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January's Hottest Destinations
Tahoe, a Winter Wonderland
Both North and South Tahoe rank among the best ski destinations in the United States, thanks to miles upon miles of groomers, pistes and back-country terrain at over a dozen resorts complemented by excellent views of the country's second deepest lake. The aprés-ski is just as good as the outdoor sports, with casinos, pubs and microbreweries aplenty on both the North and South sides.
Photo courtesy of Purestock/Thinkstock
Key West - Seafood and Sunshine
With the holidays come and gone, sometimes the winter blues start to creep in. Travelers in need of some vitamin D and relaxation on the beach need not leave the country. Sunny Key West beckons with its stunning sunsets, plentiful beaches, key lime pie and fresh seafood. Visit the third weekend in January for the 9th annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival.
Washington, DC - Museum-Hopping
Temperatures may be chilly in Washington, DC in January, but that's just more reason to explore the city's plentiful indoor attractions, including some of the world's top museums. With thin crowds during the coldest month of the year, you'll likely find bargains on accommodation and post-holiday sales throughout the city.
Scottsdale - Golf Getaway
Tee off in the Valley of the Sun in January, and you'll be golfing alongside the best as Scottsdale welcomes the WM Phoenix Open, the biggest tournament on the PGA Tour. When you're not on the green, mild winter weather in the greater Phoenix area makes for excellent outdoor shopping weather to take advantage of those post-holiday sales.
Park City - Olympic Fever
The Olympic trials for the US ski team have us pumped up about Park City. Snow sport enthusiasts who aren't on the road to Sochi can still show off their best moves at the resorts in and around Park City this January, and if that's not enough skiable terrain for you, award-winning Salt Lake City has its own slew of ski runs just minutes away.
Rome - All to Yourself
Seasoned travelers know that winter is the best time to visit the Eternal City, when crowds are long gone and colors become more vivid in the crisp winter air. On the day of Epiphany, the first Monday in January and the twelfth day of Christmas, you might get lucky and spot the new Pope saying morning mass at St. Peter's Basilica.
Photo courtesy of Sergey Borisov/iStock
Memphis - Elvis Lives On
There's no better time to visit Memphis and pay tribute to The King than January, Elvis's birthday month. January also kicks off a full year of events and festivities celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Rock ‘n’ Roll – the anniversary of when the first Elvis tune hit the radio in 1954.
Chicago - Festivals and Off-Season Savings
January is off-season in the Windy City, and that means savings for the budget-minded traveler willing to bundle up and brave the cold. Chicago offers myriad ways to raise your body temperature, including ice skating in Millennium Park, a slew of top notch (and heated) museums and the annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, the largest of its kind in the country.
Fort Worth - Cowboys and Rodeos
Put on your cowboy boots and head to Fort Worth this January to experience the Fort Worth Stockyards national historic district at its best. During the annual Stock Show and Rodeo, more than 1 million visitors will head to Texas to watch the parades, shows, rodeos and other special activities during the 118-year-old event.
Puerto Rico - Caribbean Escape
One of the Caribbean's best islands, Puerto Rico has palm-lined white sand beaches, warm winter temperatures and a colorful historical center in San Juan, all within easy reach of the United States. You don't even need a passport to visit, which adds to the appeal of this winter getaway destination.
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