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20 Best

The country's top weekend getaways.
October 2006

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20 LONG WE EKENDS

words by > Jenn Plum

Looking for a quick weekend getaway? Here are the 20 best long weekend escapes around our destination cities.

01 Point Reyes National Seashore
>San Francisco

Across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, you encounter the offbeat little towns that make up Marin County. There are the towering redwoods of Muir Woods and the wild and rugged beaches along Point Reyes National Seashore (www.nps.gov/pore). The beaches are too rough for swimming, but you can spend days exploring the rugged coastline, taking in the views from the Point Reyes lighthouse and looking for gray whales and sea lions in the churning surf. Manka’s Inverness Lodge (www.mankas.com), an old hunting lodge in Inverness, maintains an upscale, rugged theme with cozy cabins for the perfect weekend hideaway.

02 Athens
>Atlanta

Just 60 miles east of Atlanta, Athens, Georgia, is the perfect weekend stop for music fans and students-at-heart eager to chill out and soak up the laidback university scene. It’s certainly a favorite with music enthusiasts waiting for the next REM or B-52s to emerge from the music scene, which today includes the storied 40 Watt Club (www.40watt.com) and Georgia Theatre (www.georgiatheatre.com). If you’re not too busy clubbing, check out the Victorian homes in the historic district or get some exercise time with laps around the North Oconee River Greenway on foot, bike or rollerblades. Spend the weekend in the Grand Oaks Manor (www.grandoaksmanor. com), an antebellum home converted into an eight-room inn.

03 Sea Island
>Savannah

Sea Island is such a distinctive getaway that President Bush chose it as the setting for the G8 Summit of World Leaders back in 2004. While your weekend goals may be a bit less lofty than solving the world’s problems, the collection of Sea Island resorts (www.seaisland.com) are the perfect backdrop to spend the weekend doing whatever it is you like best. Spend a lazy day at the beach or learn about the local history and culture on a guided walk. You can also choose from a number of sporting activities or schedule an afternoon of pampering at the spa.

04 Hudson River Valley
>New York, White Plains

The lower Hudson River Valley, with its pleasant small towns and fairy-tale atmosphere, is just about 30 miles from New York City. Start your weekend with breakfast in Nyack and a tour of the art galleries and the childhood home of artist Edward Hopper at Hopper House Art Center (www.hopperhouse.org). Local kayak tour companies will hook you up with everything you need for a kayaking tour of the Hudson River, taking in sights from the infamous SingSing prison to local lighthouses. Stay on land and hike one of the many trails through Bear Mountain or Hudson Highlands State Park (www.nysparks.state.ny.us). Keep the fairy-tale vibe going and book a room for weekend at the lavish Castle on the Hudson (www..castleonthehudson.com) for a real break from the everyday.

05 Amelia Island
>Jacksonville

All of Florida makes for a good escape for weekenders looking for sun, surf and sand.

But Amelia Island—just about 40 miles from Jacksonville—is a special destination for romance-seekers and families looking for some relaxation. This barrier island is lined with great beaches including Fort Clinch State Park (www..fl oridastateparks.org/fortclinch), with its hilly dunes and prime shell-seeking real estate, and swanky Peter’s Point Beach. Lovebirds will fi t right in at the dreamy Elizabeth Pointe Lodge (www.elizabethpointelodge.com), while families might opt for one of the beachside resorts with lots of activities for the little ones.

06 Boulder
>Denver

With its bustling college scene, Boulder (just 30 miles from Denver) may seem like a town for the university set. But with its great shopping and plethora of outdoor activities, Boulder is a great getaway for anyone. Outdoorsy types can grab a bike and explore the 200 miles of trails that traverse the city’s 56 parks. If carrying shopping bags is more your speed, browse the shops along the Pearl Street promenade. The St. Julien Hotel and Spa (www.stjulien.com) offers travelers the best of both worlds, boasting a desirable downtown address and a great view of the Flatiron Mountains, which are easily accessible on foot or bike.

