Asheville, North Carolina
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Winters are mild in this city in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Ski slopes are nearby for those seeking winter sports, and hiking trails are accessible throughout the season. Asheville offers quirky galleries, museums, and some of the country's best restaurants, and winter is an ideal time to explore them all with minimal crowds. There's no shortage of history here, either. The 1.7-mile Asheville Urban Trail features bronze sculptures depicting figures and events from the city's past, while the Biltmore Estate — George Vanderbilt's glorious 250-room chateau — offers guided tours that give visitors a glimpse into the Asheville of the Gilded Age.
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Honolulu, Hawaii
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Sunshine, beautiful beaches, warm temperatures, brilliant sunsets, and graceful palm trees beckon travelers to Hawaii during the chilly months. Oahu in particular is one of the best places to go in the winter, thanks to temperatures that hover around 80 degrees and attractions that range from snorkeling and big-wave surfing to luxury shopping in the boutiques of Honolulu. Visit 'Iolani Palace to explore the only royal castle in the U.S., and learn all about Hawaiian history at the Bishop Museum or the Polynesian Cultural Center, which is located an hour outside the city on Oahu's scenic North Shore.