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Book Your Valentine’s Day Getaway on the Florida coast
Best Valentine’s Day Getaway for a Romantic Florida Escape
February is the perfect time to plan a romantic getaway, and Flagler Beach offers an inviting alternative to Florida’s busier coastal destinations. With a relaxed vibe, uncrowded shoreline, and classic beach town personality, it feels tailor-made for couples planning a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway. This stretch of Florida’s coast invites you to focus on each other, not crowds or schedules. There are so many fantastic things to do in Flagler Beach!
Days can unfold anyway you please here. Couples can walk the wide beach at sunrise, explore downtown Flagler Beach, or hop on bikes to cruise A1A at an easygoing pace. Locally owned restaurants and cafés line the coast, many offering ocean views that turn a simple meal into a memorable date. Art galleries, live music, and colorful boutiques add to the charm, giving you plenty of ways to fill a weekend getaway without the stresses of everyday.
Flagler Beach continues to become one of the best romantic getaways in Florida for couples near and far. It delivers connection, scenery, and authenticity, all without extensive planning. Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day or sneaking away for a couples getaway, the experience feels like a true vacation.
Adults-Only Boutique Comfort on Florida’s Coast
Island Cottage Inn elevates your Valentine’s Day getaway with privacy and thoughtful details designed for couples. This adults-only Boutique Hotel features a private beach walkover, a peaceful pool, and a gourmet continental breakfast to start each day slowly. Complimentary beach cruisers make exploring town effortless, while personalized service ensures your stay feels special from arrival to departure.
Beyond the inn, couples can enjoy sunset walks, scenic drives along the A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway, and afternoons exploring nearby Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. For dining, local favorites like Next Door Beach Bistro offer an ideal setting for a relaxed yet elevated date night.
Together, these experiences make Flagler Beach one of the most appealing romantic getaways in Florida in February. When you are ready to plan your Valentine’s Day getaway, Island Cottage Inn offers the comfort, privacy, and coastal setting that turns a weekend away into a lasting memory.
Breathtaking Adventure in Gifford Pinchot Forest
Best Guler Ice Caves Summer Adventure in Washington
The Guler Ice Caves offer one of the most unusual summer adventures in Washington State. Hidden within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Mount Adams, these lava tube caves feature dramatic ice formations that shift throughout the year, making every visit slightly different from the last. For those exploring the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the caves provide a completely different perspective on the Pacific Northwest landscape, one shaped by volcanic activity, underground chambers, and year-round ice.
The caves formed thousands of years ago when lava flows created underground tunnels beneath the forest floor. As the molten rock cooled and drained away, hollow tubes remained behind. Today, visitors can descend into one of the few publicly accessible lava tube caves in the region and experience naturally formed ice stalactites, frozen walls, and crystal-like formations that remain cool even during the height of summer. The caves are typically at their best from April through early summer, when snowmelt continues to feed the frozen formations inside.
Before visiting the Guler Ice Caves, bring waterproof boots, warm layers, and a flashlight with spare batteries. Conditions inside remain cold year-round, and the cave floor can be slippery. Checking Northwest Forest Pass requirements ahead of time is also recommended before heading into the forest.
The Guler Ice Caves are especially popular for travelers searching for unique things to do in Columbia River Gorge destinations beyond waterfalls and scenic overlooks. Pairing a cave visit with nearby Columbia Gorge hikes, wine tasting, or sightseeing around Hood River and White Salmon creates a well-rounded Pacific Northwest getaway.
For visitors seeking a memorable summer adventure in the Pacific Northwest, the Guler Ice Caves offer geology, hiking, and unforgettable scenery in one remarkable destination.
Cabins in Washington State Near the Columbia River Gorge
After exploring the caves, returning to comfortable cabins in Washington State makes the experience even better. Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins offers a quiet retreat surrounded by evergreen forest and landscaped gardens in the heart of the Gorge. Guests can relax in private cabins with fireplaces, jetted tubs for two, breakfast delivery, and mountain-inspired interiors designed for restorative weekend stays.
The property also provides convenient access to some of the best hikes Columbia River Gorge travelers seek out, including trails near Mount Adams and scenic routes throughout the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Travelers planning dog-friendly weekend getaways in Washington will also appreciate the opportunity to bring their pets along while still enjoying elevated accommodations.
