Winter is definitely certainly one of my favourite occasions to journey — fewer crowds, higher costs, and magical seasonal surroundings. Listed below are the locations I’ve personally visited (and completely cherished!) this time of yr…
1. Huge Sky, Montana
This month was the right time for me to go to this small mountain city — peak snowfall turned the Madison Vary right into a snowy wonderland, and with the December and January vacation rush over, I had wide-open trails, quick carry traces, and a peaceable, uncrowded vibe. I additionally discovered nice low season offers, which made it really feel like a luxurious journey with out the worth tag.
I flew into Bozeman Yellowstone Worldwide Airport (BZN), drove an hour south, and spent 5 cozy days at rustic-chic Lone Mountain Ranch the place I skilled cozy log cabins, crackling fires, and star-filled skies. I skied Huge Sky’s legendary slopes, snowshoed and cross-country skied by means of Gallatin Canyon, and warmed up with cedar-plank mushrooms and craft cocktails on the fashionable Horn & Cantle.
I discovered there was loads taking place this month too — from the Greatest within the West Showdown to the Backcountry Movie Competition and the Huge Sky Documentary Movie Competition.
Location: Rocky Mountains, Northwest USA
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Vibe: Snowy, cozy mountain retreat
Common temperature – minus 10°C to 0°C
My highlights…
Testing the vigorous après ski scene right here – I fortunately indulged within the earthy Montana-made RoughStock Straight Rye Whiskey by a roaring fireplace on the stylish Summit Lodge!
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
This month in New Orleans was an absolute blast – the world-famous Mardi Gras season turned town right into a whirlwind of coloration and music, with parades rolling by means of the streets, costumed revelers dancing, and the sound of dwell jazz filling the French Quarter. The delicate winter climate additionally made it excellent for soaking in all of the motion.
I timed my journey to see as many Mardi Gras kick-off occasions as I might, there was the irreverent Krewe du Vieux and glittering Krewe of Muses parades, the coloful Vietnamese New 12 months celebration at Tet Fest, and even the enjoyable Tremendous Bowl LIX all happening this month.
I flew into New Orleans (MSY) and spent 4 vigorous days watching parades, dancing to jazz on Frenchmen Avenue, exploring the festive French Quarter, and indulging in King Cake (sure, I discovered the well-known child!) together with comforting Creole dishes on the elegant Commander’s Palace and beignets on the charming Café du Monde.
Location: Deep South, Gulf Coast, South USA
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Vibe: Energetic, vibrant and enjoyable
Common temperature – 18°C to twenty°C
My private highlights…
Staying on the romantic 4-star boutique Lodge Monteleone – I significantly cherished the distinctive rotating bar, the dwell piano and the heated rooftop pool the place I sat gazing on the views of the French Quarter rooftops and the Mississippi River glistening within the distance!
3. Mendocino, Northern California
February was a dreamy time to go to Mendocino — cool, misty climate, empty streets, and a laid-back native vibe made this coastal village really feel additional intimate. I found it was additionally peak whale-watching season, and the foggy cliffs and comfy inns made it excellent for a Valentine’s getaway too!
I drove three hours up from San Francisco and spent 4 peaceable days right here. I watched whales from Mendocino Headlands State Park, hiked by means of the misty redwoods at Russian Gulch State Park, wandered the romantic cliffside paths, and browsed Major Avenue’s quirky outlets and Nineteen Sixties-era artwork galleries.
Location: Pacific Coast, Northern California, West USA
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Vibe: Coastal and artsy with a laid-back bohemian vibe
Common temperature – 13°C to 16°C
My highlights…
Using the historic Skunk Practice from Mendocino, with its classic redwood vehicles, polished picket benches, and open home windows that permit within the crisp forest air — my favourite second was passing by means of the cool, hand-carved Tunnel #2 from the Nineties!
