How To Spend A Weekend Getaway In Atlanta, Georgia

While some major cities have declined in population over the years, Atlanta is booming. The Atlanta metropolitan area was home to 2.2 million people in 1980; by the time of the 2010 census, there were nearly 5.3 million people there. In 2020, the population is expected to exceed six million!

When a city grows that rapidly, visitors can feel lost in the maze. But if you know where to go, you can have a great time on a weekend trip to Atlanta.

Here are some of the best things to do in the area.

Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. — f11photo / Shutterstock

Visit Centennial Olympic Park

Atlanta hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics. While some of the venues have been retrofitted for other uses, Centennial Olympic Park, right in the heart of downtown, remains. All of the amenities built for the Olympics can still be accessed today.

If you have a smartphone, the best way to tour the park is to take the audio walking tour. When you arrive at the park, start at the Ivan Allen memorial. It’s located in the park directly across from the Omni Hotel near the intersection of Andrew Young International Boulevard and Marietta Street. When you get to the memorial, pull up this page on your phone. On the map that you see, click on the number one. This will play the first message of the audio tour (don’t forget to bring your headphones!). At the end of that message, you will be given directions to the next audio tour stop. If you get lost, just follow the map on your phone screen to the next location.

If you don’t have time to take the full audio tour of the park, there are still plenty of things to see. Among the most popular features of the park are the Olympic Ring Fountain in the southern part of the park, the Quilt of Nations (a walkway through a series of quilted paving patterns), and the Children’s Garden and Playground.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden in Georgia. — Nicholas Lamontanaro / Shutterstock

Explore The Atlanta Botanical Garden

Like many things in Atlanta, the city’s botanical garden is relatively new. Unlike the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the United States Botanic Garden, the Atlanta Botanical Garden doesn’t have a history stretching back 100 years or more — it opened in 1973. That hasn’t stopped the garden from becoming one of the top institutions of its kind in the nation, however.

And the complex is more than just a botanical garden. If you plan ahead by checking the garden’s online event calendar, you can attend one of the garden’s chef demos, where local chefs will prepare your food using fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from the garden. Or, depending on the time of year, you can attend one of the themed events, such as the Scarecrows In the Garden event in October or the Garden Lights, Holiday Nights event in December.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is adjacent to Piedmont Park, about a 10-minute drive from downtown Atlanta. The best place to park is the SAGE parking facility near the Piedmont Avenue entrance. Parking is paid by the hour, and rates vary depending on the season. For current ticket prices, check the website before you go.

Inside the CNN Center in Atlanta. — f11photo / Shutterstock

Tour The CNN Center

It seemed like a crazy idea at the time — a 24-hour cable news network. At the beginning, Ted Turner probably didn’t even realize what he was building, but CNN quickly grew from a small cable broadcaster to a massive international news network. Today, the company employs more than 3,000 people, many of them at the company headquarters in downtown Atlanta.

Visitors can get an up-close look at the news network by taking a tour of the CNN Center. Tours take place every 20 minutes all day, so it’s easy to find a spot. It’s best to purchase tickets in advance on the website. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and can be elevator/ADA-assisted upon request.

For an enhanced experience, consider the VIP tour. This more expensive tour will give you access to the news studios that CNN uses daily. Keep in mind, though, that these tours can sometimes be canceled if there is a major news event that day and the studios need to be closed off. VIP tours depart four times per day, and tickets can be purchased on the website.

Eating In Atlanta

You’re in the South, so you’re going to want to try some Southern comfort food. Here are some of the best options for dining out in Atlanta.

Atlanta Breakfast Club

You’ll want a bona fide Southern breakfast, right? Then be sure to visit Atlanta Breakfast Club. Located in Midtown, Atlanta Breakfast Club prides itself on serving the best breakfast in Atlanta. And the ultimate Southern breakfast — at least when you’re in Atlanta — means one thing: chicken and waffles. While Atlanta Breakfast Club’s chicken and waffles are divine, the menu also features a number of other breakfast options, including breakfast tacos, shrimp and grits, and peach cobbler French toast.

White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails

Located in downtown Atlanta (the Hyatt Regency is right across the street), White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails will provide the modern dining experience you’re looking for. Once you have your trip planned, you’ll want to call ahead for reservations, but with proper planning, you’ll easily get the reservation time you want.

The White Oak Kitchen experience centers on cocktails, so make sure to try one of the signature drinks. Then choose one of the inventive main courses, like the peach salad (of course — it’s Georgia, after all!), rainbow trout, or roasted quail.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room

In the 1940s, there were 16 tea rooms in Atlanta. Today, there’s only one: Mary Mac’s Tea Room. So if you’re looking to experience a little bit of Atlanta’s history, head to Mary Mac’s in Midtown.

It’s truly a 1940s experience. When seated at your table, you’ll find a paper and pencil. You’re in charge of filling out your order that goes to the kitchen. Mary Mac herself started that tradition in 1945, and it has remained to this day.

What to order? The most popular item on the menu is the Southern Special. Choose an entrée (the meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, and roast pork with cornbread dressing are all delicious), a side (I’d go with the fried okra), and a dessert (peach cobbler, of course!).

Ponce City Market in Atlanta, Georgia. — Nicholas Lamontanaro / Shutterstock

Shopping In Atlanta

There are plenty of places to shop till you drop in Atlanta. There are malls everywhere you turn in this sprawling metropolis, especially out in the suburbs, but if you’re staying near the city center, there are several unique shopping options within a 10-minute drive.

