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Fun Santa Fe Attractions for the Whole Family
Best Things to Do in Santa Fe with Kids Today
Santa Fe stands out as a family-friendly Southwest destination where culture, creativity, and outdoor exploration come together. Families will find that building an itinerary full of things to do in Santa Fe with kids feels natural, whether you are exploring the historic downtown or venturing just beyond the city. The walkable layout and variety of attractions make it easy to stay engaged without overplanning.
The city’s most engaging experiences blend education with hands-on fun. Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return encourages kids to move through immersive, interactive art installations filled with hidden passages. The Museum of International Folk Art introduces global cultures through colorful displays that are accessible for younger visitors. At the Santa Fe Children’s Museum, play-based exhibits allow kids to build, experiment, and explore freely. For a more relaxed activity, the Sky Railway Adventure Train offers themed rides that showcase the surrounding landscape.
Outdoor and active options expand the list of Santa Fe attractions. The ropes course at LiggettVille Adventure Center adds a physical challenge for older kids and teens, while the Dale Ball Trails provide flexible hiking options for all ages. The Historic Santa Fe Plaza offers open space, local vendors, and entertainment, creating a convenient stop between activities.
Day trips from Santa Fe add even more variety. Bandelier National Monument offers the chance to climb into ancient cliff dwellings, while Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument features unique rock formations and accessible hiking trails. Both destinations provide memorable, hands-on experiences that highlight the region’s history and natural landscape.
Family-Friendly Lodging in Santa Fe
Choosing the right place to stay enhances any family getaway. Four Kachinas is known for its family-friendly lodging, offering spacious rooms, private patios, and a welcoming atmosphere just steps from downtown. Guests can enjoy a homemade breakfast each morning, along with thoughtful amenities that make traveling with kids more comfortable. Its central location allows families to easily access top things to do near Santa Fe without long drives or complicated planning.
With cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and convenient family-friendly places to stay in Santa Fe, this southwest city is one of the best places to explore with your kids.
Galena Wineries & More Make the Perfect Couple’s Getaway
A Couple’s Getaway Built Around Galena Wineries
If your idea of a perfect escape includes a great glass of wine and a charming town you can actually walk, Galena should be at the top of your list. From tasting rooms in downtown Galena to vineyards just outside town, Galena wineries make it easy to plan a relaxed couples’ trip with plenty of variety. Start with a stroll along historic streets, pop into locally owned boutiques, then settle in for a tasting, no complicated planning required.
Wine lovers have plenty of options for their getaway. Galena Cellars Winery is a local favorite with a lively tasting room and a vineyard setting that feels like classic wine country, especially during seasonal events and live music. Massbach Ridge Winery sits on a scenic hilltop and keeps the vibe easygoing, with indoor and outdoor tastings and a broad list that works whether you lean dry, sweet, or somewhere in between.
For a laid-back stop with a playful personality, Fergedaboudit Vineyard & Winery pairs vineyard views with a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to linger. And Rocky Waters Winery offers a cozy, family-owned experience, perfect for slowing down and stretching the afternoon.
If you’d rather taste without driving, downtown spots like The Grape Escape and Champagne on Main keep the pours close to shopping and dinner reservations. You can also hand off the logistics to local favorites like Galena Wine Tours or Countryside Tours, then focus on what matters: Enjoying the day together.
Stay Close to the Sips at Our Galena Bed and Breakfast
Of course, there are far more things to do in Galena, IL than drink wine. To make the most of Galena wineries and more, stay a few days. Our award-winning Galena Bed and Breakfast is a one-tank trip from many Midwest cities, and an easy couples’ escape near Chicago. Each afternoon, we deliver wine and cheese trays right to your room, with house wines included. Want something local? Upgrade to a Galena Cellars bottle labeled for Jail Hill Inn.
Between tastings, fill your itinerary with spa time, gourmet dining, nature trails, and seasonal wine weekends. If you’re visiting in early June, Corkless Galena is a must. In the fall, don’t miss the Massbach Stomp and Galena Cellars’ Nouveau Wine Festival each November. Book direct, settle into your suite, and let Galena do what it does best: make it easy to relax.
Get a Dose of History at the St. Augustine History Museum
Visit the St. Augustine History Museum for a Unique Perspective
St. Augustine’s historic district is an easy place to fill a full day on foot, and the St. Augustine History Museum is a smart starting point for understanding what you are seeing around you. In fact, we’d argue it’s one of the most unique things to do in St. Augustine. Inside, exhibits trace major chapters of the city’s past, including early Native American history, Spanish colonial rule, British occupation, and the city’s later role in the United States. Displays featuring local artifacts, trading-post scenes, and a Spanish treasure room add context to the nearby streets, architecture, and landmarks.
