Nothing cooler than a beach in cold weather

Blue Highways by Tee Gentry Baby, it’s cold outside. Let's go to the beach When we think of the beach, it’s bikinis, tiki huts, and a warm summer breeze. But, if you want to explore the coast without the crowds, throw on a hoodie and enjoy the beach in winter, when the summer breeze is replaced by a chill in the air and empty sand.  A coastal town in the winter - there are no lines, no traffic, and the restaurants aren’t packed with vacationers. It is just more laid back and there is something special about feeling like a local for a few days.  It’s a special time of the year and you have more room to enjoy the simple beauty of the ocean as it crashes against the wooden pier most southern beach towns have.  On the beach, the ocean seems a little wilder than usual, and the water has taken on a slightly different color as if it even feels the cold in the air. Stop in a beach bar, and chances are you will meet a few locals who would never voluntarily fight the summer crowds. I met one couple that rented a home for a few months each winter to spend time far from the wintry weather up North. It was still cold, but not New York cold.  If visiting the area for the first time, the internet is your friend. I usually check out restaurants, bars, sights to see and more. Great information to have and you will have a good idea of what is available in the off-season before you head out on your next chilly adventure.  A few tips for a winter trip to the coast.  Find a good local coffee shop. A hot cup of coffee will make your walk on the beach a lot more enjoyable.  Find a cool shop and buy a discounted hoodie with the beach name on it. You will need it, and when you get home, you will have a reasonably-priced souvenir from your trip.  Find that place nearby that you might not visit during peak travel times because of the crowds. Remember, this is off-season, and you are free to roam.   Find the perfect spot to catch the sunset.  Winter sunsets are different. Ask a local. They can point you to that perfect spot. Break out your phone and capture that frameable masterpiece.  Find a good place for seafood gumbo or clam chowder for dinner. It is a great way to knock back the seaside chill and a perfect end to a winter beach day.