Cape Cod Winery: Your Guide to Wine Tasting in Falmouth
A Cape Cod Winery Worth the Drive to Falmouth
Cape Cod Winery in East Falmouth, MA gives visitors a rare chance to taste wine produced right on the vines that grow it. This family-owned Cape Cod winery sits on land that once operated as a strawberry farm before shifting to potato and dairy production. Today the property grows the grapes behind more than ten wines and sparkling wines, including its best-known bottle, Mermaid Water Rosé, a semi-dry rosé that has built a following across Cape Cod. Order a tasting flight of crisp whites, reds, sparkling wines, and seasonal releases, then settle in on the patio, built over crushed seashells and lined with picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, and fire pits overlooking the vines.
The onsite Mermaid Café serves sandwiches, charcuterie, and lobster dip that pair well with a flight, and live music runs throughout the season. Hours shift by season, with longer hours in summer and reduced hours in the off-season, so checking the winery’s website before visiting is worth the extra minute. Parking is available onsite but fills fast on weekends, so carpooling helps if you are arriving with a group. Cape Cod Winery also hosts wine dinners, seasonal festivals, yoga classes, and other events, so no two visits look quite the same.
As one of the few Cape Cod vineyards where guests can taste wine surrounded by the vines that produced it, Cape Cod Winery ranks among the top Falmouth, MA attractions and a natural stop on any list of things to do in Falmouth, MA.
Where to Stay After Your Cape Cod Winery Getaway
A day of tasting wine in East Falmouth pairs well with a relaxing place to land afterward. The Platinum Pebble Boutique Inn, an adults-only Cape Cod Bed and Breakfast in West Harwich, offers exactly that. The inn occupies a restored 1850s sea captain’s home with eight guest rooms, including Luxury King rooms with gas fireplaces, dry bars, and select rooms with deep soaking tubs or private patios. Every room includes a walk-in shower and BeeKind bath amenities, so you can rinse off the day before heading out to dinner or settling in for the evening.
Outside, the seasonally heated pool and fire pit make an easy spot to open a bottle brought home from the winery, and mornings start with a gourmet breakfast made with eggs and herbs from the inn’s own gardens. The location puts guests close to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, cranberry bogs, and Harwich Port, with Chatham and Wellfleet a short drive away for whale-watching trips or a hike along the Great Island Trail. Whether your Cape Cod getaway centers on wineries, beaches, or a mix of both, this Cape Cod Bed and Breakfast works as a comfortable home base for the whole trip.
For travelers building a full itinerary of things to do on Cape Cod, Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge in Chatham offers an easy walk past salt marshes where seals gather offshore, and whale-watching tours depart from Provincetown and Barnstable Harbor for trips to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Pair one of those excursions with an afternoon at Cape Cod Winery, and you have a full day of Cape Cod attractions covered.
Book your stay at this Cape Cod Bed and Breakfast today and start planning a winery getaway that includes wine tasting in Falmouth and a comfortable stay in West Harwich.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Cod Winery
Is Falmouth considered part of Cape Cod?
Yes. Falmouth, including the village of East Falmouth where Cape Cod Winery is located, is one of the fifteen towns that make up Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
What are the top attractions on Cape Cod?
Cape Cod attractions range from beaches and lighthouses to wildlife refuges and vineyards. Cape Cod Winery in East Falmouth is one of the region’s few working vineyards open for tastings, and it pairs well with nearby stops like Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge and the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
What else is there to do in Falmouth, Cape Cod besides the winery?
Falmouth offers beaches along Nantucket Sound, a walkable downtown with shops and restaurants, and access to the Shining Sea Bikeway. Combined with a stop at Cape Cod Winery, it makes for a full day of things to do in Falmouth, MA.
What makes Cape Cod Winery different from other Cape Cod vineyards?
Cape Cod Winery is one of the few Cape Cod vineyards where visitors can taste wine while sitting among the vines that produced it, on a property that traces its roots back to an early Falmouth strawberry farm.
Catch Peak Fall Foliage
Fall Things to Do in Ithaca, NY: Waterfalls, Wine Trails, and Foliage
Fall is the season that makes the list of things to do in Ithaca, NY, worth planning a whole trip around. The hillsides above Cayuga and Seneca Lakes turn gold and red, and the wineries release new vintages as the leaves reach peak color. Spend a few days around Ithaca enjoying waterfalls, wine, and harvest season.
