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Georgia Beach Named One of the Best Winter Beaches in America

Winter is coming, and some areas of the U.S. are much nicer during the winter months than others. That is, if you like mild temperatures instead of lots of snow…

St. Simons Island, GA Sand Dune at dawn

Getty Images / DorothyBlahnik

Getty Images / DorothyBlahnik

Winter is coming, and some areas of the U.S. are much nicer during the winter months than others. That is, if you like mild temperatures instead of lots of snow and ice. Each year, I always say that I'm going to get away from all the snow and cold and head deep south. But, I never do. Maybe this year will be that year, though. There's a new list out about the best winter beach retreats, and it has some great options. As it turns out, Georgia has one of the best winter beaches in America.

The new list on the best winter beaches in America comes from Budgettravel.com. "White sand and warm waters are closer than you think," they write. "When winter's chill sets in, escape to one of these laid-back, sun-drenched spots. No passport needed."

Before we get to Georgia, let's look at the only spot above Florida. No. 1 on the list is San Juan, Puerto Rico. The article boasts the area's "stunning beaches" and "16th-century colonial history," adding, "hit the beaches in the blissfully uncrowded mornings (Ocean Park Beach and Isla Verde Beach are local favorites) and spend your afternoons strolling the cobblestone streets and admiring the candy-colored buildings of Old Town."

Georgia comes in at No. 8 on the list with St. Simons Island. As the publication describes, "One of four islands that make up Georgia's Golden Isles (a collection of barrier islands just off the southeastern coast), St. Simons is known for its centuries-old moss-draped oak trees, historical landmarks, white-sand beaches, and 99 holes of golf. Cars are allowed on the island, but the leisurely pace of life here will make you want to stay away from anything with a motor." That sounds like a true winter getaway. Find the full list of the best winter beach retreats in America here and enjoy.

Apple cider season is here. There's just something special about having apple cider in the fall. You can have it any season, but it just tastes better in the fall. What's more, if it's chilly out, it's extra delicious to have hot apple cider with a dash of cinnamon. So, what are some spots with the best apple cider in the U.S.?

Before we get to today's apple cider, let's look at some of the interesting history of apple cider. According to Washington State University, the very "first recorded references to cider date back to Roman times," and, "in 55 BCE Julius Caesar found the Celtic Britons fermenting cider from native crabapples. The people of northern Spain were making sidra before the birth of Christ." That's so wild to think about.

Moreover, according to SmithsonianMag.com, "Evidence of apple trees growing along the banks to the Nile River can be found dating back to about 1300 B.C., but there's no evidence that ancient Egyptians ever used them for cider. However, considering how much the Egyptians enjoyed beer (and that they were one of the first cultures to brew it), they did have some notion of the joys of fermenting alcoholic beverages."

In other words, apple cider dates back a long, long time. In fact, apples are as old as time, really. Remember the Biblical story where Eve at the apple? There you have it. Even though apples are very ancient, the way that we eat them today is not. There are so many different ways to enjoy apples and apple cider in the fall. With that in mind, let's get into the best apple cider in the U.S. What's your favorite spot to get local apple cider? Reach out to us on social media and give us your picks.

Georgia Orchard Has Some of the Best Apple Cider in the U.S.

Linvilla Orchards in Pennsylvania

Linvilla Orchards is located in Media, Pennsylvania, about 30 minutes south of Philadelphia. It's a favorite local spot to get apple cider every fall. In addition to apple cider, Linvilla has their legendary Apple Cider Doughnuts. Oh, my.

Franklin Cider Mill in Michigan

If you haven't tried the honey crisp apple cider at Franklin Cider Mill, then you haven't experienced fall. This cider mill, located in Bloomfield Hills, is close to Detroit. It's a super fun spot for fall activities.

Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in North Carolina

You'll find delicious, fresh cider at Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in Morganton, North Carolina. They, of course, make their own cider by pressing their fresh apples and turning it into yummy cider. They even offer it hot or as a slushie.

Bedner's Farm Fresh Market in Florida

"Our mission at Bedner's Farm Fresh Market is to bring our customers a variety of locally grown produce," Bedner's Farm Fresh Market states on their social media pages. Located in Boynton Beach, Florida, this spot is known for its great cider and the annual Bedner's Fall Festival.

Mercier Orchards in Georgia

Mercier Orchards are a fourth generation family and veteran-owned and operated apple orchard. They were founded back in 1943. They offer amazing cider, as well as other fresh treats, such as baked goods and fruit. They're located in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.