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Some Of The Most Breathtaking Places To See Wildflowers In The US

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With the Covid-19 pandemic finally beginning to reach it’s long-winded end with the release of multiple vaccines, many are ready to return to their normal lives. Many aren’t going to be rushing to the airport anytime soon, however, a lot of people are ready to begin traveling across the country in a safe way as more and more people get vaccinated. 

Below is a list of some of the most spectacular locations to see a variety of vibrant wildflowers throughout the United States. Many individuals are opting to go on road trips as the weather gets warmer and the country begins to reopen, here’s some of the most popular destinations that US residents will be heading to in the coming months: 

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Texas: From March to May Texas is known for having spectacular fields full of colorful spring flowers. Texas Hill Country is one of the most famous parts of the state for flower viewing due to its prominent Indian paintbrushes, pink evening primroses, daisies, winecups, prairie verbenas, and golden eye phlox populations. The 80-mile loop from Brenham to Chappell Hill is also known for its intense and vibrant meadows full of purple coneflowers, verbenas, beardtongues, skullcaps, prairie parsley, yellow wild indigo, blue-eyed grasses, blanket flowers, and more.

South Dakota: South Dakota offers a wide variety of wildflower destinations alongside the multitude of other national monuments present in the state. Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, and the Crazy Horse Memorial all contain some of the nation’s most spectacular views. The Badlands National Park is known for having some of the country’s most natural scenery in the spring and summer, including the prairie coneflowers, Woods’ roses, and Rocky Mountain blazing stars.

Florida: According to travel journalist Skye Sherman, “while they’re not exactly wildflowers, South Florida’s tabebuia trees (also known as trumpet trees) are still a sight to behold. Each spring, the trees erupt in clouds of yellow — sunny as the state itself — or a light pastel pink that perfectly captures the spirit of springtime. Head to Palm Beach starting in March to spot these colorful blooms.

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California: California is constantly blooming, it just depends on where you go and what the time of year is. February through April is known to be the best time to find the state really covered in wildflowers and other exotic plant life. The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Carlsbad Flower Fields are the best places to take in the golden state’s beauty. 

Colorado:  Colorado is ideal for a summer hiking trip because not only is the weather glorious, but trails across the state are surrounded by a rainbow of wildflowers. Head to Crested Butte, considered to be the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” for the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival and great hiking opportunities, or Steamboat Springs to spot the Colorado blue columbine and red Indian paintbrush on the trails,” according to Sherman.

Montana: Prairie and Alpine wildflowers saturate the grounds of the Glacier National Park every year from June to July. The one month residency makes Montana one of the most popular summer travel spots in the US. In general more than 1,000 breeds of wildflowers grow in the Glacier National Park throughout the summer, so you’re guaranteed some of the most beautiful views you’ve ever seen should you take the trip.

Big Bend National Park

Some Of The Most Scenic Places To Camp In America 

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As winter approaches for parts of the US, many are working on planning things to do to keep themselves occupied as the world continues to battle the Covid-19 pandemic. Taking a road tip and going camping is pretty much the safest and easiest way to travel domestically at the moment. Especially if you live in a cooler part of the country, planning a road trip to go to one of the warmer parts of the country for an extended holiday camping trip is the best way to get your mind of the current state of the world and just relax. Here are some of the most popular scenic destinations for campers in the US:

Minnewaska State Park Reserve, New York: Since we’re still in the middle of fall and the weather hasn’t gotten too severe yet there’s still time to camp in one of the cooler parts of the country to really take in the fall foliage. This state reserve is less than 100 miles from the city and is known for its breathtaking autumnal landscapes and fresh mountain air. For those living in NYC, you can either drive up for the day or camp out based on how close it is.

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Minnewaska State Park Reserve, New York

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia: This park is a short drive from Washington D.C. and has over 500 miles of hiking trails. The park itself is full of lush views of forests and waterfalls, which will make anyone feel as though they’re stepping right into a National Geographic documentary. There are five campgrounds available through November operating at reduced capacity. 

