Atlantic City’s famous resorts live up to the hype. You’ll find glamorous pools, in-house movie theaters and every possible cuisine (in every restaurant setting) available when you stay in one. The resorts here also offer pampering mega-spas, endless buffets, shows by top performers and serious opportunities to golf. Throw in playgrounds, splash pools and kids clubs for the youngest members of your family, and you may never leave.
People have been flocking to the iconic boardwalk ever since it was built in 1870 and was only 1 ½ kilometers long. Now, it’s over six, and encompasses all manner of restaurants and recreation. Stroll down to the Steel Pier and jump on an amusement thrill ride or try a carnival game. Snack on some saltwater taffy, then pick up a trinket at one of the many cheerfully tacky souvenir stalls. Go for a dip in the water, or just people-watch while catching some sun in the sand.
With no sales tax on clothing and shoe purchases, Atlantic City is a popular place to shop. Luxury brands like Tiffany & Co., A/X Armani Exchange, Burberry and Louis Vuitton can be found at the four-story Playground Pier shopping area, while bargains can be had at places like the Tanger Outlets, an outdoor mall covering 15 city blocks. The boardwalk’s specialty shops are a great place to pick up a gift or vacation memento.
There are plenty of options for those who need a break from the boardwalk and the beach. Climb the 228 steps of Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey’s tallest. Go back in time at the Atlantic City Historical Museum. Book a deep-sea fishing excursion, take a sightseeing trolley tour, see sea creatures at the Atlantic City Aquarium or get an art fix at the Atlantic City Art Center.
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Liberty State Park is a breath of fresh air on New York Bay amid the city hustle and bustle. Just across from Liberty Island and Ellis Island, the park’s 405 hectares include a promenade with a Statue of Liberty overlook. See the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal at the park’s north end, bike or hike Freedom Way’s trails, or take a kayak eco-tour on the Hudson River. At the Empty Sky 911 Memorial, a corridor of stainless steel focuses in on the space where the Twin Towers used to be and honors those New Jerseyans lost in the attacks. Don’t miss the Liberty Science Center’s 12 galleries and hundreds of exhibits or its IMAX dome theater, considered the USA’s largest. From here, take a Statue of Liberty Cruise by ferry to get even closer to the NYC skyline.
Several museums reflect the area’s diverse traditions and cultural influences. Explore the unconventional collection at The Museum of Russian Art, which features the work of rotating artists as well as permanent holdings. Look for seasonal exhibits that expand on the museum’s Avant-Garde and Nonconformist art focus. Take a trip to the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Society Museum, housed on the second floor of a library and filled with memorabilia, artifacts, documents and photographs that explore the area’s African American heritage. Check out downtown Jersey City’s Powerhouse and Riverview art districts to really get a sense of the community’s vision before heading to Mana Contemporary to see cutting-edge art, dance performances and even film screenings. Catch a concert or play at The Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre before you go.
When you’re not kayaking or sailing on the Hudson River, or jet skiing past the Statue of Liberty on a guided Sea the City tour, carve some time out for Pole Position Raceway. This indoor go kart facility is the place to compete around the track in small or large groups, offering karts for kids of every size – and age. For bigger thrills, get tickets for a soccer match, rugby game or a concert at Red Bull Arena, home of the New York Red Bulls Major League Soccer team. If you want to get out and play yourself, Pershing Field Park offers an ice rink, pool, playground, fields and courts for any sport you can think of.
Set along the Truckee River, Reno’s revitalized downtown is bursting with activity. This pretty shopping, eating and entertainment area has plenty of green spaces and a well-maintained bike path (and offers bike tours, too). Find intimate Italian dining, Irish pubs and upscale lounges for cocktails. Shop the boutiques or explore several art galleries. See live theater, catch a show at the Reno-Tahoe Comedy Theater or settle in for a more dramatic performance at Pioneer Center for Performing Arts.
