When it comes to the Northwest, few places are as beautiful or hidden from the surrounding metropolis as the San Juan Islands of Washington State. Residents of neighboring cities ride the ferry from the mainland for day and weekend trips to shop, hike, whale watch and escape the bustle of urban life. Bordering Canada, the range combines four distinctly different islands. Orcas Island is the largest. Due to its horseshoe shape, it contains a significant amount of beach-front space and is therefore the most populated year-round. This vibrant community is largely made up of artists and farmers. San Juan Island is the most tourist-friendly island in the range. Home to Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor, the island is full of museums, including the American and British Camps National Parks. Lopez Island is a quiet residential community and the most rural of the three large islands. Finally, in the middle of the range is Shaw Island, which is so small that it doesn't have any tourist accommodations and few residents. Just a short ferry ride from civilization, this location truly embodies solitude.
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and close enough to visit for a weekend, Long Island is the favorite summer diversion of New York City residents. The island is only 125 miles long and 23 miles wide, but contains such an assortment of landscapes and activities that it feels much larger. Within the space, tourist will find beaches, farm lands and fishing ports. Charming villages are full of tourist shops and activities such as music concerts and horse and car races. Other activities include wine tasting at local wineries or dining at one of Long Island's many seafood restaurants. Water activities, such as sailing, swimming and fishing, are also common. The south side of the island is a popular retreat for the rich and famous and is full of spectacular beachfront architecture.
Well-known for giving American wine a name in the business, Napa Valley is just an hour from the San Francisco traffic and ideal for those who crave a quiet weekend. The valley contains five main towns, each of which is home to dozens of wineries of every taste and style. Wineries specializing in champagne, wineries located in castles, restaurant wineries, wineries owned by the famous and historical family-owned wineries are all available for tasting and occasionally even tours. Winery tour services are available for hire, and visitor bureaus in all the towns display maps of the wineries. For those that want something more than wine, the Calistoga Hot Springs provide a variety of spa options, and a wide variety of dining choices are available in each town.
Known for hot summers and cold winters, Texas is particular charming in the mild temperatures and vibrant colors of the fall. This is the time of year that many Houston and Dallas residents like to spend their weekends in the distinctive culture of the Texas countryside. The 95-year-old East Texas State Fair in Tyler shows off the country traditions of the South at their finest. Fair food, animals, rodeo and art are all present in one fun-filled fall weekend. In 1960, two miles of vast cavern passages were discovered between San Antonio and New Braunfels. Today, The Natural Bridge Caverns are another weekend destination that you might not see every day. Located near the Guadalupe River, the caverns are open to visitors for precious-stone panning, caving, climbing or nature tours. Ziplining from the Watchtower is also an option for adrenaline seekers.
