quicktelecast.com Open in urlscan Pro
2606:4700:3031::6815:2765  Public Scan

Form analysis
5 forms found in the DOM

GET https://quicktelecast.com

<form role="search" method="get" action="https://quicktelecast.com">
  <input type="text" name="s" value="" placeholder="Search...">
  <i class="fa fa-search"></i>
</form>

---

GET https://quicktelecast.com

<form role="search" method="get" class="search-form clearfix" action="https://quicktelecast.com">
  <input type="search" class="search-field" placeholder="Search..." value="" name="s" title="Search for:" autocomplete="off">
  <input type="submit" class="search-submit" value="Search">
</form>

---

GET https://quicktelecast.com

<form role="search" method="get" class="search-form" action="https://quicktelecast.com">
  <input type="search" class="search-field" placeholder="Search..." value="" name="s" title="Search for:" autocomplete="off">
  <input type="submit" class="search-submit" value="">
</form>

---

Name: loginform — POST https://quicktelecast.com/login/

<form name="loginform" action="https://quicktelecast.com/login/" method="post">
  <div class="login-header">
    <span class="login-icon fa fa-user-circle main-color"></span>
    <p>Welcome, Login to your account.</p>
  </div>
  <div class="login-field login-username">
    <input type="text" name="log" id="form_52350_user_login" class="input" value="" size="20" placeholder="Username or Email..." required="">
  </div>
  <div class="login-field login-password">
    <input type="password" name="pwd" id="form_52350_user_pass" class="input" value="" size="20" placeholder="Password..." required="">
  </div>
  <div class="login-field">
    <a href="https://quicktelecast.com/login/?action=lostpassword&amp;redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fquicktelecast.com%2Fthe-best-places-to-travel-in-the-u-s-in-2023-according-to-the-experts%2F" class="go-reset-panel">Forget password?</a>
    <span class="login-remember">
      <input class="remember-checkbox" name="rememberme" type="checkbox" id="form_52350_rememberme" value="forever">
      <label class="remember-label">Remember me</label>
    </span>
  </div>
  <div class="login-field login-submit">
    <input type="submit" name="wp-submit" class="button-primary login-btn" value="Log In">
    <input type="hidden" name="redirect_to" value="https://quicktelecast.com/the-best-places-to-travel-in-the-u-s-in-2023-according-to-the-experts/">
  </div>
</form>

---

Name: lostpasswordform — POST https://quicktelecast.com/login/?action=lostpassword

<form name="lostpasswordform" id="form_52350_lostpasswordform" action="https://quicktelecast.com/login/?action=lostpassword" method="post">
  <div class="login-field reset-username">
    <input type="text" name="user_login" class="input" value="" placeholder="Username or Email..." required="">
  </div>
  <div class="login-field reset-submit">
    <input type="hidden" name="redirect_to" value="">
    <input type="submit" name="wp-submit" class="login-btn" value="Send My Password">
  </div>
</form>

---

Text Content

Quick Telecast
Expect News First

 * Home
 * Business
 * Health
 * Technology
 * Economy
 * Politics
 * Sports
 * Gaming
 * Science
 * Education
 * Entertainment
   * Bollywood
   * Hollywood
   * Web-Series
   * Tv
 * Lifestyle
   * Food & Drinks
   * Books
   * Art-Culture
   * Fashion
   * Travel
   * Home-Garden
 * News
   * Top-Stories
   * Trending
   * Highlights
   * Covid-19
   * Crime




 * Saturday, April 15, 2023
 * About Us
 * Contact Us
 * Privacy Policy
 * Cookie Policy
 * Terms of use
 * Disclaimer
 * More

Quick Telecast - Expect News First

 * Home
 * Business
 * Health
 * Technology
 * Economy
 * Politics
 * Sports
 * Gaming
 * Science
 * Education
 * Entertainment
   * Bollywood
   * Hollywood
   * Web-Series
   * Tv
 * Lifestyle
   * Food & Drinks
   * Books
   * Art-Culture
   * Fashion
   * Travel
   * Home-Garden
 * News
   * Top-Stories
   * Trending
   * Highlights
   * Covid-19
   * Crime
 * More

Posts

Categories

Tags


   
   
 * Home
 * Lifestyle
 * Travel
 * The Best Places To Travel In The U.S. In 2023, According To The Experts


THE BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN THE U.S. IN 2023, ACCORDING TO THE EXPERTS

Travel
By Sarah On Apr 14, 2023

0 30
Share




For the past three years, with borders closed around the globe, U.S. travel has
provided Americans with much-needed solace—a tonic during a time of uncertainty
and fear. We rediscovered national parks, we explored this country’s hidden
shores and we found new appreciation for America’s wide open spaces.

Despite the fact that many international countries have reopened to travelers,
domestic travel remains strong, according to the U.S. Travel Association—proving
that there’s still a lot to discover close to home.





A view of Avila Beach, along the Central Coast of California, one of the best
places to travel in … [+] 2023.

Christopher Petro | Californist Photography | Courtesy of Visit SLO CAL

So what are the best places to travel in the U.S. right now? Every year, I round
up the best places to visit in America. Once again, I tapped into leading women
travel experts and influencers to find out the best places to travel in the U.S.
in 2023. I also opened my own little black book to reveal the destinations that
are on my radar this year.



The picks for where to go in 2023 span the gamut from coastal escapes to
mountain hideaways to urban hot spots, with some surprises thrown in along the
way. Compare these choices to last year’s picks for the best places to travel in
the U.S.



If you want to see this year’s list of the best international places to travel,
check out “The 23 Best Places To Travel Around the Globe In 2023, Chosen By The
Experts.”





Road tripping in Phoenix, which is one of the best places to travel in the US in
2023.

getty


WHERE TO GO: PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Chosen By: Lucee Santini is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger who has
contributed to Huffington Post, SheBuysTravels and Newsbreak and is the chief
editor and writer for MomJunky.com. She shares her adventures and tips on
Instagram @momjunky.com and @familytraveldestinations.



Why: Phoenix made headlines recently as the host of Superbowl LVII, the kickoff
location of Taylor Swift’s tour and the home of the MLB Spring Training. But
there’s so much to experience in Greater Phoenix in 2023—one of the fastest
growing cities in the U.S.—not to mention the natural beauty that made it a
must-visit destination in the first place. “The Valley of the Sun is known for
sunny weather all year around, beautiful hikes and scenic landscapes,” says
Lucee Santini, who is a big fan of spots like the Desert Botanical Garden, a
144-acre oasis in the middle of the desert.

The city is in the midst of a $23 million redesign of South Mountain Park and
Preserve—America’s biggest urban park—that will culminate with the park’s 100th
anniversary in 2024. “Stay at WorldMark Phoenix – South Mountain Preserve,” says
Santini. “It’s the perfect home base to explore nearby trails and catch an
amazing show or exhibition.”

Over the next year, Phoenix will see the opening of several major resorts,
including Moxy Phoenix Downtown (set in a 1920’s Luhrs building), The
Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie (overlooking Camelback Mountain) and
the $1 billion VAI (complete with white-sand beaches, a 52,000-square-foot party
island and the Mattel Adventure Park). Some iconic properties are also getting
overhauled. The Wigwam, an historic resort with luxury casitas and suites in the
West Valley, will undergo a comprehensive renovation in 2023. Look for two
expansive swimming pools, bocce and tennis courts, as well as an enhanced golf
club with 54 holes of championship golf including two courses designed by Robert
Trent Jones, Sr.



The Phoenix metropolitan area’s food and wine scene is also exploding, with
exciting entries like Chic Chef 77 (Arizona’s first Black-owned wine bar from
celebrity chef Nik Fields) and Chilte (Mexican street food at the Grand Avenue
Arts District’s new Egyptian Motor Hotel). The drinks scene is also making
global headlines, thanks to trend-defining spots like Platform 18 and UnderTow,
which have established a new brand of cocktail theater.



Talley Farms Vineyard in San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California.



Courtesy of Visit SLO CAL


WHERE TO GO: CENTRAL COAST, CALIFORNIA

Chosen By: Molly O’Brien is a freelance journalist.

Why: America’s very own Riviera—the Central Coast of California, stretching from
Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo—is undergoing a renaissance, with new and
renovated hotels, expanded wine offerings and a burgeoning culinary scene, not
to mention a unique vibe. “Something special just opens up inside of you when
you’re on the Central Coast,” says Molly O’Brien. “Perhaps it’s the warmth of
the community that welcomes you, or the abundance of open space to explore, or
maybe it’s the freshness of the ingredients used in the local dining and drinks
scene—you can feel yourself almost instantly relax and let go of your stresses.”

In Santa Barbara, the new tech-driven boutique hotel, Drift Santa Barbara,
officially opened its doors in early 2023 in a restored 1920s building, offering
contactless check-in, a third-wave coffee shop and eatery (Dawn) and a craft bar
(Dusk) inspired by Mexican heritage. The Steward, a new Tribute Portfolio
Marriott Hotel, is set to make its debut in May. Set on nearly five acres of
beautifully landscaped gardens, this all-suite boutique hotel has a deep
commitment to sustainability, from eliminating single-use plastics to using
staff uniforms made of vegan materials.



The area’s art and food scene is also buzzing. The former Bellosguardo estate
will open to the public for the first time later in 2023, while the Urban Wine
Trail is welcoming numerous new tasting rooms, including La Lieff Wines and
Frequency Wine Co. Among Santa Barbara’s culinary newcomers are the Rosewood
Miramar Beach’s AMA restaurant (which serves authentic Japanese sushi in a
beautiful setting) and Augie’s tequila bar and restaurant (which features the
largest selection of tequilas and mezcals on the West Coast, including local
agave spirits).

There’s lots of other exciting news in 2023 throughout the Central Coast—from
the latest American Viticultural Area, which is growing in size, to new
restaurants like the Italian-inspired Cielo (opening in Atascadero) and Antigua
Brewing Company (set to open in San Luis Obispo). The wine-tasting destination
of Paso Robles now boasts a new Michelin star at Six Test Kitchen and the town
will soon be home to two Nomada Hotel Group properties: the Farmhouse and River
Lodge, offering easy access to the quaint downtown area. What’s old is also new:
In the once forgotten frontier town of Pozo, the Nomada Hotel Group is
transforming the iconic Pozo Saloon into a modern day travel escape with
Airstreams, glamping tents, RV hookups for sprinter vans, outdoor soaking tubs
and a distillery.





Exploring San Francisco.

getty


WHERE TO GO: SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Chosen By: Emily Carmichael is the managing editor of Fifty Grande.

Why: The City by the Bay is buzzing this year, thanks to an array of fresh
concepts in hospitality, food, technology, green spaces and sustainability.
“With all the Silicon Valley distress, people may be tired of hearing about SF
at this point, but if there’s one thing they should pay attention to, it’s the
city’s leadership in sustainability. It made our sustainability-slanted list of
best destinations in 2023,” says Emily Carmichael.



Exciting openings include the Hearst Hotel from Auberge Resorts (which is
transforming an iconic building into a lavish space that blends tradition and
innovation) and the LINE Hotel San Francisco (a contemporary interpretation of
the area’s historic architecture with a landscaped rooftop solarium that has
panoramic city views).

