If you are looking over your desk and feel in need of a drastic change of pace, these 5 vacation destinations beckon with a range of delightful amusements, so get packing and be off.
1. Scottsdale, Arizona is a vacation destination for shopping, adventure and hiking
Scottsdale has garnered ever increasing attention lately, especially among those who seek a new destination. TripAdvisor named it as one of the 15 U.S. destinations on the rise for 2012. Scottsdale’s downtown is considered the finest urban center in Arizona, boasting a wide array of restaurants, retail shops and a ton of art galleries. Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, in the city’s northern suburbs, is the largest urban wilderness area in the United States. For those who are into hiking, you simply cannot go wrong here, with over 60 miles of trails through diverse scenic and desert terrain.
The original Saguaro Scottsdale hotel is particularly memorable, with its bright-colored interiors and fully landscaped pool complex, where you can get away from the heat and exhaustion of your busy sightseeing day.
Scottsdale’s special events season is in full swing. Of particular note this week until February 26th is the Arabian horse show. Events coming up in March include the Parada Del Sol pro rodeo and historic parade, and the Scottsdale Arts Festival.
2. Newport, Rhode Island is a vacation destination for history and scenery
If you are among those who are bounded by the distance of a day’s car ride, then you will be thrilled with the wide number of choices and excursions that one can explore in Newport, Rhode Island. This tony town boasts more than 12 mansions from America’s wealthiest families that lived during the Gilded Age, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the original Touro synagogue from colonial days, and a Cliff Walk that will resonate in your memory for years.
Newport has been known as the “Sailing Capital of the World” because it was home to the America’s Cup race for half a century. Even in the winter you can enjoy gorgeous views of Narragansett Bay and Castle Hill lighthouse aboard a private yacht. And given that prices are oh-so-affordable in the off-season, Newport can really be a bargain for those who enjoy historic sites and dramatic settings.
3. Savannah, Georgia is a vacation destination for architecture, natural urban beauty and music
Savannah is a city oozing with a unique blend of history, character and natural beauty. It offers all the charm of southern hospitality combined with the “back to the future” experience, where you can move 300 years ahead simply by walking from one end to the other. Enjoy historic home tours that feature the dramatic architecture of centuries ago or explore the trendy boutiques and microbreweries in the newer sections of town. With several companies offering walking tours, Savannah possesses a truly human scale for walkabouts.
No wonder it is a favorite location for Hollywood movie shoots.
Plus, at this time of year, you may actually get away with leaving your hotel with just a light wrap or sweater.
Savannah boasts a rollicking nightlife, also. This is a city where you can take in jazz, blues and even bluegrass music. But if your interests run more to a vampy spot with singing chanteuses, well, you can find them here, as well.
4. Taos, New Mexico is a vacation destination for recreation, skiing and culture
Every group has its hard core skiiers, so for the skiing fanatics among readers, you cannot go wrong with Taos, New Mexico, which stands out for its more intimate setting and haute culture atmosphere, as compared with the much bigger resorts in California, Utah and Colorado.
At its heart, Taos is an artist’s colony with a 400 year old Spanish heritage and a 1000 year old Indian culture. It is also a year round recreation destination. In the winter, a myriad of quaint B&Bs fill with tourists seeking the deep white powder of the Sangre de Christo mountains. Among the most highly recommended artisan inns, Casa Gallina offers four adobe guest houses that comprise a complete oasis from home, and an unforgettable getaway just 5 minutes from historic Taos Plaza.
In the coming week, Taos offers a range of special events including a celebration for Fat Tuesday, workshops for writers, a Snow-ball Rally, Just Desserts ‘Eat n Ski’(featuring cross country skiing with dessert thrown in), a USASA Slope Style event, and a performance of the Verdi opera at the Taos Center for the Arts.
5. Belize is a vacation destination for romance, adventure, sun and sand
Ok, let’s say you want to go further south in search of the sun, but you also wish to avoid those all-inclusive Caribbean resorts where guests share the poolside with hundreds of others. Then, Belize could be the perfect spot for you. Tucked into the Yucatan peninsula between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize offers a unique blend of inland jungle and rainforest to explore, along with the warm blue waters of the Caribbean. And yet, it is still a hush-hush destination.
Belize provides a wide array of diversions beyond jungles and beaches. It was the epicenter of the ancient Mayan world; the intrepid traveler can spend awe-inspiring days tramping through the ruins of temples, pyramids and palaces. Belize also boasts the world’s second largest barrier reef and is home to hundreds of islands (called cayes, and pronounced keys).
Belize offers a magnetic mix of adventure, romance and privacy for those travelers that wish to get off the beaten path. Belize is known for its charming hotels and boutique resorts. Luxury travelers find it very easy to get to this international destination, as it is a quick 2-3 hour flight from many airports, including Miami, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Charlotte.
Photo courtesy Creative Commons, Ed Schipul.
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