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You're dreaming of a weekend escape... but it's already Thursday. No worries—whether you want a stunning mountain lodge or a quaint bed and breakfast on the beach, these are the best last-minute getaways to book in each state.
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You’ll feel like a Southern Belle as you walk up the grand staircase to your room in The Lodge at Gorham’s Bluff in Pisgah. On a cool fall morning, watch the Tennessee River lazily float by from the sweeping back porch, buttermilk biscuit in hand, or curl up with a book by the stone fireplace. Check out some more bucket list ideas for every state.
Row, row, row your boat across Resurrection Bay over to Orca Island where your rustic yet comfortable solar-powered yurt awaits at Orca Island Cabins in Seward. Spend the daylight hours kayaking around Humpy Cove, fishing (each yurt even has a gas grill so you can fry up your catch of the day), or whale watching.
Glamping: It’s like camping without the bugs, dirt, and outhouses. At Under Canvas in Valle, you’ll stay in a luxurious safari-style tent where you can stargaze from your private deck following a hike through the surrounding juniper forest.
This place rocks… literally. The secluded cabins at Longbow Resort in Prim, are nestled deep in the forest among waterfalls and sandstone boulder formations. Each cabin incorporates rock and wood in a unique way to embrace the surrounding natural beauty—one is built directly into the side of a cliff and another overlooks a spring-fed waterfall and natural pool.
This isn’t your typical trailer park. Sleek silver Airstreams dot the property at this quirky Santa Barbara stop where you can shack up near the California coast. Your Airstream will come equipped with Adirondack chairs for outdoor lounging and two beach cruiser bikes so you can explore the city and the sand. Bonus: Pets are welcome. Find out the best RV parks in every state.
If jumping out of a helicopter to go skiing down a steep mountain slope sounds like your kind of trip, head to Dunton Hot Springs in Dolores where heli-skiing is just one of the outdoor activities offered among dog-sledding, fly fishing, and more. For those who would rather get some R&R, soak in the natural hot springs or take a yoga class. Here are more must-visit destinations for adrenaline junkies around the world.
This charming New England bed and breakfast in Branford is the perfect last-minute escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With only two rooms, you’ll be treated to a peaceful weekend with complimentary wine and cheese in the afternoons, views of the harbor, and plenty of attractions within walking distance including eclectic shops, boat tours, and nature trails.
Step back in time with a stay at Hotel du Pont in Wilmington, built in 1913 and dripping with ornate decor, stately oak paneling, and crystal chandeliers. There’s no need to venture outside of the historic hotel for a bite to eat, either—sit down to an elegant three-course meal in the award-winning Green Room where live music creates old-school ambiance on the weekends.
What makes the sand in Destin so sparkling white? It’s made from Appalachian quartz, which you’ll find on Watercolor Inn’s private beach. Located on almost 500 acres of gorgeous Gulf coast sands, the charming inn also borders Grayton Beach State Park where you can hike and bike the many trails or take one of the complimentary kayaks out on Western Lake. Visiting Florida during Summer might seem like the best idea, but make sure you check out the cheapest months to visit every state first.
You don’t have to be a millionaire to have your own private island—or at least rent one for the night at the Private Islands of Georgia, St. Simons Island. Choose one of two privately-owned islands off the coast of Georgia (there is a total of eight but the others are coming soon) where you can stay in cute waterfront cottages and explore the surrounding saltwater marshes by kayak. Discover more private islands you can rent for just $300 a night.
Skip the swanky beachfront resorts for the quaint Waimea Plantation Cottages nestled in a tropical coconut grove along the stunning Na Pali coastline of Kauai. Each cottage has been restored and decorated to look like they did when they were inhabited by sugar cane plantation workers back in the 1800s. Here’s everything you need to know before planning a Hawaiian getaway.
Wet your line at this fly fishing lodge in Driggs, where each day, a professional guide will lead you to a new stretch of Snake River where you’ll catch tons of wild trout before heading back for a four-course meal enjoyed against the breathtaking backdrop of the Teton Mountains.
You might not be able to take a weekend trip to Italy but you can go to the next best thing: the Tuscan-inspired Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda. After a day touring the hilly vineyards and sampling their popular Traminette wine, kick back on your balcony soaking up the views of the Shawnee National Forest. Don’t miss these other small American towns that will have you feeling like you’re in Europe.