Additionally, the recently opened Presidio Tunnel Tops, designed by James Corner
Field Operations (the firm behind New York City’s High Line), is providing the
city with an abundance of space to explore and relax among 14 acres of new
national park land and panoramic views of the Bay.

The culinary scene is also red-hot. “It’s not hard to find really delicious food
here that emphasizes sustainability or local sourcing like that of Point Reyes
Farmstead Cheese or Lolo,” says Carmichael. “There’s also the Japanese Tea
Garden and picnics in Dolores Park. San Francisco is just a great place to eat
and be outdoors, fog be damned.”



Then there’s the influence of technology. Joining the growing NFT phenomenon is
SHŌ, a two-story culinary and entertainment nightlife experience that will debut
in downtown San Francisco in fall 2023. The concept will include a restaurant
and rooftop Sky Lounge, as well as a private membership club with the purchase
of an NFT.



Overlooking the heated outdoor pool at the Grand Hyatt Vail.



Grand Hyatt Vail


WHERE TO GO: VAIL, COLORADO

Chosen By: Laura Begley Bloom is a travel expert and the author of this column.

Why: Sixty years ago, a group of visionaries decided to open a ski resort at
Vail Mountain that would eventually revolutionize the industry and help make
this former mining town a must-visit not only for the jet set but for nature
lovers looking for year-round adventures. As the mountain hits its 60th
anniversary, Vail has a lot to celebrate in 2023.

A big headliner is Camp Hale, President Biden’s first national monument. The
groundbreaking new monument on the outskirts of town honors this area’s original
dwellers, the Ute people, as well as the Army’s 10th Mountain Division, which
helped liberate Europe in World War II and used to train here. Plus, there are
53,804 acres to explore with mountain biking, guided hiking, rock climbing, fly
fishing and overnight excursions to the nearby 10th Mountain Division Huts.
(Delaware North recently announced the acquisition of Nova Guides, an outdoor
recreation and adventure tour company based at Camp Hale.)



In other feel-good news, Vail Resorts has reached 100% renewable electricity not
only in Vail itself, but across all of its North American ski resorts. It’s part
of this trailblazing company’s Commitment to Zero effort to reach a zero net
operating footprint by 2030. Vail has also built two new lifts at Wildwood and
paired up with the local 10th Mountain Whiskey distillery to create a pair of
limited-edition bourbons in honor of the anniversary.

In a town where restaurants, lounges and hotels are always innovating, the hot
dining reservation is the private gondola experience at Alpenrose, while Chasing
Rabbits is shaking things up with its a unique entertainment venue that includes
dining, an arthouse cinema, a cocktail-forward speakeasy and more.

Set at the base of Vail Mountain along the revered fly-fishing waters of Gore
Creek, Grand Hyatt Vail is also pulling out all the stops for its own milestone
40th anniversary. New executive chef Pascal Coudouy is reimagining the alpine
menu at the fine dining restaurant Gessner, while the Yoshimi pop-up restaurant
has been so popular that it will soon be replaced with a new permanent sushi
restaurant. And the hotel has introduced plenty of memorable moments, from an
après ski Moët Yurt to Colorado’s first and only Moët & Chandon champagne
vending machine. Even dogs get spoiled at the summertime Yappy Hour.





Skytop Mountain House in Bailey, Colorado

Skytop Mountain House


WHERE TO GO: BAILEY, COLORADO

Chosen By: Kathryn O’Shea-Evans is a travel and design writer and co-author of
the new book Lodge: An Indoorsy Tour of America’s National Parks (Gibbs Smith,
April 2023), with a foreword by Ken Burns.



Why: “Colorado locals like me know the truth: Sometimes, you’ll get stuck in
crazy-making, Los Angeles-worthy traffic on 1-70 for hours just trying to get
into the mountains for a ski day or alpine hiking adventure,” says Kathryn
O’Shea-Evans.

But O’Shea-Evans and her husband recently discovered a dreamy alternative far
from the madding crowds: Bailey, Colorado. “It’s an easy one hour drive from
downtown Denver on Highway 285 and chockablock with so many mountain thrills
that it feels like you’re in an undiscovered corner of Europe,” says
O’Shea-Evans.

To get into nature, O’Shea-Evans recommends Deer Creek Trail. “If you want to
soak up a peaceful mountain forest and take a short, easy stroll along a rushing
creek, this is the spot,” she says. Another favorite location: Wellington Lake.
“Open year-round and a go-to for the region’s anglers, it’s stocked twice a year
with fish like rainbow and palomino trout,” she says. To delve into regional
history, McGraw Memorial Park is a must. “The 20-acre creekside park is home to
a historic homestead from the 1870s, Keystone railroad bridge and Shawnee
School,” says O’Shea-Evans.



Other top vacation spots include Aspen Peak Cellars, set on the banks of the
South Platte River (“don’t miss the charcuterie board, fresh-baked baguette with
Tuscan olive oil and authentic Swiss Cheese fondue”) and the PCCP Resale
Boutique (“an entirely volunteer-run shop that’s a treasure trove of secondhand
finds, all at amazing prices—whether you’re looking for wardrobe staples or fun
kids toys”).

In fact, O’Shea-Evans loves Bailey so much that she and her husband bought a
modern vacation house and turned it into a luxe short term rental, Skytop
Mountain House. “It’s got a prime panorama over Bandit Peak and Rosalie Peak,”
she says. “When we’re vacationing with our son up there, we always, always see
wildlife—from elk to moose—and never experience a traffic jam. It’s Colorado the
way it was meant to be…just don’t tell anybody about it.”





The clear waters of Florida’s Henderson State Park.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach


WHERE: DESTIN-FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA

Chosen By: Kate Schweitzer is a Chicago-based freelance travel writer and mom of
two. Follow her on Instagram @kateschweitzer.

Why: Family-friendly Destin-Fort Walton Beach offers near-perfect weather
year-round, a growing hotel scene, rich ecotourism that the destination is
working hard to protect, plus “a fishing community so vibrant that the beach
town has come to be known as ‘the world’s luckiest fishing village,’” says Kate
Schweitzer.



Set on the Gulf of Mexico, Destin provides travelers with an array of immersive
and educational activities such as artificial reefs for snorkeling and diving,
educational beach walks to learn more about sea turtles and emerald green waters
where dolphins roam freely in their natural habitat. To protect and restore the
local sea life, the destination has introduced a range of projects including new
sea turtle lighting initiatives, the continental United States’ first ever
Fishing Aggregating Device and The Emerald Coast Open and Lionfish Removal &
Awareness Day Festival to promote effectively removing the invasive species from
the Gulf.

“Visitors can also foster their love of marine life with a visit to Destin’s
Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center, which promotes the rehabilitation and release of
stranded sea turtles,” says Schweitzer. “My kiddos loved the
marine-biologist-led tour just as much as setting sail on a trimaran in search
of dolphins.”

Destin is also home to a buzzing gulf-to-table seafood scene, including spots
like Lulu’s (owned by Jimmy Buffett’s little sister Lucy), Rockin Tacos and
Brotula’s Seafood House. “In fact, do some good and order up whatever
lionfish—an invasive species that prey on the area’s native fish population—is
on the menu,” says Schweitzer. “Destin truly is a Florida hidden gem, and you’ll
be so glad you discovered it.”





A waterfront view of St. Pete, Florida.

getty


WHERE TO GO: ST. PETE, FLORIDA

Chosen By: Terry Ward is a Florida-based travel writer whose work appears in
CNN, National Geographic, Lonely Planet and the Washington Post, among many
other outlets. Follow her along her journey on Twitter and Instagram at
@TerryWardWriter.



Why: “St. Pete presents one of Florida’s best mixes of a cool and lively urban
downtown with beautiful beaches right nearby,” says Terry Ward. “The town is
known for its art scene—from the murals everywhere to Salvador Dali and
Renaissance masterworks in museums—but it remains delightfully casual and
approachable at every level, too.”

With 35 miles of uninterrupted coastline including some of Florida’s top-rated
beaches and a booming arts and culture scene, it’s no surprise that St. Pete is
popping on travelers’ radars. The Dalí Museum continues to offer unique and
innovative exhibits that explore multi-sensory, immersive experiences for all
types of travelers and is a must visit when in the destination.

Also appealing: “It’s an LGBTQ+ haven and home to the state’s largest Pride
parade every year,” says Ward. “And the new St. Pete Pier has become a center
for gathering all year round, whether at a pop-up roller rink, among the
pelicans and anglers casting out line at its tip or while enjoying sprawling
views of downtown and Tampa Bay from a rooftop Tiki bar washed with salty
breezes.”



This year is bringing big changes in the hospitality scene, including major
renovations to the iconic Vinoy Renaissance Resort and Golf Club and hot new
hotels popping up all around town. The EDGE District is welcoming its first
lifestyle property, the Moxy Hotel by Marriott, while Mint House is set to open
in the district in June 2023, offering apartment-style accommodations.
Additionally, the AC Hotel St. Petersburg by Marriott opened earlier this year.

And when it comes to soaking in St. Pete’s annual 361 days of sunshine, it
doesn’t always happen at the beach. This year the 75-mile Fred Marquis Pinellas
Trail Loop is being completed with a 6.7-mile addition. The multi-use pathway
stretches from Tarpon Springs to St. Pete with connections to coastal
communities along the way, making it a great way to explore the area.





Exploring Savannah, Georgia.

getty


WHERE TO GO: SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

Chosen By: Melissa Klurman is a travel expert and contributor at Reader’s
Digest, The Points Guy and Travel Awaits.

Why: A charming southern escape, the “Hostess City” of Savannah is a favorite of
travel writer Melissa Klurman for its rich history—the entire downtown is a
National Historic Landmark; its 22 park squares, including the illustrious
Forsyth Park of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil fame; and, of course,
its numerous regional culinary delights.



Despite its many allures, Klurman says, Savannah’s live music scene has been a
bit under the radar. “Savannah is seemingly always in the shadow of Nashville
and Austin. That’s all about to change though,” says Klurman.

This year, the city got a new entertainment venue, Enmarket Arena, bringing big
name acts to a 9,500 seat arena. That comes on the heels of the opening of the
Plant Riverside District, an entertainment zone that debuted during the
pandemic.

Even more enticing is the vibrant Savannah Music Festival, a 17-day celebration
of stellar live jazz, blues, folk, global roots and classical music. It’s an
easy-to-attend (and enjoy) concert series, says Klurman, who also notes that
tickets start at wallet friendly prices of just $31. “You can dip into indoor
and outdoor performances, ticketed big name draws like Buddy Guy, or smaller
lunchtime events to get a flavor of this southern festival,” says Klurman. “It’s
been a local favorite for more than 30 years, but I’m betting that with the new
focus on Savannah as a truly notable music destination, that the Savannah Music
Festival will be at the top of music lovers’ lists in the coming years.”





A rendering of the Longfellow Hotel, which will open this summer in Portland’s
historic West End … [+] neighborhood.

Leonardo R. Merlos


WHERE TO GO: PORTLAND, MAINE

Chosen By: Born and raised in Maine, Vanessa Santarelli is the founder of Your
Maine Concierge (the state’s first custom guided-experience company) and co-host
of the Maine Life TV show.



