If you're up for more exploration, also visit neighboring Matthiessen State Park, where 5 miles of trails carve into the mile-long canyon, passing rocks, waterfalls and beautiful, sometimes dizzying, vantage points. Ready to stop dreaming and start planning? The Buffalo Springs Distilling Company got it's start in 1868. There are horseback rides through the dunes, hiking trails, swimming in the lakes, and of course sand boarding and sledding. Where to stay: The Durham Hotel is a stunning mid century modern hotel with a vast offering of rooms and suites. You may want to take a winter ski getaway, and there are several options within a two-hour drive of the city. Boise National Forest is the largest of the states forest reserves and covers thousands of square miles of untouched, untamed wilderness. For non-climbers, the rocks are simply monumental; there are gigantic boulders, towering mountains and huge pinnacles of pure stone reaching for the skies. Flights: Flights from Los Angeles to Belize City are just 5 hours and 7 hours from San Francisco. Autograph Collection is a Marriott boutique hotel brand. There are also plenty of cultural experiences, art and history museums, and historic architecture! 1. You wont want to miss visiting the glorious Lake Atitlan, formed in a massive volcanic crater, either. The tranquil Anderson Japanese Gardensis just one of the draws to the area. Amtrak's Silver Meteor leaves DC in the early evening and gets you into Orlando just after noon the next day. Visit during the summer for the ultimate waterfall experience hiking and swimming opportunities abound! The Wentworth Mansion is one of the citys most historic, unique and luxurious hotels and the only one in town with a five-star rating. This town embraces the quirky and classy in its arts, museums, shops, dining venues and outdoor activities. Or one of the mighty Great Lakes, with beaches as fine as any ocean's. Nicaragua has it all: colorful colonial buildings, volcanic landscapes, remote islands and pristine beaches. Nearby Kettle Moraine State Forest also offers outdoor rec of another type with trails for biking, hiking and running. But in downstate Illinois, that takes on a fresh new form. 2. Home Travel 10 scenic getaways across the US that are within a 1- to 4-hour drive from major cities and the best hotel to book for each Written by Allison Tibaldi Updated Sep 25, 2020, 7:08 AM Trip Advisor When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Its just a short journey from Boise City, and is a good place to see old frontier buildings and learn about the wildly differing fates of Idahos first settlements. Alexandria, Virginia is right across the Potomac River from Washington and the home of many D.C. workers. Related:Top Things to Do in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Take a Day Trip to Charming Winona Lake, IndianaJust 2.5 Hours from Chicago and Indy. Each region is wildly different, making Mexico a place where adventures of all kind never end. but is even more gorgeous in person. . The area is home to Illinois Beach State Park, Volo Auto Museum and The Chocolate Sanctuary. Philadelphia makes a great weekend getaway destination from Washington, and it's less than two hours away by train. Howard Hanna Mortgage Services NMLS #101561. The most accessible section of this shore extends from the Indiana line 175 miles north to Ludington. No matter where you go in Canada, youll be surprised and delighted by what it has to offer. Ive always considered myself to be incredibly lucky to call Los Angeles home. Chef Jorge Guzmn's Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tamales. We have great weather (I didnt buy my first winter coat until 2017) and can access both the beach and the mountains in just a couple of hours. Search now for homes for sale in Charlotte, NC! Three towns along the winding river offer restful diversions with a nod to history: Catch a household name playing at St. Charles' historical Arcada Theater, or just 3 miles south, explore Geneva's shopping district, where boutiques fill preserved storefronts. Golf enthusiasts will love the proximity to the on-site course, but everyone will enjoy exploring the 300 acres of tall pines and hardwoods in Duke Forest! About an hour from Washington, the inn features a complex of six historic houses and cottages on a 265-acre estate. Let all of your stress melt away at the Crystal Springs Resort, NJ. In tiny Nappanee, an Amish man parks his buggy by a gas pump, a living metaphor for the way new and old coexist in northern Indiana. is in the heart of Davidson. Flights: Flights from Los Angeles to Managua are less than 7 hours and 7 hours from San Francisco. The Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean 22 Myrtle Beach is right on the sand, about a 15-minute walk from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk