Hot Springs North Carolina
Driving time from Charlotte: 3 hours
Why we love it: Imagine soaking in an all-natural pool of hot, crystal clear mineral waters with healing properties. Now, imagine doing that with incredible views of the mountains!
Hot Springs, North Carolina is a small town that surrounds a 100-acre resort and spa with modern jacuzzi-style hot tubs positioned along the banks of Spring Creek and the French Broad River. The tubs are supplied with the world famous hot mineral water that put this little town on the map, and there are also massage therapists on site to complete the spa-like experience.
Where to stay: The Hot Springs Resort & Spa offers several different lodging options for your relaxing getaway, including luxury suites, a deluxe cabin with a private outdoor tub, primitive camping sports and more.
Six Flags Great America
The quickest day trip from Chicago is the one-hour drive to Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. Visiting the park is expensive, but at least the drive is short enough that you can make it back home by night and not have to pay for a hotel.
The Superman coaster is my favorite because the seats hang from an overhead track, so youre suspended with your arms out in front of you, just like Superman. Other favorites include the X Flight wing coaster, the Tornado water raft tunnel, the Revolution spinny ride, and the Maxx Force coaster.
Theyre always adding new stuff, so there will probably be several new rides by the time you read this. Six Flags is an easy day trip during the summer months.
Oklahoma Kansas & Kansas City
Who would take a road trip from Chicago to Oklahoma and Kansas? *Raises hand* I did this exact trip a few years back. Why? Because Id already visited the other places on this list, and my wanderlust could not be contained!
Plus, I love small towns and quirky roadside attractions. This trip landed first in Kansas City, Missouri, which has a ton of unusual sights, like the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, the Arabia Steamboat Museum, and the worlds largest shuttlecocks.
Oklahoma City, meanwhile, offered more offbeat fun, including a museum of animal skeletons, another dedicated to the banjo, and another all about cowboys and western life. This trip required around 7-8 days to complete.
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Book The Lodge At Woodloch Starting At $768 Per Night Per Couple With All Meals And Activities Included
When Philadelphia residents crave nature, they head to the Poconos in the Northeast corner of Pennsylvania. Less than two hours from Center City, winter activities include skiing, snow-shoeing, and ice-skating on frozen ponds. In warmer months, hiking to waterfalls, biking, and swimming in fresh-water lakes and ponds are all popular pastimes.
The Lodge at Woodloch is set on over 500 private acres of woodlands near the village of Hawley. Guests share fern-carpeted forest trails with a variety of wildlife and 58 guest rooms and suites all have views of the lake or rock garden waterfall from private verandas. Understated interiors strive to connect guests with nature’s restorative qualities. Terrariums, Himalayan salt lamps, Cherrywood bed frames, and a menu of pillow options offer in-room calm and comfort.
The hotel places a premium on providing a healthy environment for its guests, including keeping all spaces scrupulously clean and three health-conscious gourmet meals are included in the nightly room rate.
Yoga classes, swimming in the pool and lake, archery, and cycling are a few of the many complimentary activities. The hotel’s spa is a sanctuary of therapeutic soaking pools and eucalyptus-scented steam rooms with body treatments incorporating indigenous elements and therapies from around the world.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 1 out of 7 hotels in Hawley
Booking.com Rating: 9.2 out of 10
The Wilds In Cumberland Ohio
About 4 hours from IndyIf theres one place I want to return to when my kids are a tiny bit older, its The Wilds in Cumberland. Think Jurassic Park meets African safari. We took two toddlers and an infant and had a fine time, but its best suited for families with elementary school-aged kids. Look for opportunities to camp or stay on site. Its amazing!
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Historic Loveland Castle & Museum In Loveland Ohio
1-hour and 30-minute drive from Columbus
You may think the best and most magnificent castles can only be found overseas in Europe. Thats where youre wrong.
Just over an hour from Columbus, youll find Loveland Castle, which came to be when a WWI veteran was inspired to build a French-style castle of his own. Not only can you go exploring, but the castle offers many other services, such as weddings and Cub Scout sleepovers.
