One thing that we frequently hear from readers, friends and family members is amazement that we’re able to travel as much as we do. It may seem like we’re always going somewhere…and usually we are. One way we’re able to travel so much is through strategic use of our very limited vacation time. Like most Americans, we have a limited 2-3 weeks (10-15 days) per year. That means we need to be really smart in how we use our time.
One way we’re able to make the most of our limited vacation time is through weekend getaways. These two- to four-day breaks give us the chance to see the “best of” a destination in a short amount of time. The articles in our weekend getaway section are the best of these experiences. This is how we make the most out of a limited amount of vacation time and still see the world.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has the feeling of a small town wrapped in a big city. Once known for its industries like tobacco and textiles, Winston-Salem has broadened its appeal as a center of art, culture, and food while still paying homage to its past.
Mount Airy, North Carolina–affectionately known as Mayberry–was Andy Griffith’s hometown and the inspiration for the setting of The Andy Griffith Show. This charming town offers good eats, excitement in the great outdoors, and unexpected history lessons, with a bit of moonshine thrown in.
Riga is a brilliant mix of old and new. On a walk through this lovely city, you could glimpse a 700-year-old church next to a modern store next to a new building that was reconstructed to look old. This blend means there’s something different around every corner and in every square.
Over 25 years ago at summer camp, I met a young woman from Bath. She told me stories about a beautiful town in the west of England that had hot springs and looked like it was right out of a movie set. It turns out she wasn’t lying.
Saratoga Springs is a city filled with music. It has fabulous parks, amazing food, and an overall joie de vivre.
The beautiful city of Annapolis is often overlooked in favor of its larger neighbors like Baltimore or Washington, DC. But Annapolis is a waterfront retreat, a college town, and a picture-perfect capital city full of fun things to do.
Bergen exudes so much charm and small-town feel, you’d never know it’s actually Norway’s second largest city.
Nashville, Tennessee, is all about fun. Live music, street art, rooftop bars, and some of the best food anywhere combine to make a weekend in Nashville one of the best getaways you can take.
Despite its proximity to big cities, Fredericksburg, Texas, is popular because it maintains a small town feel while having so many things to see and do. From wine tasting to taking in the local history, you’ll never be bored in Fredericksburg.
Over 20 wineries occupy a 40-mile stretch on the south shore of Lake Erie. Regardless of your taste preference, you’re likely to find something to love here.
We’re Lance and Laura, two busy professionals who love photography and travel the world as much as our “real world” vacation schedules allow. We’re working to support our habit.