4. San Antonio, Texas
I used to be very completely satisfied I selected this month for my San Antonio journey — the climate was heat however delicate, the humidity was low, and town felt refreshingly uncrowded. I even discovered lodge offers and a enjoyable lineup of occasions, together with the quirky annual Cupid 5K Chase.
I flew into San Antonio Worldwide Airport (SAT) for an extended weekend and explored the Alamo and Spanish Missions crowd-free, strolled the peaceable River Stroll, browsed the unbiased outlets at Historic Market Sq., and feasted on Tex-Mex whereas absorbing the buzzy cafés and eating places alongside the waterfront – my favourite have been the hearty Avocado and Portabella fries within the fashionable Iron Cactus.
Location: South-Central USA
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Vibe: Heat, historic metropolis with cultural depth
Common temperature – 18°C to 21°C
My highlights…
Staying on the lovely 4-star Mokara Lodge & Spa – I particularly cherished the Texas Two-Step Therapeutic massage within the spa (which used invigorating rosemary and eucalyptus oils), the fashionable rooftop swimming pool and scorching tub and the attractive river views!
5. Dying Valley, California
I discovered that this was the right time to discover Dying Valley — the temperatures have been pleasantly delicate, the paths blissfully quiet, and the gentle winter mild made the desert look additional dramatic. I even caught the primary wildflowers blooming and timed my go to with the unbelievable Darkish Sky Competition, full with NASA-led talks, stargazing classes, and astrophotography workshops.
I drove 4 hours from Los Angeles and spent three unforgettable days primarily based on the family-friendly upscale Inn at Dying Valley. I hiked Golden and Mosaic Canyons, crossed the otherworldly salt flats of Badwater Basin, and soaked within the gorgeous views from Zabriskie Level and Dante’s View.
Location: Southwest Desert, California-Nevada Border, West USA
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Vibe: Surreal, peaceable isolation
Common temperatures – 18°C to 24°C
My highlights…
Stargazing close to Zabriskie Level beneath an inky-black sky the place the Milky Method glowed overhead and capturing stars streaked previous Orion’s Belt, with solely the crunch of gravel within the nonetheless desert evening breaking the unearthly silence!
6. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs was my excellent winter escape — heat, sunny days gave me all of the Vitamin D I wanted to shake off the winter blues. It was preferrred for poolside lounging, outside adventures, and absorbing these retro-chic resort vibes with out the heavier March and April crowds.
I cherished timing my journey with Modernism Week, a colourful celebration of town’s mid-century structure, and looking the vigorous farmers’ markets.
I drove 1 hour 40 minutes from Los Angeles and spent 4 stress-free days touring iconic mid-century houses, mountain climbing Indian Canyons and close by Joshua Tree, driving the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to snow-dusted Mount San Jacinto, unwinding with a cucumber-melon physique remedy at Spa La Quinta.
Location: Southern California Desert, West USA
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Vibe: Sunny, retro-chic oasis
Common temperature – 21°C to 24°C
My favourite highlights…
Staying on the fashionable 4-star ARRIVE Lodge – I cherished the boutique vibe, the velvety Bellino Superb Linens, and sipping on a crisp Natural Gin Smash across the fireplace pits which have been alight each night!
7. Vail Ski Resort, Colorado 
Visiting Vail in throughout this month was a enjoyable selection — peak snow circumstances blanketed the legendary Again Bowls and Blue Sky Basin, the air was crisp and clear, and the comfy fireplace après-ski and alpine village vibe made it really feel like the final word winter escape for me!
I flew into Denver and drove simply over 2 hours west on I-70 by means of snowy mountain passes basing myself on the stylish 4-star Tivoli Lodge for a outdoor-focused 4 days. By this month the entire mountain was totally open — glades, groomers, and well-known bowls — with a secure snowpack that felt softer and fewer icy beneath my skis. I additionally caught the nostalgic Vail Legacy Weekend and discovered {that a} thrilling Vail Mountain Winter Uphill Race additionally occurred this month.
