Sometimes, a short getaway is just what the doctor ordered, and Southern California has a lot to offer, with its beaches, outdoor activities, and moderate temperatures. The San Diego International Airport boasts non-stop flights to dozens of cities in the U.S., and it’s a popular destination for visitors, especially in the spring (before the foggy months of May and June), late summer, and fall. My daughter, who loves to travel out west, put together this beachy, 3-day itinerary based in San Diego’s Little Italy after her trip in April. You will explore by car, train, bike, and foot on this active getaway.
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 Have you heard of the Finger Lakes Region in New York? It’s home to 11 lakes varying in size, with Seneca Lake the largest by volume, Cayuga Lake the longest, and Canadice Lake the smallest. It’s an area I have wanted to explore for a while, and a two-night stay at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel on Seneca Lake made the perfect base location. Some things to do in Watkins Glen include exploring the local wine and craft brewery scene, taking a boat ride on Seneca Lake, eating at the local restaurants, and hiking to see the beautiful waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park.
Have you been to Denver lately? It had been a while since we visited, and the Mile-High City did not disappoint! We spent five days exploring Denver and the surrounding area and discovered it’s the perfect base for city adventures and outdoor recreation. The weather in mid-October was mild with sunny skies and moderate temperatures. Besides all the great things to do in downtown Denver, you don’t have to travel far from the city to find scenic parks like Roxborough State Park for hiking and outdoor activities. Plus there are easy day trips, including a spectacular train ride through Royal Gorge. As you make your list of things to do around Denver, Colorado, check out these 8 fun ways to explore the area, including several free things to do.
 Do you ever need a bit of inspiration to get ready for the holidays? A holiday, weekend getaway with dazzling lights, an outdoor holiday market, and gorgeous plants and flowers in all their seasonal glory might be just the inspiration you need! That’s exactly what we found during a December getaway to Philadelphia and Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. The city sparkles with the scenes of the season during the holidays. The festivities kick off with the arrival of Santa at the end of the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the country, then move into high gear with holiday light displays and seasonal outdoor shopping. Once you’ve taken it all in, leave the city behind for an afternoon/evening stroll at Longwood Gardens, home to the magical A Longwood Christmas. It’s a December weekend getaway sure to put you in the holiday spirit!
*Updated for 2024 
Travel just under three hours by car from the Washington DC area to find the quaint beach town of Lewes, Delaware. It’s often overshadowed by nearby Rehoboth Beach but don’t be mistaken, Lewes has a surprising number of fun things to do packed in its small footprint. It’s known as “The First Town in the First State,” with a history dating back over 400 years. Over the years, we have discovered that this beach town not only offers plenty of family-friendly fun, it makes for a great couples getaway, especially in late spring and early fall. Explore Cape Henlopen State Park by foot or bike, try a cruise to see dolphins or watch the sunset, grab pastries, ice cream or a local brew, or just hang out on the beach. Keep in mind that Lewes is busiest during the peak summer months, and some of the shops and restaurants may have limited hours or be closed during the middle of winter. Read on to explore our list of 10 things to do in Lewes, Delaware.
If you are a dog owner, you probably are familiar with that look—the sad eyes when your dog sees your suitcase and waits patiently to see if you are going to invite them to go along. Our 10 year old dog Hallie goes on many day trips and hiking adventures with us, so she’s always hopeful when she sees a suitcase. And once or twice a year her wish comes true when we take her with us on an overnight adventure. Recently, we decided to combine a visit to see family with a stay at the dog-friendly Lazy L at Willow Creek in Lewes, Delaware. Just a few hours from the DC area, the Lazy L at Willow Creek is truly a hidden gem near the popular beach towns of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. This was our third visit, and I’m already thinking about a return in the spring. If you are looking for a dog-friendly bed and breakfast not far from the DC area, or just a relaxing weekend getaway in Delaware, read on to see why we love the Lazy L at Willow Creek. Plus find a few things that we've learned from traveling with our dog.
*This post was updated August, 2022 
Are you thinking about your next outdoor getaway? With over 8,500 areas across the USA, state parks provide opportunities to get outside and connect with nature, often close to home. For a multi-day adventure, the America’s State Parks website shows that collectively the parks have over 200,000 campsites and almost 9,000 family cabins and cottages available for rent. Just be sure to book well in advance for an overnight stay or cabin rental. To kick off your planning, I’ve gathered a list of some favorite family-friendly state parks and tips from travel bloggers around the country. They share why these state parks from California to Vermont are great places for day trips or multi-day family adventures.
*This post was updated May, 2023 
As the new year begins and the coldest winter months set in, many of us will start daydreaming about a warm weekend escape. I don’t know about you, but a winter getaway to a destination like Arizona or Florida when it’s not 100 degrees in the shade sounds pretty appealing to me. So whether you need a short break from frigid temperatures, or just a quick recharge from everyday life, here’s 5 suggestions of places known for mild winter weather along with some ideas for things to do during a long weekend getaway.
*This post was updated November, 2024 
Looking for a weekend city getaway filled with southern charm, good food and plenty of outdoor activities? Then consider heading to Columbia, South Carolina, the state capital and home to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. It’s the perfect mix of college town and vibrant city along with innovative restaurants serving up southern style favorites and classic restaurant fare. We recently spent another weekend in Columbia, and packed in tons of walking, eating and exploring around town. So if you are looking for things to do in Columbia, South Carolina, here's 7 ways to fill a weekend.
*This post was updated January, 2024  We all get excited when we are packing up our suitcases and heading out the door for vacation. But if you are like me, you hate the look your dog gives you every time you leave the house. So why not take them with you on your next weekend adventure? Luckily in the DC area and surrounding suburbs, there are many dog friendly spots, including several that are part of the national park system. So take a hike, a stroll along the Potomac River, have a picnic or just spend some time outdoors enjoying nature with your furry friend. Here are 4 adventures that have been dog tested for fun! And don't forget to bring lots of water and extra treats!
*This post was updated June, 2024 |
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