking trails and the Okefenokee National Park Wildlife Refuge. The campground is located just steps from the Ogeechee River west of the historic city of Savannah. Peach Haven (Gaffney, South Carolina) Nestled among the rolling hills of South Carolina’s Upstate, Spacious Skies Peach Haven features on-site hiking trails and easy access to attractions such as the Hollywild Animal Preserve. The preserve is home to nearly 300 endangered, wild and domesticated animals that roam through the park’s 100-acre preserve with pastures, water features and plentiful wooded areas. Bear Den (Spruce Pine, North Carolina ) Hiking through a forest by Jake Melara - Unsplash Located adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Pisgah National Forest, Bear Den campers need not travel far to get out in nature. The campground includes some 13 miles of hiking trails, an on-site lake with a beach and a 50-foot waterfall. Just a short drive from the campground is Mount Mitchell State Park, featuring the highest point east of the Mississippi River. The park offers trails to the summit, at 6,684, as well as a network of more challenging trails such as the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. In addition to RV sites during the winter, campers can stay in on-site cabins come spring, summer and fall.

Ski season is upon us, and one state offers the most stunning snow-capped peaks, pristine powder, and a sense of untouched wilderness. The last bastion of the west, Wyoming, is unlike any place in the country. While many immediately think of Jackson Hole for its incredible skiing, the state has many other ski areas that are accessible and more affordable for the entire family. Whether you’re an expert skier, it’s your first time on the slopes, or you’re here to soak in the views and peacefulness, Wyoming truly has something for everyone.Below are some of the best “off the packed slope” spots. While road conditions can be unpredictable during the winter months, those that are able to make the trip will be rewarded with spectacular skiing and beautiful mountain scenery. Snowy Range (Laramie, Wyoming) A "welcome to Wyoming" signs greets tourists on the road by Martin Podsiad - Unsplash This spirited, offbeat college town has deep Western roots and a vibrant cultural scene. Snowy Range Ski Area is ideal for a laid-back family ski trip. This low-cost area features many beginner and intermediate runs, offering 250 skiable acres and two terrain parks. Adult season passes began at $429. If stopping overnight, check out the comfy yet affordable motels and hotels in Laramie, and explore the eateries like Sweet Melissa’s and The Crowbar and Grill. Hogadon Basin (Casper, Wyoming) Found along the memorable route to Yellowstone National Park in central Wyoming, best known for its world-class fly fishing on the North Platte River, this city becomes a skier’s dream with some of the best slopes in Wyoming on Casper Mountain, offering downhill skiing, snowboarding, and fun snowmobiling trails at Hogadon Basin Ski Area. Hogadon has 60 acres of groomed slopes and 15 miles of Nordic trails. New to skiing? Consider the all-inclusive learning package at the snow school which includes rentals, a half-day lesson, and a lift ticket. Casper has hotels and lodges to suit any budget and satisfying dining options such as The Branding Iron or Backwards Distilling Company. Adult season passes start at $425. Antelope Butte (Shell, Wyoming) Skis lined up by Negley Stockman - Unsplash This area is rich in history, with geological formations dating back over 2 billion years, with a rare Jurassic dinosaur track discovered in 1997. And with a population of roughly 72 (reported in 2022), it is all about the scenery. The small but mighty Antelope Butte Ski Area, features three lifts, 28 trails, and a heated yurt. You can purchase full-day lift tickets online for $54 or at $44 for a half-day ski. Savor local craft beers and liquors at Black Tooth Brewery or enjoy a steak dinner in nearby Sheridan at Wyoming’s Rib & Chop House. White Pine (Pinedale, Wyoming) Residents call this the “The Real Wyoming,” which is located at the base of the Wind River Mountains and offers fat biking trails, alpine & Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and ice skating. Venture to White Pine Ski Area, one of the oldest in the state, which features 25 runs and over 350 acres of terrain with stunning scenery. For uninterrupted views of the Continental Divide and Wind River Range, snowshoe on the resort’s Nordic trails. Pine Creek (Cokeville, Wyoming) A skier speeds through thick snow by Alex Lange - Unsplash Pine Creek Ski Area is a local favorite when it comes to Wyoming skiing. It includes 30 diverse runs, more than 1,400 vertical feet, and the best part – short lift lines. Accommodations are about 50 miles away here in Kemmerer, where you can enjoy delicious food at a local favorite, El Jaliciense, or a local watering hole like Grumpies Bar or Stock Exchange Bar for a nightcap. Sleeping Giant (Cody, Wyoming) Ski goggles on a ski by Karsten Winegeart - Unsplash Plan a great American adventure and see where the deer and bison roam free with the moose, mountain sheep, elk, and bears. Check out Sleeping Giant Ski Area, and explore the 184 acres of terrain and a 6,619-foot vertical drop on the ski hill, found three miles from Yellowstone National Park. This affordable resort offers 49 runs for varying skill levels and two terrain parks. This location receives an average of over 300 inches of total snowfall per year. Full-day lift tickets start at $59 with half-day passes starting at $48.