Ponce City Market

When I say “unique shopping options,” I mean unique. Ponce City Market, located in an old Sears store, is an open marketplace featuring a variety of places to gather, eat, and shop.

The development has many different facets. There’s a preschool on-site, and there are offices occupied by architects, health-care companies, and public relations firms. There’s a food hall with 36 different places to eat. And there are more shops than you’ll be able to visit in one trip.

There are the national chains (Anthropologie, J.Crew, and Lululemon, just to name a few), but also many local shops. There are bookstores and sewing studios and outdoor outfitters and everything in between. You could truly spend an entire day here and not see all of it.

Lenox Square

Lenox Square is Atlanta’s upscale shopping area. It markets itself as “the Luxury Of True Luxury,” and that’s certainly true of its list of shops. Most every high-end store, from Cartier to Burberry to Fendi to Jimmy Choo, has a presence in Lenox Square. Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, Neiman Marcus — the list goes on and on.

But Lenox Square offers much more than luxury shops. You’ll find stores like Ann Taylor, Coach, and Michael Kors, but you’ll also find several unique options. Visit Nadia’s Boutique for unique fashions, Alex and Ani for eco-friendly jewelry, and Diane von Furstenberg for signature print dresses.

Cap off your shopping experience with some delicious gelato from Amorino!

Phipps Plaza

Nearly across the street from Lenox Square is another shopping area, Phipps Plaza. Anchored by Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, Phipps Plaza provides much of what Lenox Square does, just with different store options.

For some, the ability to visit Nordstrom or Saks Fifth Avenue is a draw, since those stores are not available everywhere in the country. But there are several more unique shopping opportunities at Phipps Plaza.

These include Frontgate, a popular online kitchen, bath, and home accessories retailer that opened its first brick-and-mortar store at Phipps Plaza. There’s also Trina Turk, a contemporary clothing store with only 13 locations in the United States. And these are just some of the more than 100 stores at Phipps Plaza!

All of this — the stores mentioned above, the restaurants mentioned above, and the attractions — because Atlanta grew from a charming Southern town to one of the largest metropolitan areas in the South. It’s worth a weekend visit, and maybe more!

Planning a trip to Atlanta? Consider booking a room at one of the best boutique hotels in Atlanta. And don’t leave without checking out the city’s nine best-kept secrets.

What Is Swedish Lapland? Everything You Need To Know About Mysig And More

If you want to run with the bulls, you go to Pamplona. And if you want comfort in the Arctic (mysig, they call it; more about that soon), head to the Swedish Lapland. This undiscovered country is full of adventures — wilderness to explore, Arctic cuisine to taste, reindeer herders to talk to — and the northern lights.

A map of the Swedish Lapland. — Swedish Lapland Visitors Board

Here’s what you need to know about the Swedish Lapland to start planning your next adventure, mysig guaranteed.

Abisko National Park in the Swedish Lapland. — Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH / Shutterstock

The Swedish Lapland Has 8 Seasons

Europe’s only indigenous people, the Sami, have called the Lapland region home for centuries. And the Sami recognize eight distinct seasons — a crucial distinction for a people who live in close harmony with nature. Many Swedes in the Lapland have adopted this understanding, too.

The four additional seasons recognized in Lapland lay in between the four seasons we’re familiar with, so don’t be surprised to hear terms like Spring-Winter, or “gidadalvve” in one Sami dialect, and Summer-Autumn, or “tjaktjagiesse” in another dialect, when conversing with the locals.

By the way, you should be able to get by just fine with English; about 86 percent of Swedes speak some English, so while it’s always a good idea to learn some basic phrases in the language of your destination, you probably won’t need Swedish proficiency to get by and enjoy a Lapland vacation.

The Lapland Is Isolated, And That’s A Good Thing

The Swedish Lapland’s extreme isolation is one of its greatest appeals. While the Lapland region itself stretches across Norway, Finland, and Russia, in addition to Sweden, Lappland (double p) is the Swedish province in the nation’s extreme north.

The Swedish Lapland Visitors Board makes this distant region accessible, however. Fly via one of a handful of carriers into Lulea or Kiruna, the two major airports located in Swedish Lapland. While you’ll probably fly into the region, once you’re there you can explore by train — and there’s plenty of mysig to be had onboard. One popular route runs between Lulea and Kiruna; it’s a great way to experience a taste of everything this remote region has to offer.

The cozy aesthetic of mysig. — Elena E / Shutterstock

Coziness (Or Mysig) Is A Big Deal

Mysig is the new hygge. That latter concept — from Denmark –practically took over the internet in 2016. It must have been winter.

In any case, you might remember hygge: Fluffy socks and steaming mugs of tea, wool sweaters and lovers curled by the fire. As Oxford has it, hygge is “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.”

It stands to reason that if you travel north of Denmark to Sweden’s northernmost edges — literally in the Arctic Circle — something like hygge will become a survival strategy. Enter mysig, the Swedish concept of coziness. The Straits Times calls mysig “a Swedish term for the feeling of wanting to be warm and cosy, eat good food, and enjoy good conversation.”