07 New Hope
>Philadelphia

The crowds do pour into colonial New Hope on the weekends, but with over 200 shops in town, there is plenty of room for everyone. Main Street is lined with funky art galleries, bookshops and boutiques selling everything from beaded jewelry to homemade bath products. Take a stroll or leisurely bike ride along the towpath that runs along the Delaware Canal. The Inn at Bowman’s Hill (www..theinnatbowmanshill.com) is one of the more luxurious inns in Bucks County, situated on a lush estate just three miles from downtown. Bring along a book to read in the quiet sanctuary of the orchid conservatory or one of the many secluded terraces—all just one hour from Philadelphia.

08 Laurel Highlands
>Pittsburgh

When times got tough for posh Pittsburgh natives back in the 19th century, they knew exactly what to do—head 70 miles out of town to the Laurel Highlands. Visitors still fl ock to these mountains today, and the town of Farmington in particular, to indulge themselves at the upscale Nemacolin Resort (www.nemacolin.com). You’ll defi nitely need a long weekend to take advantage of all of Nemacolin’s wonders, including two championship golf courses and one serious 18-hole mini golf course, pools, an equestrian center, outdoor adventure courses, an off-road driving class and restaurants galore. If you can drag yourself away from the resort’s many wonders, check out Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, two of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces.

09 Annapolis
>Baltimore

Maryland’s capital city is a great place for boating, crab cakes and checking out the Naval Academy’s Midshipmen in action. Schedule a tour of the Naval Academy (www.usna.edu), just be sure to take along a picture ID for security measures. Come nightfall, take a stroll on the city dock and admire the stylish yachts, and then enjoy live music at the Rams Head Tavern (www.ramsheadtavern.com). This is all close to the Loews Annapolis (www.loewshotels.com/hotels/ annapolis). This hotel has it all—a great location, super comfortable beds and even Luke the dog, a resident Labrador retriever who’s available for strolls and even sailing trips around Annapolis.

10 Provincetown
>Boston

While proper New Englanders head “down cape” in the summer, there’s no reason to stay home once fall rolls in. Provincetown is hopping all year long. P-town may be the furthest point on the Cape (you can take an hour and a half boat ride from Boston to cut travel time), but it’s also one of the most exciting with its vibrant art scene, great annual festival lineup and friendly vibe. The hottest accommodations in town are at the exclusive Brass Key Guesthouse (www.brasskey.com), which only shuts its doors for the month of January.

11 Santa Catalina Island
>Los Angeles

Santa Catalina Island is a quick ferry ride from bustling Los Angeles, but miles away when it comes to attitude and atmosphere. The town of Avalon is the center of activity and promises plenty of restaurants and bars to keep you busy on the weekend. During the day, you have your choice of water activities, including kayaking, diving, snorkeling or just plain ocean swimming. The Inn at Mt. Ada (www.catalina.com/mtada) is on the pricey side, but includes breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day, as well as the use of a golf cart to explore the island during your stay.

12 Spring Lake
>Newark

While many of the towns on the Jersey Shore shut down for the long winter months, there is still some life around Spring Lake even after the lifeguards call it quits for the summer. Spring Lake, under an hour from Newark, maintains an upscale beachy spirit with its stately oceanfront mansions and tree-lined streets. Take a walk on the two-mile boardwalk and grab lunch at the Parker House (732-449-0442) before exploring the shops in town. When it comes to lodging, there are plenty of romantic B&Bs around town. All of the rooms at the Sea Crest by the Sea (www.seacrestbythesea.com) come with fi replaces, spa tubs and cozy robes.

13 Big Sur
>San Francisco

The trip from San Francisco to Big Sur may be over two hours, but the topsy-turvy drive down legendary Highway 1 is part of this getaway experience. As you cruise down the highway, there are plenty of great places to stop along the way to Big Sur, including great lunch spots in Half Moon Bay and Carmel-bythe-Sea, and lots of highway outlets for photo opportunities of the dropping cliffs and churning sea below. If you’re a true outdoorsy type, there are some great campgrounds and state parks in the area, where you can cuddle up in a redwood grove underneath the stars. For a more luxurious stay, check into Ventana Inn and Spa (www.ventanainn.com), an upscale spa resort with a holistic spa and complimentary nature walks, yoga and tai chi.

