Tag: Escape

  • 10 U.S. Towns Perfect For A Lakeside Escape This Spring 

    10 U.S. Towns Perfect For A Lakeside Escape This Spring 

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    Spring break isn’t the only way to travel this season, and Americans are searching and booking more and more smaller and less assuming destinations. One trend in particular that is proving popular is the lake lifestyle. American travelers are looking to beaches and lakes this year, with lake towns seeing a nearly 500% increase in searches from last year. 

    woman on dock in sunset at lake

    Luckily in America, we are spoiled for choice with the many lakes we can choose from, from great to small and everything in between. While some lake destinations need no introduction, there are many other options that seem to fly under the radar.

    Here are 10 lake towns in the U.S. perfect for you to live your best lake-life:

    Kuttawa, Kentucky 

    You can find this small town gem located on the northern shores of Kentucky’s Lake Barkley. This Bluegrass state destination has been called the Cape Cod of Kentucky, and with good reason. The town itself has a bit of an interesting past, with the original Kuttawa being covered in water from the creation of a dam in the 1940s. Kuttawa was then moved to the edges of the newly created Lake Barkley. If you visit in the off-season, guests can still explore the ruins of the original town when they visit. 

    adirondak chairs on dock at lake barkley

    Lake Havasu City, Arizona

    Easily the most well-known lake town on this list, Lake Havasu is simply too enticing not to include as a perfect lakeside escape. With over 60 miles of waterways to explore and home to the new London Bridge, it’s no wonder over a million people visit this lake each year. What Lake Havasu City lacks in small-town appeal, it makes up for with its desert beauty and wealth of things to do. It’s worth mentioning that this area is popular with Spring-Breakers, and you might want to schedule your trip accordingly if you are looking for some peace and quiet!

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    boats at the docks in lake havasu, arizona

    Summerville, West Virginia 

    With a nickname of “The Little Bahamas of the East,” it’s no wonder people love to visit Summerville. Almost hidden among the Appalachian Mountains, Summerville is a favorite for those looking to get on the water. Boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, scuba diving, and other activities are popular here. West Virginia’s largest lake, Summerville, also has waterfalls and gorges to explore if you get bored of sitting and staring at the stunning scenery. 

    cottages around lake summerville

    Lake George, New York

    While New York has no shortage of picturesque lakes to enjoy, the Finger Lakes region deserves its own separate list entirely. But for this New York lake, we are heading a bit further north and into the Adirondack Mountains. Lake George is the perfect example of what a lake town should be, with rolling mountains lining the shores, wineries, steamboats, and plenty of water and hiking activities for the whole family to enjoy. 

    woman kayaking sunset lake george

    Lakeway, Texas 

    You can find Lakeway tucked away into the south shore of Lake Travis, only 25 miles outside of Austin, Texas. Referred to as the Texas Hill Country, this area of the state is green, lush, and perfect for those looking for a lakeside escape. The small town setting is still very much Texas-style, and visitors can kick back and relax among the waves or hike any of the area’s many trails. 

    sunset over lakeway texas

    Winter Haven, Florida

    This centrally located Florida town is found between Orlando and Tampa, offering travelers a much-needed respite from the amusement park-focused tourism of the area. Lakeland is a charming series of lakes, all linked by canals, and paddle boating along them is a favorite pastime here. While LEGOLAND is a big draw for this area, there are plenty of other ways to spend your time, from botanical gardens to nature trails. Winter Haven also has a recently restored downtown area, which is full of locally owned shops and restaurants to enjoy after a day on the water. 

    girl in front of fountain winterhaven florida

    Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

    This classic New England town, set amongst the banks of the largest lake in New Hampshire, is a favorite among people coming from larger East Coast cities, seeking peace and quiet. Wolfeboro is often referred to as “America’s Oldest Summer Resort,” and the area remains popular even in the off-season. Lining the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, the charming small town is surrounded by beaches, hiking trails, and views of the mountain ranges across the water. 

    lake winnipesaukee sunset

    Lake Lure, North Carolina 

    Located in the Western North Carolina mountains, Lake Lure is both a mountain and a lake town. With opportunities for hiking, stunning viewpoints, swimming, and history, there is enough to do in Lake Lure to keep you busy. Located about 45 minutes from Asheville, Lake Lure can be found along the border between North and South Carolina. One area in which this town shines is the small local businesses that remain thriving today, with classic mom-and-pop shops lining the main street. 

    cottages around lake lure north carolina

    Greensboro, Georgia 

    Steeped in both tradition and history, Greensboro is Lake Oconee’s most well-known town for many reasons. Greensboro’s quaint and charming downtown offers shopping, restaurants, and bars, as well as lake activities such as water sports, boating, and fishing. The small-town charm of Greensboro keeps regulars coming back year after year, and it’s becoming increasingly popular with lake-goers looking for a small-town feel surrounded by natural beauty. 

    sign of greensboro georgia

    Clinton, Tennessee

    The town of Clinton is perched on the shores of the Clinch River, next to the brightly colored greenish-blue Norris Lake. Favored by families looking to escape the daily grind in the nearby cities, Clinton and Norris Lake offer many outdoor adventures to enjoy. The charming downtown Clinton offers hometown restaurants and shops with a focus on handicrafts and antiques. Other options include the Museums of Appalachia, an immersive living history museum educating visitors on the region’s past.

    dock at norris lake sunrise

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  • These Are The Top 8 Caribbean Beaches To Escape The Cold This Winter

    These Are The Top 8 Caribbean Beaches To Escape The Cold This Winter

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    We love the Caribbean. With white sand beaches and turquoise waters that are crystal clear and invitingly warm, it seems like every place you research is just as pristine as the next! So, how do you choose from a list of seemingly similar and equally as impressive tropical getaways? Well, according to Trip Advisors Travel Choice Awards for 2022, these are the top eight to choose from, and we’ll highlight what makes them unique!