Location: Rocky Mountains, Central Colorado, West USA
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Vibe: Luxurious alpine village
Common temperature – minus 4°C to 2°C
My favourite highlights…
Eating within the stylish Matsuhisa Vail — I used to be received over by the refreshing cucumber sunomono, the heady Matsutini, a silky mixture of vodka, shochu, passionfruit, and the tart yuzu that felt as vibrant and zesty because the snowy mountain views exterior!
8. The Keys, Florida
Escaping winter for the Florida Keys was the very best determination — I found that this month introduced heat, sunny climate with little rain, excellent for snorkeling, kayaking by means of mangroves, sundown eating, and absorbing tropical vibes with out the heavy summer time crowds.
It was additionally a barely quieter time since peak season had handed, so I discovered off-peak lodge offers and loved enjoyable occasions just like the Key West Artwork & Craft Competition together with loads of dwell music. Though I’ve to confess the water was just a little chilly after I swam within the ocean (which was the one situation for me)!
I drove 4 hours from Miami and spent a blissful week snorkeling coral reefs at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, kayaking Huge Pine Key’s mangroves, catching Mallory Sq.’s well-known sundown celebrations, and touring the Ernest Hemingway Residence & Museum — my favourite half was recognizing the cute six-toed cats roaming the property!
Location: Southeast USA, Tropical Islands off South Florida
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Vibe: Laid-back island chain
Common temperature – 24°C to 27°C
My private highlights…
9. Leavenworth, Washington
My winter quick break in Leavenworth felt like stepping right into a snow globe — the Bavarian-style buildings have been dusted in snow, the alpine surroundings was breathtaking, and it was excellent for Valentine’s getaways, snowy adventures, and comfy nights by the fireplace.
With fewer crowds and some off-peak lodge offers, I actually appreciated how there was nonetheless loads taking place — the magical Village of Lights: Christmastown was nonetheless glowing with over half 1,000,000 lights, dwell music stuffed native venues, and Valentine’s celebrations made the entire city really feel additional romantic.
I drove 2.5 hours from Seattle and stayed on the charming Enzian Inn, then spent my days sledding at Entrance Avenue Park, snowshoeing and snowboarding the Icicle River Trails, looking the light-filled alpine outlets, and savoring a foraged mushroom risotto at Watershed Café earlier than ending the evening in a comfy bar.
Location: Cascade Mountains, Pacific Northwest, West USA
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Vibe: Bavarian-inspired snowy village
Common temperatures – 0°C to five°C
My private highlights…
Attempting a hearty cup of mulled wine combined with blood orange, and aromatic star anis on the Bavarian type cozy chalet Rhein Haus restaurant. The creamy garlic mashed potatoes have been additionally a stand out!
10. Scorching Springs, North Carolina
Soaking within the thermal springs right here throughout this month was magical — I cherished how the chilly mountain air made the steaming mineral tubs really feel additional rejuvenating and peaceable. The quiet Appalachian Mountain trails and scenic French Broad River paths have been excellent for winter hikes, and I loved absorbing the comfy, uncrowded mountain-town vibe.
I even discovered nice lodging offers and caught among the city’s Valentine’s and Winter Romance celebrations.
I flew into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) and primarily based myself for 3 stress-free days on the quirky-chic Laughing Coronary heart Lodge. I soaked within the mineral tubs at Scorching Springs Resort & Spa, hiked the snowy Appalachian Path previous Lover’s Leap, loved riverside views alongside the French Broad, and ended my days with dwell music and hearty consolation meals on the distinctive Iron Horse Station!
Location: Appalachian Mountains, Western North Carolina, Southeast USA
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Vibe: Tranquil, rustic mountain escape
Common temperature – 8°C to 12°C
My highlights…
Soaking within the sulfur-scented “Signature Mineral Tub” (on the Scorching Springs Resort & Spa) which got here with a non-public cabana-style deck – I appreciated how I might regulate the circulate myself utilizing an enthralling old style brass spigot!