Leave the kids at home and escape for a romantic weekend in one of the log cabins at Serenity Springs in Michigan City. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the woods at sunset before retiring to your cabin for an in-room candlelit dinner. Afterward, roast s’mores on your private campfire underneath the stars.
Names in the guestbook at the historic Dubuque hotel include Mark Twain, Al Capone, and even Abraham Lincoln. You’ll be right in the heart of Dubuque’s Old Main District bustling with shops, restaurants, and museums. You can also spend a rejuvenating afternoon at the full-service Potosa Spa on the lower level of the hotel. Craving more virtual time travel? Find out the most historic hotel in every state.
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and at this midwestern B&B in Dodge City, you’ll be served what was voted “Best Breakfast in the West” each morning. Afterward, explore historic Dodge City (including the dinner theater and Boothill Museum) or catch a local rodeo. Love bed and breakfasts? Here are the most charming ones in every state.
Why settle for a boring old hotel when you could be spending your weekend on an adorable houseboat floating on Lake Cumberland instead? For a true party boat experience, rent the double-decker, complete with a rooftop bar for plenty of boozy summer nights and fun in the town of Nancy.
Mardi Gras isn’t the only party in New Orleans—there’s also the Carousel Bar and Lounge at Hotel Monteleone featuring a 25-seat merry-go-round. Smack dab in the middle of the vibrant French Quarter, the hotel is also home to the Criollo Restaurant where you can order some of the best Creole cooking in the city—and don’t miss the heated rooftop pool for a pre-dinner swim.
Cozy cabins built from authentic Maine pine will become your home away from home for the weekend at Point Lookout on 387 scenic acres in Northport overlooking Penobscot Bay. And if there’s something you want to do, chances are they have it from outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and disc golf, to indoor entertainment like bowling and delicious farm-to-table dining. Here are more cool and secluded locations in every state.
Meet the hotel that basically has an entire city inside of it. At the Gaylord National Resort, your balcony will open out into the atrium, a 19-story glass-enclosed space with not only stunning views of National Harbor, but also gardens, lounges, nightclubs, eateries, shops, and more. Let the kids frolic in the massive indoor pool, enjoy a spectacular fountain show or head to the Ferris wheel outside on the pier.
Take a chartered fishing trip from the harbor or wander the trails through the tidal salt marshes, both just minutes from your eccentric Bauhaus-style cottage. Originally a club and gallery for artists, the Colony of Wellfleet is now the perfect place to bask in the beauty of the Cape Cod National Seashore. While Cape Cod is gorgeous during Summer, it is also a perfect destination in the Winter.
The iconic Grand Hotel, on Michigan’s Mackinac Island, is a must-stay for anyone looking for a relaxing weekend away. Sip afternoon tea on the world’s longest front porch (660 feet!) overlooking the sparkling water, play croquet on the lawn, or bike into town (no cars allowed on the island!) to stroll through the streets lined with specialty shops and cafés.
Step aboard one of the country’s only floating bed and breakfasts where you can book an elegant stateroom for the weekend. Permanently anchored in the St. Paul harbor, the inn offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline through the portholes in each room. Step off the boat and you’ll be immediately surrounded by all the state’s capital has to offer from dining to shopping to nightlife. Here are more charming bed and breakfasts worth a visit.
Come on in y’all! The Alluvian Hotel, located in Greenwood in the Mississippi Delta, is one of the most fabulous—and most fun—places to stay in the state. Sign up for a cooking class at their Viking Cooking School, crack open a history book from the Southern library, or browse the carefully curated art collection. Venture off the grounds into the Lowcountry to find gorgeous plantations, museums, and wineries.
Not for the faint of heart, St Louis’s Lemp Mansion is said to be one of the top ten most haunted places in America. Once you check in to the Lavender Suite (which was once the Lemp family’s master bedroom), go on a guided ghost tour or enjoy a murder mystery dinner in the mansion’s dining room. Love ghosts but can’t make it to St. Louis? Get your spooky fix at one of the top 20 haunted houses in the United States.
Just outside of Glacier National Park in Columbia Falls lies the brand new Dancing Spirit Ranch, a New Age-y retreat with three rustic cabins perfect for groups of friends or families. Nestled at the foot of Montana’s snow-capped mountains, you can play board games before a family-style dinner in the converted barn, take a yoga class in the schoolhouse, or wander through the numerous sacred stone gardens.