Ithaca Waterfalls Worth the Drive
No list of things to do in Ithaca is complete without its waterfalls. Taughannock Falls, just outside Trumansburg, drops 215 feet in a single plunge, taller than Niagara Falls, and the gorge trail leading to its base is one of the most photographed spots in the Finger Lakes during foliage season.
Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park round out the region’s best hikes, each with a series of cascades and swimming holes carved into the gorge walls. Closer to downtown, the Ithaca gorges connect the city directly to the Cornell University campus, cutting through shale and sandstone exposed over hundreds of millions of years. It’s a short walk with one of the most dramatic settings in the region.
Follow the Cayuga and Seneca Wine Trails
Fall is harvest season along the Cayuga Wine Trail and the Seneca Wine Trail. Tasting rooms pour new releases right as the surrounding vineyards change color. Savor flights at a handful of stops; many Finger Lakes tasting rooms offer small bites you can enjoy on a patio with a lake view. Staying centrally located between the two trails means either one is a short drive from your room.
Catch Peak Foliage and Apple Harvest Season
Anyone searching for fall foliage near me in the Finger Lakes can plan for late September through mid-October, when color typically peaks across the hills surrounding Cayuga and Seneca Lakes. This same stretch overlaps with apple harvest season at local orchards offering u-pick access, and the region’s harvest festivals bring cider, baked goods, and local growers into town for the weekend.
Book a Finger Lakes Wine Country Hotel Near Ithaca, NY
The Inn at Gothic Eves sits in the village of Trumansburg, just minutes from Taughannock Falls State Park and centrally located between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes. Our Finger Lakes Boutique Hotel offers luxury guest suites, an on-site spa, and a farm-fresh breakfast each morning, making it an easy home base for a fall trip built around waterfalls, wine, and foliage. After a morning on the trail, guests can soak in a hot tub or book a massage well before dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to see fall foliage near Ithaca, NY?
Peak color typically arrives in the hills around Cayuga and Seneca Lakes from late September through mid-October, though timing shifts slightly from year to year depending on the weather.
How tall is Taughannock Falls?
Taughannock Falls drops 215 feet in a single plunge, making it taller than Niagara Falls and one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States.
Where can I find the Cayuga and Seneca wine trails?
Both trails run along their namesake lakes in the Finger Lakes region, with dozens of tasting rooms accessible by car within a short drive of Trumansburg and Ithaca.
Is there an apple harvest festival near Ithaca?
Local orchards run u-pick access through the fall, and the region hosts harvest festivals with cider and baked goods, typically held in downtown Ithaca in late September.
A few days built around Ithaca’s waterfalls, wine trails, and fall foliage are easy to plan and even easier to enjoy from a Finger Lakes Wine Country Hotel. Book your stay at the Inn at Gothic Eves today.
Celebrate 100 Years of History on Historic Route 66
Best Route 66 Centennial Getaway in Albuquerque
The Route 66 Centennial is putting Albuquerque in the spotlight, and for good reason. As home to the longest continuous urban stretch of the Historic Route 66, this city plays a central role in honoring the Mother Road’s legacy. With a full calendar of festivals, art installations, and community celebrations planned throughout the year, the centennial offers an ideal reason to plan a longer, more immersive visit.
Route 66 first connected Chicago to Los Angeles in 1926, shaping generations of road trips and American culture along the way. Today, nearly 85 percent of the original Route 66 remains drivable, and few Route 66 cities capture its spirit as vividly as Albuquerque. Central Avenue serves as the heart of the experience, lined with classic diners, vintage motels, and glowing neon signs that still define the highway’s nostalgic character.
Beyond the road itself, Albuquerque offers layers of history and culture that make this stop especially rewarding. Native American and Spanish influences are evident in local cuisine, architecture, and art, creating a getaway to New Mexico that feels dynamic and authentic. From Old Town’s historic adobe buildings to modern public art projects like Route 66 Remixed, the city offers both tradition and creativity that feel fresh and engaging.
Celebrations tied to the Route 66 anniversary are unfolding all year long. Major events such as the Route 66 Centennial Caravan Cavalcade and the 2026 Hemmings Great Race bring national attention, while seasonal festivals, markets, and cultural gatherings. There will be plenty of things to do in Albuquerque this year!
