5 Great Ideas for a Weekend Getaway

To get refreshed and ready to combat the world anew, going away for the weekend is an excellent way to do it. It’s better than a staycation because no matter how you dress one up, you haven’t gone anywhere!

To get you started, here are 5 great ideas for a weekend getaway to remember.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

While you may think of the Grand Canyon National Park as a place to get a fantastic view, go rafting, or take a helicopter tour, that’s not all that you can do there.

The landscape is so rugged that whether you pick the North Rim or the South Rim as a target, you’ll need to wear some hiking boots and take care of your hands as well. If you’re traveling around winter, only the South Rim will be open but, in the summer, both the North and South Rim are accessible. There’s plenty of hiking involved to get to the right spots to capture some Instagram-worthy photos to share with your friends.

Nashville, Tennessee

Anyone who’s even a little bit of a country music fan is going to love stepping foot in Nashville. It is the home of country and there’s plenty to see and explore over a weekend to soak that up.

Take a stroll down Broadway and do a bit of shopping. The Paradise Park Trailer Resort has cool décor, live bands, and the coldest beer. Visit Dozen, the famous bakery that now has a convenient walk-up service. Also, for the best river view, take a visit to Acme Feed & Seed to sit and enjoy it.

Don’t forget to look at the dates for any live bands playing. Some of the up-and-coming acts play locally in the hope of being spotted by the country record labels. See them before they go national.

Santa Cruz, California

While many people will travel to the sometimes overcrowded and pricey San Francisco, those in the know travel a couple of hours away to reach picturesque Santa Cruz. It has been popular since the 1960s with its laidback beach vibe, surfing, and sunbathing. Spotting sea life including whales and sea lions is a popular weekend pastime there too.

Also, a visit to the oldest amusement park along the beachfront – originating in 1907 – will draw you in as well. It’s also LGBT+ friendly, with the UC campus not far away. There is certainly a younger vibe to this beachfront location.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Visiting the Windy City is fine, but around 90 minutes from Chicago heading north is Lake Geneva. While New York has the Hamptons, Chicago has this lake as a perfect getaway from big city life.

Once popular in the Gilded Age, there’s public access stretching 20 miles, so you’re bound to find a secluded spot if you hunt one out. The Shore Path is protected from development, so the area has stayed largely unspoiled ever since. Visit the Black Point Estate and Gardens now converted into a majestic museum. Busy both in winter and in the summer months, but rarely overcrowded, this is a place for people who love lakes and dislike crowds.

New Orleans, Louisiana

The French Quarter of New Orleans attracts people for its bustling street scene both in the daytime and late into the evening too. Live music, spicy Creole dishes to sample, and a positive attitude all play a part. Even outside of the legendary Mardi Gras festival, the cobbled streets attract the crowds.

The Vieux Carré neighborhood is the most popular one and the city is very walkable. Grab a bite, stroll around, and take in the vibrant atmosphere to get the most out of New Orleans.

Plan what you’ll pack to avoid weighing yourself down for your trip. It’s a long weekend, so don’t overdo it.