These Towns on the Atlantic Coast Come Alive in Winter

There is a certain charm in the winter seasons that tends to be overlooked. While many complain about the plunging temperatures and inevitable sore throats and stuffy noses, there can be so much wonder found in the colder months — and it all depends on where you go. Beautiful Christmas lights and fluffy snow covering the ground are what most people yearn for. Uncover a few towns on the Atlantic Coast that bring that magical feeling to life in the wintertime.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Welcome to the gateway of Acadia National Park! This coastal town in Maine has such a welcoming, warm feel that visitors will never want to leave. Enjoy the stunning natural views while biking or during one of its various scenic flights — or look at one of the town's many museums, where history and culture are at the tip of your fingers. Cruise along the Park Loop Road, which is a 27-mile ride that crests alongside ocean cliffs and through mountain forests.

During the winter, however, Bar Harbor takes advantage of its smaller population. While most tourists go home, this town gathers together and makes everyone there feel the joy of the holiday season. The Historical Society hosts an annual Gingerbread House Contest, which is family-friendly and a fun hop on down to the village to enjoy the cookies and cocoa offered while waving at Santa Claus and listening to the carolers. Tourists can also head to Bangor's Robinson Ballet to watch The Nutcracker because live theatre during the holidays is an experience like no other.

Ogunquit, Maine

There is nothing quite like winter in the cozy, quaint town of Ogunquit. It is a beautiful destination in the summer, but it comes alive when the snow starts to settle and the days get shorter. The winter scenery is like nothing else — feel the wind in your hair as you speed along the slopes of Powderhouse Hill, take in the scenery as you ski through Harris Farm, or marvel at the weather while snowshoeing the woods of Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region.

Many restaurants and bars are perched along the coast so visitors can enjoy food or drinks while watching the boats bob gently on the water.

Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

This town almost doesn't seem real — its adorable architecture is brightly colored, almost representing a gingerbread house picked out from a fairytale book. If you want to feel like you've stepped into Whoville, this is the place to be.

Located off the coast on Martha's Vineyard, Oak Bluffs is a lively, stunning place. Enjoy the many flavors at The Sweet Life Cafe, sitting by the gorgeous heated patio, or soak up the live music at The Ritz, which also offers karaoke or trivia on Tuesdays. The crowds may have died down, but the comfort of winter is found indoors at Oak Bluffs — surrounded by the people you love as the snow falls outside.

Jamestown, Rhode Island

Often overshadowed by its neighboring town of Newport, Jamestown is a hidden gem. It is a bit on the smaller side, but that makes exploring the beautiful scenery in the winter that much more relaxing. You can find many beaches and rocky coastlines driving around town, and it isn't rare that you may find that the beautiful view is all for you! Enjoy views of the Claiborne Pell Bridge or take in the old designs of Fort Wetherill. Jamestown perfectly captures the essence of a small town, and the wintertime brings out a different magic to its attractions.

Cape May, New Jersey

The small resort town of Cape May should make it on everyone's bucket list when traveling to the East Coast, especially during the winter. Visitors should look at Congress Hall, which hosts a Winter Wonderland every Christmas season. From decorated and colorful lights to their beloved Breakfast with Santa series, the holidays fill every nook and cranny of the building.

West End Garage is also a must-see when shopping! Its displays of fashion, art, photography, jewelry, antiques, and more fill the area with life. More ideas include winter birdwatching at the Nature Conservancy at South Cape May Meadows or partaking in one of its many trolley or ghost tours.

Chincoteague, Virginia

There are many people who understandably do not like the cold but still want to experience winter along the beautiful Atlantic Coast. In that case, Chincoteague will be a perfect getaway. The weather is usually described as "mild, cool, and pleasant," hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit in December as the sky clears and the sun shines. The best part of this town, however, is the wildlife.

Many species of geese and ducks spend most of their winter in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, and visitors will most likely be able to glimpse a variety of birds when visiting Assateague Island, which is a part of the Great Atlantic Flyway. Seeing thousands of birds gathered together and flying away is a rare, beautiful occurrence.

The Magic of Winter

It is true that cities are a great place to spend the holidays or to get a taste of what winter should feel like. But it's undeniable that there is a certain charm present in small towns that can't be captured in larger cities. The feeling of a warm hug, even in the dead of winter, is rare to find, but it's safe to say these towns by the Atlantic Coast embody it perfectly.