So, how can you enjoy mysig during your trip? Well…

A Swedish cinnamon bun and coffee. — CatchaSnap / Shutterstock

Coffee Breaks Are A Way Of Life

Fika is closely linked to mysig, and it’s a great entry point for understanding both concepts. It refers to a coffee break (or a tea break, if that’s more your speed), enjoyed with a fresh-baked pastry in a cozy setting. During fika, you contemplate life, relax, and take in the moment.

While you’d be forgiven for confusing fika with a simple coffee break, the Swedes don’t think of it that way. They prefer not to translate the word, as fika is an important national tradition. Fika typically lasts for 10 to 30 minutes, and tourists are encouraged to partake. Visit a coffeehouse or restaurant around 10 a.m. or 3 p.m to enjoy this social institution.

The Northern Lights over Swedish Lapland. — Kuznetsova Julia / Shutterstock

Yes, You Can See The Northern Lights

Swedish Lapland boasts some of the best views of the aurora borealis, that is, the northern lights. The lights are most visible September through March (True Autumn through True Winter), though it’s not guaranteed you’ll see the phenomenon when visiting.

The Aurora Sky Station in Abisko National Park has been called the best place in the world to watch the northern lights, but just about anywhere in Lapland would be an ideal setting. This magical sight is truly breathtaking to witness, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled and make time to focus on the sky.

The Lodgings Are Straight Out Of Fairy Tales

Forget the roadside motel. The Swedish Lapland offers accommodations that you have to see to believe. There’s the world-famous ICEHOTEL, for instance. Artists rebuild rooms out of ice and snow from the nearby Torne River every winter. There’s also a permanent building for warmer months.

If sleeping on a bed of ice isn’t for you, try Treehotel. Guest rooms are built into the pine trees of the Northern Swedish forest, and they are a sight to behold. The Mirrorcube structure is particularly enthralling; its mirrored exterior blends seamlessly with the surroundings, like sleeping in an invisible fortress.

A husky sled ride in the Swedish Laplands. — Roberto Fera / Shutterstock

It Offers Your Best Chance To Travel By Dog Sled

Dog sledding is a major part of life in the Swedish Lapland. Some area populations list more sled dogs than people!

Get to know these hardworking pups by booking a short trip at any one of the area’s ski resorts. Longer experiences are also available; some guides even take visitors on multi-day tours with pre-planned stops at log cabins.

Stubba Nature Reserve in the Swedish Laplands. — Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH / Shutterstock

It’s Great To Visit Any Time Of Year

So when should you travel to Swedish Lapland? That depends on what you want out of your journey. Northern lights chasers should visit for as long as possible between September and late March.

If experiencing the extraordinary landscape is your goal — whether you plan to hike, drive, or ride the train — responsible travel agency Jacada recommends arriving in June, July, or August. And for the iciest, snowiest, winteriest getaway of your life, head to the region from December to March — and prepare for the full mysig experience!

If you’re heart’s set on seeing the northern lights, it’s time to consider these 10 hotels with northern lights views. Or, if you’re in it for the adorable animals, read up on nine places to see reindeer in the wild (including Swedish Lapland, of course).

12 Totally Free Things To Do In Charleston, South Carolina

There’s a reason Charleston, South Carolina, tops numerous bucket lists — it’s totally enchanting. From its stunning architecture and storied history to its rich Low Country cuisine and lively nightlife, this Southern city hits all the right notes. But, as all travelers know, visiting a popular destination can be hard on the wallet. Luckily, there are plenty of free activities available for both locals and visitors alike.

Here are some of the best things to do in Charleston without spending a dime.

View of Morris Island Lighthouse from Folly Beach. — Denton Rumsey / Shutterstock

1. Hit The Beach

With its lovely coastal location and balmy weather, Charleston is a great spot to enjoy the beach. Laid-back Folly Beach is a free option located just 20 minutes away from the city limits. To see a cool old lighthouse that’s on the National Register of Historic Places, walk 30 minutes north to the Morris Island Lighthouse.

For additional pretty lighthouse views and fun on the beach, head to Sullivan’s Island, which is about 20 minutes away by car. Please keep in mind that parking options at both beaches will likely cost money, but there is sometimes free parking available as well. For the best luck, arrive early, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend, since it can get quite crowded.

The Isle of Palms is yet another beach option, but it’s slightly farther away, about a 30-minute drive from Charleston. Paid parking is available near the beach, but occasionally free spots open up. Even when the temperature is too cold for swimming, a beachside picnic or simple stroll can still be enjoyable.

2. Learn About Military History

Charleston was a hot spot for anti-Union activity both before and during the Civil War. The city was even nicknamed the Cradle of Secession for its prominent role in the formation of the Confederacy.

Most visitors know that the first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, but not everyone knows that this historic landmark can be visited free of charge.

Please note that while the national historical park that houses Fort Sumter is free to access, it’s on an island only accessible via boat. The boat ride costs a small fee and departs from both Mount Pleasant and downtown Charleston. The full boat schedule can be found here. Be aware that private boats are not an option for this activity.

The Arthur Ravenel Bridge at sunset. — MarkVanDykePhotography / Shutterstock

3. Cross The Arthur Ravenel Bridge

Another iconic Charleston sight is the cabled Arthur Ravenel Bridge that traverses the Cooper River. With two striking metal diamond shapes adorning the gateway, the structure is both beautiful and strong. It offers easy access to nearby Mount Pleasant and can be crossed on foot for amazing harbor and skyline views. Bikes are available throughout the city for a small fee and are another option for crossing the bridge.

