What To See & Do
Fantastic Whale Watching Tours in Juneau, Alaska
Best Whale Watching in Juneau this Season in Alaska
Whale watching in Juneau is one of the most compelling ways to experience Alaska’s coastal wildlife during the summer season. Set along the Inside Passage, Juneau offers nutrient-rich waters that attract humpback whales, along with orcas and occasional grey whales. For travelers planning an adventurous getaway in the northern reaches, this region is known for both its wildlife activity and dramatic natural surroundings.
Late Spring and Summer are the peak times for whale watching in Juneau, with long daylight hours and consistent feeding patterns increasing the likelihood of sightings. From late spring through early fall, whales migrate to these waters, and June is especially active. Visitors often witness tail slaps, surface dives, and, on occasion, breaching behavior. Beyond whales, tours frequently encounter sea lions, harbor seals, porpoises, and bald eagles, adding variety to each outing.
Most Juneau whale watching tours last between two and four hours and operate on small to mid-sized vessels. These tours are led by licensed captains and knowledgeable naturalists who provide context on marine life, regional ecology, and responsible wildlife viewing practices. Boats are designed for comfort and visibility, typically featuring open decks and heated indoor cabins. As you travel through the Inside Passage, you will also take in views of forested islands, distant mountain peaks, and glacial landscapes. There are plenty of Juneau excursions to check out!
Stay Centrally Located near Downtown Juneau
Selecting the right Juneau Hotel enhances your overall experience, especially during the busy summer season. Booking accommodations in advance ensures convenient access to tour operators and flexible scheduling options. Staying locally often allows for smaller group tours and a more personalized approach to Juneau excursions.
Alaska’s Capital Inn offers a comfortable and well-located home base for your trip. Guests can enjoy a house-made breakfast each morning and a relaxed afternoon happy hour with light snacks and drinks. The innkeepers also assist with booking Juneau tours to help streamline your itinerary. After a day on the water, returning to a quiet and thoughtfully appointed guest room provides the rest needed for the next day’s activities.
With its reliable wildlife sightings, experienced tour operators, and striking coastal scenery, whale watching in Juneau remains one of the most rewarding things to do in Juneau during the summer. Planning ahead allows you to make the most of this memorable Alaska experience.
Find the Best Winter Weekend Getaway in the Midwest
Best Weekend Getaway in the Midwest This Winter
Winter is the perfect season to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy a change of scenery, and there is no better place to do that than Galena, Illinois. If you are searching for the best weekend getaway in the Midwest, this historic town delivers a memorable mix of seasonal charm, outdoor experiences, and elevated comfort that feels special from the moment you arrive.
Galena shines during winter. Snow-dusted hills set the backdrop for outdoor adventures like skiing and snowboarding at Chestnut Mountain Resort, winter hiking through local preserves, and scenic views along the Mississippi River where bald eagles migrate in the colder months. Downtown Galena remains lively year-round, with independent boutiques, cozy wine tasting rooms, and restaurants perfect for lingering dinners after a full day of exploring. Winter also brings a festive feel to Main Street, making every stroll feel intentional and inviting.
Of course, the best weekend getaway in the Midwest is not only about what you do during the day, but it is also about where you stay. After a day spent enjoying all the best things to do in Galena, IL, this winter, returning to a space that feels indulgent and unrushed makes all the difference.
A Luxury Galena Bed and Breakfast Experience
Jail Hill Inn offers a refined take on the classic Galena Bed and Breakfast. Each morning begins with a gourmet, multi-course breakfast featuring freshly roasted coffee, house-made pastries, fruit, and a rotating main dish, all prepared to start your day on the right note. Guests can enjoy breakfast in the dining room or opt for in-suite service at no additional charge.
In the afternoon, unwind with a private wine and appetizer experience delivered directly to your suite. Thoughtfully prepared charcuterie, baked treats, and your choice of wine allow you to relax without ever needing to leave your room. Spacious suites, luxury linens, and quiet evenings create the ideal environment for rest and connection.
With top national rankings and limited winter availability, Jail Hill Inn continues to set the standard for the best weekend getaway in the Midwest. Plan your winter escape now and experience Galena at its most inviting.
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.
