Weekend Getaways Not Far from Home

Life is short – fit in some enjoyable weekend getaways every now and then to chill out, have a good time, and get away from your daily routine. But finding the best place for such a quick trip is not always very easy. The following is a list of some perfect spots for a weekend trip you will love. New York City You can go to New York City by train, plane or car, so weekend getaways are a cinch. Additionally, great tourist attractions indoors ( such as museums and Broadway shows) and outdoors (like Central Park and the High Line) make unpredictable weather a non-issue. Both the striking iconic landmark known as the Statue of Liberty and famous Ellis Island can be accessed by ferry. San Francisco San Francisco is one of the most breathtaking cities in the nation with its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Victorian architecture dotting the steep hills, interesting and eclectic neighborhoods, cable cars, and great weather all year long. Baseball has never been as picturesque as in San Francisco; go to a game at AT&T Park and check out the gorgeous views of the beautiful San Francisco Bay. Washington, D.C. The beautiful U.S. capital of Washington, D.C. has many important attractions that are easy to visit, as many are free of charge and situated within walking distance of each other: the imposing Lincoln Memorial, the awe-inspiring Washington Monument, and many more. To fortify yourself for a day of walking, be sure to take part in the famous brunch scene – and come with a big appetite! New Orleans You can't see all of the Big Easy's most popular sights in one weekend, but its various offerings make it easy to choose activities based on your interests. History buffs can visit The National WWII Museum, while outdoorsy people can stroll through City Park. Anyone spending time in New Orleans has to set aside some time to stroll around the legendary French Quarter (preferably in the evening) and save some appetite for the tasty traditional beignets. Nashville, NC Part mountain village, part hipster sanctuary, this North Carolina locale is a haven for outdoorsy people and beer lovers. For beautiful jaw-dropping views, check out the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest, or if you would like to be more active, hike a portion of the iconic Appalachian Trail that passes through. When you have worked up an for more travel appetite, stop in at one of the regional breweries to sip one of the 100-plus local beers and some delicious food. Chicago Chicago is well known for its great food, iconic architecture, and fun things to do, making it an ideal weekend getaway. Temperature-permitting, take a cruise through the city on the Chicago River to see the architectural designs, then take a walk to Millennium Park to see the famous sculpture nicknamed “The Bean” for its odd shape. Meanwhile, museums including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum are perfect places to get out of winter's biting temps. Seattle Seattle is a vibrant hipster city famous for its coffee culture (Starbucks started here) as well as the iconic Space Needle and vibrant Pike Place Market with its great bars and restaurants. Outdoor adventurers will want to enjoy time on beautiful Mount St. Helens, an active volcano, or in the wonderful Discovery Park. Be sure to take an umbrella, as it does rain frequently in Seattle, though it’s generally more of a light mist.