Why travel overseas when some of the most amazing destinations in the world are right here at home. Whether you’re looking for romance, eco-friendly, family, senior, or budget travel for your next getaway here are a few of our top suggestions and we’ll tell you why.
Family Travel
After being horrified when named one of America’s dirtiest cities, Chattanooga has taken a 180-degree turn over the past 10-plus years and is now one of the most pleasant finds in the south. Chattanooga has been a tourist destination for many years, but it wouldn’t be Chattanooga without spelunking at Ruby Falls. Following a trip underground, opt for the world’s steepest passenger railway and “America’s Most Amazing Mile.”
The Incline Railway is over 2000 feet above sea level and offers spectacular panoramic views of the valley below. On a clear day, you can see the Great Smoky Mountains 100 miles away. Chattanooga is also home to Rock City Gardens on top of Lookout Mountain. Originally opened in 1932, the place was advertised on barns and birdhouses throughout the south. Featuring pathways through rock formations and gardens, with the final experience of the little gnome world called Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village.
Senior Travel
Scottsdale, Arizona is a perfect vacation destination with an abundance of golf, spas, and shopping. The perfect way for senior travelers to enjoy their trip, there are over 200 golf courses in the greater Phoenix area. For the best shopping and some nice out-of-the-way restaurants, Old Town Square with its wooden sidewalks is an option, including a farmer’s market on Saturday morning. Restaurants abound in Scottsdale so take your pick, but make sure to spend at least one night at the signature restaurant at Intercontinental Montelucia called Prado with traditional Andalusian cooking.
Romance Travel
Located on the northwest coast of Florida with sugar-white sandy beaches and the clear gulf water, Rosemary Beach is a town made up of rental cottages that are for sale. There is a tropical, yet Gulf Coast appeal and every home has its own personality. There are boardwalks leading to the immaculate beaches intertwined with flora and fauna, and vacationers love the laid-back feel.
Getting married or having a romantic getaway, Rosemary Beach is a great place to renew your vows in the Town Hall. With a 28-foot high ceiling and hand-forged iron lighting, it’s very romantic.
Eco-Friendly Travel
California’s Central Coast is a “green lovers” paradise. With sustainable wineries dotting the landscape, Austin Hope and Terry Hoage are crowd pleasers, and both wineries practice sustainable farming. Restaurants offer organic fare too. Try Thomas Hill Market Bistro and Wine Bar with its laid back central coast California atmosphere without the pretentious scene. The wait staff pairs the organic wines for you, and the menu changes regularly due to the organic and fresh moniker they maintain.
Budget Traveler
Located on the tropical tip of Texas, South Padre Island is a 34-mile long barrier reef about half-a-mile at its widest point and bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre Bay. It’s only connection to the mainland is a two-and-a-half mile bridge, but you’ll want to get to the beach as soon as you can and take off your shoes.
Hotel rooms and restaurants are inexpensive and you can easily find some freebie things to do. Build a sand castle, but consider taking lessons at Café on the Beach for some great pointers on sand castle building. The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is another experience and for the real birdie at heart, there are seven bird blinds to get up close and personal.