Why: “One could visit Portland for a week and still only scratch the surface of
all that Maine’s largest city has to offer,” says Vanessa Santarelli.

From fine dining to local seaside eats, Portland has more restaurants per capita
than any other city in the country besides San Francisco. Earlier this year, Per
Se and Eleven Madison Park alums opened Twelve to rave reviews. Some other
notable spots include The Danforth (a restaurant and cocktail bar with sleek
interiors by the Death & Co team), Tandem (a bakery and coffee shop in a former
gas station), Crispy Gai (“a locals’ hot spot where bartender Arvid Brown’s
twist on the classic daiquiri with Thai basil is not to be missed,” says
Santarelli). Miyake also just reopened after having been closed for years due to
Covid. “Chef Masa’s signature hamayaki dish alone will make you want to plan
your return trip to Maine before the check gets to the table,” says Santarelli.

Looking for a quintessential Maine experience? “Pop across the bridge to South
Portland for local oysters on the half shell, ceviche, smoked trout and salmon
toast at SoPo Seafood Market and Raw Bar, paired with a local craft beer like
Patina from Austin Street Brewery, on their way to a casual, yet breathtakingly
scenic lunch of delicious Maine lobster rolls on the no-frills picnic tables at
the Lobster Shack at Two Lights, watching the sailboats and fishing vessels
cruise by,” says Santarelli. “After lunch, walk in the footsteps of famed
painter Winslow Homer by scheduling a private studio tour with the Portland
Museum of Art on the ocean cliffs in Scarborough that inspired many of his most
admired works.”



This year will also bring exciting hotel news: Designed by the same folks that
did the acclaimed Lake House on Canandaiga, Longfellow Hotel will open this
summer in Portland’s historic West End neighborhood. The property will be the
first independent, full-service hotel to open in Portland in 20 years, and is
the namesake of famed Portland poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Owned and
operated by two lifelong Maine brothers, the hotel reinterprets Maine’s wild,
rugged beauty into a sophisticated, calming oasis in the heart of Portland.

Another new hot spot: The Washington Baths, a design-forward Scandinavian style
public bath house. This year will also mark the 200th anniversary of the first
steamship to Portland from Boston, which started regular passenger service
between the two cities and helped transform Maine into “Vacationland.”





A Sand Dune Trail in Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

getty


TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN

Chosen By: Erica Zazo is a freelance outdoor and travel writer based in Chicago.
She often writes about lesser-known hiking trails and outdoor adventures across
the Midwest.

Why: For an underrated destination to add to your 2023 bucket list, look no
further than waterfront Traverse City, located on the Northwest side of
Michigan. The destination is the perfect blend of small-town charm, mixed with
elevated offerings in the cultural and culinary space, such as Modern Bird (from
a husband and wife duo who trained in Michelin-level kitchens) and Dennos Museum
Center (with the largest collection of Inuit art in the country).



“As a Michigan native, I can’t say enough about my love of Traverse City,” says
Erica Zazo. “I’m a huge fan of going on outdoor adventures throughout the
region, including kayaking and fly fishing on the Boardman River, biking through
downtown, hiking on Old Mission Peninsula and boating in the Grand Traverse
Bay.”

One of this lesser-known destination’s claims to fame is that it is the
country’s Cherry Capital: Visitors can stroll through the cherry blossom trees
in springtime and celebrate the region’s favorite crop at the National Cherry
Festival in July. Traverse City is also home to a hidden wine gem: the Traverse
Wine Coast. With its location on the 45th parallel, the region lines up with
prestigious wine regions in Europe and has two unique areas climatically
moderated by the massive waters of Lake Michigan: The Leelanau and Old Mission
Peninsula.

This is also beer country. “I’m a big Michigan craft beer fan, and visiting Farm
Club north of downtown Traverse City is one of my favorite places to drink local
beer,” says Zazo. “They have an amazing food menu, impressive brews and an
unbeatable view from their amazingly beautiful taproom that oozes with cozy
modern cabin vibes.” For a bike-and-brew adventure, Zazo recommends a ride along
the Leelanau Trail, a 17-mile paved bike path that passes right by Farm Club and
stretches all the way to Suttons Bay.



Lastly, Traverse City is a destination for all seasons—whether it’s skiing and
winter sports at Crystal Mountain Resort, leaf peeping in the fall, or exploring
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in the spring and summer. For a great
place to stay, the Alexandra Inn will debut this summer on a private beach along
East Grand Traverse Bay. Each of the 32 guest rooms will have soaker tubs and
glass-faced balconies with stunning water views.



Up-and-coming Hattiesburg, Mississippi.



getty


WHERE TO GO: MISSISSIPPI

Chosen By: Laura Begley Bloom is a travel expert and the author of this column.

Why: The Magnolia State has everything a traveler could want in 2023, from a
cutting-edge culinary scene to buzzing small towns to incredible natural beauty.

In Hattiesburg, take in over 50 pieces of art on the public art trail, tuck into
the Hattiesburg Pocket Alley Pocket Museum (a 48×36-inch window display filled
with a monthly rotating collection of objects) and thrift your heart out at the
Lucky Rabbit, which even has glassblowing demonstrations.



Other hidden-gem towns include Waveland (the only community of the Gulf Coast
that prohibits commercial buildings on its beachfront), Bay St. Louis (which has
a quaint downtown filled with art galleries and antique shops) and Diamondhead
(known for its golf scene and some of the best greens on the coast.

Mississippi has also carved out a signature culinary culture, with high-end
dining by celebrity chefs to farm-to-table spots to no-frills establishments. In
historic downtown Ocean Springs, Vestige offers a contemporary American menu
paired with inspiration of the flavors and techniques of Japan, while at Elvie’s
in Jackson, chef Hunter Evans channels his passion for food and hospitality
learned in his grandmother Elvieretta’s New Orleans kitchen. The Delta is also
known for tamales, and the easiest way to experience this beloved snack is by
following the Hot Tamale Trail.

When it comes to nature, Quapaw Canoe Company runs daytrip and overnight
wilderness customized expeditions on the Lower Mississippi River via its Back
Waters, Bayous, Oxbows and Flood Plain. The Mississippi also offers great
birding throughout its forests and sandy beaches, and the Mississippi Coastal
Birding Trail helps guide visitors to identifying over 40 birding sites
identified by local birders.



Mississippi’s lodging ranges from forest retreats to historic inns and
everything in between. The Roost in Ocean Springs is a restored boutique hotel
located within walking distance of the beach and the eclectic downtown. Set on
26 acres, the Monmouth Historic Inn in Natchez was originally built in 1818 and
is now a National Historic Landmark.



Kansas City, Missouri’s downtown skyline with Union Station.



getty


WHERE TO GO: KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Chosen By: Anna Petrow is a Kansas City-based culinary, travel and lifestyle
photographer and regular contributor to The New York Times, Travel + Leisure and
Fathom.

Why: “Kansas City’s culture includes a unique blend of the creative and the
culinary,” says Anna Petrow. “A city positioned in the heartland, our chefs and
farmers were among the first in the country to quietly lead the farm to table
movement.”

Now, Kansas City is having its moment, thanks in part to people who genuinely
care about where their food comes from. “You see that care come to life in a
creative way in everything from cocktails to chocolate handcrafted in KC,” says
Petrow. “Christopher Elbow’s confections have gained a place on the national
stage, while local liquor brands like J. Rieger & Co. and Mean Mule have quickly
won the hearts of Kansas Citians through both innovation and homage to the
heritage of our city, which eschewed prohibition in favor of speakeasies and
jazz, earning us the nickname ‘Paris of the Plains.’”



Another hallmark of this city is that it’s a place that values community over
competition. “You see this all the time, from restaurants supporting each
other’s new ventures, to coffee shops leading the charge for community
initiatives,” says Petrow. One person who embodies this spirit: Jackie Nguyen,
owner of Vietnamese coffee shop Cafe Cà Phê. “Her shop has become a home for
artists, organizers and dreamers,” says Petrow. “Rarely a week goes by when they
aren’t hosting a culture workshop or fundraiser for a fellow small business
inventor—true advocacy.”

All of this feeds into the general spirit of support for the arts, including
First Fridays in the Crossroads, open gallery nights, street art festivals that
draw big crowds, open-air barbecue competitions in the summer and institutions
like the beloved American Jazz Museum. “Great food and drink are never far
behind,” says Petrow. Case in point? “KC’s most anticipated brewery,
Black-founded and owned Vine Street Brewing, will be opening near the museum
this year,” says Petrow. “So go ahead and book a flight to our new airport—your
tastebuds will thank you.”





A nighttime view of Atlantic City’s waterfront.

getty


WHERE TO GO: ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY

Chosen By: Andrea Doyle, a journalist with Skift Meetings.

Why: “Atlantic City is set to have a banner 2023 and I will be a frequent
visitor,” says Andrea Doyle. America’s Playground (as this beachside city is
called) has seen significant reinvestment into the destination over the last
several years, including multi-million dollar hotel renovations, game-changing
restaurants and all-new attractions.



“There are so many new features coming online that I am excited to experience,”
says Andrea Doyle. “I am looking forward to dining at Nobu, which is set to open
this year, enjoying a show at Spiegelworld and checking out a few of the many
top-name concerts featured this summer.”

When it arrives at Caesars in Atlantic City with a brand new production of “The
Hook” in summer 2023, Spiegelworld is set to be the planet’s premier purveyor of
submersive entertainment. Also bringing new life to the destination: the
highly-anticipated $55 million rebrand and remodel of Borgata’s Water Club to
MGM Tower. Adding to the excitement: Island Waterpark at Showboat Atlantic City,
which will be the largest indoor waterpark in the country and will feature
state-of-the-art surf machines creating life-size waves and the largest custom
aqua forms in the world.

And of course, there are the tried-and-true favorites that continue to deliver.
“On getaways with my girlfriends as well as my book club, we enjoy shopping,
dining at prestigious restaurants, spa treatments at wellness centers like
Exhale Spa + Bathhouse at Ocean and dancing the night away at Boogie Nights at
Tropicana,” says Doyle.





Crow’s Nest, which provides a multi-sensory view of Niagara Falls.

©Stephen Matera 206.715.4572


WHERE: NIAGARA FALLS

Chosen By: Michele Herrmann, Travel, Culinary and Lifestyle Freelance Writer and
Content Creator



Why: Niagara Falls is a bucket-list destination for people from all over the
world, thanks to iconic attractions such as the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the
Winds. Founded in 1886, Niagara Falls State Park has always been a point of
interest for visitors to the Falls, and now a new $46 million Welcome Center
opening later this spring will feature sustainable elements, hands-on exhibits
and indigenous history to enrich the experience.

“The New York State side of Niagara Falls has really seen a lot of growth and
revitalization,” says Michele Herrmann. “From establishments such as Wine on
Third, to the new Visitor’s Center, there’s a lot going on. Other sites to visit
include the Aquarium of Niagara and the Niagara Power Vista.”

Nature is the focal point of any visit to Niagara Falls USA, and the new Niagara
Hiking Company offers guided day hikes into the Niagara Gorge, with scenic
vantage points and narrated history of the area.