As you explore and marvel at the architecture a mix of German, French, and English construction you can learn all about Harry , play games and puzzles, and keep an eye out for ghosts that reportedly roam around.
If you like medieval swords and weapons, those are displayed throughout the castle as well.
What To See In Louisville Kentucky
3-hour and 15-minute drive from Columbus
Even outside of the Buckeye State, there are awesome destinations for day trips from Columbus Ohio. If you like bourbon, Louisville is the place for you.
There are many bourbon distilleries around the city, and you can pick up a passbook and follow the trail. Also, you can do bourbon tastings, although you wont see how its manufactured.
Some restaurants and bars offer tastings, and the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is a fun option within the city.
In addition, the boardwalk is a nice place to walk around, and there are good views of the river. There are a lot of places to eat and bars with all sorts of live music.
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Drivable Weekend Getaways From The Philadelphia Suburbs
From mountain lodges to beachside resorts, these getaways are all an easy drive away from Philadelphias Main Line and western suburbs.
In spring, everythings in bloomincluding the impulse to come out of winter hibernation. Here are some of our favorite places for a getaway, all within an easy days drive from Philadelphias Main Line and western suburbs.
Drive time: 4 hours, 15 minutes.
Rates: $250-$475.
Whats great: Cheerful, cozy roomssome with jacuzzi tubs and private balconieslook out onto the harbor, with its fishing, lobstering and pleasure boats. Others offer a view of the picture-perfect New England seafaring village of Stonington Borough. Continental breakfast is included with your stay. A short drive away is Mystic Seaport and the Mystic Aquarium, where youll find lots of sea life to love and have some close encounters of a different kind with seals, penguins, stingrays, sea lions and a whale that paints. You can even be a trainer for a day.
60 Water St., Stonington, Connecticut, 535-2000.
Drive time: 2 hours.
Rates: $125-$175 weekdays, $135-$185 weekends .
Whats great: The colorful façade will make you smile, and the laid-back, beachy atmosphere, whimsically tropical rooms and exceptional service will keep the good feelings going. The oversized rooms have a light, airy feeling. Homemade breakfast is included with your stay. Youre just an easy walk or bike to historic downtown Lewes and the Delaware Bay beaches.
Hudson Valley New York: 25 Hour
For a weekend trip that feels like it’s just a stone’s throw away, head up north to the Hudson Valley for a retreat filled with fine dining and fine wines. The Culinary Institute of America calls the Hudson Valley home â while in the area, pay a visit to the Institute before exploring more with your palate on The Dutchess Wine Trail, which takes you through winding vineyards, leading you straight to some delicious tasting rooms. And don’t forget to book dinner at The Inn at Pound Ridge by acclaimed chef Jean-Georges. When you’re ready to call it a day, head over to The Maker, a hotel that radiates class and culture.
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> amana Colonies Weekend Trip
622 46th Avenue Amana, IA 52203
While this is longer than the 3 hour trips from Kansas City, the Amana Colonies have something for everyone. Plus, if you are looking for a weekend trip, going further away from home may be fun!
Things to Do at Amana Colonies:
The colonies host events each weekend, from a dog speed racers competition to woodworking festivals, so there is always something to do.
They celebrate a rich heritage in arts and crafts and taking visitors away from the hustle and bustle of busy lifecheck it out for your next weekend trip out of KC.
In fact, The Wurst Festival, a celebration of all things sausage, was named the Best New Event of 2015 by the Iowa Tourism Commission.
There are many places to stay camping, bed and breakfasts, and hotels nearby.
Best Food in Amana Colonies:
If you like German-American food, try the Ox Yoke Inn for fresh, handmade food. The restaurant dates back to the 1940s, so there are definitely delicious reasons it is still in business. Or, head to the Ronneburg Restaurant for another take on German cooking. Both restaurants are highly rated.
Where to Stay:
There are surprisingly quite a few places to stay in and around the colonies. Check them out below:
Harland Sanders Cafe And Museum
State: KentuckyDriving distance from Louisville: 2 hours and 27 minutes
The famous historic restaurant, Harland Sanders Cafe, is located in North Corbin. This is the place where the story of KFC begins.