    Take a look and see which one is best suited for you and your one last escape from the cold:

    Two beach chairs on the beach in the dominican republic with palm trees and ocean

    8) Playa Pilar

    Starting our countdown at number eight on the list is Playa Pilar. Located in Cayo Guillermo, Cuba, this beach is known for its abundance of starfish! If you are staying at a resort in the area, it has easy access to the beach via shuttles or taxis.

    If you are heading down for the day, there is no need to haul a bunch of stuff with you. There is an amazing boardwalk leading down to the sand that passes restaurants and bars to satisfy all your food and beverage needs. Once you’ve arrived, you can rent a lounge chair for just $5, then get settled in for a nice day of relaxation.

    Romantic Shot Of Couple Walking On A Sandy Beach Somewhere In The Caribbean

    7) Bavaro Beach

    This beach is in Bavaro, Dominican Republic. You will be surrounded by a positive atmosphere where visitors and staff alike are happy, helpful people. How could you not be in a place like this? The beach has a long list of water sports to choose from and all the amenities one may need for a day of fun in the sun. If you are someone who likes to look and not touch, then you can enjoy long walks (or runs) on the vast stretch of beach that goes on for miles!

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    Aerial-drone-view-of-Caribbean-resort-Bavaro-Punta-Cana-Dominican-Republic

    6) Magens Bay

    As we move further east, we come to Magens Bay, St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This beach has extremely calm waters that are great for the kids to play in without having to be worried they will get crushed by the waves. It is part of a National Park, so there is a fee to enter, but with that comes well-kept bathrooms and garbage-free sand.

    Be warned. This is a popular stop for cruise ships. So, if you are looking for a more peaceful visit, make sure to scout out the arrival times and plan around them! If you do end up sharing the beach with more of a crowd, the views it provides will be well worth it.

    cruise ship in port in front of a beach

    5) Maho Bay Beach

    Once again, look a little further east to Cruz Bay, St. John. If you’re seeking out a snorkeling adventure on this trip, this is the spot to do it. You can easily spot sea turtles, rays, and lots of brightly colored fish! The drive down to the beach from Cruz Bay is spectacular. Once you arrive, you will be greeted with live music and a vibrant atmosphere that is nicely tucked away in the bay to protect you from any wind.

    Maho Bay Beach with a palm tree extending over the ocean

    4) Trunk Bay Beach

    The U.S. Virgin Islands National Park in St. John holds not one, but two of the beaches on our list. Also located in the National Park, Trunk Bay Beach has begun to gain some serious popularity over the years. With a marked snorkeling path around a gorgeous coral reef, it is not hard to see why.

    If this is what has you and so many others traveling to explore, then rent your gear for $6 and get out there nice and early to enjoy the coral in solitude. Another perk about this beach is that there are plenty of shady spots to take a nap once you have all that snorkeling under your belt.

    snorkel gear sitting on the edge of a dock over ocean

    3) Eagle Beach

    This beach in Palm-Eagle Beach, Aruba will have you feeling like a local with insider information about a secret slice of paradise. There is no resort access to this stretch of beach, so forget your concern about overcrowding and set up camp with all the room you could want. The water is the clearest you have ever seen, even when you are further out. Then, to satisfy your hunger, check out the highly recommended Ricardo’s restaurant. Don’t forget to take your picture in front of the infamous Noni Tree!

    eagle beach aerial view

    2) Varadero Beach

    We all know that Cuba is known for its cool old cars, but did you know that a lot of them have been converted into taxis? Jump in one and head to Varadero Beach, where the sand juts out in such a way that you can watch the sunrise and the sunset!

    Make sure you take a look at what the local weather has been like because, after a big storm, you will see a ton of jellyfish washed up on shore. When it has been clear for a few days, however, you can walk far out into the shallow waters and see an amazing array of fish without needing any snorkel gear!

    sunset view of a caribbean beach

    1) Grace Bay Beach

    Rent a car, and travel to the number one Caribbean beach on the list, Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos. Grace Bay Beach benefits from its offshore reef that acts as protection from any big waves. The result is calm water, great for the kids, and getting some ocean swim time in.

    The serene waters also allow for some mild water activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, and snorkeling way out at the reef! If being active is what you are trying to avoid on your vacation, then take a load off and enjoy the peace and quiet that the area provides.

    woman laying on a paddle board in the ocean

    And there you have it! Hopefully, this helps narrow your search as you plan your mid-winter blues vacation, and no matter which beach you choose, don’t forget to pack the sunscreen!

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