Northeast Florida is really appealing this time of year. Its cold here. Really cold. I love taking a vacation to a warm climate in January or February to break up the winter chill. I’ve been looking at some of the destinations in Northeast Florida for a mid-winter break and have found some really wonderful and little known places. Any of them would make a great place to go to get warm when the winter winds are cutting through to your bones.

The 75 miles that encompasses the Northeast coast of Florida is rich in diversity. From the earliest European settlements in the Americas to modern seaports, from small towns with local color to secluded beaches with all the beauty of nature, Northeast Florida has it all. You can find mysterious 17th-century forts, vast prairie lands and wide beaches lined with sand dunes there. Click Here For More Information on Florida's Northeast Coast

My own personal top reasons for visiting Northeast Florida include:

Amelia Island - a tiny enchanted island teaming with history, beauty, shopping, beaches and a charm that is unique and legendary.
The Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine - Many people believe this is the point at which Ponce de Leon first stepped foot in the Americas. Its one of the oldest sites in St. Augustine and archaeologists are still discovering more historical information about the site.
Castillo de San Marcos - The Spanish began building this fort in 1672. Again, it is one of the oldest sites of colonialist America. It is America’s oldest masonry fort.
Fort Matanzas National Monument - on Anastasia Island is the site of many attempts by the British to invade St. Augustine.
Greathouse Butterfly Farm - One of the largest butterfly farms in America. Visitors actively assist with the release of butterflies from their dormant state.
Dolphin Conservation Center - guests interact with dolphins at this center.
Anastasia State Park - Gorgeous secluded beach teaming with a variety of wildlife. This is a great place for beach walks and enjoying the surf.
Vilano Beach - Another beautiful beach. You can fish off the peers, stroll the beach and play in the surf.
Casa de Solana - An Inn in the Old City that offers romance, relaxation, historic beauty and spa packages for couples.
San Sebastian Winery - What else needs to be said, wine tasting.