Colonel Harland Sanders ran the restaurant from 1940-1956 and created his known KFC secret recipe right here.
Back in 1930, the colonel served meals for travelers at the service station. In 1937 he built Sanders Café, which was destroyed by a fire two years later.
In 1939 the present-day cafe and a motel were constructed. Later, Sanders sold it and devoted himself to franchising his fried chicken throughout the country.
Check out the birthplace of the KFC with the museum featuring KFC memorabilia, artifacts on display, and the colonelâs office.
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Lake Placid New York: 5
Walter Bibikow/Getty Images
Lake Placid is another farther-flung location, but itâs well worth the journey if you want to enjoy a year-round outdoor destination. In the spring, summer, and fall, visitors will be delighted to find a dazzling array of outdoor activities, from hiking through High Falls Gorge, a 22-acre nature park boasting four waterfalls, to taking a dip in Mirror Lake, a 128-acre water source.
Of course, this place is a winter paradise, as it was the home of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Skiers and snowboarders can find their adrenaline rush at Whiteface Mountain, which comes with 22 miles of skiing.
After working up an appetite, head to spots like The Breakfast Club and start your day with a hearty plate of eggs, breakfast sandwiches, or something sweet like French toast fondue. For later-in-the-day fare, look no further than Smoke Signals, a local BBQ joint with finger-licking briskets, ribs, and pulled pork
Check into the Stagecoach Inn, a delightful boutique inn housed in a building from the 1700s that still boasts plenty of historical charm.
Driveable Vacation Spots And Places To Visit In The Us
West Coasters may be a little bummed to read this list. Still, as most of the American population is gathered on the East Coast and Midwestern cities, destinations in those regions dominate this list of vacation spots and places to visit in the US.
So whether youre looking for new vacation spots in your area or to go on a longer road trip, I hope this list of places to visit in the U.S. gives you a new idea!
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The Inn At Leola Village
Explore Amish Country and get to know Pennsylvanias Dutch heritage while staying at the Inn at Leola Village. The property has beautiful gardens, a pool, spa, two restaurants and a choice of accommodations. Couples can request a romantic suite with a fireplace or a cozy cottage on their weekend trip. Destinations Spa offers a full menu of treatments, including couples massages, facials and body treatments. In the evening, have dinner at TE, a formal Italian restaurant, or head to the more casual Osteria Avanti.
Nearby, you will find many Amish farms, shops and markets where you can sample delicious cheese, visit a bakery and shop for handcrafted furniture, toys and other items. Weekend rates start at $150 per night. You can often save by booking a two-night package. Details & photos.
38 Deborah Drive Route 23, Leola, Pennsylvania 17540, Phone: 717-656-7002
Book Pioneertown Motel Starting At $195 Per Night
Joshua Tree National Park lies 140 miles east of sprawling Los Angeles. It’s a desert oasis with captivating light, intriguing giant boulders, wildflowers, and hardy plants, including the wild-armed namesake Joshua Tree. When Angelenos need a retreat from the traffic-clogged freeways, Joshua Tree’s otherworldly geology, world-class rock climbing, and the starry night sky are only two and one-half hours from downtown’s smog, or about 45 minutes from Palm Springs.
Situated in the village of Pioneertown, Pioneertown Motel embraces simplicity and is located very close to the park entrance. Originally built as a hotel for film crews shooting Westerns in the high desert, the 19 guest rooms and cottages are named after movie stars, a nod to its Hollywood legacy. Each is decorated with locally-designed furniture, wood-fired stoves, and cactus plants. The pure desert air and Zen atmosphere exude a sense of wellness, while the small number of guests assures privacy.
There’s a picnic area with outdoor furniture, and the former movie sets of Pioneertown are now home to art studios and one-off shops, including a vintage saddle maker.
Trip Advisor Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Booking.com Rating: 9.2 out of 10
Pros: The untamed desert vibe is authentic, complete with surreal sunsets and respected live music venue Pappy and Harriet’s is only minutes away. Much more personality than chain motels that are the major alternatives in the area.