After your museum visit, continue along George Street for shops, live music, and casual people watching among historic buildings. If you want to keep the momentum going, St. Augustine offers several other museums in close proximity that expand on the themes you will encounter in the historic district. The Lightner Museum, set inside the former Alcazar Hotel built by Henry Flagler, highlights Gilded Age decorative arts, including stained glass, antique furnishings, and vintage musical machines. For maritime stories, the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum pairs tower views with exhibits on shipwreck archaeology and lighthouse keeping.
Other options for museum-focused exploring include the Oldest House Museum, the Spanish Military Hospital Museum, and the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum, which leans into pirate lore with artifacts and interactive displays. Villa Zorayda offers guided visits through a distinctive home inspired by Spanish architecture, while the Old Jail Museum provides costumed interpretation in a historic jail associated with Flagler. For deeper cultural context, the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center highlights African American history connected to the Lincolnville community. If shipwrecks and underwater discovery interest you, add the St. Augustine Shipwreck Museum to your route.
Stay at Casa de Sueños in the Historic District
When the day winds down, our Bed and Breakfast in St. Augustine offers a comfortable home base in the heart of downtown. The bed and breakfast has seven individually designed rooms, with select options that include jetted tubs or private balconies. Guests can enjoy a welcoming social hour, then start the next morning with a complimentary gourmet breakfast.
Each room includes a decanter of cream Sherry, and the inn also offers packages and add-ons that can be tailored to a special occasion. Reserve your unique St. Augustine getaway and keep your itinerary within easy walking distance.
Get Adventurous With These Cape Cod Shark Tours
Best Shark Tours on Cape Cod for a Summer Adventure
Summer is one of the most exciting times to experience Shark Tours on Cape Cod. The waters off the Outer Cape become a hub of marine activity as gray seals gather along the shoreline and Cape Cod great white sharks return to their seasonal feeding grounds. For visitors seeking a memorable coastal adventure, shark tours offer an opportunity to witness one of the Atlantic Ocean’s most fascinating predators while learning about the region’s unique marine ecosystem.
Departing primarily from Chatham and Orleans, many Cape Cod shark tours are led by experienced captains, naturalists, and marine experts who provide educational commentary throughout the excursion. Guests may observe shark activity near seal colonies, spot dorsal fins in the distance, and gain valuable insight into shark behavior, migration patterns, and conservation efforts taking place offshore. These tours provide much more than wildlife viewing, creating a deeper appreciation for the Atlantic waters that surround Cape Cod.
Organizations such as the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy have helped transform public interest in Cape Cod great white sharks into meaningful conservation awareness. Several tour operators work closely with researchers and educational organizations to share information about ongoing studies, shark tracking initiatives, and marine habitat protection. Visitors interested in expanding their experience can also visit the Shark Center in Chatham to learn more about local shark research and conservation programs.
A Refined Cape Cod Lodging Experience
After a day spent exploring the waters of the Outer Cape, return to Platinum Pebble Boutique Inn for a relaxing and sophisticated stay. Our adults-only bed and breakfast in West Harwich offers a peaceful setting within convenient reach of many popular Cape Cod tours and coastal attractions.
Guests enjoy beautifully appointed accommodations featuring plush furnishings, premium linens, and thoughtfully designed en-suite bathrooms. The seasonally heated pool provides a comfortable place to unwind after a day on the water, while each morning begins with a gourmet breakfast prepared with fresh ingredients.
Whether you are planning a weekend escape or a longer summer adventure, Platinum Pebble Boutique Inn offers the ideal home base for exploring all the best things to do on Cape Cod, including visiting nearby beaches, charming coastal towns, and some of the region’s most memorable outdoor experiences. Book your stay today and discover a different side of Cape Cod.
Get Out on the Hiking Trails Near Asheville, NC This Winter
Best Hikes Near Asheville for a Winter Adventure
Winter transforms Western North Carolina into a rewarding destination for outdoor exploration, and the best hikes near Asheville take on a whole new character during the colder months. With fewer crowds and crisp mountain air, winter hiking offers a quieter, more immersive way to experience all the wonderful things to do in Western North Carolina. Bare trees reveal long-range views that stay hidden during other seasons, making winter an ideal time for adventure-focused travelers.
Hiking in Asheville, NC during winter delivers more than scenic beauty. Cooler temperatures make longer hikes more comfortable, while frozen waterfalls and frost-lined trails add dramatic detail to familiar routes. Many visitors are surprised by how active and accessible Asheville hikes remain throughout winter, especially on clear days following light snowfall.
