Picking Seasons

Without bluebonnets, could it count as spring in Texas? Houston, Texas. March 23, 2013.

In a comment on a previous post, Will Pora asked where I’d like to spend each season of a given year, if I could go anywhere.

Challenging question.

I haven’t visited everywhere yet. What if I pick one spot, not knowing that another place would prove even better? I reserve the right to update this list in the future.

Here’s what I’ve got:

Winter: Houston, Texas

I love Houston. Even as I considered where to spend seasons, I figured I wouldn’t spend the entire season in my chosen spot: If I did, I’d effectively move away from Houston. That wouldn’t make me happy.

As for which season I love here the most, I vote winter all the way. Houston features mild winters that rarely get below freezing on the coldest nights. The humidity lifts away, leaving sunny days in the 50s and 60s with just the right hint of crispness.

Spring: Japan (Preferably) or Washington, District of Columbia

Cherry blossom season. Enough said.

Summer: Lincoln County, New Mexico

Lincoln County has the perfect summer weather and landscape: In the forested mountains, you get low 60s in the height of the day and overnight lows in the 40s. If you drive one hour, you’re in the flats and the heat of the desert—beautiful for a morning or evening visit.

And there’s so much outdoorsy wonderfulness to enjoy—although the altitude makes running tough for a flatlander.

Fall: Vermont

I’ve never seen the fall color in New England—the closest I’ve gotten are the Midwest and the Midatlantic—but pictures have made my jaw drop.

Also, for no reason I can determine, I’ve always seen Vermont as a paradise. No one place can actually form my mental Vermont: lush green mountains, sheep and goats, quaint houses built into hillsides and nestled among streams, meandering country roads.

I’ve never actually visited the state, to preserve my illusions.

Where would you spend each season if you could?