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Winter break is the perfect time to discover the treasures hidden within our beautiful fifty states.
Alabama –Bring your entire family for space camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center! An exciting experience for astronauts of every age!
Alaska – Denali National Park and Preserve offers an excellent view of Mt. Denali.
Arizona – Visit the Grand Canyon where you can hike, kayak, horseback ride, raft or simply take in beautiful scenery.
Arkansas – Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in the town of Bentonville.
California – Visit Yosemite National Park.
Colorado – Ski on the Rocky Mountains.
Connecticut – Venture out to the ironically named Bethlehem.
Delaware – Find your holiday cheer at Cider Fest and enjoy live music and a bonfire.
Florida – Walt Disney World offers some of the best holiday entertainment and lights in the Northern Hemisphere! Enjoy nightly fireworks and a Christmas Day parade!
Georgia – Tour the Coca-Cola headquarters and find out where your favorite beverages originated. Hawaii – In between copious beach time and nightly luaus, learn about WW II history at The USS Arizona memorial located in Pearl Harbor off of Oahu.
Idaho – Visit the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve and explore the lava fields and crater.
Illinois - Millennium Park in downtown Chicago is a popular tourist spot, and is home to the famous “Bean.”
Indiana – For a true taste of the midwest be sure to stop at Ivanhoe’s for their savory tenderloin sandwich.
Iowa – Visit the Pikes Peak State Park which overlooks the Upper Mississippi River to take some beautiful pictures to post on your Instagram page.
Kansas – Take a step back into time and visit the Wizard of Oz museum in Wichita.
Kentucky – Go underground and tour through the Mammoth Cave National Park.
Louisiana – Visit the historic French Quarter and stroll down Bourbon Street, home of the iconic Mardi Gras festivities.
Maine – Enjoy the beautiful holiday lights at the Gardens Aglow Festival at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
Maryland – Despite the cold weather outside, take a dip into the National Aquarium and learn about life under the sea.
Massachusetts – Visit the North End of Boston to encounter gorgeous holiday decorations and find many Italian restaurants to dine in.
Michigan – Listen to music of more than 100 artists and shop for a one of a kind Christmas gift at The Guild of Artists and Artisans Holiday Art Fair at Eastern Michigan University.
Minnesota – See the“Snowfest” film to learn about the art of snowmobiling on the big screen.
Mississippi – For an indoor snow day take your family to the Mississippi Children’s Museum, ranked as one of the best in the country.
Missouri – Head to the WinterFest Visual and Performing Arts Festival to find good food, gifts for all and live performances.
Montana- Attend the Glacier National Park.
Nebraska – Movie fans can head to “Dork The Halls”, a Christmas festival infused with sentiments from the movies, “Lord of The Rings” and “Ghostbusters.” Also, watch the spectacular Victorian-themed parade at Christmas in the Comstock.
Nevada – The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is wonderful for hiking trails and breath-taking scenery.
New Hampshire – Hike and ski on Cannon Mountain.
New Jersey – Spend the day at Mountain Creek amusement park in Vernon and take part in their snow tubing course! After sliding down the slopes head to their fire pit or into their food court for some hot chocolate.
New Mexico – Visit the holiday light extravaganza at the River of Lights throughout December.
New York – Ice skate at Rockefeller Center and take pictures in front of the iconic tree!
North Carolina- Enjoy the outdoor skating rink at Ipreo Raleigh Winterfest.
North Dakota – Visit the North Dakota Museum of Art.
Ohio – Watch the holiday season illuminate in front of your eyes at the lighting ceremony, Grand Illumination in Columbus.
Oklahoma – Head to Keystone State Park to view the Christmas Boat Parade.
Oregon – Crater Lake National Park which combines a deep pure lake which is so blue and surrounded by cliffs.
Pennsylvania – Hershey is particularly sweet this time of year. They provide tours and attractions alongside their famous candies. Downtown Hershey hosts New Year’s Eve festivities complete with live performers and fireworks!
Rhode Island – Ice skating in Providence and mansion viewing in Newport are a great way to spend the break.
South Carolina – Visit Fort Sumter on the coast of Charleston filled with Civil War history.
South Dakota – Bundle up and visit South Dakota’s famous landmark, Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Tennessee – If you are a rock-nroll fan, head to Elvis Presley’s old home in Graceland.
Texas – Attend the “Day for Night” music and visual arts festival in Houston.
Utah – Head to one of the best ski places in the country, the Snowbird. Take the Snowbird tram up to the mountaintops for a great ski trail and even better views.
Vermont – Despite the winter temperatures, visit the Ben and Jerry’s factory for a tasty history and treats.
Virginia – Stop and tour George Washington’s estate which is open everyday throughout the year.
Washington – Dress up and enjoy the “Christmas Carol” themed activities at the Charles Dickens Festival.
West Virginia – A Twenty First Century Christmas Celebration in Sheperdstown, West Virginia.
Wisconsin – Take in interesting architecture at the House on The Rock in Spring Green.
Wyoming – Ski at the top- rated Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Heather Harris can be reached at heather.harris@student.shu.edu.
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