Some of the best hikes in North Carolina are found just outside Asheville. DuPont State Recreational Forest remains a favorite for waterfall hikes, including Triple Falls and High Falls, where winter ice formations create striking visuals. Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, trails like Beacon Heights and Graveyard Fields offer panoramic views when conditions allow, making them standout choices for winter adventure. Chimney Rock State Park and Nantahala National Forest also provide rewarding routes for hikers looking to explore western North Carolina beyond the usual summer season.
Where to Stay After Hiking Near Asheville
After a full day on the trails, having a comfortable place to recharge makes all the difference. The Orchard Inn offers one of the most elevated mountain getaways in North Carolina, pairing outdoor access with thoughtful amenities designed for relaxation. Spacious rooms, suites, and private cottages give guests a quiet place to unwind after hiking near Asheville.
The on-site spa and sauna help ease sore muscles, while fireplaces, jetted tubs in select accommodations, and cozy gathering spaces create a welcoming atmosphere during winter evenings. Each morning begins with a gourmet breakfast, setting you up for another day exploring the best hikes near Asheville.
Winter in North Carolina invites travelers to slow down, embrace the season, and experience the mountains from a fresh perspective. With exceptional trails nearby and a relaxing retreat waiting at the end of the day, this is the perfect time to plan your winter adventure.
Get Wild at the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge: A Couples Getaway on Cape Cod
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge offers one of the most rewarding opportunities to experience Cape Cod’s natural beauty. Located just off the coast of Chatham, this protected area encompasses dunes, salt marshes, tidal flats, and shoreline habitats that support a remarkable variety of wildlife. For couples seeking a memorable coastal escape, a visit to Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge belongs at the top of the list of things to do on Cape Cod.
The refuge provides a unique perspective on the region’s landscape, with opportunities to explore walking trails, observe migratory birds, and take in expansive waterfront views. Visitors can begin their experience at the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, where maps, exhibits, and trail information help guide the day’s adventures. Nearby trails offer access to scenic overlooks and wildlife viewing areas that showcase the refuge’s diverse ecosystems.
One of the most popular ways to experience Monomoy Island is by booking one of the many Monomoy Island excursions available from Chatham. These guided boat tours travel through surrounding waters, offering access to areas that cannot be reached on foot. Along the way, visitors frequently encounter Cape Cod seals resting on sandbars or swimming through the harbor channels. The combination of coastal scenery and wildlife sightings creates an unforgettable outing for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
A Refined Cape Cod Bed and Breakfast Experience
After a day spent exploring Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, couples can return to the comfort of Platinum Pebble Boutique Hotel in West Harwich. Conveniently located near many of the Cape’s most popular attractions, the inn provides an elevated lodging experience that complements a day of outdoor adventure.
Guest rooms feature modern furnishings, luxurious linens, and thoughtful amenities designed for comfort and relaxation. The adults-only atmosphere creates a peaceful setting for reconnecting and unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Guests can also take advantage of special packages, including experiences that highlight additional wildlife encounters and Cape Cod activities.
From Monomoy Island excursions and Cape Cod seals to charming coastal towns and waterfront dining, there is no shortage of things to do on Cape Cod. Whether you are planning a weekend retreat or a longer couples getaway, Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge offers an exceptional way to experience one of the Cape’s most remarkable natural destinations. Book your stay and discover the beauty waiting just beyond the shoreline.
Getaway to Ren Faire Near Philadelphia
Mount Hope Estate’s Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is a defining summer event in the region, running weekends from mid-August through October at the Mount Hope Estate in Manheim. For more than four decades, the estate has been transformed into a 16th-century village.
Set across a 35-acre village, the Faire features more than 90 daily shows, including jousting, live music, theatrical performances, and street entertainment. Skilled artisans demonstrate traditional crafts such as blacksmithing and glassblowing, while over 100 merchants offer handcrafted goods. The Royal Kitchens offer a wide range of dining options, including vegetarian and gluten-free selections, alongside a selection of beverages, from ales to non-alcoholic drinks.
Each summer weekend introduces a distinct theme, from fantasy and folklore to seasonal celebrations, creating variety across repeat visits. The 2026 storyline, set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, unfolds through live performances and interactive elements, adding structure and continuity to the experience. Planning ahead is essential, as tickets to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire must be purchased online in advance, and weekend themes can influence attendance.
The surrounding region offers additional appeal. Visitors can explore nearby Lancaster County, known for its farm-to-table dining, historic sites, and family-friendly attractions. Downtown Lititz offers a variety of shops and restaurants, while the Strasburg Rail Road offers themed rides, dinner trains, and a classic train trip through the Amish countryside. These nearby destinations make it easy to extend a day trip into a great weekend getaway.