One of the Best Places to Stay in Albuquerque, NM
For those looking for a unique place to stay for the Route 66 Centennial, Bottger Mansion offers a distinctive alternative to typical Route 66 stops. Located near Old Town and close to many of the city’s most popular attractions, this historic New Mexico Bed and Breakfast provides comfort, character, and a sense of connection to Albuquerque’s past.
Thoughtful hospitality, exceptional breakfasts, and peaceful garden spaces make it an inviting place to relax after exploring the best things to do in Albuquerque. Whether you are tracing the whole route or focusing on one unforgettable destination, the Route 66 Centennial getaway in Albuquerque promises history, culture, and experiences worth the long drive!
Chase Waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge This Spring
Best Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls for Adventure
Few day trips deliver drama like the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls, where cliffside cascades, mossy canyons, and misty viewpoints appear one after another. If you want an adventure that mixes iconic stops with satisfying trail time, the Gorge is the kind of place that rewards both early starts and curious detours, all within easy reach of Portland.
Start with Multnomah Falls, the headline act for a reason. The two-tier drop is massive, the views are immediate, and the walk to Benson Bridge gives you that cool spray and wide-angle photo moment. For a more immersive route, build your day around the Multnomah area trail network, where forest paths connect viewpoints and smaller cascades.
Next, add Wahkeena Falls for a different texture of water; it doesn’t just plunge, it tumbles and fans through lush rock and greenery. It’s a favorite for hikers who want a bit more quiet without giving up that classic Gorge atmosphere. Keep your momentum going with a stop at Latourell Falls, a striking single-drop waterfall framed by basalt columns and vivid lichen, with both an easy lower viewpoint and a loop trail for more exploring.
Where to Stay After Your Waterfall Day
For a Washington-side escape, Panther Creek Falls is a standout, especially if you want big payoff with minimal effort. The short trail brings you to a powerful, multi-tier cascade, making it one of the easiest ways to add a “hidden gem” moment to your itinerary. If you have time for a longer outing, Falls Creek Falls turns the day into a true adventure, with a moderate loop, steady forest scenery, and a memorable suspension bridge before the final viewpoint.
Round out your itinerary with Lower Lewis Falls, an impressive, wide cascade that feels bold and raw, with an easy approach that makes it simple to fit into a full weekend of exploring. Beyond the waterfalls, there are plenty of things to do in the Columbia River Gorge, including scenic hikes, viewpoints, wineries, and restaurants. Make it more than a day trip, pair your waterfall chase with a cozy cabin stay at Carson Ridge Cabins, the leading cabins in the Columbia River Gorge.
Chasing Waterfalls at Triple Falls in Western North Carolina
Triple Falls North Carolina Hike for Adventure
Triple Falls is one of the signature stops in Dupont State Recreational Forest, and it rewards anyone willing to put a little effort into the climb. In fact, this waterfall-rich park is one of the top things to do in Western North Carolina. From Saluda, Triple Falls is an easy day trip that pairs well with small-town time on Main Street, then a focused outing in the woods where the sound of rushing water does the talking. If you are planning an adventure getaway in the mountains, Triple Falls North Carolina belongs at the top of your list.
Most visitors begin at the High Falls Access Area, where the Triple Falls Trail leads into a hardwood forest and gradually gains elevation. Routes vary, but the walk to the viewing area is typically a little over a mile round trip, and the final approach includes stairs to an overlook. Once you reach the falls, you will see why Triple Falls NC is so frequently photographed. The water drops in three tiers across a broad rock face, and the viewpoints give you options for different angles and compositions. Bring a snack, take your time, and plan to linger.
Because Triple Falls sits within a network of well-known cascades, it is easy to build a fuller day of waterfalls in North Carolina without adding extra driving. High Falls is close by and makes a natural pairing, with a wider trail and a powerful span of water across the Little River. Hooker Falls is one of the most accessible stops in Dupont forest, with a short, mostly flat walk and calmer sections where swimming and wading are allowed.
A Boutique Hotel Near Dupont State Recreational Forest
After a day on the trails, return to Saluda for a comfortable base that supports both activity and recovery. When you stay at our boutique hotel in Western North Carolina, you can choose from well-appointed rooms, spacious suites, and private cottages, with gas fireplaces in every suite and cottage. Many accommodations also include jetted tubs, which are a welcome addition after hiking in North Carolina. On-site amenities like a spa and sauna make it easy to reset before dinner.