Those seeking more exercise should consider a walk to Mount Pleasant’s cute Shem Creek area; it’s full of restaurants, offers pretty water views and a lovely boardwalk, and is less than an hour’s walk from the bridge.

4. Tour A Tea Plantation

Did you know that the Charleston area is home to North America’s only tea plantation? That’s right! On nearby Wadmalaw Island is the Charleston Tea Plantation. While there are multiple tour options, the basic factory tours are completely free. The on-site parking is also free, but be prepared to drive about 30 minutes to reach the plantation from central Charleston.

King Street in Charleston. — Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock

5. People-Watch On King Street

King Street in downtown Charleston is the main artery of the city’s entertainment district. It’s chock-full of restaurants, bars, and shops to enjoy. Browse the colorful merchandise during a walk through the city and watch the lively crowds go by. To keep this activity free, visitors should take advantage of the city’s walkability and walk to King Street from their accommodations.

6. See The Sights

After some fun on King Street, travelers should consider walking to some of Charleston’s most famous sights and photo ops.

The Battery, a defensive seawall and promenade on the southern tip of the city, provides unreal views of the harbor. The free and scenic White Point Garden, which is located at the southernmost tip of the Battery, boasts almost 6 stunning acres full of dreamy Spanish moss.

To see the famous Pineapple Fountain, head to another downtown-area park, Waterfront Park. This 8-acre oasis is located on the banks of the Cooper River.

Gorgeous antebellum architecture and cobblestone streets can be found all around town. One very pretty such area of Charleston is Rainbow Row. These colorful row houses were constructed in the Georgian style and painted in pastel tones. Conveniently, this attraction is a short walk from the previously mentioned Pineapple Fountain.

The Angel Oak in Charleston. — Nagel Photography / Shutterstock

7. Take A Photo With The Angel Oak

The Angel Oak, a 400- to 500-year-old tree, is another thing you can see for free in Charleston. With its numerous heavy limbs on the ground, the tree makes a cool photo backdrop. It also provides tons of shade, so it would be a great place to spend some time with the family on a hot summer day. This otherworldly plant can be found on Johns Island, which is about 20 minutes away from the city proper by car. Free parking is available on the island.

8. Appreciate Contemporary Art

The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art is a modern gallery exhibition space located on the College of Charleston campus. Not only is admission always free, but free guided group tours are available on-site as well. Visitors can expect diverse works showcasing all sorts of themes and inspiration. The museum is one of Charleston’s true hidden gems. Please note that the gallery is closed every Sunday, so plan accordingly.

9. Fall For Fossils

The College of Charleston is also home to another museum that’s free for visitors: the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History. Run by geology students, this paleontology-focused outfit is home to more than 1,000 fossils. To find it, head to the School of Sciences and Mathematics, and then go to the second floor. You’ll see dinosaur bones, crinoids, Oligocene mammals of North America, mosasaurs, cave bears, Pleistocene mammals of the Carolinas, and fossilized plants. A popular exhibit features the reconstructed jaw of a giant extinct shark. Please note that the museum is closed every Wednesday. Also, while admission is free, donations are accepted.

10. Get To Know A Founding Father

Charles Pinckney was a South Carolina governor, a Founding Father, and a signatory of the United States Constitution. The remnants of his plantation are now under the stewardship of the National Park Service as the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site and are free to visit. This could be a fun addition to a walk across the Arthur Ravenel Bridge, since the historic site is in Mount Pleasant at the other end. The grounds are about a 2-hour walk from the middle of the bridge. If you’d prefer not to walk, the site is less than 20 minutes by car from downtown Charleston.

Flowers in Charleston's Hampton Park. — Cvandyke / Shutterstock

11. Stop And Smell The Roses

While the aforementioned Waterfront Park and White Point Garden tend to be full of tourists, you can enjoy some peace and quiet in another of the city’s green spaces: Hampton Park. This more-than-60-acre local favorite sits north of Charleston, close to The Citadel, the military college of South Carolina. It’s actually the largest park on the entire peninsula. There are gorgeous floral displays as well as a gazebo, playground, picnic area, and more. Free parking (with some time limits) can be found close to the park.

12. Participate In The Local Art Walk

One final free activity in Charleston can be experienced within the city’s French Quarter, one of the area’s many arts districts. Every Friday evening, about 30 galleries in the area open their doors for the French Quarter Art Walk. Travelers can browse the offerings and chat with local artists free of charge during this event. Some galleries even offer free beverages and small bites.

Though Charleston can be an upscale city experience, there is plenty for more frugal travelers to enjoy as well. From a slice of history to a welcoming fountain to a heavenly tree, the Holy City offers many things to do that cost nothing at all.

Is Charleston on your itinerary? Check out our ultimate guide to the beautiful Southern city, and consider staying in one of the area’s most charming hotels, rentals, or bed and breakfasts.

Have even more time to spend in town? Eat your way through Charleston with our guide to the city’s best waterfront restaurants, or take a day trip from the city to Beaufort, Hilton Head, or Kiawah Island. For even more Southern fun, head to the equally stunning and historic city of Savannah, Georgia, just a couple of hours from Charleston.

8 Wonderful Weekend Getaways In Florida

Considering a warm-weather escape? Odds are you don’t need a passport or a pricey plane ticket to get yourself there. Florida is America’s gem of a tropical destination, complete with the sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and tropical drinks you’re craving from a warm-weather fix.