A short walk from Niagara Falls, visitors can stay at the Red Coach Inn,
celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023. The historic hotel overlooks the
spectacular Upper Rapids of the Niagara River. Also located within walking
distance of Niagara Falls: the recently renovated voco The Cadence Hotel. Rooms
have balconies where guests can kick up their feet and enjoy a glass of wine
from one of the many local Niagara wineries.



Oklahoma City’s Bricktown neighborhood at dusk.



getty


WHERE TO GO: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA

Chosen By: Kay Kingsman, travel writer and blogger at The Awkward Traveller.

Why: “Oklahoma City is not often at the top of dream destinations for travelers,
but 2023 is the year that will change,” says Kay Kingsman. “Other cities around
the country may get the colloquial title of ‘weird’ or ‘quirky,’ but Oklahoma
City, also called OKC for short, flies under the radar for its unconventional
attractions and locally curated art scene.”

The Bradford House boutique hotel in uptown is a new staple to OKC hospitality.
“It offers guests unique guest rooms, delightful afternoon tea, jazz nights with
regional musicians, and even weekly French classes,” says Kingsman. “It’ll be
hard to leave your cozy hotel room, but once you do, check out two of the most
unique museums you’ll ever come across: the American Banjo Museum and the
American Pigeon Museum. While both are seemingly random, visitors will learn how
both pigeons and banjos were integral to the foundation of modern American
culture.”



Be sure to round out your cultural enrichment with a trip to the newly opened
First Americans Museum. “It explains the decolonized history of the Americas
through the lens of the continent’s Indigenous peoples,” says Kingsman.

There are other amazing things to do in OKC beyond museums. “Have a psychedelic
experience at Factory Obscura and dine at the award-winning Grey Sweater
restaurant,” says Kingsman. “Oklahoma City is also a fantastic road trip stop,
as it lies along Route 66, one of the strangest, but also most artistic,
highways in the country.”

Whether you are just passing through or staying a while, be sure to also add on
at least a day trip to the nearby city of Tulsa. “Tulsa is a destination all on
its own, but if you only have time for one activity, be sure to join the
eye-opening Greenwood Black Wall Street tour,” says Kingsman. “Visitors will
learn the seedy reality of how government entities systemically destroy and
displace Black neighborhoods, and also the steps on what they can do to take
action.”





Exploring Portland, Oregon by bicycle on the Saint Johns Bridge.

getty


WHERE TO GO: PORTLAND, OREGON

Chosen By: Kay Kingsman, travel writer and blogger at The Awkward Traveller.



Why: “Like a phoenix from the ashes, Portland, Oregon is reemerging in 2023 with
unprecedented growth in the food and beverage scene, both in quality and
variety,” says Kay Kingsman.

Awarded “best foodie city of 2022” by WalletHub, Portland is leading the
industry in innovative menus representing cuisines from every corner of the
globe. “One especially exciting trait of Portland’s new trajectory is how many
of the new and rising businesses are owned and operated by BIPOC and LGBTQA+
trailblazers, reinforcing that a visit to Portland can suit every traveler,”
says Kingsman.

With so many great food options, it might be a little overwhelming for
first-time visitors. Kingsman’s top recommendations: Matutitna or Masala Lab for
breakfast, followed by Nong’s Khao Man Gai or Heavy Plays for lunch. “End the
night with a bang at República or Kann, both James Beard-nominated restaurants,”
says Kingsman. Or grab a bite at the establishments that made Portland a
household name in the culinary world: food carts. “There are literally hundreds
of food carts, and for the most part you can’t go wrong, but a few of my
personal favorites are Balong, Erica’s Soul Food, Kim Jong Grillin and Speed-o
Cappuccino,” says Kingsman.



How to fill your time between meals? “Get active at a few of the new inclusive
fitness studios like Flow in the City or join in for a community run hosted by
Deadstock Coffee Roasters,” says Kingsman. “You can also go at your own pace
with a stroll through the Portland Japanese Garden, which added a new tea cafe,
or explore the city on an urban hike and pop into a few locally owned small
businesses for a little souvenir shopping—sales tax free.”



Exploring Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th-century Spanish fort in San
Juan, Puerto Rico.



getty


WHERE TO GO: PUERTO RICO

Chosen By: Kay Kingsman, travel writer and blogger at The Awkward Traveller.

Why: Powerfully rebounding from Hurricane Irma and Maria in 2017, Puerto Rico is
sprinting full speed ahead into 2023—and beyond—with new avenues to enjoy while
remaining loyal to its Boricuan identity. “One of the first things visitors may
notice is the variety of lodging options that directly benefit the community,
like the Dreamers Welcome, a new LGBTQIA-owned hospitality group co-founded by
Puerto Rican artist and designer Roy Delgado,” says Kay Kingsman.

From surfing, to hiking, to just suntanning near the lagoons, Puerto Rico is a
destination of natural beauty, with miles of beautiful coastlines and the only
rainforest National Park in America. “For the nautically inclined, there are
also multiple islands off the coast with soft white sand and crystal clear
waters for snorkeling,” says Kingsman. “Or grab a kayak and waft through one (or
all!) of the three bioluminescent bays.”



Other nature highlights include the reopening of the renowned Camuy Caves, known
for its extensive network of natural lime caves and underground waterways
waiting to be explored. And then there’s the state-of-the-art self-sustainable
company Earthship PR, which offers educational tours and short-term rentals of
its off-grid and sustainable homes built with recycled materials

Along with the island’s natural beauty, Puerto Rico’s cultural attractions are
also a big draw. “Companies like Higuaca Adventours and Sojourn offer accessible
Taino and Afro-Borinken heritage tours,” says Kingsman. Coupled with the
worldwide explosion of Puerto Rican musicians such as Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro,
and Villano Antillano, the island is experiencing incredible growth in the art
scene as well. “Be sure to check out community art collectives such as El Local
en Santurce to get the latest pulse on the creative events in Puerto Rico,” says
Kingsman.

There are also a number of new restaurants blooming across the island. “A food
tour with Flavors of San Juan Food or Spoon is a must-do to get a taste of some
of the best flavors Puerto Rico has to offer,” says Kingsman. “If tours aren’t
your style, you can DIY your own culinary adventure by following recommendations
by local Puerto Rican food influencer Come Con Juan.”





Nneya Richards in Rhode Island’s South County.

Nneya Richards


WHERE TO GO: SOUTH COUNTY, RHODE ISLAND

Chosen By: Nneya Richards is a speaker and travel blogger at ’N A Perfect World,
a curated intersection of travel, food, fashion and geopolitics inspired by the
global-citizen lifestyle of the millennial. Richards aims to empower young
people, especially those of color, to travel, as she believes it is through
exploring the world that we will bridge cultural gaps and misunderstandings.



Why: “It’s just over three hours away from NYC on a fast, comfortable Amtrak
ride. But shhh… don’t tell the New Yorkers,” says Nneya Richards. “During the
summer season, getting to South County, Rhode Island is easier than getting to
the Hamptons. And you’re going to want to head here all year round.”

South County, Rhode Island is on the list for 2023, thanks to all its secret
diversions and some not-so secret celebrity fans. “You may know the town of
Watch Hill from Taylor Swift’s Last Great American Dynasty,” says Richards. “Or
maybe it’s because Watch Hill is home to the oldest Flying Horse carousel in the
country, dating back to 1754.”

Also going for South County: “There’s something for everyone,” says Richards.
“There are laidback surf town vibes in places like Narragansett, and you’ll find
the best seafood in the country at restaurants like Matunuck Oyster Bar, and
cuisine that could easily be just at home in a hotspot in Mexico City at Dalia,
a waterfront Mexican restaurant at Ocean House.”



There’s plenty of hotel news in South County, including The Cottage Collection
(new accommodations from the acclaimed by Ocean House), The General Stanton Inn
(an historic property in Charlestown that’s reopening in May) and Surf Shack Bed
& Breakfast (a funky inn coming in late 2023 in Narragansett).

Other new exciting spots include Double Barrel Steak by David Burke, which
recently debuted at The Preserve Sporting Club & Residences and Seaside Shadows
ghost tours in Westerly (new since last fall). And coming in 2024: Charleston’s
Ninigret Park will be home to new Troll works by the famed Danish artist Thomas
Dambo.

Best of all: “It’s one of those pockets of peace that the rugged coastlines of
the Atlantic can do so well,” says Richards. “And the sunrises and sunsets are
just marvelous.”





The clear nighttime skies in Badlands National Park in South Dakota.

getty


WHERE TO GO: SOUTH DAKOTA

Chosen By: Laura Begley Bloom is a travel expert and the author of this column.



Why: Besides its six national parks, 63 state parks and recreation areas, iconic
monuments and scenic byways, South Dakota has plenty of new reasons to add the
state to your travel bucket list in 2023.

In the legendary Badlands, the Oglala Lakota Living History Village is a new
entry point to the beautiful landscape and the past and present culture of
Lakota Country. Another new adventure in the heart of Lakota Country: a Buffalo
Road Vacation at the legendary Farlee Ranch on the Cheyenne River Reservation,
which provides visitors with an understanding of the life of Native Americans.
This year also marks the 75th year anniversary of the Crazy Horse monument—which
is still being constructed and honors the Lakota leader who bravely defended the
Lakota people’s way of life.

In Custer State Park, the new Bison Center brings an all-bison experience to the
park’s scenic drive through the southern prairie, educating future generations
on the importance of these majestic animals through dynamic interpretive
displays. For a new way to see the Black Hills, the Custer-based Overland
America specializes in off-road adventures in Jeep and Overland Trailer rentals.



Another South Dakota must-see for landscapes, tribal history and rich culture:
the Native American Scenic Byway, which takes travelers through the lands of the
Yankton, Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Sioux Tribes.

South Dakota’s culinary scene might also surprise you, especially in Sioux
Falls, which is home to spots like The Treasury (an imaginative cocktail lounge
located through the bank vault doors of the area’s newest boutique hotel, Hotel
on Phillips), Remedy Brewing Company (a newly opened family and dog-friendly
brewery) and the trailblazing Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean (led by 2023 James
Beard Award-nominated chef Sanaa Abourezk).





The entrance to the Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock, Vermont.

Woodstock Inn & Resort


WHERE TO GO: WOODSTOCK, VERMONT

Chosen By: Amanda Gabriele is a writer, editor, world traveler and martini
enthusiast. She’s currently a senior editor at InsideHook and her work has
appeared in Travel + Leisure, Eater, Gear Patrol, Thrillist, Matador and more.
She lives in Brooklyn, New York but is constantly looking for her next
adventure, which you can follow on Instagram @amandameatballs.

Why: Woodstock, Vermont has been making headlines for reasons big and small. The
town was recently named to American Express Travel’s 2023 Trending Destinations
list, based its popularity with cardholders. And the destination garnered
attention when it reopened its iconic Suicide Six ski area—one of the oldest in
the country— with a new name, Saskadena Six Ski Area, and new amenities. The
change was recognized both for its long overdue nod to the Abenaki people’s
ancestral lands, as well as the importance of mental health awareness.



