The Perfect Vacation Is Closer Than You Think
With prices for airfare at all-time highs, many people have been looking for vacation spots that are closer to home. Luckily, America is full of great weekend getaways that won't have you breaking the bank to get there.
Rockland, Maine
Rockland's stunning coastline matches the allure of the city's attractions. Art enthusiasts can explore The Farnsworth Art Museum or the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, while those seeking local treats can visit the weekly farmers' market and hidden gems like Rock City Coffee.
Crispins C. Crispian, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Rockland, Maine (cont’d)
If you're wanting a night out, head over to the historic Myrtle Street Tavern, Liberator Brewing Company, or The Strand Theater. August is one of the best times to visit Rockland, since that when the city—which is one of the largest lobster shipping centers in the world—celebrates its famous crustacean each with the popular Maine Lobster Fest.
LiamSig, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is well-known for its charm as a waterfront university town, and with two Vermont chefs duking it out for the 2024 James Beard Awards, it's turned into a must-visit destination for food and drink lovers. At Honey Road, pastry chef Amanda Wildermuth is waiting to wow you with her tahini sundae, featuring sesame caramel and crumbled halva.
Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Burlington, Vermont (cont’d)
Meanwhile, chef Mojo Hancy-Davis's farm-to-table menu at May Day is where you can try spicy Brussels sprouts that have gained a devoted fanbase, thanks to their citrus-garlic chili sauce, golden raisins, and sunflower seeds. Many visitors also speak highly of the selection of craft beers at the small experimental brewery Foam Brewers.
Sdkb, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Cape May, New jersey
Cape May is part of the Jersey Shore, but it's nothing like the nightclubs and tanning beds that we saw on MTV. In Cape May, you'll be enchanted by Victorian mansions, gas-lit cobblestone streets, and the town's famous lighthouse.
Cape May, New jersey (cont’d)
In addition to the historic charm, Cape May has a vibrant local music scene and many quaint mom-and-pop shops and family-owned restaurants. The town is a haven for food lovers, with many menus featuring perfectly seasoned, fresh-caught seafood.
Staib, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bentonville, Arkansas
It may be known as the birthplace of Walmart—thanks to Sam Walton's first Five and Dime that opened in 1950—but Bentonville has evolved beyond its retail roots. It's now a prime destination for art enthusiasts, cyclists, and curious travelers seeking a less crowded alternative to nearby Southern hotspots.
Bentonville, Arkansas (cont’d)
Many visitors start their weekend in Bentonville with a visit to downtown's Walmart Museum and the beloved Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Nature lovers should check out Bentonville’s trail system which take you around the museum's 120-acre park. It's perfect for exploring on foot or bike.
Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Topeka, Kansas
Topeka is home to a surprising number of brewpubs, including the Blind Tiger Restaurant & Brewery, Norsemen Brewing Company, Iron Rail Brewing, and the Happy Basset Barrel House, which has an attached dog park and a flamingo scavenger hunt to entertain visitors. But there are also lots of family friendly options for fun in the city.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
If you love miles of beachfront living, a big boardwalk, and an adorable town center, then President Biden’s favorite summer retreat should be yours too. Rehoboth Beach is where you'll find the perfect mix of relaxation and gourmet dining.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware (cont’d)
The area benefits from rich agriculture and aquaculture, contributing to several award-winning restaurants. Among these dining gems are DRIFT and One Coastal, the latter run by James Beard Semifinalist chef Matt Kern.
Khairil Azhar Junos, Shutterstock
Topeka, Kansas (cont’d)
For something the whole family will enjoy, head over to Gage Park to ride a mile-long mini-train and check out the new giraffe exhibit at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center. And before it relocates to Las Vegas, don't miss the Evel Knievel Museum. You can also catch a show at the Topeka Civic Theatre, home to the country's oldest continuously-running community dinner theater.
Mendocino, California
Located a couple of hours north of the Bay Area, Mendocino feels like something out of a romance novel. The area features a charming blend of New England architecture and dramatic California coastline, and its remote location ensures it never feels overcrowded.
Mendocino, California (cont’d)
Here, you'll find charming inns with roaring fires, homemade breakfasts, and incredible beachfront views. Explore the quaint downtown filled with Victorian buildings that are now shops. Then, hike along trails that lead you through towering redwoods and down to the beach. It's the perfect blend of natural beauty and small-town charm.
Covington, Louisiana
Just across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans is the charming city of Covington, where you can experience Louisiana culture at a slower pace. The downtown area, lined with oak trees and historic buildings, is full of boutiques and lively art galleries. And restaurants like Del Porto, Lola’s, and The Gloriette rival the best in New Orleans, with plenty of spots serving regional classics like boiled seafood and po' boys.