11. Valley of Fireplace State Park, Nevada
This month was the right time for me to expertise this spot — the cooler, delicate temperatures made mountain climbing secure and cozy, and the low winter solar forged dramatic shadows that made the fiery crimson sandstone formations look much more putting. Better of all, I discovered the paths have been quiet, with not one of the heavy summer time crowds.
I even timed my go to to hitch the magical new moon guided hike on the Seven Wonders Loop, a part of the park’s February Hike of the Month collection.
I drove simply an hour northeast of Las Vegas and spent three days primarily based on the close by North Shore Inn at Lake Mead. I explored Rainbow Vista’s colourful sandstone, squeezed by means of Pink Canyon and the White Domes slot canyons, admired the long-lasting Fireplace Wave, photographed Elephant Rock within the gentle winter mild, and wandered among the many unbelievable formations, the Seven Sisters, Fireplace Cave, and the Beehives.
Location: Mojave Desert, Southeast Nevada, Southwest USA
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Vibe: Fiery crimson rock surreal wonderland
Common temperatures – 15°C to 21°C
My favourite highlights…
Recognizing desert bighorn sheep with hooves clattering on the rocks and tiny spiny lizards kicking up mud within the silent desert air!
12. Alta, Utah
Alta throughout this month left me in awe— the snowpack was deep, the powder recent, and the slopes far much less icy, all framed by gorgeous alpine surroundings and a laid-back, no-frills mountain city vibe. The brilliant blue skies towards the sensible white snow made each run really feel picture-perfect, and I appreciated the lighter crowds and higher costs in comparison with December and January.
I additionally found that there have been plenty of enjoyable occasions happening throughout this month, together with the Valentine’s heART Market, Snowshoe with a Naturalist guided hikes, the tutorial Timber and Skis tour, and the weekly Ski with a Ranger program.
I flew into Salt Lake Metropolis Worldwide Airport (SLC), drove simply 40 minutes, and spent 4 energetic days primarily based on the stylish 4-star Snowpine Lodge. I braved Alta’s legendary Excessive Rustler, soaked up views from Albion Basin, and ended every day indulging within the enjoyable après-ski scene.
Location: Wasatch Mountains, Northern Utah, Western USA
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Vibe: No-frills alpine really feel
Common temperature – minus 3°C to 2°C
My highlights…
Warming up with a steaming, cinnamon-kissed gingerbread scorching chocolate accompanied with buttery salted caramel pretzel sticks at Hatch Household Goodies.
13. Yellowstone Nationwide Park, Wyoming
Visiting Yellowstone throughout this month severely felt like entering into one other world — snow turned the park into a blinding winter wonderland, and watching geysers erupt by means of the frosty air was completely magical. The quiet, crowd-free environment made it simple for me to absorb the sweetness, and I assumed the gentle winter mild was excellent for images.
I cherished recognizing bison and even wolves in Lamar Valley, gliding throughout the snow on guided cross-country ski and snowshoe excursions, and taking scenic snow coach rides by means of the park’s distant inside. Although most roads have been closed to vehicles, snowmobiles and coaches made exploring simple.
I flew into Jackson Gap Airport, stayed on the distinctive 1872 Inn in West Yellowstone, and spent my days 5 days taking snow coach excursions to see Previous Trustworthy erupt towards a snowy backdrop, snowboarding close to Mammoth Scorching Springs, and watching wildlife within the frozen Lamar Valley.
Location: Rocky Mountains, Northwest Wyoming, Northwest USA
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Vibe: Snow-covered geothermal pure paradise
Common temperature – 0 to -15 levels
My highlights…
Gazing at severely Insta-worthy snowy surroundings on a snow coach tour — I watched bison plow by means of the drifts, their breath rising in frosty clouds towards the white panorama!
14. Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, Arizona
I discovered that February was an superior time to go to Petrified Forest — the cooler climate made lengthy hikes comfy, the paths have been blissfully quiet, and in contrast to many parks, every part stayed open (though the services closed round 5 pm). It felt like I had the surreal rainbow-hued badlands and historical petrified logs nearly to myself.