So much more than Walt Disney World and South Beach (though, those are always worthy vacation contenders), Florida is home to national parks, marine reserves, shopping, dining, art, and more. Whether you’re looking for a solo adventure, a romantic getaway, or a trip for the whole family, Florida has a weekend getaway destination for you.

Skyline of Miami, Florida. — littlenySTOCK / Shutterstock

1. Miami

It may be the most obvious Florida suggestion, but it can’t be denied that Miami is one of the state’s best destinations for a weekend getaway. Weather alone puts it into the running with deliciously warm (and dry) temperatures in the winter.

If you’re in Miami on a quick weekend getaway, you won’t be short-changed for things to do. In fact, a weekend may hardly seem like enough. You don’t have to spend your entire vacation budget on a swanky South Beach hotel (though you can). Instead, consider opting for a property like Circa 39 in Miami Beach, which has vintage decor, an onsite restaurant, a swimming pool with cabanas, and beach access across the street — plus a wallet-friendly price tag.

Spend your days at the beach or dive into Miami’s cultural scene. Visit the masterful Wynwood Walls or the innovative art at the Institute of Contemporary Art — both are free to enjoy.

Miami’s dining scene is one of the best in the country, as well. Hot on the scene is Le Jardinier from Joel Robuchon. This Design District newcomer specializes in seasonal cuisine, with veggies taking the spotlight. Of course, when in Miami, you mustn’t leave without trying the iconic Cuban sandwich. Where to get the best is hotly debated among locals, but you can’t go wrong at La Carreta or Sergio’s.

Docks on Lake Okeechobee. — aarbois / Shutterstock

2. Lake Okeechobee

If you and your family love the great outdoors and don’t have to have a beach, there are plenty of easily accessible Florida destinations to enjoy. Lake Okeechobee, for example, is the largest lake (730 square miles, to be exact) in the state and is perfect for travelers who love lake life.

A Lake Okeechobee getaway means fishing, boating, and miles of trails to explore. The town best equipped for travelers is Clewiston, especially if you’re into fishing. This is the premiere spot for snagging the lake’s largemouth bass and speckled perch. From Clewiston, you can explore the 110-mile Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, which is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. Bring your hiking shoes or bicycle — the trail is perfect for both. If camping is your style, on the north end of the lake you’ll find the town of Okeechobee, which has a campground with activities for the entire family.

Skyline of Orlando, Florida. — aphotostory / Shutterstock

3. Orlando

We likely don’t need to tell you why most people are visiting Orlando (do the words Disney or Universal ring any bells?). If you have kids, or even perhaps because you were a kid, you’ve likely even been there yourself. But it turns out there are many other reasons to go to Orlando — reasons that aren’t doused in fairy dust or coated in movie magic.

Soak up a slice of local life in the Thornton Park District. You can catch locals at the Orlando Farmers Market on Sundays in nearby Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. Prepare to shop for local crafts and artisan products like pasta and honey. If you’re looking to splurge on a meal, Kadence is a Michelin-rated, nine-seat sushi bar that offers sake pairings and boasts some of the most coveted reservations in town.

Less than 15 minutes from downtown Orlando is one of its most high-end addresses: Winter Park. Drive around the lake to take in the stunning mansions, or hit the boutiques along Park Avenue. You can even catch views from the lake itself with Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours.

The historic lighthouse on Sanibel Island. — William Silver / Shutterstock

4. Sanibel And Captiva Islands

Slip off the grid and into sanctuary with an escape to Sanibel Island and nearby Captiva. About 25 miles south of Fort Myers these small, family-friendly islands are known for their undisturbed beaches, rich wildlife, and even richer cuisine.

Sanibel is the larger of the islands, with Captiva as its smaller sister. On both, the beaches are the biggest attractions. Try Bowman’s Beach or Blind Pass Beach. For a deep dive into wildlife, the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is home to hundreds of animals, from crocodiles and manatees to dozens of bird species. Visitors can also explore the Great Calusa Blueway, which is a 190-mile-long canoe and kayak trail.

For hotels, Casa Ybel Resort comes with a sense of place and decided island charm. The building is historic, and each room has a kitchen, so it’s perfect for families or couples who don’t want to eat every meal out. That said, if dining out is on the menu, the seafood on Sanibel Island cannot be beat. For something island upscale, try Il Cielo or The Sandbar. Or, it can’t get more beachy casual than the Lazy Flamingo. Guests can bring their own fish for the cooks to grill up or fry for eats that are cheap, delicious, and full of local flavor.

The Florida coast in Naples. — pisaphotography / Shutterstock

5. Naples

Palm Beach may have the east coast, but when we’re talking west coast Florida, the charm and romance certainly goes to Naples. Culture and sophistication along with white sands and pretty views make Naples a crowd-pleaser for solo travelers, couples, and families. They don’t call it the Paradise Coast for nothing.

A first-timer to Naples will want to drink in the views from the 100-year-old pier, which juts into the Gulf of Mexico. Photographers, fishermen, and people watchers alike all gather at the communal pier to soak up a slice of life in the city.

Naples, believe it or not, has also transformed itself into one of Florida’s great culinary destinations. A must is 1500 South, which opened in March 2016 under the direction of James Beard Award winner Art Smith. Naples is also the jumping-off point from which to explore Marco Island, the largest of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands. Your first stop on the island should be 32-acre Tigertail Beach.

