Baby it’s cold outside. We’ve had a nice burst of cool air this week with more to come throughout the season. It’s a time to cozy up under a blanket or by a fire. It’s not just about fuzzy blankets. There are towns around the state, the country and the world that have an unexplained cozy feel to them. It might not surprise you that quant little Sanibel makes the cut for coziest hygge town in Florida.
What the heck is “hygge”
It is a Danish concept pronounced hoo-guh. The term that encompasses feelings of comfort, contentment, and well-being. Simply, that sense of being and feeling cozy. MyDatingAdviser used hygge as a guide to assess 170 US towns. They used three key factors. First, the weather and things such as temperature and snowfall. Second, culinary delights which includes charming cafes and bakeries. Finally, the researchers looked at overall things to do.
“We’ve traveled across the state to unveil some of the warmest hygge towns in Florida, perfect for a winter getaway,” said Amy Harris, Editor-in-Chief at MyDatingAdviser.com. I encourage everyone to embrace the essence of hygge. Enjoy a leisurely stroll by the beach, indulge in local cuisine, immerse yourself in local culture, and create cherished memories with loved ones.”
Find Florida’s best towns for getting that cozy feeling by scrolling down.
Coziest Florida town
No Florida cities or towns made the top 20 hygge spots in the nation. However, if you are looking for a cozy getaway outside of the Sunshine State, here are the top five in the nation according to this report:
- Stockholm, Wisconsin
- Stowe, Vermont
- Stanley, Idaho
- Ellicottville, New York
- Breckinridge, Colorado
You can find that complete list here. In the meantime, Sanibel ranks in the coziest Florida town list. There are seven others that made the cut if you want to take a hygge cozy road trip. Here they are:
Seaside
I just love this picturesque coastal town in the Panhandle. The architecture and the stunning views make this an inviting winter escape, even though it gets a lot colder here than Southwest Florida.
Winter Temperature: 56°F, Winter Season: 3 months
Seaside Beaches are gorgeous
St. Augustine
It’s also a little colder but it’s know for warm cafes in old town, historic landmarks and lots of charm. Tour the Castillo de San Marcos, stroll St. George Street, and experience the Nights of Lights festival.
Winter Temperature: 59.5°F, Winter Season: 3 months
Old town has all kinds of things to explore
Alys Beach
Besides Seaside, this is one of my favorite Panhandle escapes. It’s known for pristine white sands and elegant white architecture. There is an Amphitheatre, galleries and a cool digital art festival which keeps the art community vibrant.
Winter Temperature: 52.5°F, Winter Season: 3 months
The architecture is all white and pristine. Cool spot
Marathon
Marathon is even warmer than Southwest Florida at times, if want cozy without cold. The beaches are great and so are the water sports. And don’t even bet me started on the brilliant sunsets.
Winter Temperature: 73°F, Winter Season: 2.9 months
Sunsets in the Florida Keys are some of the best in the world.
Sanibel Island
Sanibel might still be in full Hurricane Ian recovery mode. However researches say with things like the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge shelling and local restaurants, it has all kinds of hygee.
Winter Temperature: 67°F, Winter Season: 2.8 months
Sanibel Beaches are full of vegetation, shells and great sunsets.