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida: In this park, you can have the largest barrier reef in the US right outside of your tent. Campers can easily rent snorkel gear and spend their time on the beach exploring the wide variety of nature and wildlife Fort Jefferson has to offer. While tours of the grounds are temporarily unavailable due to Covid-19, the campgrounds themselves are still operating fully. 

Big Bend National Park, Texas: This park is the go to destination for anyone with a serious urge for an adventure. Campers can go rafting, canoeing, and Kayaking along the Rio Grande or opt to hike any of the trails that go along the park’s desert, mountain, and river landscapes. At night, campers can enjoy some of the most spectacular stargazing sights they’ve likely ever seen, and with the campgrounds operating at limited capacity, there’s no worry of being too close to anyone else. 

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Big Bend National Park, Texas

Ozark National Forest, Arkansas: Arkansas in general is known for its lush countryside foliage, but it’s often overlooked by other more mainstream destinations. However, in the Ozark National Forest visitors would be shocked to see they have nine beaches and thousands of acres worth of lakes and streams to explore. There’s a number of fully-operating campgrounds in the forest and while some recreational services are closed down, there’s still plenty of options available for those looking for an adventure. 

Badlands National Park, South Dakota: The climate in Badlands is relatively self-explanatory; it can be bad. However, if you plan it out right you’ll have a gorgeous trip where you’ll see wondrous rock formations, prairies, and even some spots to look at ancient fossils. The park offers two campgrounds, Cedar Pass, which has amenities like running water and electricity, or Sage Creek, which has no running water but is known for being the more scenic spot for wildlife spotting. 

Gunnison National Forest, Colorado: This forest has over 3,000 miles worth of hiking trails and 1.6 million acres of land available to the public. You’ll be able to see the Rocky Mountains from practically any spot and with 30 campsites to choose from, any camper would be able to find the perfect spot. Some of the facilities on the grounds are temporarily closed due to Covid, however, all the necessary services are still available.

Fall Road Trip

8 Road Trip Ideas That Capture The Beauty Of Fall In The US

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All throughout the US, many are opting to take road trips in lieu of the Covid-19 pandemic putting a wedge in other travel plans. Now that autumn is officially beginning, it’s the perfect time to get in your car and start taking in some of the wondrous sites the US has to offer during this colorful and cozy season. 

Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia: New England destinations in general are always a hot spot for fall lovers, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are no different. The stunning fall foliage will give you some of the most breathtaking landscapes you’ve ever seen, and the adjacent mountain town of Helen is known as the highest natural point in Georgia. The mountains are also right next to the town of Clayton which is known for its old school charm and slew of antique shops, galleries, wineries, and other fun activities. 

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Rhode Island: The US’s smallest state offers a wide variety of road trip excursions anyone would enjoy. One could go to the famous town of Newport and hike along the historic railroad tracks while taking in the stunning scenery and historic mansion views. During the whole month of October, the town also has a variety of Halloween themed activities and attractions, such as pumpkin patches, haunted houses, cider houses, and more. 

New York’s Finger Lakes: The finger lakes are a great destination for any New Yorker desperately seeking a break from the city. If you leave from the city, you can head through the state of Pennsylvania and stop at the  Tobyhanna state park for some stellar autumnal scenery, and natural mountain views. The finger lakes themselves also offer a variety of hiking locations to really connect you to nature.

Route 6 Pennsylvania: Speaking of Pennsylvania, Route 6 is famously known for its various road trip excursion opportunities, and the views along the route are worth the trip alone. Along the route drivers will see a multitude of signs advertising fun seasonal activities such as cider tastings, apple picking, hiking trails, and more!

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The Blue Ridge Parkway: This winding road is a quintessential road trip for anyone in the North Carolina/Virginia area, especially in the fall. It’s 470 miles and connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The route itself will pass you through various farmlands and scenic forests any fall lover would enjoy. 

