What does Yuma have in common with Hilo, Hawaii, Hermosa Beach, Calif., and Gulfport, Miss.? They’ve all been named as one of the 20 best places for snowbirds this winter.
The popular travel website Expedia included Yuma in its listing released Nov. 27. Spokeswoman Jodie Booras explained how Yuma came to be featured as one of the best places in America for snowbirds to escape the winter cold.
“In writing the article, Expedia researched and identified cities across the nation that have not only pleasing spring-like temperatures, but also offer their own unique allure,” she said.
Booras noted that Yuma stood out on this list not only because its average high in January is a warm 70 degree Fahrenheit, but also for the activities offered during the winter months.
The article written by Chloe Mulliner, which can be found at https://tinyurl.com/y9joq6yz, points out that a lot of cities seem to shut down during the chilly months, but not Yuma.
“With the sun still shining and the mercury resting in a comfortable range, this Southwest city keeps its calendar full. Every January, the Yuma Medjool Date Festival puts on a show, celebrating the sweet fruit grown in the desert area. The wintertime is also ideal for hosting the Yuma Territorial Marathon and Half Marathon — you just might find yourself trading your mittens for some sweatbands.”
It also mentions that snowbirds love to rent wheels from Mr.B’s Bicycles and cruise along the Yuma River, passing the West Wetlands Park along the way.
Linda Morgan, executive director of Visit Yuma, which runs the local visitors center, is not surprised that Yuma is included on the list of top winter destinations. But she’s pleased that others recognize it as well.
“We know that Yuma is a great place to visit, but it’s always great to get this kind of recognition based on travel search data. Clearly, the word about the wonders of ‘YumanNature’ is reaching more people and they are seeking out information about Yuma as a destination,” Morgan said.
Peoria is the only other city in Arizona on the list.
The article encourages those who love warm weather and sunny skies, instead of willing the winter season away, to do as the snowbirds do.
“What is a snowbird, you ask? Someone who migrates
to a warmer destination to avoid the wrath of winter. If you dread scraping the ice off your car windshield, fall on black ice left and right, and swear you must be cold-blooded, you just may be a snowbird at heart.”
In Yuma, as the article states, snow plows and ear muffs have no place. And it has plenty of outdoor attractions and activities
“that will have you thinking spring has already sprung.”
In conclusion, it adds: “Quit wishing winter away; ditch your wool socks, grab your sunglasses, and get ready to see a whole different side of winter in these destinations.”
For those snowbirds who already caught on to Yuma’s allure, the Yuma Sun will be hosting a Welcome
Back Winter Visitors Bash on Dec. 6 at the Yuma County Fairgrounds, 2520 E. 32nd St. The Yuma business community will welcome them from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature vendor booths with information about Yuma, food and lots of fun.
To learn more about other winter activities in Yuma, go to VisitYuma. com.