Stay at a Beautiful West Reading Bed and Breakfast
The right lodging near the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire turns your day out into a genuine summer escape. Tucked across seven wooded acres just 30 minutes from Mount Hope Estate, The South Mountain Inn strikes that rare balance: close enough to the action, peaceful enough to actually unwind.
Little touches make all the difference. Think morning coffee arriving at your door and freshly baked cookies in the afternoon. Whether you’re jostling between Lancaster’s farmland charm and West Reading’s hidden gems or simply coming to relax after a long day of merriment, the Inn sits at an ideal crossroads for all the best things to do.
Make the Faire a weekend getaway centered around one of summer’s most spirited traditions.
Getaway to the Eastern Shore in Maryland
Best Maryland Beach Towns for a Coastal Couples Escape
Maryland beach towns offer couples a refined way to experience the Chesapeake Bay, where working marinas, historic streets, and coastal scenery create a setting that feels both relaxed and engaging. Along the Eastern Shore of Maryland, destinations like Rock Hall provide a central starting point, with easy access to a variety of waterfront communities known for their character and connection to the water.
In Rock Hall, days can begin with a walk along the harbor, where sailboats move steadily across the bay. Couples can rent kayaks or paddleboards, book a sailing excursion, or visit the Rock Hall Museum to better understand the area’s maritime history. Nearby, St. Michaels offers boutique shopping, waterfront dining, and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, while Oxford and Bellevue provide quieter experiences along the water, including ferry rides and opportunities for kayaking.
For those interested in beaches, Betterton stands out with its sandy shoreline and open views of the bay, making it ideal for swimming or a relaxed afternoon outdoors. Chestertown brings a cultural dimension with galleries, historic sites, and events tied to its heritage, while Kent Narrows and Stevensville introduce a more active boating and dining scene. Together, these Maryland beach towns create a coastal itinerary for couples looking to explore some of the best places to visit in Maryland.
A Refined Bed and Breakfast on the Eastern Shore
Set across 70 acres, this Bed and Breakfast in Maryland provides a quiet place to return after a day of exploring. Guests can choose from thoughtfully designed rooms, private cottages, or in-town vacation rentals, each offering a polished yet welcoming atmosphere. Evenings often begin with complimentary wine or beer and freshly baked treats, followed by time to unwind in a peaceful setting.
Mornings include a homemade breakfast before heading out to discover more Maryland beaches and coastal towns. On property, a saltwater pool and expansive grounds are their for your enjoyment, while curated getaway packages allow couples to personalize their stay. The Inn at Huntingfield Creek is an ideal base for experiencing Maryland vacation spots.
Go Shopping on Bainbridge Island
Best Eagle Harbor Books Visit in Downtown Bainbridge Island
Eagle Harbor Books is one of the most beloved destinations in Downtown Bainbridge Island, offering visitors a welcoming place to browse, discover new authors, and experience the island’s literary culture. For those exploring Bainbridge Island shopping, this independent bookstore remains a favorite stop thanks to its thoughtfully curated inventory, knowledgeable staff, and strong connection to the local community.
Located in the heart of downtown, Eagle Harbor Books is much more than a retail store. Its extensive wall of staff recommendations encourages visitors to explore new genres and authors through selections chosen by passionate readers. Whether you are searching for literary fiction, mysteries, nonfiction, or children’s books, the bookstore offers an impeccable collection.
The store is also known for supporting local and regional authors throughout the Pacific Northwest. Visitors will find dedicated displays featuring writers from Bainbridge Island and beyond, creating opportunities to discover voices that reflect the culture and character of the region. Throughout the year, Eagle Harbor Books hosts author readings, book signings, and community events that contribute to the vibrant cultural life of Downtown Bainbridge Island.
Families visiting Eagle Harbor Books will appreciate the thoughtfully designed children’s section, which encourages young readers to explore books in a welcoming environment. Beyond its extensive book selection, the store also offers gifts, greeting cards, locally crafted items, and unique finds that make it a worthwhile stop for shoppers seeking meaningful souvenirs.
Stay Close to Eagle Harbor Books at Eagle Harbor Inn
For guests looking to enjoy everything downtown has to offer, Eagle Harbor Inn provides a convenient home base within walking distance of Eagle Harbor Books, local restaurants, galleries, and the ferry terminal. As one of the most conveniently located Bainbridge Hotels, the property allows visitors to experience the best of Bainbridge Island without relying on a vehicle throughout their stay.
After browsing the shelves, visitors can enjoy a nearby café, stroll along the waterfront, or continue exploring Downtown Bainbridge Island. Pairing a visit to Eagle Harbor Books with a stay at Eagle Harbor Inn creates an enjoyable weekend getaway centered around local culture and the welcoming atmosphere that has made Bainbridge Island a favorite destination in the Pacific Northwest.