HGTV's Top Ten Christmas Towns airs in December
A friend of mine from Victoria, BC has been e-mailing me about her trip to Vienna and Salzburg. She says that Austria is the uber Christmas destination, with its decorated shops and trees, music, history, food and festivals.
But if your calendar and budget don't permit any travel this holiday season, here's a fun way to experience Christmas from your couch! HGTV has produced a new show titled Top Ten Christmas Towns.
It premieres on Dec. 7 and will be rebroadcast on Dec. 19, 24 and 25. I've been to only three of the top towns (noted with a *), and not necessarily at Christmas. So I'll be tuning in for sure!
1. Leavenworth, Washington*
2. Durango, Colorado
3. Woodstock, Vermont
4. Kennebunkport, Maine
5. Mountain View, Arkansas
6. North Pole, Alaska*
7. Alexandria, Virginia
8. Mackinac Island, Michigan
9. New Orleans, Louisiana
10. San Antonio, Texas*
For more info: One of my favorite places to stay in Leavenworth is
Run of the River. Located just out of town on the Icicle River, it's an inn and refuge in the truest sense. I've stayed there all four seasons, and winter is my favorite. With views of the Enchantments outside your door, it's a perfect spot for full-moon magic on the snow below. Winter's full moons in 2009 are Jan. 11, Feb. 9 and March 11.