Depends on your definition of "a mild winter". We are from the Southern Appalachians. The area of TN and NC encompassing The Great Smoky Mtns Park, Cherokee National Forest, Nantahala National Forest. We were in CC Nov 2009 - May 2010. Wind off the gulf is wicked on the island. But it was very light at the park we stayed at. There were some frosty late Jan - Feb mornings. Winter was similar to Southwest GA and North FL. We had no desire to head further South. Rio Grande Valley area is pricey and you need reservations. Same as Rockport-Fulton, Aransas area... popular with the "snowbirds". CC is not so much. Don't know why.