I drove two hours from Flagstaff and primarily based myself on the quirky 4-star Brad’s Desert Inn for an extended weekend. I hiked the Blue Mesa Path by means of pastel-striped badlands, wandered the glittering Crystal Forest, noticed centuries-old petroglyphs at Puerco Pueblo, and joined an enchanting ranger-led backcountry tour of the colourful Painted Desert.
Location: Painted Desert Area, Northeastern Arizona, Southwest USA
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Vibe: Surreal and quiet desert solitude
Common temperature – 10°C to 16°C
My favourite highlights…
Seeing a reconstructed skeleton of a phytosaur on the fascinating Rainbow Forest Museum,— a crocodile-like reptile that when roamed this very area — and cherished imagining it lurking in historical swamps thousands and thousands of years in the past!
15. Kirkwood, California
Kirkwood utterly received me over on my late winter break — the deep powder made for unbelievable snowboarding and snowboarding, and I cherished that the resort stored its laid-back, uncrowded vibe regardless of its famously difficult terrain and scenic bowls.
It’s additionally certainly one of California’s extra reasonably priced ski resorts, and I timed my go to with thrilling occasions such because the thrilling IFSA 2* Qualifier (Collegiate).
I flew into Reno-Tahoe Worldwide Airport, drove 1 hour 45 minutes southwest, and spent three thrilling days on the cozy 4-star Kirkwood Mountain Resort. I skied Kirkwood Mountain Resort, gazed in awe on the professionals tackle The Wall and The Cirque, snowshoed by means of Kirkwood Meadow, and wrapped up my days with après-ski at lodge-style The Cornice Grille and comfy drinks on the mountain-chic The Wall Bar.
Location: Sierra Nevada Mountains, Northern California, West USA
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Vibe: Excessive-altitude ski hideaway
Common temperature – minus 4°C to 4°C
My private highlights…
Watching the snowboarders pull off insane tips as they launched into the air – I used to be handled to gravity-defying flips, clean grabs, and dizzying spins that had the entire crowd whooping and cheering!
16. San Diego, California
San Diego was precisely the winter escape I wanted — this month introduced delicate, sunny climate excellent for seashore walks, outside adventures, and absorbing Vitamin D whereas a lot of the nation was nonetheless grey and chilly. I cherished the quieter, extra native vibe, the nice lodge offers, and the vigorous calendar of occasions which included the tutorial San Diego Museum Month, the colourful Chinese language New 12 months Truthful, and the vigorous Mardi Gras celebrations within the Gaslamp Quarter.
I drove two hours down the Pacific Coast Freeway from Los Angeles and spent 4 dreamy days on the stylish Tower 23 Lodge. I lounged on the sandy seashores at La Jolla and Coronado, explored Balboa Park’s museums and gardens, admired cherry blossoms on the Japanese Friendship Backyard, and even noticed migrating grey whales — February is peak season!
Location: Southern California Coast, Southwest USA
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Vibe: Solar-soaked funky coastal metropolis
Common temperature – 10°C to 18°C
My highlights…
Indulging in a blissful acupressure therapeutic massage with heat, gold-infused oil, adopted by a serene, skin-reviving Gold Extract Physique Wrap on the zen-like, Korean-style Aqua Day Spa.
17. Magic Mountain Ski Resort, Vermont
Taking a visit to Magic Mountain throughout this month was simply the very best — I discovered a few of Vermont’s finest powder, uncrowded slopes, and a retro, no-frills ski vibe with steep trails, tree runs, and a welcoming area people. The surroundings was gorgeous beneath its recent snowpack, and I even scored nice mid-season lodging offers.
I flew into Albany Worldwide Airport (ALB), drove 1.5 hours to Londonderry, and spent three picturesque days on the cozy Higher Go Lodge. I skied Vermont’s legendary pure snow, watched professionals carve by means of Twilight Zone and Goniff Glade, and joined the vigorous après-ski scene on the Black Line Tavern.