The town’s simple appeals add to its allure. “I can’t think of a more idyllic
place than Woodstock, Vermont—it makes for a perfect getaway in any season,”
says Amanda Gabriele. “It has all the outdoor activities (hiking, skiing,
fishing) and a lovely main street with great shops (don’t miss F.H. Gillingham
and Sons, Woody’s Mercantile and Yankee Bookshop).”

For such a small town, Woodstock also has a buzzing hospitality scene. “I’m
always in search of the perfect cocktail bar, and I could live inside Au
Comptoir with its cozy interior and delicious drinks,” says Gabriele. On the
mountain, Perley’s Pourhouse at Saskadena Six offers a selection of Vermont
craft beer on tap, an outdoor wood-burning fireplace and fire pits.

The town is also home to the iconic Woodstock Inn & Resort. “It’s dog-friendly,
which is a huge plus,” says Gabriele. “and there are comfy sitting areas (and an
awesome game room!) scattered around the property that are perfect for a
nightcap and chatting up new friends. Its two restaurants—Red Rooster and
Richardson’s Tavern—are excellent and many of the dishes are made using fresh
produce from the inn’s own garden.”




READ MORE:

• Ranked: The 20 Happiest Countries In The World In 2023


• QUIT YOUR JOB AND MOVE ABROAD: 10 CHEAPEST PLACES TO LIVE






For the past three years, with borders closed around the globe, U.S. travel has
provided Americans with much-needed solace—a tonic during a time of uncertainty
and fear. We rediscovered national parks, we explored this country’s hidden
shores and we found new appreciation for America’s wide open spaces.



Despite the fact that many international countries have reopened to travelers,
domestic travel remains strong, according to the U.S. Travel Association—proving
that there’s still a lot to discover close to home.



A view of Avila Beach, along the Central Coast of California, one of the best
places to travel in … [+] 2023.



Christopher Petro | Californist Photography | Courtesy of Visit SLO CAL

So what are the best places to travel in the U.S. right now? Every year, I round
up the best places to visit in America. Once again, I tapped into leading women
travel experts and influencers to find out the best places to travel in the U.S.
in 2023. I also opened my own little black book to reveal the destinations that
are on my radar this year.

The picks for where to go in 2023 span the gamut from coastal escapes to
mountain hideaways to urban hot spots, with some surprises thrown in along the
way. Compare these choices to last year’s picks for the best places to travel in
the U.S.





If you want to see this year’s list of the best international places to travel,
check out “The 23 Best Places To Travel Around the Globe In 2023, Chosen By The
Experts.”



Road tripping in Phoenix, which is one of the best places to travel in the US in
2023.



getty


WHERE TO GO: PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Chosen By: Lucee Santini is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger who has
contributed to Huffington Post, SheBuysTravels and Newsbreak and is the chief
editor and writer for MomJunky.com. She shares her adventures and tips on
Instagram @momjunky.com and @familytraveldestinations.

Why: Phoenix made headlines recently as the host of Superbowl LVII, the kickoff
location of Taylor Swift’s tour and the home of the MLB Spring Training. But
there’s so much to experience in Greater Phoenix in 2023—one of the fastest
growing cities in the U.S.—not to mention the natural beauty that made it a
must-visit destination in the first place. “The Valley of the Sun is known for
sunny weather all year around, beautiful hikes and scenic landscapes,” says
Lucee Santini, who is a big fan of spots like the Desert Botanical Garden, a
144-acre oasis in the middle of the desert.

The city is in the midst of a $23 million redesign of South Mountain Park and
Preserve—America’s biggest urban park—that will culminate with the park’s 100th
anniversary in 2024. “Stay at WorldMark Phoenix – South Mountain Preserve,” says
Santini. “It’s the perfect home base to explore nearby trails and catch an
amazing show or exhibition.”



Over the next year, Phoenix will see the opening of several major resorts,
including Moxy Phoenix Downtown (set in a 1920’s Luhrs building), The
Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie (overlooking Camelback Mountain) and
the $1 billion VAI (complete with white-sand beaches, a 52,000-square-foot party
island and the Mattel Adventure Park). Some iconic properties are also getting
overhauled. The Wigwam, an historic resort with luxury casitas and suites in the
West Valley, will undergo a comprehensive renovation in 2023. Look for two
expansive swimming pools, bocce and tennis courts, as well as an enhanced golf
club with 54 holes of championship golf including two courses designed by Robert
Trent Jones, Sr.

The Phoenix metropolitan area’s food and wine scene is also exploding, with
exciting entries like Chic Chef 77 (Arizona’s first Black-owned wine bar from
celebrity chef Nik Fields) and Chilte (Mexican street food at the Grand Avenue
Arts District’s new Egyptian Motor Hotel). The drinks scene is also making
global headlines, thanks to trend-defining spots like Platform 18 and UnderTow,
which have established a new brand of cocktail theater.





Talley Farms Vineyard in San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California.

Courtesy of Visit SLO CAL


WHERE TO GO: CENTRAL COAST, CALIFORNIA

Chosen By: Molly O’Brien is a freelance journalist.

Why: America’s very own Riviera—the Central Coast of California, stretching from
Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo—is undergoing a renaissance, with new and
renovated hotels, expanded wine offerings and a burgeoning culinary scene, not
to mention a unique vibe. “Something special just opens up inside of you when
you’re on the Central Coast,” says Molly O’Brien. “Perhaps it’s the warmth of
the community that welcomes you, or the abundance of open space to explore, or
maybe it’s the freshness of the ingredients used in the local dining and drinks
scene—you can feel yourself almost instantly relax and let go of your stresses.”



In Santa Barbara, the new tech-driven boutique hotel, Drift Santa Barbara,
officially opened its doors in early 2023 in a restored 1920s building, offering
contactless check-in, a third-wave coffee shop and eatery (Dawn) and a craft bar
(Dusk) inspired by Mexican heritage. The Steward, a new Tribute Portfolio
Marriott Hotel, is set to make its debut in May. Set on nearly five acres of
beautifully landscaped gardens, this all-suite boutique hotel has a deep
commitment to sustainability, from eliminating single-use plastics to using
staff uniforms made of vegan materials.

The area’s art and food scene is also buzzing. The former Bellosguardo estate
will open to the public for the first time later in 2023, while the Urban Wine
Trail is welcoming numerous new tasting rooms, including La Lieff Wines and
Frequency Wine Co. Among Santa Barbara’s culinary newcomers are the Rosewood
Miramar Beach’s AMA restaurant (which serves authentic Japanese sushi in a
beautiful setting) and Augie’s tequila bar and restaurant (which features the
largest selection of tequilas and mezcals on the West Coast, including local
agave spirits).

There’s lots of other exciting news in 2023 throughout the Central Coast—from
the latest American Viticultural Area, which is growing in size, to new
restaurants like the Italian-inspired Cielo (opening in Atascadero) and Antigua
Brewing Company (set to open in San Luis Obispo). The wine-tasting destination
of Paso Robles now boasts a new Michelin star at Six Test Kitchen and the town
will soon be home to two Nomada Hotel Group properties: the Farmhouse and River
Lodge, offering easy access to the quaint downtown area. What’s old is also new:
In the once forgotten frontier town of Pozo, the Nomada Hotel Group is
transforming the iconic Pozo Saloon into a modern day travel escape with
Airstreams, glamping tents, RV hookups for sprinter vans, outdoor soaking tubs
and a distillery.





Exploring San Francisco.

getty


WHERE TO GO: SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Chosen By: Emily Carmichael is the managing editor of Fifty Grande.



Why: The City by the Bay is buzzing this year, thanks to an array of fresh
concepts in hospitality, food, technology, green spaces and sustainability.
“With all the Silicon Valley distress, people may be tired of hearing about SF
at this point, but if there’s one thing they should pay attention to, it’s the
city’s leadership in sustainability. It made our sustainability-slanted list of
best destinations in 2023,” says Emily Carmichael.

Exciting openings include the Hearst Hotel from Auberge Resorts (which is
transforming an iconic building into a lavish space that blends tradition and
innovation) and the LINE Hotel San Francisco (a contemporary interpretation of
the area’s historic architecture with a landscaped rooftop solarium that has
panoramic city views).

Additionally, the recently opened Presidio Tunnel Tops, designed by James Corner
Field Operations (the firm behind New York City’s High Line), is providing the
city with an abundance of space to explore and relax among 14 acres of new
national park land and panoramic views of the Bay.



The culinary scene is also red-hot. “It’s not hard to find really delicious food
here that emphasizes sustainability or local sourcing like that of Point Reyes
Farmstead Cheese or Lolo,” says Carmichael. “There’s also the Japanese Tea
Garden and picnics in Dolores Park. San Francisco is just a great place to eat
and be outdoors, fog be damned.”

Then there’s the influence of technology. Joining the growing NFT phenomenon is
SHŌ, a two-story culinary and entertainment nightlife experience that will debut
in downtown San Francisco in fall 2023. The concept will include a restaurant
and rooftop Sky Lounge, as well as a private membership club with the purchase
of an NFT.





Overlooking the heated outdoor pool at the Grand Hyatt Vail.

Grand Hyatt Vail


WHERE TO GO: VAIL, COLORADO

Chosen By: Laura Begley Bloom is a travel expert and the author of this column.

Why: Sixty years ago, a group of visionaries decided to open a ski resort at
Vail Mountain that would eventually revolutionize the industry and help make
this former mining town a must-visit not only for the jet set but for nature
lovers looking for year-round adventures. As the mountain hits its 60th
anniversary, Vail has a lot to celebrate in 2023.



A big headliner is Camp Hale, President Biden’s first national monument. The
groundbreaking new monument on the outskirts of town honors this area’s original
dwellers, the Ute people, as well as the Army’s 10th Mountain Division, which
helped liberate Europe in World War II and used to train here. Plus, there are
53,804 acres to explore with mountain biking, guided hiking, rock climbing, fly
fishing and overnight excursions to the nearby 10th Mountain Division Huts.
(Delaware North recently announced the acquisition of Nova Guides, an outdoor
recreation and adventure tour company based at Camp Hale.)

In other feel-good news, Vail Resorts has reached 100% renewable electricity not
only in Vail itself, but across all of its North American ski resorts. It’s part
of this trailblazing company’s Commitment to Zero effort to reach a zero net
operating footprint by 2030. Vail has also built two new lifts at Wildwood and
paired up with the local 10th Mountain Whiskey distillery to create a pair of
limited-edition bourbons in honor of the anniversary.

In a town where restaurants, lounges and hotels are always innovating, the hot
dining reservation is the private gondola experience at Alpenrose, while Chasing
Rabbits is shaking things up with its a unique entertainment venue that includes
dining, an arthouse cinema, a cocktail-forward speakeasy and more.



Set at the base of Vail Mountain along the revered fly-fishing waters of Gore
Creek, Grand Hyatt Vail is also pulling out all the stops for its own milestone
40th anniversary. New executive chef Pascal Coudouy is reimagining the alpine
menu at the fine dining restaurant Gessner, while the Yoshimi pop-up restaurant
has been so popular that it will soon be replaced with a new permanent sushi
restaurant. And the hotel has introduced plenty of memorable moments, from an
après ski Moët Yurt to Colorado’s first and only Moët & Chandon champagne
vending machine. Even dogs get spoiled at the summertime Yappy Hour.



