8 Domestic Hideaways You Haven’t Thought About
When you have time for a getaway, it’s natural to want to whisk off to somewhere in Europe to find a quaint town or to the Caribbean to find pristine beaches. And not that those locations aren’t amazing, but there are fabulous domestic locations that rival the beauty of faraway lands. Promise! Here are eight domestic hideaways you haven’t thought about for a variety of tastes, so everyone can find a place they love.
Camden, Maine
There are plenty of fabulous choices when it comes to coastal New England. However, Camden offers the perfect glimpse into what life is like in Maine. Enjoy coastal views and ride a windjammer sailboat for the day. Explore quaint shops and eat fresh seafood — don’t miss out on a lobster roll — and sample jam made from tiny, flavorful Maine blueberries. The area also has a state park, antique shopping, and plenty of outdoor activities to keep you occupied. Rockport and Lincolnville are also close by if you want to explore other closeby parts of the state.
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Wisconsin may not be on your radar screen at all, but if you love arts and music, put Eau Claire on your list. The town is filled with creative artisans, locally owned businesses, and a fantastic foodie scene. To top it off, two big music festivals happen annually. It’s no wonder as Eau Claire is the hometown of Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. If you visit, enjoy a show at the Pablo Center, take a walking sculpture tour, and shop for handcrafted goods at Artisan Forge.
Half Moon Bay, California
Many folks head to Los Angeles or San Francisco for an urban fix or to Sonoma and Napa to explore wine country when it comes to California. However, Half Moon Bay offers a laid-back vibe unparalleled in The Golden State while offering lots to do. If you love food, the area itself stems from farming, so be sure to eat locally when you are in town. If you love golf you can do so while enjoying both mountain and oceanside views. The area also boasts quaint restaurants, locally-owned shops, wineries, and a fabulous pumpkin festival if you visit in October.
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Lake Charles is a vibrant area that embodies all that Louisiana has to offer without heading to New Orleans. It’s filled with playful vibes and spicy cajun flavors with a Texas-influenced twist. Listen to live jazz, head to a casino resort, or enjoy the wildlife that lives in the marshlands. If you simply want to relax, there are also plenty of beaches so you can read and soak up the sunshine. Lake Charles also has a highly active nightlife scene so that you can fill your time from sun up to sun down and beyond.
Mesa, Arizona
Many think that Arizona is full of sand and red rocks, which is true, but you’d be surprised by all of the water-centric activities there are in Mesa. The area is full of adventure from kayaking on cactus-lined Saguaro Lake to paddleboarding or white water rafting down the Salt River. It’s is full of adventure! Of course, there are also excellent mountain views, luxe golf courses, delectable foods (even BBQ!), and vintage shopping in the heart of Mesa. It’s close to Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, so you can do a bit of exploring throughout Arizona while you’re there.
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Before heading to New Hope, let me tell you that there’s an added bonus: There’s an equally great town on the other side of the bridge — Lambertville, New Jersey. Across the Delaware River from each other, these two towns are filled with quaint vibes. They have long-time history, gourmet restaurants, and fabulous shopping, especially when it comes to antiques and vintage. In addition, the fact that these two locales are along the river means that there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy including hiking, kayaking, and visiting Bowman’s Hill Wildlife Preserve.
Southport, North Carolina
When it comes to coastal towns, Southport does it right. Author Nicholas Sparks has set several of his novels in the area, and you can even see locations where films like Safe Haven, A Walk to Remember, and Weekend at Bernie’s were shot. Beyond cinema, Southport offers delectable seafood, lovely coastal homes, and amazing antique shopping. If you want to stay on the beach, head to nearby Oak Island or Sunset Beach to enjoy lazy days on the shoreline.
St. Augustine, Florida
White sand beaches, Spanish history, fabulous shopping, local flavors — need I say more? If you’re looking for a unique place that combines both history and coastal vibes, St. Augustine is the place to go. You can choose to stay on the Florida shoreline and head to the downtown area to eat and shop, or you can stay in the heart of the historic district and visit the beach as you wish. While you’re in town, head to the Fountain of Youth, walk on St. George Street, and visit the oldest masonry fort in the US.
No matter where your travels take you next, think about taking a deep dive into a small town. It doesn’t have to be far. Head a few hours away, a few states over, or across the country. You never know what you may find!
Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.