Covington, Louisiana (cont’d)
Covington isn't just for the foodies—there's no shortage of entertainment options here. Spring and fall bring outdoor concerts, while the Three Rivers Arts Festival in November draws many visitors. Monthly block parties on Columbia Street, from March through October, celebrate the unique charm of the city.
Lenox, Massachusetts
Lenox is the perfect home base for exploring the Berkshires and Western Massachusetts. Many people go to Lenox for Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony, and the innovative local theater group Shakespeare & Company.
John Phelan, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lenox, Massachusetts (cont’d)
History lovers will enjoy touring architectural marvels like Ventfort Hall and The Mount, the former home of author Edith Wharton. After a day of historical exploration, head over to downtown Lennox, where you can indulge in contemporary culinary delights, such as the intimate wine bar Brava.
Margaret Helminska, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is a charming getaway that is equal parts city amenities and ample green space. The city is at its best in the springtime, with beautiful parks like Point State Park and Blue Slide Park, made famous by rapper Mac Miller. On a rainy day, you can explore The Warhol Museum, dedicated to Pittsburgh's own Andy Warhol.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (cont’d)
When it comes to food, culinary delights await in Pittsburgh. You can start with pierogies and other central and eastern European dishes at the renowned Apteka. Afterward, let loose with tiki drinks at Hidden Harbor.
Greenville, South Carolina
The main draw of this hidden gem is its walkable downtown, filled with quaint shops like the nostalgia-inducing Mast General Store, diverse dining options ranging from delectable Mexican street food at Pap's Tacos to contemporary Italian at Jianna, and vibrant local artwork.
Greenville, South Carolina (cont’d)
For some of the best coffee or tea in town, check out Methodical Coffee. Later, you can refuel with a cold one at Southernside Brewing Co. as you stroll or bike along the 22-mile-long Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic, a small coastal Connecticut town once known for its shipyard and seaport, has become a charming New England getaway. Metro-North trains from New York City and an accessible downtown area make Mystic an easy weekend getaway to explore, no need for your car.
Juliancolton, Wikimedia Commons
Mystic, Connecticut (cont’d)
Scenic waterfront walks, charming shops and boutiques, and independent bookstores offer excellent entertainment during your visit. While in Mystic, enjoy pizza at Nana’s Bakery, pastries at Sift Bake Shop, craft brews at Barley Head Brewery, and oysters during happy hour at The Shipwright’s Daughter.
Kingston, New York
Kingston may have a rich history as New York state’s first capital, but it offers much more than a glimpse into the past. Here, you can enjoy great hikes, historic landmarks, and trendy hangouts like Milne Antiques, Kingston Standard Brewing Co., and Lola Pizza.
You can also get lost in the city's lively arts scene, centered around the Ulster Performing Arts Center, which is housed in a restored 1926 theater.
Daniel Case, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kingston, New York (cont’d)
Kingston also hosts various festivals, including the Artists Soapbox Derby in August. And don't miss the Trolley Museum of New York, where you can take a 1.5-mile ride along the Rondout Creek waterfront to Kingston Point Park on weekends and holidays.
Amy Lavine, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Narragansett, Rhode Island
The seaside town of Narragansett is just 22 minutes by car from the Gilded Age glamour of Newport, but it feels worlds apart. Beloved for its laid-back and low-key vibes, Narragansett is a popular spot for surfing, with options for travelers of all experience levels to take lessons or rent gear from local businesses.
Swampyank, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Narragansett, Rhode Island (cont’d)
Be sure to stop by neighborhood favorites like Cool Beans Café for acai bowls or Fuel Coffee Bar for a cold brew and fresh pastry. Whether you choose to hit the waves or simply stroll along the beach and soak up the sun, Narragansett is the perfect seaside escape with something for everyone.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Saugatuck, long known for its vibrant arts community thanks to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts and the Chicago Art Institute’s Oxbow School of Art and Artists’ Residency, is now emerging as a culinary hotspot. Virtue Cider, founded by the former brewmaster of Chicago’s Goose Island Brewery, produces award-winning cider, while Pennyroyal Café & Provisions, led by former Chopped winner Missy Corey, serves fresh takes on local specialties like fried perch.
Saugatuck, Michigan (cont’d)
Additionally, the James Beard-nominated eatery, The Southerner, is famous for its dangerously delicious spicy fried chicken sandwiches. Saugatuck has also earned a reputation as a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, with lively party spots like The Dunes Resort contributing to its inclusive atmosphere.
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