Marietta was settled in the 1780s and has become a favorite vacation spot for locals and their Midwestern neighbors. Full of rich history, the town offers a “Hidden Marietta” tour which shows visitors the spots where the brothels and bars of the past were located.
Once you’ve parked your car where you plan to spend the duration of your trip, you likely won’t need it again until you’re ready to check out! Walk along the river and throughout the historic downtown area and choose from all kinds of cozy restaurants, bars, and shops.
Wisconsin: Mineral Point
Mineral Point is a town with a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The area operated as a mining town and is still home to several of the original buildings, including the cabins at Pendarvis. The Railroad Museum houses quite a few pieces of the town’s past, too, and is definitely worth a visit.
There are several other historical sites also worth visiting if you’re in Mineral Point, as well, including the Merry Christmas Mine Hill and Orchard Lawn. Take your pick from the area’s wonderful hotels, all of which average 4.5-5 stars on most review sites. Some will tell you that the best in the area is a toss-up between the Walker House and Mineral Point Hotel and Suites.
Oregon: Cannon Beach
When you picture Oregon, what is it that you think of? Whatever it is, it’s probably not beautiful coastlines – but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Cannon Beach. Haystack Rock is the world’s third-largest monolith (a large single-stone monument,) and attracts visitors from all over the United States.
Aside from incredible views and coastal walks, you’ll also find some of the nation’s best art galleries throughout the area. Plus, it’s only a short distance away from another one of Oregon’s best cities: Seaside!
Colorado: Breckenridge
Breckenridge is located at the base of the Tenmile Mountains, and, like many towns in Colorado, is known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding trails. Definitely a town worth visiting, it’s full of luxurious ski resorts and shops. During summer, hiking, rafting, and biking are popular throughout the gorgeous area, as well.
If you find yourself in Breckenridge, stay at The Bivvi for beautiful views and home-cooked breakfasts, along with fireplaces in your room. If you’re looking for delicious Colorado cuisine, head to Twist for some Rocky Mountain Trout.
Utah: Moab
While a lot of the places on our list are coastal areas, Moab offers a different kind of beauty in its natural landscape. The red rock canyons make for a stunning sight at sunrise and sunset, which is the perfect reason (or at least, one of them) to take an early morning hike through Arches National Park. In fact, the park is arguably the best part of this small Western town. If you’re not the early morning type, the views will still be pretty amazing any time of day.
Aside from adventuring through all of the nearby parks, the area also offers an array of boutiques, restaurants, and bars. But if you’re in the mood for something faster on your way to the next hike, grab a bite to eat at the Quesadilla Mobilla food truck on Main Street for some delicious Mexican fare.