In addition to dining, shopping, and beautiful hotels, like the Ritz-Carlton Naples, the art scene in Naples is electric. Stroll Gallery Row along 3rd Street South to take in the collection of shops that sell everything from European art to works by local Floridian artists.

The skyline of St. Petersburg, Florida. — Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

6. St. Petersburg

A cultural renaissance has turned St. Petersburg (St. Pete’s to the locals) into a vibrant, multi-dimensional city. Picture dazzling street art, a refreshed historic district, and a world-class Dali Museum. This is the St. Pete’s of the 21st century. Add to that a burgeoning gourmet scene (gulf to grill, if you will), boutique shopping, and galleries, and it won’t be long before St. Pete’s becomes one of the great cultural destinations of the South.

The vibe in St. Petersburg is decidedly vintage, with samples of a retro era, like the Bon-Aire Resort Motel and the Postcard Inn. People move at a calmer pace in St. Petersburg’s Gulf waters. At night, though, St. Pete’s comes alive with tiki and beach bars. Jimmy B’s Beach Bar continually gets recognized as one of the city’s best. There’s also The SandBar at the SandBox Beach Lounge and the Toasted Monkey, a waterfront beach bar and grill.

Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. — Madison Y Photo / Shutterstock

7. Amelia Island

A sun-drenched island with a checkered past (think a long history of pirates), Amelia Island is a jewel in the string of barrier islands in the Atlantic. Today, the island is known for its championship golf courses, white sand beaches, sublime seafood, wildlife, and a healthy dose of serenity. Just 13 miles from the Georgia border, Amelia Island has a touch of southern charm, heavy with hanging moss and rich in a variety of cultures.

The Timucua tribe people settled here as early as 4,000 years ago. Since then, the island has been inhabited by the French, Spanish, English, Mexicans, and more. It’s a cultural melting pot in such a small space. The central town is Fernandina Beach, which beckons visitors with 50 blocks of historic buildings, Victorian architecture, restaurants, and more. Outside of town, you’ll find verdant parks and miles upon miles of beautiful beaches.

Aerial view of Key West, Florida. — Stuart Monk / Shutterstock

8. Key West

The ultimate Floridian escape, Key West is a taste of the Caribbean right on our very own soil. Laid-back, friendly, and buzzing with activity, Key West is a wonderful weekend getaway, whether you want to kick back and relax or sip daiquiris with your new (or older) best friends. Hotels abound here, so you’ll have your pick of size, style, and budget.

Seafood is the order of the day in Key West — try Thirsty Mermaid for oysters and the ceviche du jour. And, of course, there’s Pepe’s, which has been open since 1909 and is known for its Key lime pie and margaritas.

Tip: If Key West is too far of a journey, you can switch it up and head for Key Largo, the northernmost island in the Keys. It’s just an hour’s drive from the airports in South Florida and is home to a national park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Still undecided but eager for your Florida weekend getaway? Read up on Key West vs. Key Largo: nine key differences between them.

8 Places To See Wild Horses Around The World

A horse running free is a thing of beauty.

These majestic, undomesticated beasts can be found all over the planet. Some are native breeds, while others are the descendants of previously domesticated animals that went feral generations ago. The origins of others, like the Namib Desert Horse, are a total mystery. The common thread is that these animals aren’t tame creatures — but wild and free animals that are at home in their natural element.

If you’re itching for an equine adventure, domestically or abroad, check out these eight places to see horses in the wild.

Wild horses on a beach in the Outer Banks. — Dennis W Donohue / Shutterstock

1. Outer Banks, North Carolina

The exquisite Outer Banks is a fabulous place to spot Colonial Spanish Mustangs. These hearty and handsome animals have weathered hurricanes and thrived in the Outer Banks for almost half a millennium. The Bankers, as they’re nicknamed, arrived courtesy of the Spanish and are some of the area’s truly multigenerational residents. They are well worth visiting, and a fabulous way to see the mustangs is by taking an open-air Hummer tour, the likes of which are offered by Wild Horse Adventure Tours, an Outer Banks company that works to offset its carbon footprint.

A herd of wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. — Alicia Marvin / Shutterstock

2. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

There are plenty of reasons to love Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and its wild horses are a serious selling point. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the ideal place to reconnect with nature and spend time with animals that you would otherwise only see in captivity. The wild mustangs who roam the vast expanse of the park are nothing short of breathtaking. These feral horses are wild animals, unlike other tame horses used for horseback riding in the park, so pack your binoculars. It’s advisable to admire them from a distance.

A wild horse and her foal on Arizona's Salt River. — GoDog Photo / Shutterstock

3. Salt River, Arizona

Wild horses don’t just roam the plains of North Dakota or the islands off the Carolinas. Arizona’s Salt River is home to wild horses, thought to be the descendants of escaped or abandoned farm animals. While some see the horses as pests, others claim that they’ve improved the ecosystem and assimilated into the environment. Visit these magnificent creatures by hiking or tubing through Salt River Canyon, which is part of Tonto National Forest.

A herd of wild horses in Tahuata, Tahiti. — TahitiIslandsTravel.com

4. Tahuata, Tahiti

Tahuata is teeming with wild horses, and lucky for you, this tranquil paradise has not hit the tourist map yet. It’s part of the Marquesas Islands, a quiet natural Eden where people have learned how to respect and live alongside their undomesticated equine neighbors. If you’re craving unparalleled natural serenity sans the crowds, Tahuata is the place for you. There are plenty of boat tours from nearby Hiva Oa, and you can spend hours seeing these beauties for yourself.