Connecticut’s Covered Bridges: In the northwest corner of Connecticut there’s a 100-mile loop that passes through the Town of Falls Village where all the churches, streets, houses and railroads look exactly like they did in the 1800’s. The Appalachian Trail runs right through the town offering up some of the most scenic hiking in the country. Visitors can also pass through the West Cornwall Covered Bridge which stretches 172 feet over the Housatonic River. 

The Oregon Coast: The coast of Oregon may not have the most traditional fall foliage, however, it has its own unique scenery through its various hiking trails. Travel experts recommend visitors start in Astoria and head south so they can take advantage of all the trails and stop at some of the state’s most famous historical parks and beaches. 

Route 66: Finally, the most classic American road trip of them all would have to be the historic highway that’s been forever memorialized in pop culture; Route 66. Most experts recommend starting in Chicago and then just following the turn-by-turn directions along the way to trace the entire route. There’s plenty of signs to warn you when upcoming sight-seeing destinations are about to appear so you can stop as many times as you want along the way.

Beach View

Best Weekend Beach Getaways In The US

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While traveling throughout the past six months was likely the last thing on all of our minds, many individuals are finding ways to go on mini vacations and remain completely safe in the midst of a global health crisis. Many people are taking road trips to avoid public transportation and hitting the beaches wherever they can! Wherever you are in the country, there are plenty of amazing beach towns that can be accessed in a safe and efficient way, here are few of the most popular ones: 

The Hamptons, New York: If you’re from Long Island or New York City, you’ve likely visited the Hamptons at one point or another. East Hampton, Southampton, and Montauk are some of the most popular beach tourist destinations every summer, and thanks to a multitude of new health and safety procedures from major hotel chains and rental companies like Airbnb, people can still go and safely enjoy a beach weekend. 

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East Hampton, New York

Monterey County, California: Fans of HBO’s Big Little Lies are likely very familiar with the beauty that is Monterey Country in California. It’s known as being one of the most picturesque spots on the California coast with large and open white sandy beaches, great local dining and shopping attractions, as well as several water sport rental businesses. During your weekend getaway, be sure to take the iconic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway towards Big Sur for some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see. 

Saugatuck, Michigan: This beach town is about three hours from Chicago and is known as one of the most ideal destinations for Midwestern beach vacationing. Lake Michigan has a wonderful 10 mile stretch of shoreline, ensuring there’s plenty of room to social distance from any other beach goers. The surrounding area is known as the “art coast of Michigan” for its slew of galleries and small businesses. 

Outer Banks, North Carolina: The string of islands that make up the Outer Banks area of North Carolina is the perfect area for those who like water sports. It’s peaceful environment allows for isolated enjoyment, and by car it’s less than five hours away from Washington D.C.. The beaches in Outer Banks have long been known as the best beaches in North Carolina, and the local town has plenty of options for shopping, eating, and sleeping. 

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Outer Banks, North Carolina

Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Cape Cod is less than two hours from Boston, depending on traffic, and is known as a “quintessential Massachusetts beach getaway.” There are plenty of quaint little towns to walk around in and enjoy, and six major swimming beaches that are family-friendly. The beaches often offer great conditions for surfing and fishing as well. 

Florida Keys, Florida: Out of the thousands of beaches in Florida the Florida Keys take the cake as one of the most popular destinations for Floridians. The Keys are about three-and-a-half-hours from Miami, and that drive is known as the “ultimate beach road trip” by locals. If you go to Key West you can also visit the southernmost tip in the continental US. 

Tybee Island, Georgia: This island is about four hours away from Atlanta and is the perfect beach getaway for those who need a break from their busy city lives. Georgia actually has a lot of beaches, but Tybee is definitely one of the most popular destinations for the state. Back River Beach specifically is known for being a small and isolated area, making it easy to social distance and avoid crowds. 