For many, the holidays are about traditions—not just personal family activities, but local events and cultural practices that set this time of year apart. Across the country, destinations come alive with festive events honoring the heritage of a community, historic landmarks put on enchanting and educational experiences, and sacred holidays are once again celebrated with reverence. Visit the destinations below and take a magical winter tour through the ages: beginning in the Spanish settlement of 1500s-era Florida and the British colonies of 1700s-era Virginia, to the towns founded by European immigrants and the 19th-century frontier outposts of the Old West. Celebrate nativity in the New World (St. Augustine, Florida) St. Augustine remembers its Spanish settlement roots throughout the year - courtesy of Florida's Historic Coast When Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed on the shores of St. Augustine, Florida in September of 1565, his mission's priest, Father Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales, conducted what was to be the first parish mass in the New World. This holy site is where the new Spanish settlers would begin devotion to Our Lady of La Leche. Today, a small mission chapel stands in honor of Our Lady of La Leche. “Noches de Navidad” and Las Posadas will take place from 3 to 9 p.m. on December 16th, 2023. The event features a live Nativity, Eucharistic Adoration, cookies, hot cocoa, and a 16th-century Spanish procession of “Las Posadas” (the Inns). Admission is free, but reservations are required. Many local events celebrate the traditions of the European settlement, including St. Augustine's famous Night of Lights. It is firmly rooted in the Spanish tradition of displaying white candles in their windows during the holiday season. For images to accompany postings click here. More Spanish influence and heritage can be found throughout Florida's Historic Coast. The St. Augustine Spanish Food & Wine Festival celebrates the food, wine, and culture of Spain with a multi-day festival. Foodies, history buffs, and xenophiles can explore Spanish history and traditions while enjoying Spanish wine, tapas, and spirits. The festival takes place on the Flagler College Campus the last weekend in February. Enjoy festive Colonial merriment (Williamsburg, Virginia) Aerial view of the Governor's Palace in Colonial Williamsburg by Eric Foster - Unsplash The holidays are a wonderful time to visit the "Historic Triangle" in Virginia, when Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown light up with seasonal decorations, markets, and entertainment. Historic hotels, estates, and inns throughout the region sparkle with traditional lights and décor throughout the Christmas season. A Williamsburg White House Inn, themed after the White House, is draped in holiday decorations. And Colonial Williamsburg Resorts is celebrating the holiday season with a festive array of events and experiences including the Annual Lighting Ceremony at the iconic Williamsburg Inn and the highly-anticipated Annual Gingerbread Open House at the Williamsburg Lodge. On December 1st, the Yorktown Christmas Tree Lighting takes place at Victory Walk and Riverfront Landing. The evening is filled with live music including a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town. A procession will then make its way from the Victory Monument to Riverwalk Landing, where the tree lighting ceremony takes place. The following day, the Yorktown Holiday Boat Parade features a fleet of decorated boats navigate around the York River and compete for best in show. Festivities include caroling around a beach bonfire, a musical performance by the Fifes & Drums of York Town, and complimentary hot cider. The boats finish the evening as they make their way down the river in a dazzling show of lights. Also in Yorktown, Christmas Market on Main returns to historic Main Street on December 2nd and 3rd. Close to 100 vendors line the street selling everything from nautical paintings to handmade soaps to Christmas wreaths! The Town Crier will ring in the market, followed by a performance from the Fifes and Drums of York Town, an appearance by Santa Claus himself, and musical entertainment throughout the day to add to the festive atmosphere. On December 2nd, 9th, and 16th, Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination lights up the night sky over the