Wild horses in Cotopaxi National Park. — Jonatas / Shutterstock

5. Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

There is no shortage of animals in the Ecuadorian Andes, but the horses of Cotopaxi National Park are in a class all their own. These wild creatures are striking when spotted against the backdrop of the high Andes and the landscape of Cotopaxi. You can take horseback riding tours through the park, a fabulous way to see the extraordinary landscape of the Andes mountains.

Considering climbing Cotopaxi? Here’s everything you need to know about this amazing Quito experience.

Wild horses in the Camargue, France. — Vadim Petrakov / Shutterstock

6. The Camargue, France

The Camargue’s claim to fame is a herd of alabaster horses that runs free through the region, earning it the nickname the Wild West of France. The pastoral south of France has a lot to offer in terms of jaw-dropping terrain and is a cherished UNESCO site, but the biggest draw to the area is the horses. Check out these snowy stallions at the Regional Nature Park. Or, take a 4×4 safari tour to see the famous Camargue horses, plus flamingos and bulls.

A wild horse and her foal on Sable Island. — JoeMWilson / Shutterstock

7. Sable Island, Canada

Nova Scotia’s Sable Island is a remote paradise for wild horses. Nearly 400 roam the untouched island, and you can see them for yourself by registering with the park and taking a small airplane or boat to Sable Island. As this horse haven is very isolated, visitors are responsible for their own safety and advised to check weather conditions before venturing out. On Sable Island you can walk amongst the horses and make unique memories with these beautiful creatures.

Wild horses in the deserts of Aus, Namibia. — Fotografie-Kuhlmann / Shutterstock

8. Aus, Namibia

The Namib Desert Horse is a rare feral creature who roams the vast desert. Nobody knows precisely how they got to Aus, Namibia, although there are plenty of theories, including the possibility that they descended from German army horses. These horses are the wildest on our list, thriving entirely independently of humans. The best way to check out these horses is as part of a longer tour of the country.

Seeing horses in the wild is a unique and profoundly moving experience, and one that you’ll cherish for years to come. If you’re a nature-lover committed to planning one-of-a-kind vacations, make sure you put these equine hotspots on your bucket list.

Want to see other animals in the wild? These are the best places to spot koalas, reindeer, sugar gliders, and sloths.

Weekend Getaway In Atlantic City: The Best Things To See And Do

There’s a song from the musical Ragtime, set in the early 1900s, that opens like this:

Let’s run away to Atlantic City

Let’s feel the wind in our hair

Sharing a grand and romantic city

Sea and salty air

Train’s gonna take us to the sunniest hideaway

Troubles will slide away

Just a ride away…

For a resident of New York City in 1910, there was no greater escape than a train ride down to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Maybe they’d catch a Harry Houdini escape act, or perhaps just stroll the grand boardwalk near the ocean.

Later on, Atlantic City gained a reputation as the East Coast’s center for nightlife. People traveled from far and wide to see artists like Frank Sinatra at the Vermilion Room or catch Martin and Lewis at a local supper club.

And in 1976, when a referendum in New Jersey legalized casinos in the state but restricted them to Atlantic City, the town became the East Coast’s gambling hot spot. Casino after casino popped up along the beach, and many of those casinos still exist today.

Atlantic City has a rich history, and on a weekend getaway in town, you can experience quite a bit of it. Here are some of the best things to see and do while you’re there.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. — Alexanderphoto7 / Shutterstock.com

Check Out A Casino

You can’t go to Atlantic City without at least checking out the gambling scene. After all, you’re in the Las Vegas of the East Coast. Even if you’re not a gambler, it’s fun to walk through the casinos to check out the sights and sounds.

The largest hotel and casino in Atlantic City is the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. Built in 2003, it’s also the city’s newest casino and the only one built in the 21st century. Visitors love its Tuscan theme and modern amenities. Take in a show at The Music Box or spend a day at the 54,000-square-foot spa.

The casinos in Atlantic City offer much more than gambling. The scene is very much like that of Las Vegas, and there’s plenty of entertainment to be had. Internationally known comedians from Jerry Seinfeld to Jay Leno visit Atlantic City on the regular, and many of the acts that you would see in Las Vegas also play in Atlantic City. For example, Tony Orlando’s Incredible Christmas Show plays in two locations: Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

That’s right — Atlantic City provides much of the same nightlife and shows. Plus, if you’re into gambling, you’ll find every card and dice game you can imagine.

Steel Pier in Atlantic City. — f11photo / Shutterstock

Stroll The Boardwalk

If you want to travel back in time to the Atlantic City of old, then you’ll need to walk the town’s world-famous boardwalk. In fact, the term boardwalk comes from the Atlantic City Boardwalk, which was the first of its kind to be built in the United States (it was constructed in 1870).

The boardwalk extends between the buildings and the beach for more than 4 miles, but you don’t have to walk the entire length. The best place to start is right at Steel Pier near the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. When you think of the Atlantic City Boardwalk, you probably think of Ferris wheels and cotton candy shops — that’s Steel Pier. In the past, one of the pier’s most well-known attractions was the Diving Horse, a water-loving horse who would jump from a platform into the water.

