For
many, spring break
is the perfect time of year to head to the beach or hit the slopes. And while
we certainly love classic spring break destinations like Punta Cana
and Park City, these six spots
are a bit more unconventional -- and totally awesome. From the American
Southwest to bustling metropolises a little further north, here are six
alternative spring breaks we love -- and you will, too. Plus, your spring break
stories will be way more interesting than the usual booze-and-sun tales.
Explore the
Beauty of Zion National Park
Spring
is one of the most beautiful times to visit Zion National Park, where you can
stare in awe of Zion Canyon’s red sandstone cliffs and brilliant blue skies.
After spending your days hiking, biking, and exploring the region’s natural
beauty, Cliffrose
Lodge & Gardens is a great place to crash. Located in
Springdale, within walking distance of the park’s entrance, Cliffrose Lodge is
a place where guests can expect incredible views of Zion’s sandstone cliffs,
comfortable rooms, and a substantial free breakfast served each morning.
Family-friendly amenities -- like a heated pool, playground, picnic area for
grilling, and laundry facilities -- make this an appealing choice for those
traveling with kids. But adults will also appreciate the property’s free Wi-Fi
and access to a sandy “beach” along the banks of the Virgin River.
Discover
Living History in Colonial Williamsburg
Spend
your spring break reliving American history in Colonial
Williamsburg. As you stroll along cobblestone streets, you can
admire the charm of 18th-century buildings and even interact with local
“townspeople,” who are Williamsburg employees dressed in period garb. One of
our favorite places to stay is The Historic
Powhatan Resort, with its sprawling, stately grounds, and
well-preserved historic buildings. