With so many options for any lifestyle and budget, it can be a daunting task to find the perfect weekend getaway.
Romantic escape or urban adventure? Beach or mountain retreat? Road trip or staycation? Cruise or camping?
Sightseeing Adventures Close to Home –
Be a tourist in your hometown or nearby.
Take advantage of annual food festivals, such as the Picklesburgh Festival (www.picklesburgh.com) in Pittsburgh, which focuses on the city’s legendary love of pickles, or the Maine Lobster Festival.
Fans of art museums and crafts fairs can find something happening just about every weekend of the year on The Art Fair Calendar and plan accordingly.
Or, take a daytrip to a national park or a state park nearby. Be aware that some now require reservations in peak season, so it’s wise to check your destination’s website before travel.
Take a Weekend Cruise –
With so many ports, it’s easy to take a relaxing weekend cruise north to Canada from NYC or south to the Caribbean from Miami, Orlando and Galveston.
Enjoy shore excursions to explore Mayan temples in Mexico, swim with dolphins in the Bahamas, or wander the historic streets of Quebec. Or, extend the weekend to a longer 3 or 4 day cruise.
And while on board, there are water slides and even ice skating for you or the kids, Broadway-quality shows each evening, and lots of great food choices at the buffet and gourmet options at specialty restaurants.
Beachside Retreats –
Whether you are looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, or an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, beachside retreats offer something for everyone.
The USA has more than 95,000 miles of shoreline – including the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and Gulf of Mexiso, plus zillions of bays and lakes, so there are plenty of beaches to choose from.
Head for one of the isolated and picturesque beaches of Oregon or Maine, or one with Las Vegas-like hotels and active nightlife, such as Gulf Shores, Alabama.
And be sure to sample abundant local seafood. From succulent shrimp boils and lobster rolls to fresh-caught fish tacos, indulging in local foodie favorites is always a bonus.
Mountain Escapes –
Breathtaking views, clear air and quality time with family or friends are the hallmarks of a mountain escape, whether you choose a riverside cabin or campsite in New England or a grand hotel in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Depending on the season, there’s skiing/snowboarding, whitewater rafting, hiking and mountain biking.
Many ski/snowboard resorts operate their gondolas and chairlifts in non-snow months, for hikers, bikers and sightseers
Find beautiful alpine meadows and wildflowers in spring golden aspens in fall at Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, or take a road trip through Washington’s scenic Cascade Loop.
Luxury Hotels & Resorts –
From five-star properties with all the latest amenities to boutique hotels and BnB’s with charming interiors, there are plenty of options for a luxury weekend escape.
Many of the 100+ destinations of the Historic Hotels of America are national landmarks, with lush gardens and spa treatments for additional pampering.
What’s your choice for a weekend getaway?
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 20+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter currently serves as President of the International Motor Press Assn. (IMPA) and is a former Board Member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW).
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter also is Managing Editor of Seniors Skiing, which focuses on the 50+ outdoor enthusiast.
Contact me at evelyn@ecoxplorer.com.
Copyright (C) Evelyn Kanter
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