area. Why we love it: Situated 130 miles west of Charlotte, Brevard, North Carolina is known as the land of the waterfalls. Spend the night in rooms or cabins (and enjoy a hearty meal) at Starved Rock Lodge, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Most Relevant is selected, so some comments may have been filtered out. You could spend the entire weekend hopping from restaurant to restaurant (think: tapas at, ), and if youre a foodie, youve got to check out our list of the. Often overlooked by travelers, El Salvador is arguably Central Americas most underrated destination, thanks to decades of bad press. This city in West Virginia, about 90 minutes from Washington, is where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers come together. The Old Town area has a concentration of preserved buildings, now converted into more than 200 locally owned shops and restaurants. Annapolis is home to the United States Naval Academy (which is open for guided tours), and the city offers many museums, cool shops, and, of course, fresh seafood. Hammocks, surfboards, and sandy beaches? While youre here, taste moonshine at, ($5 buys a membership), enjoy farm-to-table fare at the areas restaurants, explore Durhams, in Henderson. The D.C. area is also within easy reach of many beaches, including those along the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean like Myrtle Beach or Ocean City. There are also plenty of cultural experiences, art and history museums, and historic architecture! There are viewpoints to look out over the fields, or hardier outdoor types can venture into this wilderness to hike. Why we love it: Asheville is a little slice of paradise tucked into North Carolinas Blue Ridge Mountains. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a strikingly beautiful area, part of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Fortunately, we have access to so many incredible destinations within a three hour drive. Located in Kentucky, the city is a calm yet lively place to spend some time relaxing with friends and family. Coined as one of the best stays in the Blue Ridge by Southern Living. 1. Wind rustling through the trees. There is a wide range of activities available (more than 50 different things to do), with golf, fishing, and horseback riding among the most popular. Check out Old Salem and learn about the history of the village. The attraction of Boise National Forest is that some of the most epic car drives can be found here from Boise, as paved roads pass through large portions of the forest and along incredible sections of the scenic landscape here. Zionis locatedin Lake County, which bridges the gap between Chicago's Cook County and the Wisconsin border with family attractions and nature trails. This resort town of 7,600 has draws for summer and winter. Even though we love living in Charlotte, a charming town between the coast and the mountains, its nice to get out of town and explore every now and then. Roaring River State Park Rock City Cave Springs Eagles Bluff Amana Colonies Niangua River Canoe Joplin, MO Columbia, MO Meade, KS Safari Atchison, KS Springfield, MO Sunflowers This historic hotel has been around since before the Civil War (it opened in 1797), and a stay here is a great complement to a battlefield visit. The biggest event occurs in June each year, when the city hosts its annual rodeo. Grill Your Biggest, Best Burger Yet with Chicago Chef Erick Williams, The James Beard Award winner dishes on eating out, honoring roots and upping your burger game. 3. Amtrak's Acela Express train service gets you from Union Station in Washington to Penn Station in Manhattan in three hours, sometimes even less. ), A Designer Turned Her Childhood Friend's Home into a Masterful Mash-Up of '70s and '80s Decor Hits. 1 in North Carolina, The best 4th of July food to cook up this holiday. Pitch a tent or stay at one of the local cabins! Don't miss the gorgeous colors and colonial architecture of Granada. How best to visit these sites and make the most of the coast? Where to stay: Book a stay at the Hotel Ballast to perfectly compliment your trip to Wilmington, NC. How far you drive is up to you each town has its own personality. Protected rainforest, jungle zip lining and plenty of dormant volcanoes, all against an eco-touristic backdrop; welcome to Costa Rica, where pura vida is more than just a tagline its a lifestyle. Plus, you can enjoy luxurious features like an on-site restaurant with locally sourced fare, plush bathrobes, and a wine and cheese hour. Now, imagine doing that with incredible views of the mountains! Look for fossils. It had short lived success though; when the gold ran dry and the mines began to close, people began to leave and settled along the River Boise instead. Canada is every outdoor lovers dream destination, thanks to breathtaking national parks, spectacular