- While a vacation is always a great excuse for seeing the world and dusting off that passport, limited finances and days off may sometimes put a damper on those globetrotting plans. But, that doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy some R&R within US borders. Weekend getaways can be just as therapeutic and relaxing to give you that mental boost you’ve been craving. Here are five untapped Stateside vacation destinations along with a list of interesting things to do and explore when you get there. <em>—Teri Johnson, Travelista TV</em> <br><br> <b><em><a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/outofoffice/">For more travel tips, destinations and best places to stay, eat and play, visit blackenterprise.com/outofoffice</a></b></em>
(Image: ThinkStock)
- <ul> <li><strong>SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS:</strong></li> </ul> The seventh largest city in the US, San Antonio is fast becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It’s best known for The Alamo, Riverwalk, amazing cuisine and it’s annual food and wine festival, <strong><a href="http://culinariasa.com/wine-festival/home/" target="_blank">Culinaria</a></strong>. <ul> <li><strong>Stay:</strong> <strong><a href="http://www.havanasanantonio.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Havana</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://riverwalkvista.com/" target="_blank">Riverwalk Vista</a></strong> or <strong><a href="http://www.jwsanantonio.com/" target="_blank">JW Marriott Resort</a></strong></li> <li><strong>Eat:</strong> <strong><a href="http://www.lagloriaicehouse.com/" target="_blank">La Gloria</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.casa-rio.com/" target="_blank">Casa Rio</a></strong> or <strong><a href="http://www.boudros.com/boudros/" target="_blank">Boudro’s</a></strong></li> <li><strong>Shop:</strong> Pearl Brewery, Alamo Heights and Market Square</li> <li><strong>See and Do:</strong> Alamo tour and Riverwalk dinner cruise</li> </ul>
(Image: Teri Johnson)
- <ul> <li><strong><a href="http://www.travelista.tv/2011/05/06/welcome-to-dc/" target="_blank">WASHINGTON, DC</a>: </strong></li> </ul> Our nation’s capital is home to some of the world's most famous monuments and landmarks, and it’s filled with international restaurants, beautiful outdoor scenes, and an amazing culture of music, art and style. <ul> <li><strong>Stay:</strong> <strong><a href="http://www.monaco-dc.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Monaco</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.rougehotel.com/" target="_blank">Rouge</a></strong> or <strong><a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3279" target="_blank">W Hotel</a></strong></li> <li><strong>Eat:</strong> <strong><a href="http://www.oyadc.com/" target="_blank">Oya</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.acquaal2dc.com/" target="_blank">Acqua Al 2</a></strong> or <strong><a href="http://www.kramers.com/" target="_blank">Kramer’s Books & Afterwords Café</a></strong></li> <li><strong>Shop:</strong> Georgetown area</li> <li><strong>See and Do:</strong> <strong><a href="http://www.si.edu/" target="_blank">Smithsonian</a></strong>, The Capitol, White House, <strong><a href="http://www.nationalharbor.com/intro.htm" target="_blank">the National Harbor</a></strong> and enjoy <strong><a href="http://www.jacksboathouse.com/" target="_blank">Jack's Boathouse</a></strong> where you can kayak along the river.</li> </ul>
(Image: Hotel Monaco)
- <ul> <li><strong>HARLEM, NEW YORK:</strong></li> </ul> With a plethora of new restaurants, shops, and café’s—combined with the cultural institutions that have existed for years—Harlem has become a destination for all visitors to NYC. <ul> <li><strong>Stay:</strong> <strong><a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3353&EM=VTY_AL_3353_HARLEM_PROP_OVERVIEW" target="_blank">A Loft hotel</a></strong> or <strong><a href="http://www.sugarhillharleminn.com/" target="_blank">Sugar Hill Harlem Inn</a></strong></li> <li><strong>Eat:</strong> <strong><a href="http://redroosterharlem.com/" target="_blank">Red Rooster</a></strong>, Mobay Restaurant, Settipani Restaurant or Bier Garden</li> <li><strong>Shop:</strong> 125th street, <strong><a href="http://www.carolsdaughter.com/" target="_blank">Carol’s Daughter</a></strong> or <strong><a href="http://www.bebenoir.com/" target="_blank">Bebe Noir</a></strong></li> <li><strong>See and Do:</strong> <strong><a href="http://www.apollotheater.org/" target="_blank">Apollo</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.studiomuseum.org/ " target="_blank">Studio Museum of Harlem</a></strong>, drinks outside at <strong><a href="http://www.nectarwinenyc.com/" target="_blank">Nectar Wine bar</a></strong> or late night at 67 Orange.</li> </ul>
(Image: Teri Johnson)
- <ul> <li><strong><a href="http://www.travelista.tv/2010/09/10/come-on-down-to-new-orleans/" target="_blank">NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA</a>: </strong></li> </ul> New Orleans’ blend of French, Creole, and Southern culture is hard to match anywhere else in the world. At any time of the year, you can enjoy the city’s cuisine, festivals, and live music scene. <ul> <li><strong>Stay:</strong> <strong><a href="http://ihhotel.com/" target="_blank">International House</a></strong> or <strong><a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=97508" target="_blank">W Hotel French Quarter</a></strong></li> <li><strong>Eat:</strong> August Restaurant, <strong><a href="http://www.emerils.com/restaurant/2/NOLA-Restaurant/" target="_blank">Emeril’s NOLA</a></strong> or Willie Mae’s</li> <li><strong><a href="http://www.travelista.tv/2010/11/09/new-orleans-art-shopping-the-bayou/ " target="_blank">Shop</a>:</strong> Magazine Street and French Quarter</li> <li><strong>See and Do:</strong> La Belle Galerie Art Collection; explore the architecture on a trolley ride; and enjoy <strong><a href="http://www.travelista.tv/2010/11/11/new-orleans-iii-frenchmen-street-essence-music-festival-more/" target="_blank">music on Frenchmen Street</a></strong>.</li> </ul>
(Image: Travelista TV)
- <ul> <li><strong><a href="http://www.travelista.tv/2010/12/20/welcome-to-la-la-land/" target="_blank">LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA</a>: </strong></li> </ul> Sunny Los Angeles never fails to disappoint. From celebrity spotting to the eclectic art scene, there’s always something happening in this metropolis. <ul> <li><strong>Stay:</strong> <strong><a href="http://www.lermitagebh.com/" target="_blank">L'Ermitage</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/la/hollywood-roosevelt" target="_blank">Roosevelt Hollywood</a></strong> or <strong><a href="http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/santamonica/" target="_blank">The Viceroy</a></strong></li> <li><strong>Eat:</strong> Philippe Chow, Craig’s West Hollywood or Sky’s Tacos for a quick lunch</li> <li><strong>Shop:</strong> Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice, and Melrose Avenue</li> <li><strong>See and Do:</strong> Check out La Descarga Cuban cigar bar; stroll down Santa Monica promenade; and visit <strong><a href="http://www.lacma.org/" target="_blank">LACMA</a></strong>.</li> </ul>
(Image: Viceroy hotel)
