Travel is Back!
Have you made travel plans for 2023? Travel is back with a vengeance, and it is a great time to plan that trip that may have been on hold for the last couple of years. I have researched some of the best places to visit in 2023 around the globe. This article focuses on five must-see destinations in the U.S. and five things to do in these areas.
Hudson Valley, New York
Ninety miles north of New York City, along the Hudson River, the Hudson Valley is perfect for a weekend getaway. With beautiful scenic routes, wineries, and farm-to-table restaurants, National Geographic Traveler name Hudson Valley a top 20 must-see destination worldwide. Here are five things to do while visiting Hudson Valley.
Hiking
There are trails upon trails for hikers of all levels and experience. Why not start at the Hudson State Park and take in the views of the Hudson River? Do you enjoy chasing waterfalls? Kaaterskill Falls is the highest waterfall in the state and is an easy 1.5-mile hike.
Historical Sites
Hudson Valley is full of history, so there is plenty to see and learn for all you history buffs. Two places to experience are Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate, and the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site. Kykuit was home to four generations of Rockefellers. It is a 40-room mansion that includes gardens and an extensive art collection. President Roosevelt’s home, in Hyde Park, was his birthplace, lifelong home, and burial site.
Visit a Brewery, a cider house, or a winery
Hudson Valley is known for its wineries, but did you know that breweries and cider houses have gained popularity over the years? Angry Orchard has its home in the Hudson Valley, so be sure to stop by for a sip! Perhaps you prefer the taste of wine? Here is a link to some of Hudson Valley’s best wineries.
Farm-to-Table Dining
The Culinary Institute of America is a premier culinary institute. It partners with many local restaurants to provide the ultimate in farm-to-table dining. Just know these seats are in high demand, so be sure to have a reservation.
Stay at Mohonk Mansion House
Mohonk Mansion is a breathtaking Victorian mansion located on Lake Monhonk. It has a golf course, spa, horseback riding, hiking trails, and more. However, be prepared to pay a premium to stay here. It costs upwards of $1,000 a night.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a must-see for stunning views, outdoor activities, or perhaps some relaxation. Here are five things to do that touch on all these points.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
The church was completed in 1956 and had a unique look, with a prominent crucifix in the front windows. It was built between the famous red rocks that Sedona is known for and has quite a history.
Cathedral Rock Trail
This is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, but the views from the top are worth the crowds. The hike is short, but there is some rock scrambling and steep inclines, but take your time and enjoy the views.
Hot Air Balloon
Close your eyes and imagine flying over Sedona’s red rocks. Well, that image can become a reality. Northern Light Balloon can plan the ultimate hot air balloon experience with a light champagne breakfast at the end.
Salt Rock Kitchen
There are plenty of delicious places to eat in Sedona, but the Salt Rock Kitchen kept coming up in my research. The Salt Rock kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has fantastic views everywhere you turn. It is located in the Amara Resort and Spa and serves distinct southwestern flavors.
Enchantment Resort
Perhaps your travels will take you to Sedona for relaxation. The Enchantment Spa offers that, along with some fantastic views. There are fitness and well-being activities and excellent spa suites to help bring back the balance we all crave. Doesn’t this sound like the perfect girl’s getaway?
Asheville, NC
Asheville caught my attention while planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountain National Park in 2020. We had planned to visit the city on our way home, but due to the pandemic ended up canceling that trip. However, three years later, I see it is still one of the top places to visit in the U.S. It is located in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains and is described as “artsy, edgy and inviting.” So what should one do while visiting Asheville?
Spend time exploring downtown Asheville.
There are many walkable streets in downtown Asheville; each made up of shops, restaurants, live performances, art studios, craft breweries, and more.
River Arts District
These former industrial buildings have transformed into working artist studios along the river. There are live exhibits and plenty of places to find that perfect piece for your home.
Bike the Blue Ridge Trails
The Blue Ridge Mountains are spectacular, and what better way to experience them than a bike ride?
Take a Tour of the Biltmore
The Biltmore was George W. Vanderbilt’s winter chateau, and the tour looks fantastic. In addition to the building tour, there are century-old gardens, a winery, shopping, and other family activities. The Biltmore puts on a stunning holiday display each year, so perhaps a visit in December would be warranted.
Sliding Rock
Have you ever visited a natural water slide? Sliding Rock in Asheville is just that, a 60-foot natural water slide that ends in an 8-foot-deep pool of water. It sounds perfect on a hot summer’s day.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket is a small island off the coast of Cape Cod, MA. Its charming cobblestone streets are lined with restaurants and high-end boutiques. This little island has quite a history and played a significant role in the whaling industry.
Whaling Museum
Once playing a vital role in the whaling industry, visit Nantucket’s Whaling Museum and learn the history of whaling in Nantucket. Until the 1860s, whaling was outlawed here, so the museum was originally a candle-making factory.
Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge.
One of our favorite things on Cape Cod is visiting wildlife refuges. Nantucket is home to the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. It is 16 miles of trails and roads and is home to deer, shorebirds, raptors, and seals. Take some time to explore its sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and oak and red cedar forests.