colonial capital. Visitors can begin the special day by checking out the unique decorations throughout the Historic Area. Then, enjoy musical performances on multiple stages throughout the streets and fireworks displays from the Capitol and the Palace. At the Williamsburg Christmas Market dozens of vendors sell holiday gifts and décor, while shoppers enjoy photo ops with Santa, live entertainment, gluhwein (warm spiced wine), craft beers, Christmas music, fire pits, and delicious market food from local restaurants. On December 9th, visitors can enjoy “At Christmas be mery”: A Special Evening at Historic Jamestowne. Guests join an early Virginia Christmas celebration complete with costumed interpreters, madrigal singers, a seasonal bonfire, and caroling, along with a musical performance by William and Mary’s Christopher Wren Singers. From December 16th to 31st, visitors will celebrate 17th- and 18th- century holiday traditions through festive interpretive programs, traditional cooking, caroling, and musical entertainment at Christmastide in Virginia at Jamestown Settlement. Tour lavishly decorated Southern homes (Natchez, Mississippi) An historic home in Natchez, Mississippi decorated for Christmas - courtesy of Lou Hammond Group Natchez, Mississippi, known for its Southern hospitality, historic homes, and significant architecture, invites visitors to avoid the crowded cities this holiday season and swap snow for sunshine in this quaint riverside town. With mild winter temperatures and a selection of holly jolly happenings, including colored lights covering Main Street, decorated historic home tours and more, Natchez is the ideal place to create lasting memories for the whole family.Natchez has over 1,000 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Do You See What I See? Christmas tours at Sunnyside takes visitors through each room in the historic house, decorated with over 30 Christmas trees. Jeweled Christmas Tours, located in The Towers Mansion, adorns its halls in thousands of shimmering jewels in a showing named one of the top 10 most unusual Christmas displays by USA Today. Natchez Garden Club’s Christmas Tours offer a delightful blend of tradition, history and holiday cheer, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the unique yuletide charm of Natchez. Beloved historic homes, including Magnolia Hall, Monmouth Historic Inn and Dunleith Mansion, make spirits bright when they open for Christmas tours. These homes will deck the halls this holiday season for guests from all over to admire the classic estates and festive decorations. In partnership with American Queen Voyages, Christmas in Natchez will bring a festive European-style Christmas market to town for a month-long celebration at the Natchez Christmas Village Markets. Guests are invited to shop their way through the festive stalls, where they will find local crafts, seasonal treats and unique holiday gifts, perfect for checking off holiday shopping lists. Don't forget to stop by Hal Garner at Nest for stunning antiques and home collectables, or spend the day wandering the city’s many other shops. Shop at the village 'Christkindlmarkt' (Covington, Kentucky) A journey to Mainstrasse Village in Covington, Kentucky transports travelers to a 19th century Germantown where they can enjoy an eclectic array of German-inspired shopping, cuisine, and entertainment. On December 3, this serene village undergoes a magical transformation into the enchanting Mainstrasse Christkindlmarkt. From 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., indulge in the perfect fusion of Old-World charm and 21st-century vibrancy at this German-inspired holiday market. The event showcases skilled creators, delectable treats, mesmerizing music, and more. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the Christmas market and uncover unique gifts for your loved ones. Journey to the Old West (Colorado) A cold day outside in Morrison, Colorado by Gennady Zakharin - Unsplash Colorado is already an excellent choice for winter travelers looking for a magically snowy paradise. Head to Denver first, and sxperience the unique charm of the holiday season before 1924 by touring the beautifully decorated Center for Colorado Women's History and enjoying a delightful tea service during their Holiday Tea special events (November 25th – December 16th). From Denver, you'll have easy access to a number of enchanting mountain towns in the Rockies. For a cozy and rustic adventure, 2 Below Zero in Frisco offers mule-team-driven sleigh rides with chuckwagon dinners and live music, while Steamboat Springs provides a Wild West touch with its Haymaker Sleigh Ride Dinner. In Morrison, the historic Fort Restaurant, designed to resemble an 1800s fur trading post, offers a unique holiday dining experience serving traditional dishes like bison and game meats. Tesoro Cultural Center's Las Posadas (December 24th) is an annual Christmas Eve celebration that reenacts Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, featuring children's participation, traditional music, piñatas and complimentary treats like biscochito cookies and Mexican hot chocolate. Visit Cripple Creek as the Gold Camps come alive with dazzling holiday lights adorning mine headframes (November 24th – December 31st). Enjoy a festive self-guided tour, complete with holiday music and beautiful light displays in this historic mining region. For a touch of nostalgia, Colorado's many historic trains take travelers on a journey through winter wonderlands. The Leadville Railroad Holiday Express offers a magical ride through snowy mountains with scenic views. The Santa Express Train with the Royal Gorge Route Railroad leads passengers to the North Pole and back, complete with a visit from Santa. The Polar Express Train Rides at the Colorado Railroad Museum and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, both offer unparalleled holiday experiences. The Georgetown Loop Railroad's Winter Holiday Trains are one of Colorado’s most authentic living history experiences and offer timeless adventures through scenic vistas decorated with more than 300,000 holiday lights. On the eastern side of the state, at Bent's Old Fort, visitors can step back in time on December 3rd to experience the 1830s and 1840s with activities like reading "A Christmas Carol," trading for taffy and playing traditional card games. Scheduled programs include a Yule Log tradition demonstration and learning about the weapons used in the Borderlands that provide a glimpse into the past.

While there's nothing quite like the magic of Walt Disney World decked out in Christmas lights and decor, there is plenty more to do and see in Orlando, Florida this holiday season—without even stepping foot into a theme park. The city prepares for an enchanting holiday season as attractions and hotels dazzle visitors with festive fun. From shimmering light spectaculars and reimagined live performances, visitors can enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with a full lineup of holiday happenings to celebrate the season. “November marks the start of a joyful holiday season in Orlando, featuring new experiences and cherished signature events that capture the magic of the destination and create treasured holiday memories with the entire family,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. Family-friendly, Festive Events Crayola Experience Musical Light Show - courtesy of Visit Orlando Island H2O Water Park debuts an all-new island-themed holiday light spectacular, “Holiday Nights,” (select nights from Nov. 8 – Dec. 31). The unique walk-through experience will feature twinkling lights, enchanting displays, immersive family fun, live entertainment, a holiday market and more. The Orlando Museum of Art transforms into a winter wonderland during the 37th annual Festival of Trees, Enchanted Holidays (Nov. 10 – 19). Featuring enchanting décor, more than 30 designer-decorated trees, gingerbread houses and wreaths, special events include an Opening Night Party, Breakfast with Santa and a children's Reindeer Romp party, photo ops with Santa and more. Harry P. Leu Gardens blooms into a winter wonderland with a million sparkling lights, shining forests, magical displays, music and beautiful sculptures during “Dazzling Nights” (Nov. 24 - Jan. 6). The three-quarter mile, family friendly interactive holiday experience features new immersive elements like a nighttime show with 100, 10-foot-tall beacons of light and a 30-foot-tall tree of thousands of shimmering, gold sequins. During the day, “Holiday Blooms” showcases a collection of beautiful floral and holiday themed displays throughout the garden. Ivanhoe Village kicks off the holiday season with Jingle Eve (Nov. 18), a free family friendly event featuring a variety of