A nighttime scene featuring palm trees adorned with green and white string lights lining a pathway. The path is surrounded by lush greenery and a white building on the right, illuminated by warm street lamps.

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5 Ways to Enjoy Opal Destinations This Winter

‘Tis the season to start planning … for the winter season. The last month of the year is full of decision-making. Like, what to get your nearest and dearest, or what would make for good stocking stuffers for the little ones. You must be thinking about your next family get-together, and just as importantly, concocting your travel plans. Now, that last part, we can help with.

Whether you’d like to stay close to home or find a blissful winter escape beyond state lines, any time spent at an Opal Collection resort is bound to put you in good spirits this time of year. From fat-biking fun and bird watching to awe-inspiring holiday light displays, we’ve found several really (like, really) good reasons to visit Opal destinations this season.

1. TAKE A FAT BIKE TOUR | LAKE PLACID, NY

You may have noticed this peculiar bike niche gaining significant traction (pun intended) in the last few years. Fat bikes – with tires more than twice the width of normal mountain bike tires and a bigger frame – float on surfaces, like snow, where normal tires would sink. The result? Riders can venture out into a winter wonderland at full speed. Lake Placid–based High Peaks Cyclery offers expertly guided tours for visitors looking to try this up-and-coming sport on the trails of Mt. Van Hoevenberg (which happens to be less than a mile from the store), complete with bike rental, helmet, hot cocoa, and snacks.

Where to Stay | Lake Placid Lodge

2. FIND FEATHERED FRIENDS | KEY WEST, FL

In the cooler months, Florida is home to over 300 species of birds – some of which live in the area year-round, many of which are just stopping through. Keep an eye out for the four-foot-tall great egret or one of the many birds of prey who winter here in Key West, like bald eagles, osprey, and red-shouldered hawks. For your best chance of catching a glimpse at any of these birds, try a private birding tour through the mangroves with Captain Victoria Impallomeni of Dancing Dolphin Spirits Charter, which can last anywhere from four to seven hours. If you’re staying at Sunset Key Cottages, keep an eye out for the unofficial mascot, Henry the Heron, who guests love to spot as he saunters by the beach at Latitudes.

Where to Stay | Sunset Key Cottages | The Capitana Key West | Opal Key Resort & Marina | The Laureate Key West

3. STROLL THROUGH FESTIVE FLORA | ST. PETERSBURG, FL

Until Jan. 1, 2023, the Florida Botanical Gardens turns into a winter wonderland thanks to the annual Holiday Lights in the Garden. Located just nine miles south of Clearwater and 10 miles north of St. Pete in Pinewood Cultural Park, the 30 acres of cultivated gardens are adorned in more than one million LED lights, as well as festive holiday displays of snowmen and Santas. Local musicians dot the gardens, serenading guests as they wander the lit pathways while sipping on hot chocolate and munching on sweet snacks from local vendors. And a new children’s area, open this year, will bring delight to even the smallest of light-lovers.

Where to Stay | Opal Sands Resort | Sandpearl Resort | Treasure Island Beach Resort | Belleview Inn

Light displays at Holiday Lights in the Garden at the Florida Botanical Gardens. Lights are wrapped around palm trees and green lights are put together to form a turtle.

4. CELEBRATE AN OLD-FASHIONED HOLIDAY | NAPLES, FL

Naples’s historic high-end shopping district, Third Street South, is kicking off the season by kicking it old-school with a brand-new tradition, the Traditional Holiday Stroll. Don your most festive holiday apparel and enjoy carolers fa-la-la-ing, sparkling lights a glow and world-class shopping, all while sipping on gourmet Christmas cocktails. It’s a special, once-a-year event that will keep shops open, elves busy at work and restaurants full. Be sure to make dining reservations in advance.

Where to Stay | Edgewater Beach Hotel

5. HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS … ON A BOAT | SARASOTA, FL

Have you ever seen a mega-yacht trimmed from bow to stern with twinkling lights? Holiday boat parades are uniquely coastal events, and Sarasota’s boating community sets the standard – their parade, which takes place each year in early December, includes some of the largest parading boats in Florida. The fun begins at Island Park, and it’s for a good cause, too: Be sure to bring one unwrapped child’s gift to benefit the Suncoast Charities for Children.

Where to Stay | The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Lido Beach Resort | Zota Beach Resort

Holiday boat parade in Sarasota. — Photo credit: *Dauth & Co Parade Photos*

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For Select Dates Through December 24