7 Must-Visit U.S. Destinations
Stop by one of these not-to-be-missed cities across the country. They're the best of the best.
1. Music: Nashville, Tennessee
Music City offers more than honky-tonk, with an indie rock scene that has The Black Keys, Karen Elson, and Jack White all calling this town home.
HOTEL The Union Station Hotel, housed in a former train station, takes you back to a more elegant time. From $259 per night.
RESTAURANTS Cap off a meal at Catbird Seat with a cocktail downstairs at Patterson House. Try the El Diablo.
MUST-DO Sample bluegrass at Station Inn or country at Robert's Western World. Record shop Grimey's New & Preloved Music sits above The Basement, a great venue to hear indie acts. Stop by Jack White's Third Man: It's a store, recording studio, and performance space.
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CHEAP THRILL Hatch Show Print has been making concert posters for everyone from Dolly Parton to Johnny Cash since 1879. Take one home for about $12. (615-256-2805)
2. Food: Portland, Oregon
Portlandia jokes aside, locals really do care where their chickens are raised and how their coffee beans are roasted. For a laid-back foodie escape, this city has become the latest destination.
HOTEL The Ace Hotel is Portland's hipster headquarters. Some rooms have a vinyl collection and turntables; Stumptown's coffeehouse, in the lobby, is the city's go-to spot for slow-dripped brews. From $95 per night.
RESTAURANT Ned Ludd sticks to a farm-to-table ethos at what the owners call an "American Craft Kitchen." That translates to everything from smoked trout to chickweed salad.
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MUST-DO Shop at The Meadow-it sells artisanal salts-or stroll through D Street Noshery's international food-truck row. Indulge your inner farmer by picking your own fruit at Bella Organic Farm on Sauvie Island.
CHEAP THRILL The Japanese Garden is an ideal setting for walking off all those calories.
3. Culture: Baltimore, Maryland
Long before John Waters and The Wire, Baltimore was a bustling port town with money to build museums and other cultural institutions. In the last few years, a new generation of creative types has revitalized the city.
HOTEL The Four Seasons recently opened along the harbor, giving the city a much-needed dose of glitz and glam. From $349 per night.
RESTAURANT Housed in an old foundry next to artist studios, The Woodberry Kitchen offers refined comfort food. When in Maryland, have the crab cakes.
MUST-DO Take in great masters at the Baltimore Museum of Art and The Walters Art Museum. For emerging and experimental talent, visit the Nudashank Gallery or the Copy Cat (410-625-3789).
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CHEAP THRILL Balance all that culture with some fun at Patterson's Bowling Center, where games are $12 per person and drinks are BYO.
4. Romance: The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
The ambiance at this storied and historic resort nestled in the Allegheny mountains will make you feel like you've stepped right into a bygone era of romance and glamour.
HOTEL This 234-year-old Greenbrier Resort was given a cosmetic lift in 2010. Today, decorator extraordinaire Dorothy Draper's style has been revived. From $299 per night.
RESTAURANTS After a classic American meal in the main dining room, which has hosted presidents, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and Gloria Vanderbilt, indulge at the ice cream parlor, a pink-and-white-striped design confection.
MUST-DO Play golf, tennis, or croquet; white-water raft, horseback ride, and even brush up on your falconry skills. Inside, there's no shortage of recreation: Try billiards, bowling, or bridge.
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CHEAP THRILL Order champagne and live on love in your room.
5. Beach: Montauk, New York
For a Long Island beach weekend that's more hip than haute, head to this mellow fishing town. It's where the cool clique goes to chill.
HOTEL The 20-room Ruschmeyer's feels like a stylish summer camp, complete with a popular Chinese-lantern-filled bar. From $207 per night.
RESTAURANTS The Crow's Nest is a prime perch for people-watching. If you had too many cocktails the night before, head to Joni's for healthy wraps and fruit juices. (631-668-3663)
MUST-DO Grab breakfast at the Ditch Witch Truck at Ditch Plains beach before taking a surfing lesson. Browse the surf ephemera at Melet Mercantile (631-668-9080) or pick up a nautical-striped fisherman sweater at Share With boutique (631-668-2744).
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CHEAP THRILL Deep Hollow Ranch is the oldest working cattle ranch in the country. Take a riding lesson along trails or on the beach.
6. Just Girls: Napa Valley, California
Grab your favorite girl posse for deep-tissue massages, five-star food, and copious amounts of wine in front of a picture-perfect backdrop.
HOTEL Splurge on a room (or bunk up with a pal!) at Calistoga Ranch, a serene and rustic luxury resort. From $675 per night.
RESTAURANTS Order the tasting menu at Redd-the chefs will choose your courses. For a picnic, stop by Oxbow Public Market.
MUST-DO Drink! There are more than 200 vineyards in the valley, so be selective. Try Frog's Leap's Petite Sirah, Ladera's, Cabernet, and Hess's Sauvignon Blanc (and don't miss the vineyard's museum-worthy art collection).
CHEAP THRILL Take a dip at Harbin Hot Springs, about 45 minutes north of Napa. Warning: Clothing is optional!
7. Adventure: Amangiri Resort in Canyon Port, Utah
There's no better way to commune with nature than by heading to the open desert.
HOTEL The Amangiri is an architectural wonder and low-key luxury at its best. The 25,000-square-foot spa is unbeatable. From $1,050 per night.
RESTAURANT The dining room has floor-to-ceiling glass doors that reveal breathtaking lunar landscapes. The wood-fired oven adds flavor to the healthy menu.
MUST-DO Take in the views (towering red rocks, star-filled skies) from one of the lounge chairs poolside or venture to the Grand Canyon, which is close by. Go fly-fishing in the Colorado River.
CHEAP THRILL Sign up for an outdoor yoga class located atop a 165-million-year-old sandstone formation.
For more travel inspiration, visit MarieClaire.com.
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