Location: Inexperienced Mountains, Southern Vermont, Northeast USA
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Vibe: Previous-school mountain ski spot
Common temperature – minus 6°C to minus 1°C
My highlights…
Attempting uphill snowboarding (skins) for the primary time, sticking the skins on my skis to cease backsliding — it was surprisingly enjoyable and in addition very addictive!
18. Windfall Canyon State Park, Georgia
I assumed “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon” was such an underrated gem, and February was a good time to discover — the cooler climate made mountain climbing secure and nice, and the leafless bushes revealed dramatic views of the pink, orange, and crimson gullies glowing within the gentle winter mild. With no crowds round, it felt blissfully peaceable and excellent for images.
I drove 2.5 hours from Atlanta and primarily based myself for a nature-filled weekend on the rustic-chic 4-star Lanier Islands Legacy Lodge. I hiked the colourful Canyon Loop Path, soaked within the surreal surroundings, and joined the fascinating Astronomy Evening stargazing occasion hosted by the Coca-Cola House Science Middle.
Location: Southwest Georgia, Deep South, Southeast USA
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Vibe: Underrated pure gem
Common temperature -13°C to 16°C
My private highlights…
Recognizing the previous Nineteen Fifties automobile wrecks within the park with their mossy hoods, shattered windshields, and pale paint — my favourite was a rusty powder blue pickup that made the right quirky photograph spot!
19. St Augustine, Florida
I found this was a beautiful time to go to St. Augustine — delicate, sunny climate (about 8 hours of sunshine a day!) and decrease humidity made exploring so nice, and it was low season so I scored higher lodge charges and loved town with out the same old crowds.
Whereas the ocean wasn’t fairly heat sufficient for swimming, I stuffed my days with occasions just like the vigorous Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Sequence, the family-friendly Previous Metropolis Pirate Fest, and the elegant St. Augustine Spanish Wine Competition.
I flew into Jacksonville Worldwide Airport (JAX), drove 50 minutes north, and spent 4 charming days on the romantic 4-star Casa Monica Resort & Spa. I explored Castillo de San Marcos and the Colonial Quarter, strolled the cobblestone streets of the Previous City, caught the ultimate weeks of the Nights of Lights, and wandered St. George Avenue the place I browsed galleries in colonial buildings and quirky outlets promoting hand-poured alligator-shaped soaps.
Location: Northeast Florida, Atlantic Coast, Southeast USA
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Vibe: Upscale charming colonial city
Common temperature – 18°C to 21°C
My highlights…
Visiting the rustic-chic San Sebastian Vineyard – I sipped on wealthy, velvety Reserve Petite Sirah which had darkish berry notes and a spicy end within the cozy, barrel-scented tasting room!
20. Desk Rock State Park, South Carolina
This quieter nationwide park was an ideal late winter escape — the crisp, cool climate made mountain climbing the paths comfy, the crowds and mosquitoes have been gone, and the entire place had a peaceable, cozy winter vibe. I particularly cherished how the leafless bushes opened up sweeping views of the Blue Ridge foothills, which made it a tremendous time for capturing photographs for my Instagram gallery.
I flew into Greenville-Spartanburg Worldwide Airport (GSP), drove 45 minutes, and spent 4 nature-filled days in a comfy historic log cabin. I hiked the Desk Rock and Pinnacle Mountain Trails, soaked up the panoramic mountain views, and joined the park’s “Music on the Mountain” bluegrass jam inside the gorgeous CCC-built Lodge.
Location: Blue Ridge Foothills, Northwestern South Carolina, Southeast USA
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Vibe: Quiet mountain park
Common temperatures – 10°C to 16°C
My private highlights…
Spending a dreamy Valentine’s getaway in a comfy log cabin, waking to mist rising off Pinnacle Lake, the recent scent of pine, and the rhythmic faucet of woodpeckers every morning!