Galveston, Texas: When one thinks of Texas, a beach normally isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, Galveston proves that maybe it should be, as it’s home to a multitude of carnival attractions that are normally open under non-pandemic circumstances. The beach town also has a famous pier, museum, waterpark, and much more. There are several beaches to go to so you’ll have plenty of options to avoid large crowds as well.

Lake Champlain

The Most Popular Lakes To Visit In The US

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While travelling may not be the top priority in the middle of a global health crisis, there are many destinations within the US that can be visited via road trip, and are natural enough to promote social distancing from any other visitors. One of the most traditional and easiest trips one could take right now is visiting one of America’s many lakes. Lake’s not only promote a road trip sense of adventure, but also are safe enough destinations that one could access from almost anywhere in the country. Here are some of the nation’s most popular lake destinations:

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Lake Champlain: Lake Champlain is located in both New York and Vermont, and is one of the most well-known lakes in America. Not only was it the site of major events such as the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812, but this lake also offers breathtaking views with plaques/business owners who can inform you about the lake’s vast and intriguing history.  

Lake Superior: Lake Superior is one of the largest lakes in America, stretching across Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. In fact, it’s so large it can hold all of the water from all the other Great Lakes in the US. It’s a hot spot for fishing as it’s known for housing some of the country’s best whitefish, trout, salmon, bass, herrings, and so many more. For fish lovers, the best part is that it’s always fishing season at Lake Superior, as different species of fish migrate in and out of certain areas of the lake as the year progresses. 

Crater Lake: Crater Lake in Oregon is the deepest lake in the United States, likely because it’s essentially a flooded volcano. Coming in as the ninth deepest lake in the world with a depth of almost 2,000 feet, Crater Lake is also known for its crystal-clear shallow waters where visitors can see fish, underwater meadows and lava rock formations. The lake also promotes scuba diving if you provide your own equipment. 

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Lake Winnebago: Lake Winnebago is known in Wisconsin for it’s windsurfing and kite-flying capabilities. The intense winds hit their peak in the summer, drawing in crowds from all over who are ready to ride the waves and wind. Water temperatures in the summer can reach up to 85 degrees fahrenheit, and the lake annually hosts the Wind Power Championships for the nation’s greatest wind-sport racers. 

Lake Kabetogama: This Minnesota lake is famous for its beautiful canoeing views. One of the most popular things to do at Lake Kabetogama is taking a sunset canoe ride up to the Voyageurs National Park, where patrons can choose to stay at one of two dozen campsites that can only be reached by boat/aquatic vehicle. 

Lake Clark: Lake Clark in Alaska is a secluded body of water that can only be reached by hiking through the Alaskan overland, taking a sleigh ride with a dogsled team, or by flying via float-plane. The lake is 50-miles-long and is known to be a true vision of what Alaska is. Travelers mainly like to fish, kayak, or wildlife-watch at this lake, and there are plenty of spots to camp as well. 

Finger Lakes: The Finger Lakes of New York have over 100 wine merchants and represent quintessential upstate New York with its luscious and mountainous views. The lake is more known for it’s wineries than it’s lake activities, however, they still offer a myriad of water-sport/camping activities for the average outdoorsman to enjoy. 

Summer Vacation

Planning A Summer Vacation During A Pandemic

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Now that summer is officially here, many are trying to think of alternative ways to scratch their vacation itch without breaking Covid-19 health and safety restrictions. Luckily, many home rental and hotel services are still offering ways for you and your loved ones to travel this summer with updated guest policies to ensure everyone has a healthy and fun time. 

Home rental services specifically will be seeing a major influx in business within the next few months, and they may receive even more business then they’re used to, according to Sean Breuner who’s the CEO of AvantStay, a short-term home rental company. 

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“Usually we average about three to four days per stay and now that has increased dramatically. You might see four couples get together to work from home in Scottsdale for a month at a time… people looking for control versus going to a hotel. Generally, people are booking in two windows: they’re either looking to travel immediately or scoping out a trip for late summer,” he explained. 

