Those living in the Midwest and Northern United States experienced a pretty harsh winter this year. To remind those hit with snow storm after snow storm, Florida Governor Rick Scott and VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation, hit the road earlier this month to invite potential travelers in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Chicago to vacation in Florida.

March 1 and 2, the governor and tourism ambassadors kicked off the mission with a rally in Florida’s tourism capital, Orlando. Gov. Scott and his entourage then traveled north on a whirlwind trip spreading sunshine in the form of personal invitations to vacation in Florida, tchotchkes and Florida vacation giveaways.

Those in Chicago were the biggest winners. While the Florida vacations given away throughout the journey were valid for a year, up to 120 Windy City winners boarded a Southwest Airlines charted jet bound for Orlando for a four-day vacation. Almost sounds like an Oprah move, doesn’t it?

If you’re tired of the cold Mother Nature bestowed on you this year, an affordable Florida vacation is in reach and the Sunshine State offers many vacation options. Escape the cold by visiting the Southern Most Point during a Key West vacation or play on the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean during a Daytona Beach trip. Get your thrill on during an Orlando family vacation or chill out and enjoy Florida’s Gulf coast during a getaway to Naples.

Remember, Florida’s called the Sunshine State for good reason so head south and defrost.

Image Source: VISIT FLORIDA

Punxsutawney Phil, probably the second most famous rodent next to Mickey, did not see his shadow this Groundhog Day meaning winter is ending and spring is on its way. But after all the snow this winter, can you wait until spring to defrost?

We have some ideas to escape the winter cold and soak up the sunshine and heat in the near-future. Here are our top warm-weather picks in the United States for this winter:

Las Vegas, Nev. – Seriously, you don’t need an excuse for a Las Vegas vacation but if you need one, four or five wallops of winter snow is good reason. Las Vegas is always evolving with grand resorts, superb entertainment and non-stop action. We can’t guarantee you’ll win big in the casinos but are pretty sure you’ll be filled with unforgettable memories.

New Orleans, La. - Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll during a New Orleans vacation.  Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare Cajun cuisine, get spooked during an evening city ghost tour, and let loose (but in control) on Bourbon Street when the music is pulsing. It’s not too early to find your New Orleans accommodations for Mardi Gras, which is Tuesday, March 8, 2011.

Palm Springs, Calif. – If winter has given you the blahs, travel to Palm Springs where average high temperatures range between the upper-70s to low-90s. Just reading that fills me with warm fuzzies. Explore canyons, tee it up on a golf course and soak up the snazzy sophistication while soaking up the sun.

Florida – There were reported sightings of Groundhog Phil basking in the Sunshine State’s warm rays the end of January. Apparently, the groundhog had enough of snow and boogied on down south for an early spring. Make like Phil and travel to Florida to enjoy eclectic Key West, flare of Naples, vroom of Daytona Beach and thrill of Orlando. Whether seeking beaches, nature, or exhilarating theme park rides, Florida offers something for everyone.

There’s only so much a cozy fireplace and grandma’s quilt can do to keep you warm. Escape on a warm-weather vacation to warm the spirit and soul.

Image Source: Naples, Marco Island & Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau

It’s hard to miss the tall, orange T. Rex peering from the trees in Plant City, Florida, when traveling Interstate 4 between Tampa and Orlando. His job is to lure visitors inside a nifty roadside attraction called Dinosaur World, home to more than 150 life-like dinosaurs. And don’t worry. This isn’t like Jurassic Park where dinosaurs have been bred and brought back from extinction to rule the world again.These are detailed sculptures dotting the park.

Visitors will see life-size dinosaur models while walking different paths. Listen carefully. There’s a rustle in the bushes and it’s getting closer. Is that a dinosaur? Rest assured, although realistic looking, these dinos don’t move but they certainly look as though they could. Dinosaurs representing land, water and air can be found along with some replica skeletons in the Skeleton Garden.

Kiddos will squeal with delight when seeing the large beasts and they’ll really get a kick out of the Fossil Dig as they sift for authentic fossils they can take home! Over at the Boneyard, kids (and parents) and tap their inner paleontologist and uncover a life-size dinosaur skeleton. Mammoth Garden, Prehistoric Museum and the Caves are fun, too. Of course, can’t forget the gift shop for a dinosaur souvenir ranging from fossils to small boxes shaped as T-Rex heads.

Food is not available onsite but there are plenty of tables to enjoy a picnic you packed among the dinosaurs.

When vacationing in Central Florida, take a break from the big theme parks to enjoy something a little more low-key. Dinosaur World fits the bill. Opening in Fall 2011 is a new museum which promises to bring more excitement.

Dinosaur World has been named a Florida Top 10 Unique Experience, an Iconic American Treasure by Disney’s Family.com and earned Nickelodeon 2009 Parent’s Pick for Top Tampa Attraction.

Dinosaur World
5145 Harvey Tew Road
Plant City, Fla.
Exit 17 off I-4
www.dinosaurworld.com

FTC Disclosure: Dinosaur World provided admission to this blogger however all opinions are her own.