Did you know today is National Plan for Vacation Day? This is the perfect time to start planning some of your vacation this year. The world is your oyster and there are so many amazing cities to visit. If you need some ideas for where to travel you’ve come to the right place. I’m sharing five ideas that I would recommend for a weekend getaway or week long vacation. These cities are also great for families or a couples vacation depending on what you’re looking for.
Boston
If you haven’t been to Boston put it at the top of your list. Cory and I have visited Boston in the winter and summer and honestly enjoyed both seasons. Obviously it was a more pleasant experience walking around the city in the summer, but it’s totally manageable during the winter. If you spend a weekend in Boston there’s plenty to do with your significant other or kids. We’ve also spent time in Cape Cod and then driven to Boston, which works really well if you wanted to experience more of the area on a week long vacation.
Where to Eat: Saltie Girl (order the smoked salmon belly), Tatte Bakery (really good croissants), The Paramount (great spot for breakfast), Neptune Oyster (best lobster roll), Union Oyster House (a classic)
Things to Do: Museum of Fine Arts, walk Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, Fenway Park, The Paul Revere House, Boston Public Garden
Where to Stay: Loews Boston
Chicago
Just a short trip away from Grand Rapids is Chicago. You can drive or take the train from Grand Rapids which is so fun for kids. I lived in this city for five years and still call it my second home. Chicago is an amazing city with great shopping, restaurants and things to do. I love spending a weekend here, but you could definitely spend more time here and explore some of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Where to Eat: Boka (great date night spot), Aba (perfect for meeting up with friends), Mon Ami Gabi (my favorite French restaurant), Cafe Spiaggia (amazing spot on Michigan Ave.), Piccolo Sogno (really good Italian food), The Publican (good food and drinks in the West Loop), Pizzeria Portofino (great spot for pizza and an Aperol Spritz)
Things to Do: Chicago Architecture Tour, Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, Willis Tower, Hancock Tower, Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Lincoln Park Zoo
Where to Stay: St. Jane, Viceroy, Talbott
New York
Cory and I absolutely love spending time together in New York City. There’s so much to see and do that you’ll never get bored. New York is great for a getaway with your significant other, family or friends. With so many options for shopping, seeing a show, walking through Central Park, restaurants and bars it’s a great destination .
Where to Eat: Levain Bakery (my favorite cookies in the city), The Campbell Bar (Gossip Girl was filmed here and its perfect for a drink), Maialino (amazing cacio e pepe), Maison Premiere (great for brunch in Brooklyn), Jack’s Wife Freda (really good for brunch or lunch) ABC Kitchen (we loved dinner here), Restoration Hardware (great for a drink and view of the city).
Things to Do: Ice skating at the Rink in Rockefeller Center, walk the Brooklyn Bridge, see a Broadway Show, walk through Central Park, One World Observatory, The Museum of Modern Art
Where to Stay: The Maritime Hotel
Charleston
Charleston is the perfect spot for a warm weather getaway that’s full of history and things to do. My parents took us to Charleston when I was in middle school and I really enjoyed it. Cory and I have also visited Charleston for a wedding and keep talking about wanting to go back. The city has so much history, the buildings are beautiful (don’t miss Rainbow Row) and the food is fantastic.
Where to Eat: Jeni’s Ice Cream (such good ice cream for a hot day), Husk (perfect for date night), Poogan’s Porch (great for brunch), The Darling Oyster Bar (really good seafood options), Prohibition (amazing cocktails)
Things to Do: Rainbow Row, The Battery, King Street, Waterfront Park, Charleston City Market
Where to Stay: Francis Marion Hotel
Traverse City
If you’re looking to stay in Michigan for your next vacation, head up to Traverse City. The drive up to Traverse City from Grand Rapids is perfect for a weekend getaway or spending a week in the area. There’s so much to do in each season so you can’t go wrong vacationing here. I was invited to stay at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and Cory and I had such a great time together. This resort is also very family friendly if you have kids.
Where to Eat: Aerie (at the top of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and the view is amazing), Boathouse Restaurant (amazing spot for dinner on water), Jolly Pumpkin (we love eating here for lunch), Amical (the best tomato soup for lunch), Patisseire Amie (great for brunch), Brys Estate (perfect spot to enjoy some wine and a cheese board), BLK \ MRKT (great coffee), Folgarelli’s (amazing sandwiches and deli), Trattoria Stella (our favorite spot for Italian food)
Things to Do: Wine Tasting on Old Mission Peninsula, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, Nauti-Cat, Traverse Bay Parasail, skiing, beach
Where to Stay: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
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