Head to the New Hampshire Seacoast for a Winter Getaway
Best New Hampshire Getaway on the Seacoast This Winter
Winter has a way of reshaping a New Hampshire getaway into something more intentional. The air feels crisper, days move a bit more slowly, and time together becomes the only thing you’re tending to. On the Seacoast, winter brings glowing storefronts, quieter streets, and an inviting atmosphere that feels especially well-suited for couples looking to reconnect. For a winter couples getaway, historic Exeter offers charm, walkability, and easy access to some of the best places to visit in New Hampshire.
Exeter blends classic New England character with a creative, close-knit community. You’ll find plenty of things to do in Exeter throughout your getaway. Its downtown is filled with locally owned shops, independent bookstores, coffee spots, and an arts scene that feels genuine rather than staged. Winter is an ideal time to explore, with fewer crowds and more opportunities to slow down and enjoy simple pleasures. Exeter’s Seacoast location also makes it a natural home base for nearby winter adventures, from coastal walks to historic Portsmouth excursions.
An Elevated Stay Among New Hampshire Hotels
For many couples, the highlight of a New Hampshire getaway is choosing the right place to stay. Our historic New Hampshire Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Exeter, offers a refined and romantic alternative to traditional New Hampshire hotels. Set inside a beautifully preserved 1809 mansion, the property features eight thoughtfully designed guest rooms, most with fireplaces that invite you to unwind after a winter day outdoors.
Antiques, museum-worthy artwork, private bathrooms, and luxury linens create an atmosphere that feels polished yet comfortable. Personalized concierge service adds ease to every stay, whether arranging transportation, planning a winter day trip, or securing dining reservations. Romantic packages with flowers, sparkling wine, chocolates, or in-room massages elevate this winter couples getaway even further.
Dining is an essential part of the experience, and Ambrose Restaurant delivers one of the most memorable meals on the Seacoast. Seasonal menus, locally sourced ingredients, and a cozy dining room with a glowing fireplace make it easy to enjoy a refined evening without leaving the property.
A winter New Hampshire getaway feels more meaningful when paired with thoughtful hospitality and a setting designed for couples. If you are planning a winter escape filled with romance, walkable charm, and elevated comfort, Exeter is ready to welcome you.
Head to the Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka, CA
Best Sequoia Park Zoo Experience on the California Coast
A visit to the Sequoia Park Zoo is one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy a getaway in Eureka, CA. Located on the Northern California coast, this historic zoo offers a relaxed, engaging experience with wildlife encounters, forest views, and easy access to the area’s top attractions. Whether you are planning a weekend escape or building a list of memorable things to do in Eureka, CA, the zoo fits effortlessly into your itinerary.
Founded in 1907, the Sequoia Park Zoo is California’s oldest zoo and continues to focus on conservation, education, and animal care. Shaded walking paths guide you through thoughtfully designed habitats featuring native and international species. Many of the animals you will see are unable to survive in the wild, making the zoo a sanctuary and learning space. Guests often mention the river otters, raptor aviary, and Watershed Heroes exhibit, where underwater viewing areas bring the experience closer.
Red pandas are another favorite at the Eureka Zoo, frequently spotted climbing branches or enjoying bamboo snacks. The cool coastal climate suits them well and makes their exhibit a highlight for visitors of all ages. The Nancy Hilfiker Aviary adds another dimension, allowing guests to walk among free-flight birds from around the world.
Experience One of the Top Old Town Eureka Hotels
The Redwood Skywalk, included with Sequoia Park Zoo tickets, adds a memorable element to your visit. This elevated walkway winds through the redwood canopy, offering a peaceful perspective above the forest floor and a fun break from traditional exhibits.
After your adventure, returning to comfortable lodging nearby makes the day feel complete. Staying at Carter House Inns places you less than ten minutes from the zoo while surrounding you with the charm of Old Town. Guests enjoy well-appointed rooms, inviting common spaces, evening wine, and a satisfying breakfast. With local dining, waterfront views, and shopping close by, as one of the top-rated Old Town Eureka Hotels, you’ll love spending time in your elegant guest room on your coastal escape. Book your stay today and enjoy everything Eureka has to offer.
Historic, Upscale Luxury at Our Hotel in New England
Best Hotels in New England for a Couples Weekend
Exeter, New Hampshire feels like the kind of town you can actually sink into, with brick sidewalks, white steeples, and the Exeter River moving quietly through it all. For couples looking to stay close to Boston without feeling like they never left the city, Inn by the Bandstand is an easy choice, ranking high among the Best hotels in New England. Once you park, you can spend the weekend on foot, with coffee stops, boutique shops, galleries, cocktails, and dinner all right outside your door.