Home-rentals also offer a change in quarantine scenery. As stated by Breuner, many adults who have been working from home for the past few months are using rental services to change up the spaces they live out their lockdown days in. 

Major hotel chains across America have also begun implementing new health and safety procedures to ensure every guest feels comfortable staying there. For example, Marriott International has adopted new hygiene technology that includes electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectant for all rooms. Hyatt Hotels have hired “Hygiene Managers” for all of their locations to oversee proper disinfection protocols; Hilton Hotels are doing something similar and also employing a “CleanStay Room Seal” so that guests are guaranteed their rooms haven’t been touched since its cleaning. 

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There’s expected to be a major influx in road trips this year, as that genuinely is one of the safest ways to vacation in terms of Covid-19; especially if you’re driving an RV or trailer. 

“People are really embracing the road trip. We’re seeing a lot fewer people book island trips and flights… people can still get away to the lakes, the river, the countryside, and have that bigger space,” Jeff Hurst, the president of Vrbo, a summer rental company, said.

John Staff is the CEO of Getaway, which offers tiny home rentals that are located within driving distance of major cities in America, and in a recent interview he claimed that his company saw a 400% increase in bookings for this summer once president Trump officially banned travel to Europe. 

Obviously, the main concern with all of these options is cleanliness, health, and safety. Major home rental services like Vrbo, Getaway, Airbnb, etc. have all made their new disinfecting/cleaning procedures public online to ensure all guests know they’re walking into a covid-free space. If you’re planning to go the home rental route, call the owner regardless and ask them to take you through what their process is, remember, this is their property, so they likely are going to want the space to be just as clean as you do. 

You can do the same with any hotel you’re planning on staying at, or even campsite grounds if you’re deciding to do that as well. Regardless, make sure you’re prioritizing your health, as that’s what we all should be doing in general right now.

RV

Things You Should Know Before Renting An RV

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Fantasizing about going on vacation during a worldwide pandemic is either the last thing on your mind, or the only thing keeping you sane during this entire quarantine. However, it can still be fun to disengage from our current reality and think about what life will be like once all of this over, even if it’s just for a little while. 

Taking a trip in an RV has risen in popularity exponentially within the past decade, and now that we’re in the middle of a pandemic that requires you and your loved ones to distance yourself from the rest of the world, an RV road trip is actually one of the most realistic vacations you can go on in the middle of a pandemic; assuming you’ll be keeping to yourselves wherever you end up camping out. So if you’ve never owned an RV but are debating investing just to get out of this reality for a little, here are a few things you should know: 

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The biggest obstacle most people think about when it comes to getting an RV is the investment itself. But if you’re simply renting the vehicle, it’s really not as expensive as you would think. The cost of rental is dependent on how long you’re planning on using the RV for, where you’re going, the type of vehicle, and other extra costs like insurance and camping supplies. On average an RV rental can run about $150 a night, or around $1,000 for every five days. 

The other major cost is paying to park your RV, if you have a friend’s property or access to a free overnight parking lot depending on where you’re going, that’s obviously going to be your best bet. If you don’t have access to either of these options, RV overnight parking normally costs around $30-$50 a night depending on the area. 

“Pack thoughtfully, RV renters should speak to the RV owner about what they keep on board for their renters, such as linens and cookware. It’s important to have a tool kit and first-aid kit on hand, in case of emergencies. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t forget games, craft supplies, movies, kitchen supplies, and of course, sticks, graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate for making s’mores,” says Megan Buemi, senior manager of content marketing at RVshare

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When planning your trip, get the whole family involved in what you guys are looking to do. Plan out your route beforehand so that you’re prepared for how long your journey will be and where the most ideal places to stop, for either sleeping or bathroom breaks, will be.If you’re going to be staying at a lot for RV’s specifically, make sure to call ahead of time to reserve a spot if needed. 