14 Bloomington
>St. Paul/Minneapolis

While it’s not the ideal weekend getaway for everyone, the Mall of America (www..mallofamerica.com) is the prime destination for shopaholics, bargain hunters and window shoppers. This behemoth houses over 520 stores and 60 restaurants and nightclubs, movie theaters and even a seven-acre amusement park. The biggest bonus—no sales tax on clothes. If the rest of the family needs some convincing, book a room at the Water Park of America (www.waterparkofamerica.com), and the kids can race out of the hotel room in the morning directly to the indoor water park.

15 Bald Head Island
>Raleigh/Durham

A long weekend getaway to Bald Head Island is not for the spontaneous traveler—it requires some planning to schedule the ferry and secure lodging on the island. Once you step off the ferry, you immediately notice how life slows down on Bald Head. There are no cars, but lots of bikes and golf carts crossing the island to get to the beach, golf course, croquet match or special event hosted by one of the island’s clubs. Instead of inns and condos, vacationers can rent beach houses (www.baldheadisland.com) where family and friends can spread out.

16 Shenandoah Valley
>Washington, DC

Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is a favorite with daytrippers from Washington, DC, as it’s just over 60 miles from the capital city. This region is known for its great fall foliage, historic landmarks and good hiking at Old Rag Mountain and White Oak Canyon.

But to gourmandes, it’s known as the home of a grande dame on the restaurant scene—the Inn at Little Washington (www..theinnatlittlewashington.com) in Washington, Virginia. This world-renowned restaurant has only 30 tables and a wait list that can stretch up to one year long. Make your reservations at the inn and restaurant far in advance, and then spend that extra time dreaming of the heavenly meal to come.

17 Galveston
>Houston

Where do Texans go to unwind and relax for a long weekend? Lots of them head to the beaches on the barrier island of Galveston. The casual and affordable Harbor House at Pier 21 (www.harborhousepier21.com) offers a different perspective with its bayside location. You can head to the beach or explore the seaport and the Tall Ship Elissa. If you’re traveling with the kids, head over to Moody Gardens (www.moodygardens.com), a kid-friendly exploratory museum with re-creations of animal habitats in the rainforest and aquarium as well as space fun and an IMAX theater.

18 Skaneateles
>Rochester

The Finger Lakes in central New York have become increasingly popular with their great scenery, local wineries and quaint towns. About 60 miles from Rochester, Skaneateles is a fun little village with a bustling downtown area that stretches around the picturesque lake. Use the Mirbeau Inn and Spa (www.mirbeau.com) as your home base as you explore the other nearby lakes. Spend the day antique shopping or sipping local wines, and then head back to Skaneateles for a sunset boat ride on the pristine lake.

19 Irvington, Virginia
>Richmond or Newport News

Many travelers associate the Chesapeake Bay with Maryland, forgetting that there are also towns in Virginia that border the bay. Irvington is one of these towns tucked along this Northern Neck of the Chesapeake region. There’s no short of romance at The Tides Inn (www.tidesinn.com), a waterside getaway fi lled with sailing, bird watching and, of course, good seafood. During the day, history buffs can visit the birthplaces of George Washington at Wakefi eld and General Lee at Stratford Hall or enjoy a longer drive to Colonial Williamsburg (www.history.org).

20 Death Valley National Park
>Las Vegas

While some travelers can’t pull themselves away from the glittering Vegas scene, others long for a weekend escape to the great outdoors. Death Valley National Park (www.nps.gov/deva), with its jagged canyons and strange salt formations stretched over a stunning 3.3 million acres, is just 120 miles from Las Vegas. Cool down and rest for the night at the Furnace Creek Inn and Ranch Resort (www..furnacecreekresort.com), located in the center of things. From the resort you can easily explore the park’s wonders and then head back home for a cold drink and dip in the pool.

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