Animal Ark, a wildlife sanctuary, hosts lots of family-friendly events and has cheetahs, bears, birds of prey and other exotics. At Sierra Safari Zoo, you’ll see everything from tigers to parrots. If classic cars are more your thing, take a day to visit the 220 on display at the National Automobile Museum, which also hosts scavenger hunts for younger car enthusiasts. The Wilbur D. May Center, named after a Reno adventurer and philanthropist, has an arboretum, botanical gardens and museum featuring art and artifacts picked up from May’s 40 trips around the world. To get a real sense of Reno urban culture, head to MidTown District, where you’ll find funky indie stores, artisanal shops and plenty of innovative dining.
The Sierra Nevada Mountains are never far away, promising lots of rugged alpine fun when you’re done enjoying the city. Peavine Peak, the most prominent on the skyline, rises 1,158 meters over Reno. Its two summits can be hiked or biked. Otherwise, take in the landscape by horseback riding, hang gliding or hot-air ballooning. The Truckee River, Lake Tahoe’s only offset, is perfect for white-water rafting, kayaking and fly-fishing. If you’re visiting in winter, 15 ski areas are accessible from many area ski resorts. As resorts go, Reno has plenty, including Atlantis, Harrah’s and Sands Regency, all of which offer great dining, fabulous spas and lots of nightlife.
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America’s first art movement, the Hudson River School of Painters, started here, with their brilliant depictions of lush landscapes of the valley. See how they lived and how they painted at restored homes like Olana and Cedar Grove. The arts continue to have a huge presence here within Storm King Art Center and Dia:Beacon, two internationally known art spaces.
All that landscape translates into limitless recreational opportunities, including part of the 3,200-kilometer-long Appalachian Trail, which was started here. The region is a four-season playground, hosting kayakers, rock climbers, hikers, swimmers, boaters, golfers, paddle boarders and more in the warmer months. Winter brings downhill and cross-country skiers, snow tubers, skaters, snow boarders, snowshoe lovers and hikers who love to see the Hudson Valley covered in white. Don’t miss Walkway over the Hudson with its knockout views of the river and surrounding mountain ranges.
Martha Washington kept house here during the Revolutionary War, entertaining husband George’s troops and military partners. Ramble over forts and battlefields and into homes owned by Americans who helped found the United States. Small manor house demonstrations offer tastes of colonial cooking and show off other skills that we would deem “crafts” today.
Speaking of crafts, there are two major craft villages here, Woodstock and Sugar Loaf. Dedicated to the art of the handmade, shops frequently contain the studios of the owners who will gladly tell you about their skilled approach. Inveterate shoppers are dazzled by the range of options, from artisan clothing to discount designer wear. Boutiques abound, as do hundreds of antiques shops for collectors and those who just fancy a piece of vintage Hudson Valley.
Vintage spirits still inhabit historic places, rising up to meet guests when, well, the spirit moves them. A collection of haunted sites throughout the valley are open throughout the year. Even if you don’t meet the resident ghosts, that light touch on your arm or cool breeze at the back of your neck might just be their way of communicating with you.
The Hudson Valley interweaves the exciting modern day with a rich historic background. Travel up the Hudson River, through the Highlands to the vibrant state capital and explore centuries of food, phenomena and fun.
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With more than 280,000 liters of water plummeting into the Niagara River every second, Niagara Falls is the kind of natural event that commands attention. There’s no better place to witness it than Niagara Falls State Park, where multiple lookout points await, along with a cluster of attractions. Pull on your poncho and head down into Niagara Gorge’s Cave of the Winds to experience the full force of the water from the Hurricane Deck, or cruise past the falls via Maid of the Mist, a boat tour that skirts the American Falls base and then pulls into Horseshoe Falls basin. Go above and beyond on a helicopter tour before grabbing lunch at Top of the Falls, a restaurant poised for dramatic views.
Beyond the falls, the Niagara River, Erie Canal and Lake Ontario offer plenty of excitement. Take a jet boat tour through rapids, or hike one of the trails around Niagara Gorge, enjoying the native plants and animals that populate this unique wilderness area. Anglers can fish for trout and salmon year round in the Lower Niagara River, Erie Canal and Lake Ontario. Board a cruise along the Erie Canal, passing through the waterway’s sole set of double locks and under the widest bridge in the USA while guides narrate the canal’s history. Head to the New York Power Authority’s Niagara Power Vista, an interactive center with mind-blowing exhibits that explore how technology and nature unite.
