Close-to-Home Weekend Getaways

After a long week, sometimes a quick getaway can replenish your batteries and renew your energy. Although finding the right place for such a short trip is not always easy. The following is a list of some great spots for a weekend trip you will love.

New York City

Depending on where you reside, The Big Apple can be reached quite easily by flying, driving, or taking a train. It is great even in cold weather, as there are many indoor attractions such as Broadway shows or museums, while in summer visitors can visit outdoor places including the High Line and Central Park. History enthusiasts can get to Ellis Island by ferry to see the first stop of many immigrants in days past or climb to the top of the famous Statue of Liberty.

San Francisco

The City by the Bay has temperatures in the 60s most of the year, making it ideal for strolling across the Golden Gate Bridge, riding the celebrated cable cars and exploring the city's eclectic neighborhoods. What's more, sports lovers can enjoy superb views of the San Francisco Bay from AT&T Park during baseball season.

Washington, D.C.

The lovely U.S. capital of Washington, D.C. has many major attractions that are convenient to visit, as many are free of charge and found within walking distance of each other: the imposing Lincoln Memorial, the awe-inspiring Washington Monument, and many more. The weekend brunch scene is really fantastic here, but be sure to make reservations ahead of time.

New Orleans

The wonderful city of New Orleans offers an incredible array of activities to pick from. The lovely City Park has a lot of fun things to do if you want to be outside in the open air, or if you prefer museums, check out the famous and fascinating National WWII Museum. Anyone spending time in New Orleans has to set aside some time to wander around the legendary French Quarter (preferably in the evening) and save some appetite for the delicious traditional beignets.

Nashville, NC

Part mountain community, part hipster retreat, this North Carolina locale is a haven for adventurers and beer lovers. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest boast jaw-dropping panoramas, and the North Carolina part of the Appalachian Trail is a must for die-hard hikers. When you have worked up an appetite, stop in at one of the local breweries to enjoy one of the 100-plus local beers and some delicious food.

Chicago

With its eclectic and varied neighborhoods, fantastic food scene, historic architecture, and other fun activities, Chicago is a wonderful weekend getaway. If the weather is good, cruise down the Chicago River to see the city’s renowned architecture, then head over to Millennium Park to check out the sculpture locals affectionately call “The Bean”. Chicago has a rich culture of distinguished museums such as the Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago; excellent for those cold Chicago winter days.

Seattle

Seattle is a vibrant hipster city celebrated for its coffee culture (Starbucks started here) as well as the iconic Space Needle and vibrant Pike Place Market with its fun bars and restaurants. For anyone who wants a good workout, go for a hike in the lovely Discovery Park, or for daring adventurers, vacations head over to Mount St. Helens, an active volcano whose last major eruption was in 1980. Just be sure to pack an umbrella and a raincoat – weather in the Emerald City can be rainy.