Skytop Mountain House in Bailey, Colorado



Skytop Mountain House


WHERE TO GO: BAILEY, COLORADO

Chosen By: Kathryn O’Shea-Evans is a travel and design writer and co-author of
the new book Lodge: An Indoorsy Tour of America’s National Parks (Gibbs Smith,
April 2023), with a foreword by Ken Burns.

Why: “Colorado locals like me know the truth: Sometimes, you’ll get stuck in
crazy-making, Los Angeles-worthy traffic on 1-70 for hours just trying to get
into the mountains for a ski day or alpine hiking adventure,” says Kathryn
O’Shea-Evans.

But O’Shea-Evans and her husband recently discovered a dreamy alternative far
from the madding crowds: Bailey, Colorado. “It’s an easy one hour drive from
downtown Denver on Highway 285 and chockablock with so many mountain thrills
that it feels like you’re in an undiscovered corner of Europe,” says
O’Shea-Evans.



To get into nature, O’Shea-Evans recommends Deer Creek Trail. “If you want to
soak up a peaceful mountain forest and take a short, easy stroll along a rushing
creek, this is the spot,” she says. Another favorite location: Wellington Lake.
“Open year-round and a go-to for the region’s anglers, it’s stocked twice a year
with fish like rainbow and palomino trout,” she says. To delve into regional
history, McGraw Memorial Park is a must. “The 20-acre creekside park is home to
a historic homestead from the 1870s, Keystone railroad bridge and Shawnee
School,” says O’Shea-Evans.

Other top vacation spots include Aspen Peak Cellars, set on the banks of the
South Platte River (“don’t miss the charcuterie board, fresh-baked baguette with
Tuscan olive oil and authentic Swiss Cheese fondue”) and the PCCP Resale
Boutique (“an entirely volunteer-run shop that’s a treasure trove of secondhand
finds, all at amazing prices—whether you’re looking for wardrobe staples or fun
kids toys”).

In fact, O’Shea-Evans loves Bailey so much that she and her husband bought a
modern vacation house and turned it into a luxe short term rental, Skytop
Mountain House. “It’s got a prime panorama over Bandit Peak and Rosalie Peak,”
she says. “When we’re vacationing with our son up there, we always, always see
wildlife—from elk to moose—and never experience a traffic jam. It’s Colorado the
way it was meant to be…just don’t tell anybody about it.”





The clear waters of Florida’s Henderson State Park.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach


WHERE: DESTIN-FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA

Chosen By: Kate Schweitzer is a Chicago-based freelance travel writer and mom of
two. Follow her on Instagram @kateschweitzer.



Why: Family-friendly Destin-Fort Walton Beach offers near-perfect weather
year-round, a growing hotel scene, rich ecotourism that the destination is
working hard to protect, plus “a fishing community so vibrant that the beach
town has come to be known as ‘the world’s luckiest fishing village,’” says Kate
Schweitzer.

Set on the Gulf of Mexico, Destin provides travelers with an array of immersive
and educational activities such as artificial reefs for snorkeling and diving,
educational beach walks to learn more about sea turtles and emerald green waters
where dolphins roam freely in their natural habitat. To protect and restore the
local sea life, the destination has introduced a range of projects including new
sea turtle lighting initiatives, the continental United States’ first ever
Fishing Aggregating Device and The Emerald Coast Open and Lionfish Removal &
Awareness Day Festival to promote effectively removing the invasive species from
the Gulf.

“Visitors can also foster their love of marine life with a visit to Destin’s
Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center, which promotes the rehabilitation and release of
stranded sea turtles,” says Schweitzer. “My kiddos loved the
marine-biologist-led tour just as much as setting sail on a trimaran in search
of dolphins.”



Destin is also home to a buzzing gulf-to-table seafood scene, including spots
like Lulu’s (owned by Jimmy Buffett’s little sister Lucy), Rockin Tacos and
Brotula’s Seafood House. “In fact, do some good and order up whatever
lionfish—an invasive species that prey on the area’s native fish population—is
on the menu,” says Schweitzer. “Destin truly is a Florida hidden gem, and you’ll
be so glad you discovered it.”



A waterfront view of St. Pete, Florida.



getty


WHERE TO GO: ST. PETE, FLORIDA

Chosen By: Terry Ward is a Florida-based travel writer whose work appears in
CNN, National Geographic, Lonely Planet and the Washington Post, among many
other outlets. Follow her along her journey on Twitter and Instagram at
@TerryWardWriter.

Why: “St. Pete presents one of Florida’s best mixes of a cool and lively urban
downtown with beautiful beaches right nearby,” says Terry Ward. “The town is
known for its art scene—from the murals everywhere to Salvador Dali and
Renaissance masterworks in museums—but it remains delightfully casual and
approachable at every level, too.”

With 35 miles of uninterrupted coastline including some of Florida’s top-rated
beaches and a booming arts and culture scene, it’s no surprise that St. Pete is
popping on travelers’ radars. The Dalí Museum continues to offer unique and
innovative exhibits that explore multi-sensory, immersive experiences for all
types of travelers and is a must visit when in the destination.



Also appealing: “It’s an LGBTQ+ haven and home to the state’s largest Pride
parade every year,” says Ward. “And the new St. Pete Pier has become a center
for gathering all year round, whether at a pop-up roller rink, among the
pelicans and anglers casting out line at its tip or while enjoying sprawling
views of downtown and Tampa Bay from a rooftop Tiki bar washed with salty
breezes.”

This year is bringing big changes in the hospitality scene, including major
renovations to the iconic Vinoy Renaissance Resort and Golf Club and hot new
hotels popping up all around town. The EDGE District is welcoming its first
lifestyle property, the Moxy Hotel by Marriott, while Mint House is set to open
in the district in June 2023, offering apartment-style accommodations.
Additionally, the AC Hotel St. Petersburg by Marriott opened earlier this year.

And when it comes to soaking in St. Pete’s annual 361 days of sunshine, it
doesn’t always happen at the beach. This year the 75-mile Fred Marquis Pinellas
Trail Loop is being completed with a 6.7-mile addition. The multi-use pathway
stretches from Tarpon Springs to St. Pete with connections to coastal
communities along the way, making it a great way to explore the area.





Exploring Savannah, Georgia.

getty


WHERE TO GO: SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

Chosen By: Melissa Klurman is a travel expert and contributor at Reader’s
Digest, The Points Guy and Travel Awaits.



Why: A charming southern escape, the “Hostess City” of Savannah is a favorite of
travel writer Melissa Klurman for its rich history—the entire downtown is a
National Historic Landmark; its 22 park squares, including the illustrious
Forsyth Park of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil fame; and, of course,
its numerous regional culinary delights.

Despite its many allures, Klurman says, Savannah’s live music scene has been a
bit under the radar. “Savannah is seemingly always in the shadow of Nashville
and Austin. That’s all about to change though,” says Klurman.

This year, the city got a new entertainment venue, Enmarket Arena, bringing big
name acts to a 9,500 seat arena. That comes on the heels of the opening of the
Plant Riverside District, an entertainment zone that debuted during the
pandemic.



Even more enticing is the vibrant Savannah Music Festival, a 17-day celebration
of stellar live jazz, blues, folk, global roots and classical music. It’s an
easy-to-attend (and enjoy) concert series, says Klurman, who also notes that
tickets start at wallet friendly prices of just $31. “You can dip into indoor
and outdoor performances, ticketed big name draws like Buddy Guy, or smaller
lunchtime events to get a flavor of this southern festival,” says Klurman. “It’s
been a local favorite for more than 30 years, but I’m betting that with the new
focus on Savannah as a truly notable music destination, that the Savannah Music
Festival will be at the top of music lovers’ lists in the coming years.”



A rendering of the Longfellow Hotel, which will open this summer in Portland’s
historic West End … [+] neighborhood.



Leonardo R. Merlos


WHERE TO GO: PORTLAND, MAINE

Chosen By: Born and raised in Maine, Vanessa Santarelli is the founder of Your
Maine Concierge (the state’s first custom guided-experience company) and co-host
of the Maine Life TV show.

Why: “One could visit Portland for a week and still only scratch the surface of
all that Maine’s largest city has to offer,” says Vanessa Santarelli.

From fine dining to local seaside eats, Portland has more restaurants per capita
than any other city in the country besides San Francisco. Earlier this year, Per
Se and Eleven Madison Park alums opened Twelve to rave reviews. Some other
notable spots include The Danforth (a restaurant and cocktail bar with sleek
interiors by the Death & Co team), Tandem (a bakery and coffee shop in a former
gas station), Crispy Gai (“a locals’ hot spot where bartender Arvid Brown’s
twist on the classic daiquiri with Thai basil is not to be missed,” says
Santarelli). Miyake also just reopened after having been closed for years due to
Covid. “Chef Masa’s signature hamayaki dish alone will make you want to plan
your return trip to Maine before the check gets to the table,” says Santarelli.



Looking for a quintessential Maine experience? “Pop across the bridge to South
Portland for local oysters on the half shell, ceviche, smoked trout and salmon
toast at SoPo Seafood Market and Raw Bar, paired with a local craft beer like
Patina from Austin Street Brewery, on their way to a casual, yet breathtakingly
scenic lunch of delicious Maine lobster rolls on the no-frills picnic tables at
the Lobster Shack at Two Lights, watching the sailboats and fishing vessels
cruise by,” says Santarelli. “After lunch, walk in the footsteps of famed
painter Winslow Homer by scheduling a private studio tour with the Portland
Museum of Art on the ocean cliffs in Scarborough that inspired many of his most
admired works.”

This year will also bring exciting hotel news: Designed by the same folks that
did the acclaimed Lake House on Canandaiga, Longfellow Hotel will open this
summer in Portland’s historic West End neighborhood. The property will be the
first independent, full-service hotel to open in Portland in 20 years, and is
the namesake of famed Portland poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Owned and
operated by two lifelong Maine brothers, the hotel reinterprets Maine’s wild,
rugged beauty into a sophisticated, calming oasis in the heart of Portland.

Another new hot spot: The Washington Baths, a design-forward Scandinavian style
public bath house. This year will also mark the 200th anniversary of the first
steamship to Portland from Boston, which started regular passenger service
between the two cities and helped transform Maine into “Vacationland.”





A Sand Dune Trail in Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

getty


TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN

Chosen By: Erica Zazo is a freelance outdoor and travel writer based in Chicago.
She often writes about lesser-known hiking trails and outdoor adventures across
the Midwest.



Why: For an underrated destination to add to your 2023 bucket list, look no
further than waterfront Traverse City, located on the Northwest side of
Michigan. The destination is the perfect blend of small-town charm, mixed with
elevated offerings in the cultural and culinary space, such as Modern Bird (from
a husband and wife duo who trained in Michelin-level kitchens) and Dennos Museum
Center (with the largest collection of Inuit art in the country).

“As a Michigan native, I can’t say enough about my love of Traverse City,” says
Erica Zazo. “I’m a huge fan of going on outdoor adventures throughout the
region, including kayaking and fly fishing on the Boardman River, biking through
downtown, hiking on Old Mission Peninsula and boating in the Grand Traverse
Bay.”

