#berkeley-springs

#berkeley-springs

Fia Backström describes her experience of West Virginia as akin to being called by aliens, framing the region in a way that echoes a long history of it being seen as strange and backward.

"Stretches of the float feel quite secluded and peaceful, while others pass parks and restaurants. I like the connection-it's always good to be reminded of the wild in the urban."

Milton is a picturesque location along the west side of the Hudson River, halfway between Albany and New York City, known for its pretty parks and river views.

Snake River Brewing has quietly earned its place as one of the town's original après-ski gathering spots, a place where cold fingers warmed up around pint glasses and powder days were replayed one story at a time.

Charleston is known for having something in bloom year-round and for highly variable weather in late winter, but the wisteria really marks the start of our true spring. You'll start seeing and smelling these purple blossoms mid-to-late March, and, generally, the last week of March is the peak.

Abingdon is easy to access just off Interstate 81. This little town has many charms-from its 20-block historic district to the 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail. Add to that a thriving creative community, exceptional dining at The Tavern (the state's oldest bar), and homey accommodations, and you have a pretty darn close to perfect Blue Ridge Mountain getaway destination.

If you've never been in Central Park, mid-snowstorm, you're missing out - because New York never looked this good. Those looking for a memorable ride should grab the nearest sled, or sled-like implement, and head to Pilgrim Hill, located just south of Conservatory Water on the Upper East Side. This urban luge-scape is known for its steep slopes and rock-free rides, although this spot's not exactly a secret, so be prepared to brave some crowds.

Mt. Baker is the PNW's snow vacuum. It's close enough to the Pacific to get storm after storm, and the North Cascades do what they do best: force moist air straight up, wring it out, and bury everything in sight. Maritime storms roll in wet and heavy, then pile up fast when they hit terrain.

Vermont actually resembles California - not because of its beaches but due to its distinct regions. For example, Burlington correlates to the Bay Area. And in the Northeast Kingdom, where I grew up, we classified everything below White River Junction as 'Southern Vermont.' Down there, half the towns seem to channel Boston or New York City, kind of like Santa Barbara to L.A., which makes the Kingdom something like Humboldt County - rural and spectacular, with a recalcitrant outlaw streak.

Sometimes just changing the location where you wake up can feel like a vacation in itself. Washington has luxurious hotels to choose from, and a weekend spent in their high-thread-count sheets can feel as good as a getaway, sans the travel stress. Waldorf Astoria From spa treatments to afternoon tea, the grand hotel is the ideal place to slow down and enjoy a loved one's company.

Mount Airy isn't trying to be everywhere else-and that's exactly why it stands out. It offers a true sense of place, rooted in tradition but evolving with purpose, where the pace slows down just enough to remind you what travel is supposed to feel like.

Back in chilly February, when you were bored at work, you didn't think twice about booking a wine tasting and zipline excursion back to back. By the time reality hits in July, you're desperately chugging water to try and stave off heat stroke. Just like that, your 'relaxing' getaway is not so relaxing at all.

Whitetail Resort is located in Central Pennsylvania and is a legit hidden gem for skiers and snowboarders in the mid-Atlantic region. This ski resort gets seriously underestimated by many. I was travelling from one resort to another, and Whitetail was on the way to my next destination. I almost didn't go because I was on the road for two weeks straight, but I'm so glad I did-it's way better than I expected.

The hot springs at Quinn's are valued for their mineral content and are considered "Silica Springs" due to the high concentration of silica, a mineral used in skincare that is said to improve skin texture, support collagen production, and promote elasticity. The natural mineral water also has high levels of sodium, which helps maintain blood pressure levels, and sulfate, which is said to help rid the body of toxins and promote healthy hair, skin, and nails.

Nashville may be known as the 'Music City,' but it was Knoxville where several artists, including a young Dolly Parton, actually cut their teeth. The city has a self-guided tour to give you important intel on the music industry and a lay of the land for your trip.

Part of Hot Springs National Park, downtown Hot Springs' Bathhouse Row is a collection of historic neoclassical and Spanish-style buildings that now serve as attractions, visitor centers, and historic sites. But one bathhouse has operated continuously since 1912, making it the town's longest-running facility. Equipped with steam cabinets, whirlpool tubs, and massage therapists, Buckstaff Bathhouse offers separate floors for men and women, and its no-reservation policy for baths and massages works in favor of travelers who want to take a spontaneous trip

Tucked into northwest Arkansas ' Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is a place where contradictions don't just coexist, they define the destination. It's a Victorian-era spa town and a paranormal hotspot, a biker mecca and a proudly LGBTQ+ enclave nicknamed "the gayest small town in America." In the Ozarks, "the place where misfits fit," Eureka Springs wears that identity especially well, drawing artists, nature lovers, and free spirits of all kinds for over a century.

"Today, another kind of treasure typically lures travelers to Franklin, though, one found among the trails, waterfalls, and scenic byways of the community. Surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, and a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Franklin is closely tied to the Appalachian Trail, and became the first designated Appalachian Trail Community in 2010, welcoming travelers with open arms."

In many ways, western North Carolina destinations-like Asheville, Highlands, Hot Springs, and Waynesville, to name just a few-are quite similar. There's typically a genuine appreciation of art, music, food, and craft beer, and life tends to revolve around the great outdoors. And why shouldn't it? The Appalachian Mountains have created a lush, green paradise in this region, complete with stunning views, amazing hikes, and plenty of fresh air.