If you’re making the decision to go on an RV road trip, you also need to consider things like if you’re going to be the one driving, where you’re going to pick it up, if you’re just going to tow it behind your regular car for the whole journey, etc. There’s a lot of specific factors that really have more to do with how you personally feel. 

Don’t drive an RV for the sake of adventure if you’re not actually confident in your ability to do so. Like any vehicle, once you get behind the wheel you’re responsible for the safety of everyone inside the RV as well as everyone else on the road. So be mindful, do your research, and talk to some experts before making any major decisions.

Death Valley, California

Where Should You Go On Your Next Road Trip?

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In the United States, going on a road trip has been a traditional means of vacationing since the creation of the car. The ability to just get in your car, start driving, and eventually end up in a different state can be such an exhilarating experience, let alone much cheaper when compared to airfare and other means of traveling. So what are some of the best road trip destinations to hit in America?

First, the state of Washington in general is known for its vastly wide array of landscapes, hiking destinations and national parks, all perfect destinations to pass through or stop at on your road trip journey. More specifically, the North Cascades National Park, which is situated right next to the Washington Pass route that will take you between two iconic mountain ranges which will be your view for a majority of the trip. Additionally, the route itself will take you through a multitude of nature preserve sites that you can pull over and enjoy, such as the Liberty Bell Mountain, Early Winters Spires, and Kangaroo Ridge.

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Olympic National Park

Speaking of Washington National Parks, while you’re making your way through the state you should definitely stop at the Olympic National Park, which is arguably the most well-known park in the state, as it’s known for having a diverse range of natural environments to explore, including rainforest hiking trails, mountain territories, and coastal beaches; all of which are located within the park. One of the more popular beach destinations in the park is Rialto Beach, which is known for its massive driftwood “decorations” that are scattered among the shore. 

Moving outside of Washington, California is one of the most popular road trip destinations in America. However, why just make it the final stopping point? California is huge and has a whole slew of different cities, beaches, and nature preserves in general that can occupy an entire week of travel. State Highway 1 is known as “The Lost Coast” in California, and it takes over 650 miles of California coastline without any major access roads, hence its name. You can drive, hike, backpack, bike, and more along the entire trail and because of how huge it is, the possibilities for what you’ll witness while exploring the hidden roads are endless. 

Like the Olympic National Park, Joshua Tree National Park in California near the Barker Dam is one of the more famous road trip spots/getaway destinations for most who visit the golden state. The Dam provides a major source for fresh water in an otherwise extremely dry and arid environment. That fresh water will also draw the attention of many unique species, which can make for some pretty picturesque nature shots. 

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Death Valley

Death Valley National Park is on the cusp of California and Nevada and is known as America’s hottest and driest national park due to the fact that it has the lowest altitude when compared to every other park in the country. The desert environment itself isn’t your stereotypical vision of endless sand and cloudless skies, but instead holds a bunch of deep canyons, multicolored rock formations, multi-textured sand dunes for any sort of desert activity like hiking, riding an ATV or dune buggies, etc. and with a name like Death Valley, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time.

Finally, it’s appropriate to also mention Arizona in this list. Arizona is located in the perfect place for a road trip, as it has Utah, Nevada, California, and New Mexico on its border, as well as the very famous Grand Canyon National Park in its residence. Beyond that, Arizona also has a myriad of photogenic landscapes, such as the Horseshoe Bend, which is one of the most photographed locations in the United States. The bend itself is located within the Colorado River and is about 100 miles from the Grand Canyon itself. The Saguaro National Park also holds a certain claim to fame in Arizona, as it’s known for holding some of the nation’s largest cacti species within its vast landscape (some can grow to be over 50 feet). 

Regardless of where you want to go on your road trip, make sure you’re remaining present and taking in all the scenery that the open roads of America have to offer. Never be afraid of a spontaneous detour, and pack a camera only for the really special moments so you can spend your time savoring every second of your nomadic journey. 