Stop into the sweet Village of Lewiston for a real step back in time and relish the quaint streets, vibrant historical attractions and compelling local culture. Nearby, three centuries of history await at Old Fort Niagara, where one of the oldest surviving U.S. flags is permanently displayed. It was captured by the British during the War of 1812. Just minutes from Niagara Falls is the Niagara Wine Trail, USA, where wineries produce grapes on vines that are more than 100 years old. Hailed as “the most cutting edge wine region in the country” by the New York Post, the Niagara Wine Trail is situated between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario, where geography gives way to rich soil and a unique micro-climate suitable for the production of grapes to make fine wines.
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But this mountain resort is also a year-round destination for all types of adventure-seekers. Here are 12 favorite mountain adventures and the best season to experience each of them.
Winter
This is quintessential Vail: winter activities featuring snow, snow and more snow.
Experience Colorado’s famous fluffy powder snow, not to mention Vail’s legendary groomed trails and legendary, open-terrain back bowls. Snowboarders: Don’t miss the two half-pipes, nine jumps and loads of other features at the Golden Peak Terrain Park, home of the Burton US Open Championships.
Take a free guided snowshoe tour through the Nature Discovery Center, go backcountry snowshoeing or glide on the ice at two outdoor skating rinks.
During the winter, Vail Village lights up with world-class events early in the season. Snow Daze features free concerts, a variety of vendors and parties, while Holidaze brings the cheer with cookie decorating, a tree lighting, fireworks, a torchlight parade and caroling.
Spring
The hills are alive – and so is the springtime fun as Vail warms up.
What’s one of the most memorable ways to usher in the spring season? It can’t get much better than soaring above the blooming wildflowers in a hot-air balloon.
Check out the music and parties during Spring Back to Vail, the official end-of-season party offering free live music, an expo village, pond-skimming and more apres parties. Film buffs should plan to visit during the Vail Film Festival, showcasing notable features, documentaries and film shorts.
Snow lovers, don’t fret! There’s still skiing available through mid-April, and many people like spring season skiing even more than winter.
Summer
Some like it hot (or at least warmer), and summertime doesn’t disappoint for Vail visitors.
Epic Discovery is part outdoor thrills, part nature education. Buy an Ultimate Adventure pass for all-day access to ziplining, adventure courses and much more. Then, explore the hiking trails and learn about the environment along the way through informational displays.
For something a little different, go hiking with a llama! Loaded with personality, these trail animals will haul your gear and hike with you out into beautiful mountain territory. Plus, kids love them!
Don’t miss popular events such as the Sunday Farmers’ Market and Hot Summer Nights, a summer concert series featuring live music, local beer, family-friendly games and great food.
Fall
Vail in the fall is like a scene straight out of a postcard – make sure you have plenty of storage in your camera!
For mountain bikers and road riders – experienced and novice alike – Vail’s mountains have plenty of variety. Rent your gear at one of the many shops in town and enjoy the blazing fall colors.
Exploring the variety of trails across Vail Mountain, strolling beneath the aspens, participating in a guided nature walk – hiking in Vail during the fall is both scenic and awe-inspiring.
On weekends during September and October, catch a bird’s-eye view of the fall colors with a gondola ride up the mountain. Combine an all-day lift pass with lunch for an unforgettable experience.
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Durango is home of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, known around the world as one of the most scenic North American train journeys. Relive the sights and sounds of yesterday with a spectacular ride aboard a historic, coal-fired, steam-powered train that has been in operation since 1882. As the train winds through breath-taking canyons in the remote wilderness of the 728,000-hectare San Juan National Forest, you will have the opportunity to experience Colorado at its best.