One of this lesser-known destination’s claims to fame is that it is the
country’s Cherry Capital: Visitors can stroll through the cherry blossom trees
in springtime and celebrate the region’s favorite crop at the National Cherry
Festival in July. Traverse City is also home to a hidden wine gem: the Traverse
Wine Coast. With its location on the 45th parallel, the region lines up with
prestigious wine regions in Europe and has two unique areas climatically
moderated by the massive waters of Lake Michigan: The Leelanau and Old Mission
Peninsula.



This is also beer country. “I’m a big Michigan craft beer fan, and visiting Farm
Club north of downtown Traverse City is one of my favorite places to drink local
beer,” says Zazo. “They have an amazing food menu, impressive brews and an
unbeatable view from their amazingly beautiful taproom that oozes with cozy
modern cabin vibes.” For a bike-and-brew adventure, Zazo recommends a ride along
the Leelanau Trail, a 17-mile paved bike path that passes right by Farm Club and
stretches all the way to Suttons Bay.

Lastly, Traverse City is a destination for all seasons—whether it’s skiing and
winter sports at Crystal Mountain Resort, leaf peeping in the fall, or exploring
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in the spring and summer. For a great
place to stay, the Alexandra Inn will debut this summer on a private beach along
East Grand Traverse Bay. Each of the 32 guest rooms will have soaker tubs and
glass-faced balconies with stunning water views.





Up-and-coming Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

getty


WHERE TO GO: MISSISSIPPI

Chosen By: Laura Begley Bloom is a travel expert and the author of this column.

Why: The Magnolia State has everything a traveler could want in 2023, from a
cutting-edge culinary scene to buzzing small towns to incredible natural beauty.



In Hattiesburg, take in over 50 pieces of art on the public art trail, tuck into
the Hattiesburg Pocket Alley Pocket Museum (a 48×36-inch window display filled
with a monthly rotating collection of objects) and thrift your heart out at the
Lucky Rabbit, which even has glassblowing demonstrations.

Other hidden-gem towns include Waveland (the only community of the Gulf Coast
that prohibits commercial buildings on its beachfront), Bay St. Louis (which has
a quaint downtown filled with art galleries and antique shops) and Diamondhead
(known for its golf scene and some of the best greens on the coast.

Mississippi has also carved out a signature culinary culture, with high-end
dining by celebrity chefs to farm-to-table spots to no-frills establishments. In
historic downtown Ocean Springs, Vestige offers a contemporary American menu
paired with inspiration of the flavors and techniques of Japan, while at Elvie’s
in Jackson, chef Hunter Evans channels his passion for food and hospitality
learned in his grandmother Elvieretta’s New Orleans kitchen. The Delta is also
known for tamales, and the easiest way to experience this beloved snack is by
following the Hot Tamale Trail.



When it comes to nature, Quapaw Canoe Company runs daytrip and overnight
wilderness customized expeditions on the Lower Mississippi River via its Back
Waters, Bayous, Oxbows and Flood Plain. The Mississippi also offers great
birding throughout its forests and sandy beaches, and the Mississippi Coastal
Birding Trail helps guide visitors to identifying over 40 birding sites
identified by local birders.

Mississippi’s lodging ranges from forest retreats to historic inns and
everything in between. The Roost in Ocean Springs is a restored boutique hotel
located within walking distance of the beach and the eclectic downtown. Set on
26 acres, the Monmouth Historic Inn in Natchez was originally built in 1818 and
is now a National Historic Landmark.





Kansas City, Missouri’s downtown skyline with Union Station.

getty


WHERE TO GO: KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Chosen By: Anna Petrow is a Kansas City-based culinary, travel and lifestyle
photographer and regular contributor to The New York Times, Travel + Leisure and
Fathom.

Why: “Kansas City’s culture includes a unique blend of the creative and the
culinary,” says Anna Petrow. “A city positioned in the heartland, our chefs and
farmers were among the first in the country to quietly lead the farm to table
movement.”



Now, Kansas City is having its moment, thanks in part to people who genuinely
care about where their food comes from. “You see that care come to life in a
creative way in everything from cocktails to chocolate handcrafted in KC,” says
Petrow. “Christopher Elbow’s confections have gained a place on the national
stage, while local liquor brands like J. Rieger & Co. and Mean Mule have quickly
won the hearts of Kansas Citians through both innovation and homage to the
heritage of our city, which eschewed prohibition in favor of speakeasies and
jazz, earning us the nickname ‘Paris of the Plains.’”

Another hallmark of this city is that it’s a place that values community over
competition. “You see this all the time, from restaurants supporting each
other’s new ventures, to coffee shops leading the charge for community
initiatives,” says Petrow. One person who embodies this spirit: Jackie Nguyen,
owner of Vietnamese coffee shop Cafe Cà Phê. “Her shop has become a home for
artists, organizers and dreamers,” says Petrow. “Rarely a week goes by when they
aren’t hosting a culture workshop or fundraiser for a fellow small business
inventor—true advocacy.”

All of this feeds into the general spirit of support for the arts, including
First Fridays in the Crossroads, open gallery nights, street art festivals that
draw big crowds, open-air barbecue competitions in the summer and institutions
like the beloved American Jazz Museum. “Great food and drink are never far
behind,” says Petrow. Case in point? “KC’s most anticipated brewery,
Black-founded and owned Vine Street Brewing, will be opening near the museum
this year,” says Petrow. “So go ahead and book a flight to our new airport—your
tastebuds will thank you.”





A nighttime view of Atlantic City’s waterfront.

getty


WHERE TO GO: ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY

Chosen By: Andrea Doyle, a journalist with Skift Meetings.



Why: “Atlantic City is set to have a banner 2023 and I will be a frequent
visitor,” says Andrea Doyle. America’s Playground (as this beachside city is
called) has seen significant reinvestment into the destination over the last
several years, including multi-million dollar hotel renovations, game-changing
restaurants and all-new attractions.

“There are so many new features coming online that I am excited to experience,”
says Andrea Doyle. “I am looking forward to dining at Nobu, which is set to open
this year, enjoying a show at Spiegelworld and checking out a few of the many
top-name concerts featured this summer.”

When it arrives at Caesars in Atlantic City with a brand new production of “The
Hook” in summer 2023, Spiegelworld is set to be the planet’s premier purveyor of
submersive entertainment. Also bringing new life to the destination: the
highly-anticipated $55 million rebrand and remodel of Borgata’s Water Club to
MGM Tower. Adding to the excitement: Island Waterpark at Showboat Atlantic City,
which will be the largest indoor waterpark in the country and will feature
state-of-the-art surf machines creating life-size waves and the largest custom
aqua forms in the world.



And of course, there are the tried-and-true favorites that continue to deliver.
“On getaways with my girlfriends as well as my book club, we enjoy shopping,
dining at prestigious restaurants, spa treatments at wellness centers like
Exhale Spa + Bathhouse at Ocean and dancing the night away at Boogie Nights at
Tropicana,” says Doyle.



Crow’s Nest, which provides a multi-sensory view of Niagara Falls.



©Stephen Matera 206.715.4572


WHERE: NIAGARA FALLS

Chosen By: Michele Herrmann, Travel, Culinary and Lifestyle Freelance Writer and
Content Creator

Why: Niagara Falls is a bucket-list destination for people from all over the
world, thanks to iconic attractions such as the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the
Winds. Founded in 1886, Niagara Falls State Park has always been a point of
interest for visitors to the Falls, and now a new $46 million Welcome Center
opening later this spring will feature sustainable elements, hands-on exhibits
and indigenous history to enrich the experience.

“The New York State side of Niagara Falls has really seen a lot of growth and
revitalization,” says Michele Herrmann. “From establishments such as Wine on
Third, to the new Visitor’s Center, there’s a lot going on. Other sites to visit
include the Aquarium of Niagara and the Niagara Power Vista.”



Nature is the focal point of any visit to Niagara Falls USA, and the new Niagara
Hiking Company offers guided day hikes into the Niagara Gorge, with scenic
vantage points and narrated history of the area.

A short walk from Niagara Falls, visitors can stay at the Red Coach Inn,
celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023. The historic hotel overlooks the
spectacular Upper Rapids of the Niagara River. Also located within walking
distance of Niagara Falls: the recently renovated voco The Cadence Hotel. Rooms
have balconies where guests can kick up their feet and enjoy a glass of wine
from one of the many local Niagara wineries.





Oklahoma City’s Bricktown neighborhood at dusk.

getty


WHERE TO GO: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA

Chosen By: Kay Kingsman, travel writer and blogger at The Awkward Traveller.

Why: “Oklahoma City is not often at the top of dream destinations for travelers,
but 2023 is the year that will change,” says Kay Kingsman. “Other cities around
the country may get the colloquial title of ‘weird’ or ‘quirky,’ but Oklahoma
City, also called OKC for short, flies under the radar for its unconventional
attractions and locally curated art scene.”



The Bradford House boutique hotel in uptown is a new staple to OKC hospitality.
“It offers guests unique guest rooms, delightful afternoon tea, jazz nights with
regional musicians, and even weekly French classes,” says Kingsman. “It’ll be
hard to leave your cozy hotel room, but once you do, check out two of the most
unique museums you’ll ever come across: the American Banjo Museum and the
American Pigeon Museum. While both are seemingly random, visitors will learn how
both pigeons and banjos were integral to the foundation of modern American
culture.”

Be sure to round out your cultural enrichment with a trip to the newly opened
First Americans Museum. “It explains the decolonized history of the Americas
through the lens of the continent’s Indigenous peoples,” says Kingsman.

There are other amazing things to do in OKC beyond museums. “Have a psychedelic
experience at Factory Obscura and dine at the award-winning Grey Sweater
restaurant,” says Kingsman. “Oklahoma City is also a fantastic road trip stop,
as it lies along Route 66, one of the strangest, but also most artistic,
highways in the country.”



Whether you are just passing through or staying a while, be sure to also add on
at least a day trip to the nearby city of Tulsa. “Tulsa is a destination all on
its own, but if you only have time for one activity, be sure to join the
eye-opening Greenwood Black Wall Street tour,” says Kingsman. “Visitors will
learn the seedy reality of how government entities systemically destroy and
displace Black neighborhoods, and also the steps on what they can do to take
action.”



Exploring Portland, Oregon by bicycle on the Saint Johns Bridge.



getty


WHERE TO GO: PORTLAND, OREGON

Chosen By: Kay Kingsman, travel writer and blogger at The Awkward Traveller.

Why: “Like a phoenix from the ashes, Portland, Oregon is reemerging in 2023 with
unprecedented growth in the food and beverage scene, both in quality and
variety,” says Kay Kingsman.

Awarded “best foodie city of 2022” by WalletHub, Portland is leading the
industry in innovative menus representing cuisines from every corner of the
globe. “One especially exciting trait of Portland’s new trajectory is how many
of the new and rising businesses are owned and operated by BIPOC and LGBTQA+
trailblazers, reinforcing that a visit to Portland can suit every traveler,”
says Kingsman.