Milwaukee

Is Milwaukee The New LA? 6 Underrated Travel Spots In The US

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How many times have you been scrolling through Instagram and seen someone post about their California vacation spot? Or perhaps the strip in Vegas? Clubs in Miami? Rooftop bars in Manhattan? How many times have the same tourist hot spots been walked on?

When planning your next vacation spot, try thinking outside of the box, and consider somewhere you’d never normally think of. Can’t think of any? Well here are some options to get you started !

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LONG BEACH ISLAND, NEW JERSEY: This 18 mile long island is all beach town. Everywhere you go is sunglasses, sandals, and sun, a pure summer town. Air bnb’s are available all over the island and can range from $500 a night, all the way down to $50 a night depending on the size of the house and location, but every town is completely safe, family friendly, and full of cheap activities anyone would enjoy! Additionally there are multiple hotels, motels, a water park, mini golfing, shopping, and restaurants that can fit into any budget.

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ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA: Heard of Portland, Oregon? Asheville is like Portland’s cute cousin. This town is full of ethereal hipster magic. From independent book stores, to vast amounts of boutiques and coffee shops, Asheville gives off a small town vibe in an urban setting. As you can see from the picture above the nature surrounding the city is magnificent. There are a multitude of hiking spots and hidden natural worlds to discover and rivers to follow!

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NEW PALTZ, NEW YORK: Primarily known for its established State University, New Paltz, New York has been a Long Islanders getaway spot for decades. It’s about an hour and a half from New York City, and the drive up from the city includes 60 miles of pure foliage as you make your way to your destination. On Main Street you can find shopping of all kinds, independently owned bookstores and coffee shops that you don’t see much of anymore, and the people are as chill and welcoming as they were at Woodstock. Speaking of, Woodstock is only a 30 minute drive away! Along with multiple hiking trails and mountains to be explored. In addition, if you decide to go during the school year and enjoy a classic $2 drink at happy hour, you’ll be welcomed with open arms by the sea of college kids singing and dancing in unison to ‘Living On A Prayer’.

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SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: If you’re an individual who enjoys travelling mostly for the cultural immersion then Santa Fe will most definitely paint your canvas. Santa Fe has over 300 art galleries and is one of the largest art distributors in the United States. Depending on the season, there are multiple outdoor activities that can also keep your energy going as you travel between galleries! There’s hiking, skiing in the winter, biking, etc. The Santa Fe experience will give you that cultural and artistic exposure you would normally crave going to the Louvre, but this way you don’t need to spend all the money on the plane and hotel just to see a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, and instead go see the Georgia O’Keeffe museum after your trip to an Indian Pueblo, where you’ll learn all about the natives culture.

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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN: A 3 bedroom and 2 bath house can be bought for $200,000 here do I need to say more? Of course I Do! Milwaukee is known for its beer and cheese, can you get anymore American? Exactly, it’s the home of Pabst Blue Ribbon and Miller Lite, and also has some of the best beer-cheese you’ll ever taste! The urban areas of this town are slowly becoming more cosmopolitan and sophisticated, but the roots that make this classic American town so great remain strong.

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PORTLAND, MAINE: No, not the default Portland, Oregon everyone normally thinks of, but definitely just as good! Portland, Maine has become one of the hottest food spots in the US today. Beyond the iconic lobster rolls the whole state is known for, Portland has slowly developed little hubs of diverse eateries that any palette would die to try. From unique slices of Sicilian Pizza, to the soup dumplings the town is slowly becoming known for, you and your stomach will not be disappointed with this trip.

You know that feeling you get when you go into a dive bar and you’re unsure if it’s the right decision but by the end of the night you realize you had way more fun than you would’ve ever had going into the city and spending $200+? These vacation spots will give you that exact same feeling, so next time be a little spontaneous, save some money and enjoy the beer-cheese.