Situated in the hills 56 kilometers west of Durango, Mesa Verde Country is the archaeological center of the USA. Mesa Verde Country is home to Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering visitors an unforgettable opportunity to visit some of the most well-preserved cliff dwellings of the ancient Pueblo people. Other notable places to visit include the Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Hovenweep National Monument, the Anasazi Heritage Center and Crow Canyon Archaeological Center.
Downtown Durango, which is on the National Register of Historic Districts, overflows with historic hotels, award-winning restaurants, fabulous art galleries and boutique shopping. With more than a dozen art galleries showcasing treasures of contemporary and Native American artists, Durango is quickly becoming a hub for fine art in the Southwest. Celebrations, festivals and special events are held year-round and add a festive vibe to the downtown scene. Don’t forget to stop at the Diamond Belle Saloon, revered as one of the most famous original ragtime piano bars in the Wild West.
Durango is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy world-class mountain biking and hiking on hundreds of kilometers of trails, white-water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, off-road vehicle tours, mountain climbing, zip-lining, skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding and so much more.
Farm agritourism tours, craft breweries, over 100 restaurants and local culinary products highlight a visit to Durango. Experience and enjoy the flavors of the Southwest in a variety of atmospheres.
Durango is easily accessible by air. The Durango-La Plata County Airport is served by major airlines with non-stop flights from Denver, Phoenix and Dallas/Fort Worth. For visitors who prefer traveling by car, Durango is well-connected with several major U.S. and state highways from every direction. The scenic San Juan Skyway that surrounds Durango is considered one of the most scenic drives in the USA. Durango offers a multitude of accommodation choices; contact the Durango Tourism Office for lodging assistance.
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Denver’s walkable downtown is filled with outdoor cafés, breweries, wine bars, shops, sports stadiums, theaters and museums. Get around to different neighborhoods via Denver B-cycle, the city’s bike-sharing program, cruising into RiNo (River North Art District) or the Art District of Santa Fe’s many galleries. Visit historic LoDo (Lower Downtown) and shop or dine in Larimer Square, where the red-brick Victorian buildings will take you back in time. It’s a shopper’s paradise in Cherry Creek North, home to a 16-block region of luxe boutiques, galleries and restaurants as well as 160 upscale stores at Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Immerse yourself in the city’s craft beer culture on the Denver Beer Trail and take a selfie with the Big Blue Bear sculpture, known formally as “I See What You Mean,” at the Colorado Convention Center. Grab a drink at historic Union Station, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars and locally owned shops under one roof. Don’t miss historic Rockmount Ranch Wear, where the snap-button cowboy shirt was invented.
Denver offers museums and cultural attractions for all ages: the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, with its dinosaur exhibits, Space Odyssey, digital planetarium and IMAX theater; the Denver Performing Arts Complex, home to 10 venues offering theater, opera, symphony, ballet and Broadway touring shows; History Colorado Center, telling the stories of Colorado and the Rocky Mountains; Denver Botanic Gardens, a lush oasis in the middle of the city; the Denver Art Museum, with its acclaimed American Indian and Western art collections; and the Clyfford Still Museum, showcasing the work of this American abstract expressionist. Purchase a Mile High Culture Pass for discounted admission to participating museums and attractions.
The Rocky Mountains are Denver’s backyard playground, offering outdoor adventures, spectacular beauty and Old West history just a short drive from Denver. Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is a local favorite for hiking amid the giant boulders, but Red Rocks is even more beloved for its legendary concerts in the only naturally formed, acoustically ideal venue in the world. Nearby Golden is home to the famous Coors Brewery, the world’s largest single-site brewery where visitors get tours and free samples. Rocky Mountain National Park, just 114 kilometers from Denver, features amazing wildlife, hiking trails and spectacular vistas. Mount Evans Scenic Byway, which is 96 kilometers from Denver, is the highest paved road in North America, winding its way to a 4,346-meter summit. And, come winter, Denver is the gateway to some of the world’s best skiing and snow sports.