Brant Point Lighthouse
The Brant Point Lighthouse has guarded the inner harbor of Nantucket for 250 years. It was first built in 1746 but had to rebuild in 1901 when it was destroyed by fire. Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed inside, but still a great place to admire from the outside. And yes, it is a working lighthouse and lights the way to Nantucket harbor to this day.
Beaches
Nantucket is home to a beautiful coastline and beaches. To the north, the beaches tend to be calmer and suitable for families. If you want a beach with more wave action, head to the south-facing beaches. However, it is New England, and the wind can change things along the water. Take heed of the warnings on the beaches and enjoy!
The Old Gaol
For the true crime enthusiast, why not visit The Old Gaol? It is one of the oldest surviving jails in the United States. It has a self-guided tour of Nantucket’s justice system.
Savannah, GA
Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia and 5th largest in the state. The city is known for its cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and southern charm. Here are five things to do when visiting Savannah. If you are interested in more information, see my in-depth post on this city.
Tours
There is no shortage of walking tours in the city of Savannah. These tours will take you past mansions and churches dating back to the 1700s. Chippewa Square is where Forrest Gump sat and said that famous line, “My mom always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Did you know that Savannah’s historic district has 22 squares? You will never run out of things to see.
Carriage Ride at Night
How does a ride in a horse-drawn carriage under the twinkling lights of the city sound? Amazing!
Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is a large city park that occupies 30 acres in the historic district of Savannah. Within the park are walking paths, children’s play areas, and recreational areas for soccer, basketball, tennis, and more. An exciting feature of the park is a Fragrant Garden for the blind. The garden consists of plants with scents and textures that appeal to those with limited sight.
River Street
River Street has over 75 shops and restaurants to explore. This area of the city was once cotton warehouses.
Wormsloe Historic Site
Here lie the ruins of Wormsloe, the colonial estate of Noble Jones. These ruins are the oldest standing structure in Savannah. In the park, visitors can interact with costumed guides and view a museum with artifacts found at Wormsloe. A nature trail leads to the Colonial Life Area. This area is similar to a living museum where guides in period dress exhibit the tools and skills of colonial Georgia.
So these are my top five destinations for 2023? Are any of these on your list? Check back as I explore the Top five destinations in the world for 2023.
Welcome to the 4th edition of My Travel Bucket List Series. For those of that are new to my blog, at the beginning of the year, I published my top 30 destinations I would like to see in my lifetime. You can see the complete list here. Today we are going to experience some good old southern hospitality in the city of Savannah, GA. Of course, being a beach lover, I have added a couple of days on
Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia and 5th largest in the state. The city is known for its cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and southern charm.
Accommodations
For this trip, we plan on staying at the Cotton Sail Hotel. Once an 1800’s cotton warehouse, the Cotton Sail is located in the historic district of Savannah and minutes away from the riverfront. Amenities include a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, and a rooftop bar. This boutique hotel only has 56 rooms, with either a city or a river view. I love the idea of the river view.
Length of Stay
Including our stay on Tybee Island, I plan on 5 full days. Three days will be in the city of Savannah and two days on Tybee Island. I suspect our days will be jammed packed with activities.
Things to Do & See
Tours
There is no shortage of walking tours in the city of Savannah. I have reviewed quite a few, and when the time
In addition to the walking tour, I found two other tours that sound fantastic. First is a carriage ride at night tour. How does a ride in a horse-drawn carriage under the twinklings lights of the city sound? Amazing!
Have you ever taken a ghost tour? We did here in Boston. However, I have never seen anything quite like this. A tour in a hearse?? Sign me up!
Forsythe Park
Forsyth Park is a large city park that occupies 30 acres in the historic district of Savannah. Within the park are walking paths, children’s play areas, recreational areas for soccer, basketball, tennis, and more. An interesting feature of the park is a Fragrant Garden for the blind. The garden consists of plants with scents and textures that appeal to those with limited sight.
River Street
River Street has over 75 shops and restaurants to explore. This area of the city was once cotton warehouses. River Street is where we plan on spending our evenings, looking for some yummy southern food. I think a steamboat ride will be on the itinerary as well.
Wormsloe Historic Site
Here lie the ruins of Wormsloe, the colonial estate of Noble Jones. These ruins are the oldest standing structure in Savannah. Mr. Jones was many things, including command of a company of Marines charged with defending the Georgia coast from the Spanish. The Jones family owned Wormsloe until the state of Georgia acquired it in 1973.
In the park, visitors can interact with costumed guides and view a museum with artifacts found at Wormsloe. There is a nature trail that leads to the tabby ruins over to the Colonial Life Area. This area is similar to a living museum where guides in period dress exhibit the tools and skills of colonial Georgia.
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on Cockspur Island, between Savannah and Tybee Island. It was during the American Civil War, that the Union Army successfully tested rifled cannons in combat, the success of which rendered brick fortifications obsolete. Sights not to miss are Battery Hambright, John Wesley Memorial, Construction Village, and the cemetery.
Tybee Island
I can’t think of a better way to end a few days of sightseeing than some beach time. Tybee Island is located off the coast of Savannah. It is both a city and a barrier island. We plan on calling Beachside Colony and Resort our home for the remainder of our trip. The only beachside resort on the island.
I would love to know, have you been to Savannah? Is there anything I should add to my list?
Check out the previous editions of my Travel Bucket List series.