The best time to visit the Boardwalk is during the summer. From Steel Pier, you can walk down the Boardwalk in either direction and stop in all the shops and novelty stores. Don’t forget to grab some ice cream as you stroll the wooden planks steeped in New Jersey history.

The Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City. — f11photo / Shutterstock

Visit The Absecon Lighthouse

The Absecon Lighthouse sits at the intersection of Pacific and Rhode Island Avenues. The tallest lighthouse in New Jersey, the structure towers 171 feet above the Atlantic Ocean.

If you’re feeling up to it, you can climb the 228 steps to see the incredible view. But a visit to Absecon Lighthouse doesn’t need to include a climb to the top. You can visit the keeper’s house museum, peruse the gift shop, or simply enjoy the grounds.

There’s a lot of history here. The lighthouse was built in 1857 to warn ships of the dangerous waters around Absecon Island. It remained in operation until 1933, when it was decommissioned and the light was extinguished. The lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and remains there today. The tower fell into disrepair, but an effort to restore it to its original glory was undertaken in the 1990s. In 1999, the tower was once again opened to visitors.

The lighthouse is open nearly the entire year — it only closes for two weeks around Christmas and New Year’s. From September through June, it is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and during the peak vacation season in July and August, it is open seven days a week.

Food from Dock's Oyster House. — Dock’s Oyster House

Eating In Atlantic City

It’s not just casino buffets — there are many excellent places to eat in Atlantic City. We’ll start with breakfast.

Gilchrist Restaurant

If you’re a frequent visitor to Atlantic City, you knew this was coming when I said “breakfast.” There are now four locations of Gilchrist Restaurant, a breakfast spot known for its hotcakes. Order either the blueberry pancakes or the regular pancakes — you won’t be disappointed. Some people take weekend trips to Atlantic City just for Sunday-morning pancakes at Gilchrist.

If you’re not a pancake person, don’t worry — there are plenty of other items on the menu. The omelets are great (try the Greek omelet), and the Hungry Man Combo will give you a sampling of several different menu items. Gilchrist Restaurant is only open until 2 p.m., but it serves lunch as well, with the hot roast beef sandwich being a popular lunch item.

Cafe 2825

The best meal in Atlantic City might be found at Cafe 2825. Wander down Atlantic Avenue, and at the corner of Atlantic and Brighton, you’ll find Cafe 2825.

The first thing to know: Call ahead. Reservations are accepted two weeks in advance, and if you want to get a table for the evening, you’ll likely need a reservation. So as your weekend getaway approaches, pick an evening to dine at Cafe 2825 and make a reservation two weeks in advance.

Cafe 2825 brands itself as “fresh, seasonal, regional Italian cuisine (by a guy named Joe),” so come ready to enjoy some great Italian food. The signature dish is the Chicken Parmigiana Bolognese ala Vodka Fra Diavolo, Italian for “chicken Parmesan with vodka and melted mozzarella.” Also, “delicious.”

Dock’s Oyster House

You’re in Atlantic City, after all, so you’ll probably want some seafood. Why not head to a spot that’s been serving the catch of the day since the 1800s?

Dock’s Oyster House was opened by Harry “Dock” Dougherty in 1897. It has been expanded several times, most recently by the fourth generation of Doughertys in 2015. Dinner is served nightly starting at 4:30 p.m.

Dock’s offers a full raw bar (you can’t call yourself an “oyster house” without one), but the menu features much more than that. Seared sea scallops, crispy wasabi tuna, and pan-roasted branzino are all local favorites. You could also try something that has been on the menu since 1897, such as the crabmeat sauté or the pan-sautéed crab cakes.

Atlantic City Boardwalk. — Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

Shopping In Atlantic City

The most popular place to shop in Atlantic City has already been mentioned: It’s the world-famous boardwalk. Novelty stores, T-shirt shops, and souvenir stands line different parts of the boardwalk from north to south. But Atlantic City’s shopping opportunities aren’t restricted to this area.

Here are a few other shopping options for your weekend in Atlantic City.

Tanger Outlets

Tucked between the convention center and several of the casinos are the Tanger Outlets. This outdoor mall has nearly every name-brand store you might be looking for, from Michael Kors to Polo to Chico’s. Name a store you’d find at a mall, and you’ll likely find an outlet version here.

The Quarter At Tropicana

Much like many of the casinos in Las Vegas, many of the Atlantic City casinos have their own shopping areas attached. This is the case with The Quarter at Tropicana, which is located within the Tropicana Casino complex. This shopping area offers more unique stores than the ones at Tanger Mall, including jewelers like Erwin Pearl and clothing retailers like Marshall Rousso.

Downbeach

If you like to play board games, some of the street and neighborhood names in the Atlantic City area might sound familiar to you. That’s because the majority of the properties in the game Monopoly were named for Atlantic City locations. During your time in Atlantic City, look for Atlantic Avenue, Ventnor Avenue, and more. If you head toward the Downbeach area, you’ll pass through the pretty neighborhood Marven Gardens, the inspiration for the game’s Marvin Gardens.

Near the intersection of Ventnor and Gladstone Avenues in Downbeach you’ll find a collection of shops. This is your more typical beach-town shopping area, with quaint locally owned clothing stores mixed in with coffee shops and children’s stores. And it’s not just restricted to Ventnor Avenue — these little shopping areas can be found up and down the beach — even at Boardwalk and Park Place.

Planning a trip to New Jersey? Don’t miss the state’s hidden gems.