A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Sep. 11, 2024
Ready to get away? Whether you want to escape to a dreamy beach, a quaint New England town, or a culture-filled city, we’ve got the perfect options for you.
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Were you one of the many travelers who had a wrench thrown into your summer vacation plans thanks to COVID-19? While you may not have gotten to go on that exotic excursion or dined with your favorite Disney characters this summer, it’s not too late to plan a simple, safe, and satisfying trip that’s a little closer to home. As summer begins to wind down and states reopen, now is the perfect time to pack your bags and hit the road—or plan the perfect trip for when you’re ready. With a wide range of climates, landscapes, activities, and cuisine, these East Coast destinations offer something for every type of traveler.
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Not sure where to stay? The White Barn Inn has been a Kennebunk landmark for more than 150 years. Guests can cozy up in one of the inn’s 27 rooms or spread out in one of its five stand-alone waterfront cottages. No matter which accommodation you choose, the inn’s trademark rustic charm and New England hospitality will ensure that you’ll never want to leave.
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The Kimpton Nine Zero is a hop, skip, and a jump away from just about every attraction, and the staff will go out of their way to make your entire family—even the dog(s)—feel welcome!
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You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time to the Gilded Age as you tour the homes of some of America’s wealthiest families. Although the mansions were intended to be summer cottages, Newport is one of the summer destinations that are surprisingly gorgeous in the winter. No matter when you go, you’ll get a glimpse into what life was like in the late 19th century as you twirl around Rosecliff’s famous ballroom or view the largest collection of Venetian art at the Elms. If your trip is a family affair, the Breakers offers a tour with a special guided experience just for children. When you’re finished gallivanting around the grounds of the mansions, take a leisurely stroll down Newport’s 3.5-mile Cliff Walk before grabbing dinner at the Red Parrot, a festive and family-friendly restaurant located inside an old meatpacking plant that employed hundreds of Newport residents during that era.
If you think you’ll have a hard time leaving the mansions, you’re in luck. Rather than staying at a traditional hotel, you can actually go “home” to a Cliff Walk mansion. The Chanler at Cliff Walk has 20 enchanting guest rooms, each decorated in a different period style that will allow you to pretend you’re in another time for just a little bit longer.
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via tripadvisor.com
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Many visitors opt to rent homes during their visit, since there aren’t many hotel options. But if you’d prefer a getaway sans cooking and cleaning, the Sanderling Resort offers more than 20 different room options and a stretch of private beach, complete with a variety of water sports.
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History buffs with a love of funky nightlife and fabulous food will enjoy touring Georgia’s oldest city. Take in the antebellum architecture and cobblestone squares in the city’s historic district on foot or from a horse-drawn carriage during the day, and join one of the city’s famed ghost walks at night. While you’re there, experience true Southern hospitality at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room; just be sure to arrive early, as the line to get in tends to stretch around the block.
You’ll want to stay in the heart of historic downtown Savannah, so the Perry Lane Hotel is the perfect pick. At Perry Lane, you can take advantage of some experiences that are offered exclusively to guests of the hotel, including an in-depth tour of the famed Byrd Cookie Company and a behind-the-scenes look at how the legendary Benedetto guitars (which are made in Savannah) come to life.
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Looking to spend a few days in the lap of luxury? Head to Palm Beach, Florida. There, you can take a drive down Billionaires Row on your way to one of the pristine golf courses in the area or the upscale shops on Worth Avenue. For the ultimate in relaxation, spend the day lounging by an adults-only oceanfront pool, or enjoy a day of pampering at the Eau Palm Beach Resort’s world-class spa. Be sure to take home one of their Palm Beach Breeze candles—the signature scent was created exclusively for the resort—so you can feel like you’re still there long after you leave.
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If you want to unplug and enjoy the great outdoors, the Adirondack region of New York is the ideal destination for any season. Lake George (commonly referred to as the “Original Vacation” spot) holds a variety of annual events for visitors, and Saranac Lake has an actual ice palace during the Winter Carnival, along with a host of winter activities such as skiing, tubing, and snowboarding. If you’re looking for a more laid-back trip, Long Lake is a great option, and travelers who really want to go off the grid for a few days can set up camp at Cranberry Lake.
For those who love the idea of camping but aren’t actually excited about pitching a tent, Lake George’s Lodges at Cresthaven are a great compromise. These rustic, lakefront lodges are outfitted with everything you need, from full kitchens to covered porches (so you can experience the gorgeous views and breathe in that fresh mountain air, no matter what the weather). With a private beach, indoor/outdoor pool, horseshoe pits, pickle ball, and a mile-long list of other amenities, you won’t want to leave the property. But, if you do, you’re only minutes away from Lake George Village.