Start your first afternoon in downtown Exeter with a slow wander down Water Street. Pop into independent boutiques, stop for a mocha at Me & Ollie’s, then loop along Swasey Parkway for river views that make you forget your inbox exists. When evening hits, you can keep it effortless, enjoy a craft cocktail, then settle in for dinner without calling a rideshare.
Dine and stay steps from it all at our Downtown Exeter Hotel
One of the reasons couples love our downtown Exeter Hotel is how complete the experience feels. Not only are there plenty of things to do in Exeter and beyond, but the guest rooms and suites balance historic character with a polished, modern look. Everywhere you turn, you’ll encounter custom furnishings, layered textures, and small, thoughtful details that make the room elevated and refined.
Then there’s Ambrose, the inn’s on-site restaurant. It’s the top-ranked restaurant in Exeter, and a dining experience you won’t want to miss. At Ambrose, you’ll find locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus that turn a simple night out into the highlight of the weekend.
On day two, use Exeter as your home base for the New Hampshire Seacoast. In under twenty minutes, you can be in Portsmouth for the waterfront, galleries, and Strawbery Banke Museum, or head to Rye for a walk on the sand and a classic Atlantic view along Ocean Boulevard. Come back to Exeter for a relaxed pace, a pre-dinner drink, a stroll by the bandstand lights, and a restful night in.
Before you leave, make time for breakfast, then take one last walk along the river or through Phillips Exeter Academy’s campus to see the Louis Kahn Library. Book direct, and turn a couple’s weekend into your next tradition.
Hit the Snow With These Michigan Snowmobile Trails!
Best Michigan Snowmobile Trails for Winter Getaways
Winter in the Midwest delivers something special, and nowhere is that more obvious than across Michigan snowmobile trails. When snowfall settles in, thousands of miles of groomed routes connect forests, frozen lakes, and welcoming towns, creating unforgettable Michigan winter getaways for riders of every experience level.
Snowmobile trails in Michigan stretch from the Upper Peninsula to the Lower Peninsula, offering variety that keeps each ride fresh. Riders can cruise wide-open paths, wind through wooded corridors, and stop in small towns where winter hospitality shines. Whether you are chasing adrenaline or planning a relaxed winter weekend, Michigan in winter delivers consistent conditions and scenic rewards.
Upper Michigan snowmobile trails remain a favorite for serious riders. The Upper Peninsula boasts over 3,000 miles of connected routes, with destinations like Ironwood, Paradise, Marquette, and the Keweenaw Peninsula standing out for reliable snowfall and striking scenery. In the Lower Peninsula, snowmobile trails Michigan visitors love include Gaylord, Cadillac, Clare County, and areas shaped by lake-effect snow. Even southern regions provide solid trail networks perfect for shorter winter escapes.
Snowmobiling pairs naturally with other winter activities in Michigan. Skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, scenic chairlift rides, and winter festivals add depth to your itinerary. From frozen waterfalls to brewery stops and local shops, there is no shortage of things to do in Michigan in the winter beyond the trails.
Where to Stay During Michigan Winter Getaways
After a full day outdoors, comfort matters. Michigan Bed and Breakfasts offer warm guest rooms, homemade breakfasts, and thoughtful hospitality that make winter travel feel personal. These locally owned inns are often located near trail systems, dining, and seasonal attractions, making them ideal home bases for snowmobile-focused trips.
Michigan winter getaways combine adventure with ease. With expansive trail networks, diverse winter activities, and inviting places to stay, Michigan snowmobile trails continue to define Midwest winter travel. Plan your winter escape, explore the trails, and enjoy everything Michigan has to offer this season.
Hop On and Off the Trolley in Downtown Nashville
Best Trolley Tour in Nashville for a Weekend Getaway
A trolley tour in Nashville is one of the most efficient and engaging ways to begin exploring Music City. For visitors planning a weekend trip, it provides a structured introduction to the city while allowing flexibility to explore. With knowledgeable guides and a well-designed route, it stands out among the best tours in Nashville.
