7 Truly American Vacation Ideas
Sure, there are the standard destinations like Las Vegas, Miami Beach, and Disneyland, but some people like to be a bit more adventurous. If you're tired of the same-old and want to experience something new on your next vacation, consider one of these seven ideas, ranging from quaint Southern towns to vibrant cities and luxurious glamping, all of which are full of uniquely American charm. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
7 Great Escapes Across America
| Idea | Attractions |
|---|---|
| Horse Country | Collection of horse farms and attractions dedicated to sharing the stories of the Kentucky regions that boast a large equine population, with tours designed for photography buffs, whiskey lovers, racing enthusiasts, and families |
| Aiken, South Carolina | Draws like antique shows, a film festival, history recreations, bluegrass performances, and fantastic Southern cooking make this area a hidden gem |
| St. Louis, Missouri | See the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, Six Flags, an award-winning zoo, parks, children's and science museums, the Anheuser-Busch brewery, and other famous attractions in this Midwestern city |
| Highway West Vacations | Luxury RV resorts, campgrounds, and hotels in the Western United States for travelers who like to get off the beaten path and stay in unique accommodation |
| Sebring, Florida | Situated at the southern end of the Lake Wales Ridge, this central Florida area is home to the oldest road racing track in America, as well as Pinecrest Golf Course and a wealth of natural wonders for outdoor enthusiasts |
| Beaufort, South Carolina | Historic island town offering incredible architecture & foliage, fishing & water sports, and sweet tea & seafood in a laid-back setting perfect for a relaxing getaway |
| Franklin, Tennessee | Receive an education in topics like Civil War history, the Natchez Trace Parkway, or the many varieties of bourbon in this bustling city that boasts a wealth of exquisite eateries |
Polo in Aiken, South Carolina
Useful Items For Your Next Road Trip
- Emergency Road Kit
- Sunglasses
- Rooftop Cargo Carrier
- Car Garbage Can
- Travel Tray
- Humidifier
- USB Charger
- Tissue Holder
- Seat Cover
- Car Pillow
- Tire Pump
- First Aid Kit
A Day in St. Louis
Exhilarating Books That Chronicle Life On The Open Road
In Depth
The United States is an unusually large country. Its varied landscapes and diverse regional cultures have long captured the imagination of travelers, domestic and foreign alike. Road trips and other forms of vacationing are national pastimes. This list, presented in no particular order, looks at seven distinctly American vacation destinations.
In the #1 spot, we've got Horse Country, an organization of horse farms, equine medical clinics, and attractions dedicated to the Kentucky regions that boast a large population of these majestic mammals. It is designed to create emotional experiences by sharing the animals, the land, and the people of the area with guests, and ultimately to develop fans of farms and clinics through tourism experiences.
The offerings are spread across a number of different participating organizations. Breeding complexes, like Adena Springs, introduce visitors to prize-winning stallions. Training and rehab centers, like Blackwood Stables, offer an inside glimpse at horse racing. Farms, including Hermitage, show off world-class equine operations. Among many other locations, there are veterinary institutes and feed mills.
Among many other locations, there are veterinary institutes and feed mills.
Coming in at #2, it's the city of Aiken, South Carolina. The seat of the state's eponymous county, here one can shop, dine, and catch live music while meandering quaint downtown streets, gaze at an iconic oak canopy, experience the equestrian culture, and take a historic trolley tour. The area is famously the home of many thoroughbred champion horses.
The town features beautiful parkways and shaded streets, historic mansions, and offers intriguing folklore. A Christmastime celebration, The Magic of Aiken, is a local holiday tradition, with activities like ice skating and carriage rides. Lodging options include a range of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals.
#3 is St. Louis, Missouri. Located alongside the Mississippi River, this classic American city has diverse theater, music, art, and sports offerings, as well as many historic sites. Must-see destinations include The Great Rivers Greenway, world-famous riverboats, animal shows and petting zoos at a farm once owned by Ulysses S. Grant, and, of course, the iconic Gateway Arch.
Must-see destinations include The Great Rivers Greenway, world-famous riverboats, animal shows and petting zoos at a farm once owned by Ulysses S. Grant, and, of course, the iconic Gateway Arch.
Navigating all the attractions in The Gateway City may require a visitors guide. Set aside some time to enjoy the area's unique cuisine, including a singular and controversial style of pizza. St. Louis is also home to a group of innovative chefs who are reshaping the culinary scene. Rich with civic pride, the city has experienced a renaissance in recent years.
#4: Highway West Vacations is a brand dedicated to securing locations in some of the most desirable areas in the Western United States and offering amenities and accommodations that are unparalleled in the camping world. It began with Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground, a popular vacation spot in Buellton, California. From there, the group has expanded to offer more than ten destinations.
Other California locations include Palm Canyon Hotel in Borrego Springs and The Sideways Inn, also in Buellton. In Colorado, there's Grand Lake Lodge. Visitors to Hawaii can enjoy the historic Kilauea Lodge and Restaurant in Volcano Village, on The Big Island. In the Pacific Northwest, one can find Oregon's lakeside Shelter Cove, and Alderwood RV Express and Silver Cove, both in Washington.
In the Pacific Northwest, one can find Oregon's lakeside Shelter Cove, and Alderwood RV Express and Silver Cove, both in Washington.
The #5 entry is Sebring, Florida, and its neighbors Lake Placid and Avon Park, in Highlands County in the south-central portion of the state. Known as The City on the Circle, Sebring was founded in 1912 as a lakeside community on a circular plan. It is the site of a famous international auto raceway, recreational and tournament fishing, and Highlands Hammock State Park.
Lake Placid, called The Town of Murals, offers 27 freshwater lakes. It also houses Toby's Clown School, a museum dedicated to spreading smiles. The town is particularly famous for its Caladium flowers, and tourists can visit Happiness Farms to see this industry up-close. In Avon Park, The City of Charm, one can find scenic views and relaxing getaways. Its Alan Jay Wildstein Center for Performing Arts hosts touring productions.
For #6, it's Beaufort, located on Port Royal Island, one of the largest Sea Islands, alongside the coast of South Carolina. It is one of only a handful of U.S. towns that has had its entire downtown designated an historic district by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. One can explore the area's rich past at the city's history museum.
It is one of only a handful of U.S. towns that has had its entire downtown designated an historic district by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Other sites of interest include The Kazoo Factory, the only place in America that manufactures plastic versions of the instrument. Departing daily from the downtown marina, Captain Dick's Beaufort River Tour and Dolphin Watch brings visitors in touch with the area's sea life. For stunning views, tourists can take a walk across Woods Memorial Bridge.
Concluding things, at #7, is Franklin, Tennessee. Seat of Williamson County, in the center of the state, the town features a nationally recognized historic Main Street, local distilleries, Civil War history, and shopping. A family-friendly destination, Franklin is home to many activities perfect for kids.
Other key sites number among them The Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile national scenic byway and National Park that closely follows the course traveled for centuries by tradesmen and Native Americans. Made South is an event series that celebrates the best makers, food, drink, music, and art in the South, while Kings Dining and Entertainment, not your typical bowling alley, offers an experience unlike any other.
