Sanibel is both an island and city, located in the Cape Coral and Fort Meyers area of Florida. Sanibel Island has gorgeous beaches, perfect for collecting shells and strolling in the sun. Spend the day sipping on tropical drinks and eating delicious seafood on the water.
The Sanibel Fish House has won several awards and has some of the best local seafood you’ll find, offered up in a family-friendly environment. Or, check in to the Sanibel Harbour Marriot Resort and have dinner without having to step foot off of your luxurious oceanfront property!
New Mexico: Taos
Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos offers year-round fun for tourists in the form of a world-class ski resort and hiking/biking trails. With beautiful views, delicious Mexican cooking, and a glimpse into Native American life via the Pueblo community. The community is still very much active, yet they welcome visitors every day from around 9-4. Although this is probably the number one reason to take a trip to Taos, it’s not the only one. There are several museums and other attractions in town as well.
No one offers more authentic cuisine in the area than the La Cueva Café, where you can find some of the best enchiladas and chimichangas in the region. There are also several great museums in Taos, including the Kit Carson, and the Millicent Rogers Museum.
Mississippi: New Albany
USA Today has dubbed New Albany “America’s Best Southern Small Town.” Perhaps that’s due to the amazing hiking through the Appalachian Mountains. Tanglefoot Trail attracts hikers and bikers from all over the world. Or, maybe it’s all of the lovely antique shops and cozy lodging options. Miss Sarah’s Inn and the Concord Inn Estate both offer guests a unique and charming experience.
Whatever you do while you’re in town, don’t leave before you stop by Sugaree’s Bakery for a slice of their cake which Food Network has called “famously moist, triple layer wonders.” They offer a variety of flavors including coconut, red velvet, and caramel, among several others.
North Dakota: Garrison
Garrison may be a small town, but it packs a serious punch! A perfect place to spend your summers, it’s located right on Lake Sakakawea and offers great watersports and fishing. Even if playing in the lake isn’t your thing, perhaps the stunning views and delicious fried fish will sway you. In fact, the town is known as the “Walleye Capital of the World.” When in Rome, right?
Take an area tour on the Queen Elizabus to make note of what else you’d like to do while you’re in town. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Custer Mine Interpretive Site to learn about Garrison’s coal mining past life.
Tennessee: Gatlinburg
Deep in the heart of the Smoky Mountains sits Gatlinburg, a charming little town just outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. The area is beautiful any time of year, but it’s particularly stunning during the fall when all of the leaves are changing colors. If you’re a fan of moonshine, you’ll find plenty of distilleries to explore, including Ole Smoky, which offers free tastings of all of their different flavors. Make sure you try the cinnamon if you happen to be out there when it’s chilly outside. If you’re not a big drinker, never fret, because there is a ton of excellent food in the area, too. The barbecue is known for being especially delicious.
Gatlinburg has plenty of family-friendly activities, as well. Throughout the Great Smoky National Park, you’ll find several things to do, including the SkyLift, which carries visitors straight through the mountains for some amazing views.