With so many great food options, it might be a little overwhelming for
first-time visitors. Kingsman’s top recommendations: Matutitna or Masala Lab for
breakfast, followed by Nong’s Khao Man Gai or Heavy Plays for lunch. “End the
night with a bang at República or Kann, both James Beard-nominated restaurants,”
says Kingsman. Or grab a bite at the establishments that made Portland a
household name in the culinary world: food carts. “There are literally hundreds
of food carts, and for the most part you can’t go wrong, but a few of my
personal favorites are Balong, Erica’s Soul Food, Kim Jong Grillin and Speed-o
Cappuccino,” says Kingsman.

How to fill your time between meals? “Get active at a few of the new inclusive
fitness studios like Flow in the City or join in for a community run hosted by
Deadstock Coffee Roasters,” says Kingsman. “You can also go at your own pace
with a stroll through the Portland Japanese Garden, which added a new tea cafe,
or explore the city on an urban hike and pop into a few locally owned small
businesses for a little souvenir shopping—sales tax free.”





Exploring Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th-century Spanish fort in San
Juan, Puerto Rico.

getty


WHERE TO GO: PUERTO RICO

Chosen By: Kay Kingsman, travel writer and blogger at The Awkward Traveller.

Why: Powerfully rebounding from Hurricane Irma and Maria in 2017, Puerto Rico is
sprinting full speed ahead into 2023—and beyond—with new avenues to enjoy while
remaining loyal to its Boricuan identity. “One of the first things visitors may
notice is the variety of lodging options that directly benefit the community,
like the Dreamers Welcome, a new LGBTQIA-owned hospitality group co-founded by
Puerto Rican artist and designer Roy Delgado,” says Kay Kingsman.



From surfing, to hiking, to just suntanning near the lagoons, Puerto Rico is a
destination of natural beauty, with miles of beautiful coastlines and the only
rainforest National Park in America. “For the nautically inclined, there are
also multiple islands off the coast with soft white sand and crystal clear
waters for snorkeling,” says Kingsman. “Or grab a kayak and waft through one (or
all!) of the three bioluminescent bays.”

Other nature highlights include the reopening of the renowned Camuy Caves, known
for its extensive network of natural lime caves and underground waterways
waiting to be explored. And then there’s the state-of-the-art self-sustainable
company Earthship PR, which offers educational tours and short-term rentals of
its off-grid and sustainable homes built with recycled materials

Along with the island’s natural beauty, Puerto Rico’s cultural attractions are
also a big draw. “Companies like Higuaca Adventours and Sojourn offer accessible
Taino and Afro-Borinken heritage tours,” says Kingsman. Coupled with the
worldwide explosion of Puerto Rican musicians such as Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro,
and Villano Antillano, the island is experiencing incredible growth in the art
scene as well. “Be sure to check out community art collectives such as El Local
en Santurce to get the latest pulse on the creative events in Puerto Rico,” says
Kingsman.



There are also a number of new restaurants blooming across the island. “A food
tour with Flavors of San Juan Food or Spoon is a must-do to get a taste of some
of the best flavors Puerto Rico has to offer,” says Kingsman. “If tours aren’t
your style, you can DIY your own culinary adventure by following recommendations
by local Puerto Rican food influencer Come Con Juan.”



Nneya Richards in Rhode Island’s South County.



Nneya Richards


WHERE TO GO: SOUTH COUNTY, RHODE ISLAND

Chosen By: Nneya Richards is a speaker and travel blogger at ’N A Perfect World,
a curated intersection of travel, food, fashion and geopolitics inspired by the
global-citizen lifestyle of the millennial. Richards aims to empower young
people, especially those of color, to travel, as she believes it is through
exploring the world that we will bridge cultural gaps and misunderstandings.

Why: “It’s just over three hours away from NYC on a fast, comfortable Amtrak
ride. But shhh… don’t tell the New Yorkers,” says Nneya Richards. “During the
summer season, getting to South County, Rhode Island is easier than getting to
the Hamptons. And you’re going to want to head here all year round.”

South County, Rhode Island is on the list for 2023, thanks to all its secret
diversions and some not-so secret celebrity fans. “You may know the town of
Watch Hill from Taylor Swift’s Last Great American Dynasty,” says Richards. “Or
maybe it’s because Watch Hill is home to the oldest Flying Horse carousel in the
country, dating back to 1754.”



Also going for South County: “There’s something for everyone,” says Richards.
“There are laidback surf town vibes in places like Narragansett, and you’ll find
the best seafood in the country at restaurants like Matunuck Oyster Bar, and
cuisine that could easily be just at home in a hotspot in Mexico City at Dalia,
a waterfront Mexican restaurant at Ocean House.”

There’s plenty of hotel news in South County, including The Cottage Collection
(new accommodations from the acclaimed by Ocean House), The General Stanton Inn
(an historic property in Charlestown that’s reopening in May) and Surf Shack Bed
& Breakfast (a funky inn coming in late 2023 in Narragansett).

Other new exciting spots include Double Barrel Steak by David Burke, which
recently debuted at The Preserve Sporting Club & Residences and Seaside Shadows
ghost tours in Westerly (new since last fall). And coming in 2024: Charleston’s
Ninigret Park will be home to new Troll works by the famed Danish artist Thomas
Dambo.



Best of all: “It’s one of those pockets of peace that the rugged coastlines of
the Atlantic can do so well,” says Richards. “And the sunrises and sunsets are
just marvelous.”



The clear nighttime skies in Badlands National Park in South Dakota.



getty


WHERE TO GO: SOUTH DAKOTA

Chosen By: Laura Begley Bloom is a travel expert and the author of this column.

Why: Besides its six national parks, 63 state parks and recreation areas, iconic
monuments and scenic byways, South Dakota has plenty of new reasons to add the
state to your travel bucket list in 2023.

In the legendary Badlands, the Oglala Lakota Living History Village is a new
entry point to the beautiful landscape and the past and present culture of
Lakota Country. Another new adventure in the heart of Lakota Country: a Buffalo
Road Vacation at the legendary Farlee Ranch on the Cheyenne River Reservation,
which provides visitors with an understanding of the life of Native Americans.
This year also marks the 75th year anniversary of the Crazy Horse monument—which
is still being constructed and honors the Lakota leader who bravely defended the
Lakota people’s way of life.



In Custer State Park, the new Bison Center brings an all-bison experience to the
park’s scenic drive through the southern prairie, educating future generations
on the importance of these majestic animals through dynamic interpretive
displays. For a new way to see the Black Hills, the Custer-based Overland
America specializes in off-road adventures in Jeep and Overland Trailer rentals.

Another South Dakota must-see for landscapes, tribal history and rich culture:
the Native American Scenic Byway, which takes travelers through the lands of the
Yankton, Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Sioux Tribes.

South Dakota’s culinary scene might also surprise you, especially in Sioux
Falls, which is home to spots like The Treasury (an imaginative cocktail lounge
located through the bank vault doors of the area’s newest boutique hotel, Hotel
on Phillips), Remedy Brewing Company (a newly opened family and dog-friendly
brewery) and the trailblazing Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean (led by 2023 James
Beard Award-nominated chef Sanaa Abourezk).





The entrance to the Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock, Vermont.

Woodstock Inn & Resort


WHERE TO GO: WOODSTOCK, VERMONT

Chosen By: Amanda Gabriele is a writer, editor, world traveler and martini
enthusiast. She’s currently a senior editor at InsideHook and her work has
appeared in Travel + Leisure, Eater, Gear Patrol, Thrillist, Matador and more.
She lives in Brooklyn, New York but is constantly looking for her next
adventure, which you can follow on Instagram @amandameatballs.



Why: Woodstock, Vermont has been making headlines for reasons big and small. The
town was recently named to American Express Travel’s 2023 Trending Destinations
list, based its popularity with cardholders. And the destination garnered
attention when it reopened its iconic Suicide Six ski area—one of the oldest in
the country— with a new name, Saskadena Six Ski Area, and new amenities. The
change was recognized both for its long overdue nod to the Abenaki people’s
ancestral lands, as well as the importance of mental health awareness.

The town’s simple appeals add to its allure. “I can’t think of a more idyllic
place than Woodstock, Vermont—it makes for a perfect getaway in any season,”
says Amanda Gabriele. “It has all the outdoor activities (hiking, skiing,
fishing) and a lovely main street with great shops (don’t miss F.H. Gillingham
and Sons, Woody’s Mercantile and Yankee Bookshop).”

For such a small town, Woodstock also has a buzzing hospitality scene. “I’m
always in search of the perfect cocktail bar, and I could live inside Au
Comptoir with its cozy interior and delicious drinks,” says Gabriele. On the
mountain, Perley’s Pourhouse at Saskadena Six offers a selection of Vermont
craft beer on tap, an outdoor wood-burning fireplace and fire pits.



The town is also home to the iconic Woodstock Inn & Resort. “It’s dog-friendly,
which is a huge plus,” says Gabriele. “and there are comfy sitting areas (and an
awesome game room!) scattered around the property that are perfect for a
nightcap and chatting up new friends. Its two restaurants—Red Rooster and
Richardson’s Tavern—are excellent and many of the dishes are made using fresh
produce from the inn’s own garden.”


READ MORE:

• Ranked: The 20 Happiest Countries In The World In 2023


• QUIT YOUR JOB AND MOVE ABROAD: 10 CHEAPEST PLACES TO LIVE





FOLLOW US ON GOOGLE NEWS

Read original article here

Denial of responsibility! Quick Telecast is an automatic aggregator of the all
world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is
specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, all materials to
their authors. If you are the owner of the content and do not want us to publish
your materials, please contact us by email – info@quicktelecast.com. The content
will be deleted within 24 hours.





Continue Reading
Adventure tripbest places to travelbest places to travel 2023best places to
travel in 2023 usabest places to travel in the usbest vacation spotscheap places
to travel in the u.s. 2023experts
0 30
Share

Sarah 19535 posts 0 comments



Prev Post

After Olivia Wilde Debacle, CinemaCon Amps Up Security

Next Post

Mary Quant, fashion designer for the Swinging ’60s, dies

Leave a comment



trending now

What’s Behind the Bipartisan Attack on TikTok?

Holly Willoughby wows in 'flattering' M&S…

Pilot reveals common mistakes everyone makes that actually…

Wellington Street: Federal government urges city of Ottawa…

Man Utd issue update on Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane…


 * About Us
 * Contact Us
 * Privacy Policy
 * Cookie Policy
 * Terms of use
 * Disclaimer

© 2023 - Quick Telecast. All Rights Reserved.
Website Design: Team Quick Telecast


ADS BLOCKER DETECTED!!!

We have detected that you are using extensions to block ads. Please support us
by disabling these ads blocker.

Refresh
Powered By

buy kamagra buy kamagra online
Sign in
 * Home
 * Business
 * Health
 * Technology
 * Economy
 * Politics
 * Sports
 * Gaming
 * Science
 * Education
 * Entertainment
   * Bollywood
   * Hollywood
   * Web-Series
   * Tv
 * Lifestyle
   * Food & Drinks
   * Books
   * Art-Culture
   * Fashion
   * Travel
   * Home-Garden
 * News
   * Top-Stories
   * Trending
   * Highlights
   * Covid-19
   * Crime



Welcome, Login to your account.



Forget password? Remember me

Sign in

Recover your password.

A password will be e-mailed to you.