The Great Escape

At some point during the year, we all start dreaming of taking that much-needed break from daily life and enjoying a change of scenery.  If you’re currently in the zone of wanting to jet off and take some time to be carefree and indulgent, here are eight places stateside that are a must to visit. 

Nantucket, MA

If you’re looking for a peaceful respite from your day-to-day routine, this may be just the ticket. Nantucket is a tiny island located thirty miles off Massachusetts's southern coast. Initially a leading whaling port, you can still see widows’ walks on some of the weathered gray shingled homes that define Nantucket. 

Relax on beautiful white beaches; swim in the calm waters of Nantucket Bay or the rougher waters of the Atlantic Ocean; rent a dune buggy and pack a lunch or chill out on an oceanfront lawn. Some points of interest and activities include visiting a lighthouse, miles of bike trails, water excursions, museums, and jaunts to the plentiful restaurants and shops.

Boston, MA

One of the most walkable cities in the US, Boston is gearing up to head that list by 2030. Just about anywhere you want to go in Boston is within walking distance,  and a great place to start is the Freedom Trail, a two-and-a-half mile loop comprised of sixteen historical sites, including the Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and the Boston Athenaeum. Other places of interest include Fenway Park, Harvard, and Boston Harbor. Boston also has world-class food choices, including delectable fresh seafood, classic Yankee pot roast, irresistible desserts, tapas, and eclectic ethnic menus.

Austin, TX

The state capital of Texas, Austin, is well-known for its country, blues, and rock live music, with hundreds of nightly venues to choose from. If that isn’t your thing, there’s still a lot to enjoy in this city, given the abundance of parks and lakes that offer hiking, biking, swimming, and boating in a year-round temperate climate. Or chill out while sampling some local wine at one of the many vineyards in scenic Hill Country, which also boasts a ton of art galleries, charming shops, and restaurants that offer a variety of cuisine, including farm-to-table and authentic Texas barbecue. Later, burn off those extra calories by exploring the fascinating caves and beautiful waterfalls that dot the area, or drive a little further and visit the town of Luckenbach, made famous by Waylon Jennings’ song Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love), where you can take in the nightly show at the General Store, Bar, and Dancehall.

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride is famous for its more than two-thousand acres of skiable terrain suitable for all levels of winter sports enthusiasts, but it’s also a haven for hikers, cyclists, and paragliders in the warmer months and boasts an abundance of food, music, and film dominated events. 

Dine and shop, choosing among the many options on Main Street or in Mountain Village while appreciating the breathtaking panoramic backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. Take a drive on the San Juan Skyway that winds through eleven towns and two national forests, stopping along the way to ride the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Wisconsin

If you want to try something totally different, take a farm vacation in Wisconsin. Especially fun for families, the experience of interacting with the farm animals will allow you and your kids to observe and interact first-hand with goats, llamas, pigs, cows, sheep, and more. It’s also a proven fact that connecting with nature is beneficial to our emotional balance and well-being. Choose from resorts, inns, or B&Bs to enjoy a variety of activities, including horseback riding, hiking, and fishing.

Asheville, NC

If you prefer to head south, Asheville is a great choice. Surrounded by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, where you’ll find numerous hiking trails, scenic vistas, and the opportunity to go boating, fishing, or tubing in the nearby French Broad River, the city has earned a reputation for its art. With many artists exploiting a variety of unique surfaces as canvas, you’ll discover art in alleyways, underpasses, and water towers. There are tons of galleries and workshops where you’ll find artists using their creative talents to make furniture, jewelry, ceramics, glassblowing, and more. You’ll also find outdoor markets, craft breweries, local art galleries, and food tours that will introduce you to the delicious local cuisine.

This sampling will get you started on finding what might just become your next favorite somewhere else. We’d love to hear your ideas on your favorite spot for holiday so hit us up on Instagram at @viedemerus.