yuletide festivities, including beer gardens, live music, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, a children's holiday village, a fireworks finale and more. The event will also feature the ticketed “12 Wines of Christmas” Wine Walk experience for access to tastings among a curated selection of wine options at 20 locations. Crayola Experience's Colorful Christmas (Nov. 18 – Jan. 7) returns with SNOWtastic adventures as visitors help save Christmas by piecing together riddles given by animatronic Christmas characters. In addition, guests will find a life-sized snow globe, complete with falling snow, a light show starring Scarlet and her singing reindeer and the chance to craft unique gifts. Watch as I-Drive dazzles with a glittering lighting ceremony of a 50-foot Holiday Tree during the I-Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting (Dec. 1). More details will be announced later this season. The 6th annual Oh, What Fun! Holiday Festival (Dec. 7-23) will transform the Lake Nona Town Center into Peppermint Square, a winter wonderland with nightly snowfalls, live entertainment, festive photo ops and more. Celebrating its 71st year, Winter Park's annual Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade (Dec. 2), the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida, will feature over 80 participating organizations, including marching bands, an appearance by Santa and more. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosts Holidays in Space (Dec. 15-30), with Starflake's Holiday Voyage, a nightly projected show on the massive exterior of Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex where visitors can embark on a journey with Starflake as she travels through the stars, Earth and beyond. In addition, festive holiday décor encompasses the visitor complex, including a 50-foot tree with more than 61,000 pixels of light, an all-new Rocket Tree Trail Sponsored by L3Harris, astronaut nutcrackers and more. Gatorland's Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down will return select dates starting Dec. 2. The family friendly event is included with park admission and will feature live music, festive food items and displays, and more. Holiday Productions and Shows String players performing by Larisa Birta - UnsplashThe Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra presents “Home for the Holidays” on Nov. 25 in Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Conductor Mauricio Céspedes-Rivero will feature holiday favorites, singers and a few surprises. The Abbey hosts Candlelight: Holiday special featuring “The Nutcracker” and more on select dates between Dec. 6-20. The concert will bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before, featuring the music under the gentle glow of candlelight. The Orlando Ballet premieres a new production of The Nutcracker, Dec. 8-24, in Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. It will be an imaginative version of the world's most beloved holiday tale featuring an entirely new choreography to create a fresh and whimsical experience complete with giant snow globes, fancy mice, and a few high-flying surprises. The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts welcomes GRAMMY Award-winning multiplatinum musician Mark Tremonti for the “Mark Tremonti sings Frank Sinatra Christmas Special” on Dec. 16 in The Walt Disney Theater, paying homage to childhood Christmas classics. Very Merry Hotel Experiences A child and parent enjoy the magical holiday decor in Orlando - courtesy of Visit OrlandoThe Hotel Meliá in Orlando Celebration brings the joy of ice-skating without the cold weather through an installment of an Eco-Rink. Now through Jan. 3, hotel guests can glide on a sustainable alternative to a traditional ice rink with synthetic ice panels for holiday fun all season long. Gaylord Palms presents ICE! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas (Nov. 17 – Jan. 3), where guests experience an immersive, story-driven holiday showplace complete with larger-than-life ice sculptures of classic scenes and beloved characters re-created in three dimensions, along with frozen slides, and tunnels where guests can experience an immersive, story-driven holiday showplace complete with larger-than-life ice sculptures of classic scenes and beloved characters re-created in three dimensions, along with frozen slides, tunnels and more.