Florida Spot Ranked Top Coastal Town in the U.S.

We're heading into December, so it's difficult to think about beaches right now. But, in certain areas of the U.S., it's always a good time to hit the beach. As someone who lives in the Midwest, I definitely wish we could have our beaches open year-round. But, it obviously gets super cold in the Midwest during the winter months. That said, if you're looking at a winter getaway and America's best vacations, Good Housekeeping has has a new list out. It features the best coastal areas in America. What's extra cool is that one Florida spot has been named a top coastal town in the U.S.

The report highlights beaches and getaways from all over, including getaways in Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, New York and even Portugal. One interesting pick was their "cottages at the lake" choice at The Cove. That's located at Sylvan Beach in Sylvan Beach, New York. The Cove at Sylvan Beach boasts 70 two- and three-bedroom cottages with kitchens, outdoor grills, living rooms and washer/dryers. As a Midwestern, that sounds like a totally familiar vacation.

So, which Florida area has been honored as a top coastal town in the U.S.? It's the The Palm Beaches. Of the spot, they say, "About 35 miles south of Disney World (sic), this laid-back beach town boasts the highest concentration of whales and dolphins of any place in the world. Migrating gray whales swing by Dana Point from November through April, while blue whales come to visit from May through November." As for great activities, they say, to try "one of the many whale-watching tours and at the educational Ocean Institute." Whale-watching sounds like such a fun activity. They also suggest just doing beaches. Find the full list of the best coastal towns here.

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 of the bets spots for apple cider in America? Florida has one of them.

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.

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.

https://www.linvilla.com/

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.

https://www.franklincidermill.com/

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.

https://www.applehillorchard.com/

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.

https://mercier-orchards.com/

"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.

https://downtowndelraybeach.com/listings/bedners-farm-fresh-market