The Old Town Trolley Nashville experience offers multiple ticket options, including one-day and two-day hop on hop off Nashville passes. This format allows you to step off at key locations, explore, and rejoin the route when you are ready. With over a dozen stops, the Nashville trolley connects major attractions and neighborhoods, making it easier to navigate the city without worrying about parking or directions.
Highlights along the route include the Ryman Auditorium, Music Row, Centennial Park, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Nashville Farmers Market. These stops provide a strong overview of Nashville sightseeing, especially for first-time visitors. The guides add depth to the experience with storytelling, local insights, and recommendations for dining, live music, and additional things to do in Nashville.
For those interested in a more focused experience, the “Soul of Music City” tour explores Nashville’s musical roots in greater detail. This guided option highlights historic venues, recording studios, and neighborhoods tied to the city’s identity. It is a strong addition for visitors who want to understand the cultural context behind the landmarks.
Beyond a trolley tour in Nashville, the city offers a wide range of curated experiences. Walking tours provide a closer look at downtown history and architecture, while food tours introduce East Nashville’s dining scene. Visitors can also explore local distilleries, book a helicopter tour for skyline views, or experience Prohibition-era stories through guided cocktail tours. These options allow you to build a well-rounded itinerary around your trolley experience.
Stay at a Bed and Breakfast in Nashville, TN
After a full day of Nashville tours and sightseeing, returning to a Bed and Breakfast in Nashville, TN offers a quieter and more refined setting. Belle Air Mansion provides a historic backdrop with modern amenities, located just outside the busiest downtown areas while remaining conveniently close to top attractions.
The property features detailed architectural elements, including original flooring, high ceilings, and curated furnishings that reflect its heritage. Each guest room is individually styled with comfortable, high-end amenities, creating a relaxing environment after a day of exploring.
Mornings begin with a freshly prepared Southern-style breakfast, complete with coffee, fruit, and baked goods. Guests can dine indoors or on the veranda, setting the tone for another day in the city. For a weekend getaway, pairing a trolley tour in Nashville with a stay at this Bed and Breakfast creates a balanced, memorable experience.
How to Enjoy The Charming Coastal Towns of New Hampshire
The Best New Hampshire Coastal Towns for a Weekend Trip
New Hampshire coastal towns are a quick, rewarding way to get that classic New England shoreline feeling without a long drive. Along the Seacoast, you can move from sandy beaches to rocky overlooks, from harbor strolls to historic streets, all within a compact stretch of coastline. Start your weekend with sunrise on the Atlantic, then spend the rest of the day doing what the Seacoast does best: Waterfront views, fresh seafood, and small-town shopping that feels curated, not touristy.
If you want a beach day with energy, Hampton Beach brings the boardwalk vibe, summer concerts at the Seashell Stage, and plenty of seafood shacks for lobster rolls and fried clams. Prefer something quieter and more local? North Hampton offers long walks on North Beach, and a can’t-miss stop at Fuller Gardens, a gorgeous oceanfront garden that feels like a well-kept secret. For dramatic scenery, Rye pairs rocky bluffs and tide pools at Odiorne Point State Park with the family-friendly shoreline at Wallis Sands State Beach.
No list of New Hampshire coastal towns is complete without Portsmouth, where coastal charm meets culture. Spend time in Prescott Park, step into the past at Strawbery Banke Museum, then head downtown for bookstores, craft cocktails, and standout dining. If you love quiet corners, hop over the causeway to New Castle, a tiny island town with sweeping views at Great Island Common and history at Fort Constitution.
Where to Stay for a Refined Seacoast Weekend Getaway
For the best of both worlds, use Exeter as your weekend home base. Just minutes from the coast, it adds a refined New England small town feel to your trip. From quiet strolls along the Squamscott River and visits to the American Independence Museum, to walks along the beautiful campus of Phillips Exeter Academy, there are plenty of wonderful things to do in Exeter, NH.
After a day exploring New Hampshire coastal towns, check into Inn By The Bandstand, the most elevated, historic hotel in Exeter, with eight guest suites, fine linens, and high-end comforts that make a weekend feel like a true escape.
In the evening, settle in with cocktails, then enjoy dinner at Ambrose, our in-house Exeter restaurant known for seasonal cuisine and a romantic, softly lit ambiance. Cap the night back in your suite, and let tomorrow’s coastal plans come easily. Book your weekend getaway direct today.