Sunny escapes: from New Mexico to the islands of Georgia, these winter getaways will thaw your spirits

Travel America, Nov-Dec, 2002 by Diane Bair, Pamela Wright

The romance of the Old South is alive and well in Mississippi, where antebellum homes and old plantations vie for attention. The city of Natchez boasts more than 500 buildings on the National Historic Register, along with a giant dollop of Southern hospitality. Civil War buffs will want to include the National Military Park in Vicksburg on their list of must-sees. Jackson, with plenty of historical treasures of its own, has the Old Capitol Museum, the 1842 Governor's Mansion, and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum, plus the Chimneyville Crafts Gallery, a showroom for handiwork of the Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi. Then explore the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where 26 miles of beach and nearly two dozen golf courses await. Whether you enjoy days of paddling the bayous, marshes, and bays, or lively nights trying to beat the house at a casino--or a little of both--you'll find them here. Mild winter temperatures and lively weekend festivals add to the appeal of this region.

For a dose of culture and delightfully comfortable weather, consider a visit to New Mexico. You're sure to have a memorable time in Albuquerque, nestled in the Rio Grande Valley in the shadows of the Sandia Mountains. This ancient city is one of the most ethnically diverse in the country, and there are plenty of places to play while exploring Spanish, Native American, Mexican, and Anglo cultures. Stroll through Old Town, packed with sun-dried mud and straw adobe buildings, some dating back 300 years. This is a pleasant spot to enjoy takeout burritos, find a banco (bench), and soak up the city's heritage. Don't miss the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, where you can see fossilized dinosaur skin and a real dinosaur egg.

Looking for a place to stretch your legs as well as shake off that winter chill? A visit to Silver City, New Mexico, might be the perfect answer. Set in the foothills of the Pinos Altos mountains at an elevation of 6,000 feet, Silver City has been ranked as one of the healthiest places to live and retire in the U.S. It does get cool here in the mountains in winter, but there's plenty of sunshine. Plus, you'll be moving around a lot--there's so much to explore! Silver City is the home of 3.3 million-acre Gila National Forest, one of the nation's largest wilderness areas. Camping, picnicking, and hiking are among the most popular ways to enjoy the park. Don't miss the Catwalk Trail, a steel walkway suspended 250 feet above colorful Whitewater Creek canyon. Outfitters are happy to take you deep into the wilderness, on foot or horseback, for wildlife watching and nature photography.

In southeastern New Mexico, don't miss Carlsbad Caverns. Take a peek at this colorful natural masterpiece, then enjoy all the outdoor pleasures of this spectacular area, where mountains, desert, rivers, and lakes create a perfect setting for hiking, climbing, golf, fishing, and more.

Enough of this sitting around and dreaming! It's time to get on the phone to the travel agency, or to start surfing the travel web sites, to make that winter escape a reality. See you at the pool!