Grab your girlfriends for a weekend of wine tasting, wood-fired pizza, and glamping at the Slattery Vintage Estates in Nehawka. You can spend your evenings lounging on the deck of your private bungalow decked out with twinkling string lights, roasting s’mores and sipping a glass of the vineyard’s popular Sweet Ass White. Don’t live near the Cornhusker state? We’ve got 13 more ideas for fun girls’ trips all across the country.
What’s a trip to Nevada without a little gambling? Leave the lights of Vegas behind, though, and hit the casino onboard the Colorado Belle Riverboat in Laughlin Once you’ve hit the jackpot in the poker room, swim under the waterfall in the heated pool or watch a performance at the lounge before retiring to your boat room with a view of Colorado River.
Take a class taught by a professional chef at The Manor on Golden Pond’s cooking school, go on a hot air balloon ride, and paddle around Squam Lake on a private kayak tour. These are just a few of the activities offered at this luxury inn, a country estate in Holderness. End each sun-soaked day with a nightcap at Three Cocks Pub where they serve classic cocktails with a unique twist.
Stay at New Jersey’s largest indoor water park, Coco Key Water Resort in Mount Laurel, for a family-friendly vacation that’s guaranteed fun rain or shine. In the morning, simply walk out your hotel room door and you’ll be transported to a world of water where kids and adults alike can float down the lazy river or scream your lungs out on the 1,000 feet of water slides winding their way around the park. These are the other coolest water parks in the United States your kids—and you—will love.
Fiesta or siesta? No matter which you plan to do on your weekend getaway, you can accomplish it at Casa Gallina in Taos where five adobe casitas await amidst organic gardens and farmland. You won’t be alone: 40-plus hens roam the grounds, providing fresh eggs for your breakfast every morning. Take a tango lesson in the on-site dance studio or explore the Southwestern culture of Taos.
Don’t let the name fool you—this is less mountain house and more Victorian-inspired chateau. Registered as a National Historic Landmark, the impressive resort sits atop a cliff overlooking Lake Mohonk in New Paltz and is surrounded by the breathtaking forests of the Hudson Valley, meaning there are outdoor activities abound for guests. Bonus: It’s just an easy 90-mile drive outside of NYC. Discover more hidden gems in every state.
Fun in the sun—without the crowds—is guaranteed at this Bald Head Island boutique hotel, accessible only by ferry. Wake up at your leisure and enjoy a hot buffet breakfast before soaking up some rays on the secluded beaches or biking around the charming coastal town. Bald Head Island should definitely be on your bucket list, along with these other must-visit beaches.
Little house on the prairie? More like incredible house on the prairie. The rustic yet modern Coteau des Prairies Lodge in Havana sits above fields of wildflowers and rolling pastures and is the definition of a rural getaway. Take a hands-on tour of local farms or go trap shooting before cleaning up for a fresh farm-to-table dining experience. Don’t leave without a handmade quilt from the general store!
In their own words: “Leave the hassle, come stay in our castle!” And after just one look at this gorgeous medieval mansion in the middle of a seemingly enchanted forest in New Plymouth, you don’t have to tell us twice. While you can hike the trails during the day, hit the extensive game library in the evening or attend a spooky murder mystery dinner. Here are more castles you can stay in overnight.
Rustic or luxurious—at Rivers Edge Cottages in Watson, you’ll never have to choose between the two again. Offering the best of both worlds with high-end log cabin rentals, the riverfront property is an outdoor lover’s dream. Canoeing, picnicking, hiking, bird watching, and fishing are just a few of the activities you can get into during your stay.
Spring, summer, fall, winter… it doesn’t matter what season you visit in, you’ll be blown away by the natural beauty surrounding the year-round cabins at Wallowa Lake Lodge in Joseph. Hike under the towering pines alongside alpine streams and flowing waterfalls (keep an eye out for elk!) or spend the day out on the sparkling blue waters of the glacial lake.
Pop a tent in the sweetest place on Earth (aka Hershey, Pennsylvania). If tent camping isn’t your style, you can also rent a cabin or hook up an RV. Not only are there plenty of family-friendly activities planned weekly—arts and crafts, lawn games, movie showings, and more—you’ll also receive a discount on tickets to ride the rollercoasters at nearby Hersheypark.
