- With the weather warming up, when is the best time to travel?
- With the weather warming up, May is the perfect time to travel before destinations are overrun by tourists and touristy prices.
- What are some great travel destinations for the summer?
- Whether visitors want to stay close to home or head to an exotic location far, far away, we've found some of the greatest places to start the summer with a bang.
- How can travelers pick the right destination?
- Picking a destination can get tricky, but depending on whether travelers are looking for a culinary adventure or an isolated getaway, they can head to the World of Coca Cola in Atlanta or the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe.
- What should travelers do next?
- There are so many options, so get choosing, packing, and enjoying!
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1. Durham
Explore historic tobacco warehouses and savor affordable eats on a fun city trip.
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- What is Durham known for?
- Durham is a modern, vibrant city in North Carolina. It is also a college town and home to Duke University.
- What is the history of Durham?
- Surrounded by flat agricultural land and rolling hills, Durham was the center of the tobacco industry before technology took over – the city is now part of the Research Triangle Region.
- What are some notable attractions at Duke University?
- The Duke University campus is the location of the magnificent neo-Gothic Duke Chapel as well as the Nasher Museum of Art, featuring works by Christian Marclay, Ai Weiwei, and other contemporary artists.
- What can visitors explore at the Museum of Life and Science?
- Durham’s Museum of Life and Science has a butterfly house, animal habitats for bears and lemurs, and a number of interesting exhibits.
- Where can people enjoy outdoor activities in Durham?
- Eno River State Park is a great forested place to go hiking, fishing, and canoeing, while Durham Central Park is the location of many city festivals and the farmers market.
- What historical sites can be visited in Durham?
- The Duke Homestead and Tobacco Factory tells the story of life on a 19th-century tobacco factory and farm.
2. Bryce Canyon National Park
Hike among hoodoos and admire unusual rock formations on an exciting outdoor adventure.
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- Is Bryce Canyon National Park actually a canyon?
- Despite its name, Bryce Canyon National Park is not actually a canyon; instead, it is a collection of numerous naturally made amphitheaters along the Paunsaugunt Plateau.
- What makes Bryce Canyon's geological formations unique?
- The stunning site is worth a visit for visitors to explore the distinctive hoodoo geological structures in detail. Hoodoos, or tent rocks, are formed by frost weathering and steam erosion from the lake bed – the natural phenomenon leaves behind one of the most spectacular sites created by Mother Nature.
- What activities can visitors enjoy at Bryce Canyon?
- Visitors can go on a scenic drive that accesses 13 different viewpoints over the amphitheaters, go hiking on one of the eight trails, or enjoy horseback riding.
- Is Bryce Canyon a good place for camping?
- It is a gorgeous place to go camping since it has one of the darkest night skies in North America and is therefore perfect for stargazing.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Drive misty roads and spot wildlife on a peaceful family nature trip.
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- What is Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that welcomes over eleven million visitors a year.
- Where is Great Smoky Mountains National Park located?
- The park encompasses over 500,000 acres and can be accessed from its main entrances in Cherokee, North Carolina, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
- What hiking opportunities are available in the park?
- There are over 850 miles of unpaved roads and trails for visitors to hike on, including several miles on the Appalachian Trail as well as the Alum Cave Trail, which leads to the summit of Mount LeConte.
- What other attractions can visitors explore?
- Unique natural attractions and scenic overlooks are scattered throughout for visitors to explore.
- Are there overnight accommodations in the park?
- Overnight hikers can rent a room or cabin at the LeConte Lodge.
- What other activities can visitors enjoy?
- Other than hiking and sightseeing, visitors can go fishing, fly fishing, water tubing, bicycling, and horseback riding.
4. Memphis
Visit Graceland and savor smoky BBQ on a music-filled weekend getaway.
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- What makes Memphis a great vacation destination?
- Known for its extensive role in arts and culture, Memphis is one of the most fun and memorable places to go on vacation.
- What are some must-see attractions in Memphis?
- From the famed former home of Elvis Presley, Graceland, to the blues and rock and roll filled nightlife in the Beale Street Historic District, there is so much to see and do.
- What is the Memphis in May festival?
- One of the largest celebrations is Memphis in May, which attracts visitors from all over the United States. The four main events include International Week, the Great River Run, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, and the Beale Street Music Festival.
- What is the Memphis Walk of Fame?
- Another attraction that shouldn't be missed is the Memphis Walk of Fame, which is like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but is dedicated to Memphis-based singers, musicians, writers, and composers such as B.B. King and Bobby Blue Band.
5. New York City
See iconic sights and explore diverse neighborhoods on an exciting urban adventure.
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- Why is New York City known as "the city that never sleeps"?
- Truly the city that never sleeps, New York City is a melting pot of different cultures, various types of art, and delicious culinary concoctions that can't be found anywhere else in the world.
- What are some must-see attractions in New York City?