If you want to extend the adventure, consider adding Bridal Veil Falls, Grassy Creek Falls, or Wintergreen Falls to your plan, depending on your time and hiking comfort. With Triple Falls Trail as the centerpiece and additional Asheville hikes within reach, Saluda keeps your itinerary flexible, focused, and satisfying.
Check Out a Bison Range Near Missoula, MT
Best Bison Range in Montana for Summer Wildlife Viewing
A visit to the Bison Range in Montana offers one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in western Montana. Located in Charlo on the Flathead Indian Reservation, this remarkable conservation area gives visitors the opportunity to observe Montana bison and other native wildlife across thousands of acres of protected grasslands and mountain scenery. Just an hour from Missoula, the National Bison Range is an ideal destination for a unique summer mountain getaway.
Covering more than 18,000 acres, the Bison Range is home to approximately 350 bison, along with elk, deer, pronghorn, coyotes, black bears, hawks, and eagles. The area was originally established in 1908 and remains an important conservation site managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Visitors can experience both the natural beauty and cultural significance of this landscape while learning about the ongoing stewardship efforts that help preserve it.
The most popular way to explore the bison park is by taking the scenic driving routes. Red Sleep Drive and Prairie Drive combine to create a 19-mile wildlife viewing experience featuring rolling hills, mountain vistas, and excellent opportunities to spot bison near Missoula. During the summer season, visitors can also enjoy walking trails and panoramic overlooks throughout the route. Early morning and evening visits often provide some of the best wildlife viewing conditions.
Stay Near the National Bison Range
After spending the day exploring the National Bison Range, return to Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast in Missoula for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Located just outside Missoula, our property offers convenient access to many of western Montana’s most popular attractions while providing a peaceful mountain setting.
Guests enjoy well-appointed accommodations with private bathrooms, comfortable furnishings, and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Each morning begins with a freshly prepared breakfast featuring homemade specialties and locally inspired ingredients. Favorites may include huckleberry Dutch Babies, Eggs Benedict, or hearty steak and eggs.
Visitors looking to extend their adventure can also explore the nearby Garden of One Thousand Buddhas in Arlee, located just a short drive from the Bison Range. Whether you are planning a summer wildlife tour, a scenic road trip to Glacier National Park, or a unique Montana getaway, Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast provides the perfect home base for enjoying all the best things to do in Missoula. Book your stay today and experience some of the best wildlife viewing in Montana.
Cliff Dwellings & Ancient History at Mesa Verde National Park
A Unique Guide to Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park stands as one of the most significant archaeological destinations in North America, offering a rare opportunity to explore the legacy of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Located about 45 minutes from Durango, this remarkable site preserves more than 5,000 cultural locations, including iconic cliff dwellings built directly into canyon walls. It remains one of the most compelling things to do near Durango, Colorado for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the region’s history.
A visit to Mesa Verde National Park reveals how communities lived, farmed, and built in a rugged mountain landscape for more than 700 years. Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, features over 150 rooms and numerous kivas, which were used for ceremonial gatherings. Nearby, Balcony House offers a more adventurous experience with guided access that includes ladders and narrow passageways. For a broader overview, Mesa Top Loop Road provides an accessible route to multiple archaeological sites and scenic viewpoints.
Beyond the dwellings, the park offers enriching stops like the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum, where artifacts and exhibits provide valuable historical context. Trails such as Petroglyph Point allow visitors to experience the landscape while viewing ancient rock carvings, while Park Point offers expansive views across the Four Corners region. These diverse experiences highlight why Mesa Verde National Park tours are essential for fully appreciating the site.
Where to Stay Near Mesa Verde National Park
After a full day of exploration, choosing the right lodging in Durango enhances the overall experience. Blue Lake Ranch offers a convenient and comfortable base just outside town, with easy access to both Mesa Verde National Park and downtown Durango. The property features a variety of accommodations, including private cabins, suites, and guest rooms set across expansive gardens and open land.
Guests can unwind in a quiet mountain setting while remaining close to restaurants, shops, and local attractions. With its balance of accessibility and privacy, this lodging option supports a well-rounded itinerary that includes both cultural exploration and relaxation. Planning ahead is recommended, especially for those visiting during peak travel periods.