“Go bold or go home” is definitely the motto at the eccentric Gilded in Newport. The 17 rooms of colorful, out-of-the-box decor are located close to the famous Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile trail that runs along the rocky coast of Rhode Island dotted with historic mansions. Fuel up with breakfast tapas before exploring the town and seashore.
You never know who you’ll see at this plantation-style B&B. Past visitors have included Sandra Bullock, Tom Hanks, and Ben Affleck. And you can expect true Southern hospitality. Not only will you be within walking distance of downtown Beaufort (the second oldest town in the state) and the ocean, you’ll be handed complimentary wine and cheese as soon as you check in.
Any place that will have a warm gourmet pizza waiting for you upon arrival is a win in our book. This renovated historic lodge in Rapid City built in 1908 does just that, plus it serves a mouthwatering community-style breakfast each morning. Check out the surrounding bike trails in the Black Hills or paddle around the mountain lake under the glow of a full moon. Don’t miss these free tourist attractions in every state.
More adventurous travelers will love the one-of-a-kind experience you get at The Crash Pad, a self-proclaimed “uncommon hostel” in Chattanooga You can book a bunk to share a room with other tourists (making it a much cheaper stay) while still getting the amenities and comfort of a luxury hotel. While you’re there, fire up the grill in the outdoor hangout space, hike the nearby mountains and gorges, or wander around downtown Chattanooga.
“Home on the Range” will be your weekend soundtrack when you hang your hat at Wildcatter Ranch in Graham. Rustic Western decor, open plains, and beautiful views of the Brazos River make this a picture-perfect getaway. But there’s also a lot to do: Take a trail ride through the valley and learn to lasso a steer, then end your day around the campfire just like a modern-day cowboy (or cowgirl).
Ziplining, ATV tours, horseback rides, oh my! The list of outdoor activities is endless at this 4,000-acre ranch resort on the outskirts of Zion National Park. To relax after a long day of hiking and exploring the red rock canyons, take a dip in the crystal infinity pool or sip hot cocoa provided during the group stargazing. Find out our favorite National Parks that are off the beaten path.
The hills are alive with the sound of music at the Austrian-inspired Trapp Family Lodge, owned by the Von Trapp family from the classic film. There’s something for everyone at this getaway in Stowe, so you’ll never have to venture off the property—sip a cold beer from their on-site brewery at the Bierhall or hike the mountain trails (you can snowshoe if you visit in winter) while the kids enjoy nature scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, kite flying, and more.
Remember how you always wanted a tree house when you were a kid? Well, now you can have one built up in the treetops at Primland, a stunning resort deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Venture up to the lodge for a moonshine cocktail, go horseback riding or clay shooting, or play a few rounds of golf on one of the world’s top courses.
Venture to the tip of horseshoe-shaped Orcas Island for an overnight stay at Pebble Cove Farm, an organic four-acre farm and inn set right on the water in Eastsound. Rent paddle boards or kayaks or take the rowboat to explore nearby Skull Island. After a day of adventuring, soak in the hot tub under the twinkling stars. Traveling with a group? You can also rent out the Enchanted Forest Cottage which sleeps six.
With over 710 rooms, The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs is a last-minute traveler’s dream as they’ll rarely be completely booked. “America’s Resort” (45 different presidents have stayed here!) is home to gorgeous mountain views, a mineral springs spa, and plenty of outdoor activities from golf to an adventure ropes course. Don’t forget to tour the historic underground bunker while you’re there, too.
Imagine sleeping in a swinging bed on a screened-in porch and waking up to a panoramic view of the sunrise over Kaubashine Lake. That’s what you’ll find at Black’s Cliff Resort in Hazelhurst, along with watersports galore from canoeing to water skiing to doing cannonballs off the diving raft in the middle of the lake. In the winter, you can even ice skate, then warm up by the stone fireplace in your cabin.
No matter where you stay in Jackson Hole, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities and stunning sights to see. One of our favorite spots, though, is this rustic family-run bed and breakfast where you can indulge in a hearty homecooked breakfast, then head to one of the area’s natural wonders (hiking at Grand Teton National Park, anyone?). Read on for the best family travel destination in every state.