- The number of things to see and do in New York is immeasurable, but some of the most iconic include taking a walk or riding the carousel in Central Park, heading to the top of the Statue of Liberty, exploring the art deco Empire State Building, and taking in the lights and sounds of Times Square.
- What special events take place in New York?
- There are some outstanding events held throughout the state that showcase some of the best music and art, especially during the busy Memorial Day weekend.
6. Olympic National Park
Walk rainforest trails and discover alpine lakes on a romantic nature trip.
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- What makes Olympic National Park special?
- Incredibly scenic, Olympic National Park is one of the most visited places in Washington state and was designated a World Heritage Site as well as an International Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
- What are the different regions of Olympic National Park?
- The park has four regions to explore: forests, rainforest, alpine areas, and the Pacific coastline.
- What wildlife can visitors see in the park?
- There's a network of hiking trails for visitors to explore, which let them get up close and personal with flora and fauna such as black bears, mountain goats, and even cougars.
- What bird species can be found in Olympic National Park?
- Ornithology lovers have an opportunity to see many bird species such as bald eagles, spotted owls, and Swainson's thrushes.
- What marine life can be seen near the park?
- Whales, sea otters, dolphins, and other animals can be seen swimming offshore near the park.
- What outdoor activities are popular in Olympic National Park?
- One of the unique aspects of the park is that it allows backpacking along the beach, while boating and rafting are extremely common in numerous areas of Olympic National Park.
7. Philadelphia
Tour historic landmarks and taste Philly cheesesteaks during an easy weekend trip.
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- Why is Philadelphia historically significant?
- Philadelphia, commonly called the City of Brotherly Love, played an instrumental role in US history, especially during the Revolutionary War.
- What historical sites can visitors explore in Philadelphia?
- Visitors will be able to go back in time and explore the meeting place of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Sites dedicated to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution as well as the preservation of the Liberty Bell can also be seen here.
- What are some must-visit attractions in Philadelphia?
- In addition to the many historical attractions, there are also many iconic and memorable places for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
- What are some family-friendly attractions in Philadelphia?
- Some of these include the Rocky Steps seen in the famed Rocky movies, the Philadelphia Zoo, and Adventure Aquarium.
8. Sedona
Hike red rocks and enjoy spiritual vibes on a scenic retreat.
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- What makes Sedona a geological wonder?
- Sedona is a geological wonderland found in the heart of Arizona. Often listed as one of the most beautiful places in America, Sedona is filled with towering multi-hued stone formations that create a vivid image that changes hourly along with the sunlight.
- Why is Sedona considered a spiritual destination?
- The site is considered sacred by Native Americans, and many visitors head there for spiritual healing. Those who don't find it on the beautiful desert land may find it with soothing treatments in one of the many spa facilities in the area.
- What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Sedona?
- There are numerous recreational activities in the national forest land to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and going on jeep excursions.
- What cultural attractions are available in Sedona?
- Visitors can also enjoy the exhibits at the 40+ art galleries in the area or a drink in the many area vineyards and tasting rooms.
9. Washington D.C.
Explore free museums and admire monuments on a quick educational family trip.
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- Why is Washington, D.C. considered America's front yard?
- The nation's capital is often considered America's front yard, or even America's playground, and rightly so because there is much to see and do while in the District of Columbia.
- What activities can visitors enjoy in Washington, D.C.?
- From guided tours of the White House to trying the drinks and cuisine at the many restaurants and bars, visitors will find infinite ways to spend their vacation time.
- Are there free attractions in Washington, D.C.?
- Even better is that a lot of the historical attractions are free; sites such as the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument are open to the public at no cost.
- What museums and cultural sites can visitors explore for free?
- Thanks to the Smithsonian, visitors can spend their time in Washington, D.C. exploring museums, galleries, and the National Zoo for free as well.
- What are some must-visit museums in Washington, D.C.?
- Sites that shouldn't be missed include the African American Museum, the Air and Space Museum, the American History Museum, and the Freer Gallery of Art.
10. Yosemite National Park
Marvel at waterfalls and hike granite cliffs on a breathtaking summer escape.
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- Where is Yosemite National Park located?
- Shared between parts of Nevada and Northern California, Yosemite National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited by people from all over the world.
- What makes Yosemite National Park unique?
- The park is internationally recognized for its giant sequoia groves, mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, granite cliffs, and general biological diversity.
- How much of Yosemite National Park is wilderness?
- The park is 95% wilderness, and there are many activities visitors can participate in while at the park, which is open all year round.
- What programs and activities does the National Park Service offer?
- The National Park Service offers nature walks, stargazing programs, and photography and art classes in addition to rock climbing classes, horseback rides, and bike and raft rentals.
- What are some must-do activities in Yosemite?
- Other activities include hiking to waterfalls in Yosemite Valley or seeing the spectacular views from the scenic drive on Tioga Road.
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