fjords, and (probably) more hiking trails than people. Flights: Flights from Los Angeles to Vancouver are 3 hours and just 2.5 hours from San Francisco. The central location of the Bed and Breakfast allows visitors to be within walking distance of the local shops and restaurants. Born in Ireland, but raised in Los Angeles to Arab parents, Sally from Passport & Plates has been a traveler from the start. You'll see a massive cathedral room and lots of cool formations in this wet limestone cave. Go hiking at The Blowing Rockits dog friendly!or walk around Main Street and grab a bite to eat at Storie Street Grill. In the middle of a 1.7-mile hike, you can enjoy beautiful 360-degree views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Its an historic site; a few hardcore residents persevered, with their descendants still continuing to live here amongst the abandoned businesses, mines and houses. There are so many things to see and do at the Greenbrier - it's a great destination for families, solo travelers, and couples seeking a romantic experience. After exploring the outdoors, youll be able to enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the charming small town, which features delicious restaurants, shops, and festivals or concerts almost every weekend. Head to neighboring Chesterton for creative burgers at the Octave Grill and a pleasant night at Dunes Walk Inn, a restored 1881 mansion. Boasting beautiful historic and river views, on site dining, and a close proximity to downtown, this hotel has it all. to perfectly compliment your trip to Wilmington, NC. Flights: Flights from Los Angeles to San Salvador are 5 hours and 5.5 hours from San Francisco. Reichstag. For a family-friendly beach getaway three hours from D.C., Ocean City, New Jersey is an excellent option. Fish the riverand let the others head to Galena. Distance: 116 miles, 2 hours 30 minutes What to Do: The city of Sandusky boasts 22 miles of shoreline within its city limits, and is known for its perfectly manicured parks and architecture. Related reading: 15 things to do in Asheville this fall, Driving time from Charlotte: 2 hours, 30 minutes. Location and Approx. Check out the specially crafted drink menu at the on site restaurant to compliment your stay. Park rangers lead an array of guided tours and talks focusing on specific subjects or aspects of American history. Why we love it: There is so much to love about Greenville, South Carolina. , this place offers everything from afternoon tea, a full service spa for everything hair, nail, and face care related, fly fishing, archery and much, much more. But The Bahamas is so much more than that, thanks to stunning beaches, cool cultural activities, and spectacular dive sites. To work off all the delicious food you'll eat, the luxury boutique resort has miles of hiking and biking trails along with an outdoor heated pool and a spa. Where to stay: The Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club allows for an exclusive, resort feel without the astronomical price tag. These bright, healthy saladswith veggies, fruits, hearty grains and moreare gorgeous enough to star at your dinner table or a picnic spread. There are no mega-resorts here, just small hotels and motels and a wide, beautiful beach fronted with an old-school 2.5-mile-long wooden boardwalk. Huge sand dunes - one reaching almost 500 meters in height - have formed over thousands of years around two small lakes. Its a beautiful landscape, and one that was made famous in 1974 when Evel Knievel attempted to jump the canyon on a modified motorcycle attached to a rocket. For a little bit of a different experience, you can stay at Half Mile Farm, which is described as more of a Napa-style setting. This area, linked by Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, is ripe with opportunities for exploring including top-notch nightlife and culinary scenes. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Towns like New Buffalo, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Holland, Saugatuck and Grand Haven provide pristine beaches, great shopping, lakeside restaurants and front-row view of sunsets over Lake Michigan. Hiking trails lead to waterfalls and spectacular overlooks, and the camping throughout the area is top notch. (Costa Rica image courtesy of Sally, the author. From golf, to arts and culture, five star dining and a bustling downtown and fall foliage to die for, this getaway is highly sought after in the autumn months. Recommended trip: Playa Del Carmen to Mexico City (9 days), READ MORE: 5 REASONS WHY MEXICO IS THE ULTIMATE SOLO TRAVEL DESTINATION. You can do an urban getaway to the Broadway shows, museums, and fine dining of Manhattan, or head to Harpers Ferry in West Virginia for some history, along with rural hiking or mountain biking. Take it easy in this small town on your weekend getaway.