Cons: No televisions on-site, though Wi-Fi works well.
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Lake Lure North Carolina
Photo courtesy of Liza Goodlett via The Lodge on Lake Lure
Driving time from Charlotte: 2 hours
Why we love it: This famous Lake was the setting for the classic film Dirty Dancing, but is even more gorgeous in person. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the quiet getaway features lush greenery, a flowering bridge, a beach and nearby attractions, including Asheville and Chimney Rock. Were sure youll have the time of your life!
Where to stay: The Lodge on Lake Lure makes it easy to experience life on the lake with complimentary paddle boards, canoes and kayaks. Plus, you can enjoy luxurious features like an on-site restaurant with locally sourced fare, plush bathrobes, and a wine and cheese hour.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park In Brecksville Ohio
2-hour drive from Columbus
Believe it or not, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the only national park in the state of Ohio. Youll find it north of Columbus and close to Cleveland. If you love nature, youll be blown away by the natural beauty found along the Cuyahoga River, including caves, Brandywine Falls, and the Blue Hen waterfall.
If youre up for hiking trails, theres a historic canal that you can traverse on foot. That canal connects Ohio to the rest of the country by stretching to Lake Erie in the north.
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Grayson Highlands State Park Virginia
Driving time from Charlotte: 2 hours, 50 minutes
Why we love it: Welcome to one of the most picturesque places in the country. Grayson Highlands State Park is located within Jefferson National Forest near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, and is a haven for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Hiking trails lead to waterfalls and spectacular overlooks, and the camping throughout the area is top notch.
Where to stay: Pitch a tent or stay at one of the local cabins! You can find all of the information you need for that on the parks website.
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Getaways Less Than 5 Hours From Peoria Il
The Knell Group
Who Is The Knell Group? We are a TEAM of dedicated professionals with a diverse background and areas of expertise that combine to provide our clients …
Who Is The Knell Group? We are a TEAM of dedicated professionals with a diverse background and areas of expertise that combine to provide our clients …
Winter have you feeling stir crazy? Hop in the car for a getaway for a day or two in our Top 10 places to visit that are drive-able from Central Illinois. Just another perk of living here!
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Enjoy Ann Arbor Michigan
3-hour drive from Columbus
Columbus locals may roll their eyes at taking a trip to visit That School Up North, but beyond the Michigan-Ohio State football rivalry, Ann Arbor is a town worth checking out. It has been named one of the coolest small towns in America with plenty of shopping and more than 300 bars and restaurants.
If youre feeling adventurous, visit Gallup Park, Ann Arbors most popular recreation area. Here you can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats. You can go on nature walks, or stop to have a family picnic. If you own a boat, theres even a boat launch, so you can spend the day fishing or tubing.
Book Blantyre Country House Hotel Starting At $435 Per Night
The Berkshires in Western Massachusetts scratches the itch of New Yorkers who crave nature but don’t want to skimp on culture. The landscape is a patchwork of quaint villages, gentle mountains, and rural roads, less than three hours from midtown Manhattan.
The scenery and peaceful rhythms have long been a magnet for artists, musicians, and writers. Music lovers make seasonal pilgrimages to Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, though, this year those plans might be altered. Towns like Lenox and Stockbridge are loaded with galleries, respected art museums, Gilded Age mansions neatly tucked away on side streets, and fine dining establishments.
Set on rolling lawns just outside of Lenox, Blantyre is a bucolic country hotel with a castle-like Main House built in 1902, where a crackling fire and a glass of bubbly await. There are eight guest rooms in the Main House, eleven in the Carriage House, and four roomy cottages. A recent refurbishing embraces modernity while maintaining history blending heirloom furniture, detailed damask upholstery, and elaborate candelabra, plus fresh floral arrangements dropped in for good measure. It’s everything you would expect from a Relais & Chateaux Forbes Five Star resort. Blantyre’s intimate number of guests coupled with its copious dimensions makes it a fine choice for those who prioritize social distancing while on vacation.
Trip Advisor Ranking: 7 out of 17 hotels in Lenox
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