Most of us have been sheltering in place since the end of March. Many people have had trips canceled or postponed. We’re getting cabin fever, plus summer is just around the corner. I mean Memorial Day ushers in summer, right? So, where will you go? As a travel advisor, I understand you might not be ready to jump on a plane. The airlines are still working out what traveling by plane is going to involve going forward. Scheduled flights are currently down by almost 60 percent compared to last year and they are only carrying passenger loads of 5-15 percent. How about you jump in the car and drive somewhere for a weekend trip? Be sure to check with your trusted travel advisor or call ahead to make sure the properties are open and what policies are in place due to COVID-19.
Northeast
You could drive to Maine or Vermont. There are some great properties within a short drive of Boston and you can enjoy the coastal or mountain scenery along the way. White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection is an example of a boutique inn that my clients have loved only 1.5 hours from Boston. They offer a wonderful wellness spa experience, you can explore the quaint town of Kennebunkport and use the bicycles to cruise around. The inn offers gourmet meals in a converted barn. Or go a little further west to Vermont and Woodstock Inn & Resort is a classic. They offer several dining venues, lots of activities (including golf), and Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon” Quechee Gorge is a picture-perfect place to enjoy nature and the town of Woodstock is a charmer with covered bridges and old fashioned general stores.
Southeast
What’s better than one of the most scenic drives in the world? The Overseas Highway is 110 miles of turquoise vistas as you cross 42 bridges from Miami to Key West. But consider stopping halfway down for a stay at Cheeca Lodge on Islamorada or Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key. During your stay head out with a fishing boat charter, experience some of the best snorkeling in the U.S., or just float on your back soaking up some rays. If you head all the way to the southernmost point, The Perry Key West is filled with vintage-style charm. Take a guided bike tour with a colorful local and be sure to take in at least one sunset from Mallory Square. Live the laid back island life for a few days and search for your lost shaker of salt.
Southwest
Just 4 hours from Dallas, 3 hours from Houston, and 1.5 hours from Austin in Texas Hill Country is San Antonio. A perfect place for a weekend getaway. The Riverwalk, world-famous urban waterway is a great place to walk, dine, and shop. I know I could use some delicious Tex-Mex food from the largest Mexican market in the U.S, El Mercado, about now. Plus the city has history at the Alamo and at Missions National Historical Park. Hotel Emma is history in itself located in what was once a 19th-century brewhouse. From Phoenix, the red rock canyons of Sedona are less than a 2-hour drive away. Many people feel inspired, recharged or uplifted after visiting due to Sedona’s energy vortex. Enchantment Resort is an ideal setting, right in the canyon, you can hike, bike, and participate in the numerous activities the resort offers. They are also home to the award-winning spa, Mii Amo.
West
From Los Angeles or San Francisco, the Pacific Coast Highway is a stunner of a drive along the dramatic coastline. Then head inland a bit to Napa for a relaxing weekend among the vineyards. Meadowood Napa Valley is a gorgeous Relais & Châteaux property set on 250 acres. Perfect for golf, walking and hiking. They offer an extensive spa and plenty of health and fitness classes.
Northwest
Continuing in the wine theme, less than an hour from Portland and 3.5 hours south of Seattle, head over to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. You can enjoy farm-to-table meals with a glass of local wine during a stay at The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg. Closer to Seattle, Salish Lodge and Spa in Snoqualmie offers dramatic scenery overlooking the falls, hiking trails, fishing, several dining options and a full-service spa.
Midwest
You can get away from it all in the Ozarks. The Stonewater Cove Resort and Spa is a hidden gem on the shores of Table Rock Lake, surrounded by the Mark Twain National Forest. This rustic yet elegant retreat is located about 3.5 hours south of Kansas City. There you can partake in canoeing, hiking, zipline, and even mini-golf. Plenty of dining options, 3 meals a day, including s’mores by the bonfire every night. Be sure to try the private, elevated tree-house spas.
As you can see, wherever you live there’s a fantastic escape just a short drive away. So, pack a small bag and hit the road!