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Mesa Verde National Park, with its cliff dwellings and mesa top sites, is just the beginning of what this region has to offer. Nearby Ute Mountain Tribal Park was selected by “National Geographic Traveler” as one of “80 World Destinations for Travel in the 21st Century” (only nine places in the U.S. have received this special designation). Also close is Mancos State Park, which draws kayakers, canoeists, boaters and anglers, who find the Jackson Gulch Reservoir stocked with perch and trout. For more adventure on the water, head to McPhee Reservoir, the perfect place for tubing and swimming.
Vast San Juan National Forest sweeps through the southwest corner of Colorado and includes scenic byways, historic sites and unparalleled wilderness areas. Head to the forest’s Boggy Draw area to find roads, trails and welcoming campsites. Experience the region’s environmental diversity at Hawkins Preserve, the Cortez Cultural Center’s natural museum, which is divided into seven distinct ecological zones. If you’re into mountain biking, don’t leave the Four Corners area without a stop at Phil’s World, which offers 45 kilometers of desert single-track, catering to all skill levels.
Just a few kilometers from Cortez in a fertile valley with lush vineyards is Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, which includes Hovenweep and Sand Canyons and features 6,000 ancient sites, among them Lowry Pueblo, original location of an 11th century pueblo. Stop in to the Anasazi Heritage Center, a museum that explores Ancestral Pueblo culture and operates as a visitor’s center to the Canyons. A short drive from Cortez brings you to Four Corners National Monument. Mark this one off your bucket list by standing in four states at the same time. Tour Crow Canyon Archaeological Center’s replicated Native structures and learning centers, just 24 kilometers from Mesa Verde National Park.
After a great day of history, venture into town for art galleries, museums, farm-to table cuisine, local brews and shopping. The Ancestral Puebloans farmed the valleys and mesas of southwest Colorado, including current-day Mesa Verde National Park, until around 1300 AD. Growing corn, beans and squash, they laid the agricultural foundation for today's farmers, ranchers and vintners who carry on this long tradition. Four local breweries and two vineyards are available to quench your thirst. For Cortez, agriculture is yet another cultural experience.
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Pikes Peak, known as America’s Mountain, is the second most-visited mountain in the world – after Mount Fuji in Japan – and home to The Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world’s highest cog train, which chugs to the 4,300-meter summit. Two other historic trains – Royal Gorge Route Railroad and Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad – also offer scenic rides. Nearby, take a tour offered daily at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center. The U.S. Olympic Museum and Hall of Fame is set to open in 2020. Other favorite attractions include the U.S. Air Force Academy; Royal Gorge Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in North America; Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the country’s only zoo in a mountain setting; and the Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center, a sanctuary for wolves, coyotes and foxes.
Just minutes from the city, foothills and mountains offer recreational opportunities, including beginner and advanced hiking and cycling trails. Don’t miss the towering red sandstone rock formations in Garden of the Gods Park, a National Natural Landmark, which you can tour by Jeep, Segway, trolley or horseback. Go whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River and hike through Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument to see fossils and petrified redwood tree stumps. Take in the beauty of The Broadmoor Seven Falls, and ride a zip line above the pine forest. Descend 300 meters underground to explore historic gold mines – Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mine and Mollie Kathleen Mine are great choices – or take a lantern tour in Cave of the Winds. Relax with a slow-paced stroll to the various mineral springs of Manitou Springs, then take a challenging hike on the Manitou Incline trail above the town.
Stay in the city to visit museums highlighting fine art, World War II aviation, money, ghost towns and outlaws of the West. View a collection of 8,000 bugs at the May Natural History Museum, follow a dynamic guide at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and see tools of the trade at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy. Take time to walk quaint city streets, where there is fabulous shopping, dining and craft beverages in downtown Colorado Springs and the historic districts of Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City.
With The Broadmoor, Cheyenne Mountain Resort and The Mining Exchange Hotel as well as many other hotels, motels and quaint bed & breakfast inns, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay. Families will enjoy the indoor water park at the Great Wolf Lodge resort, adventurers will love the dude ranches and outdoor enthusiasts will feel right at home in nearby cabins or at a campground or RV park.
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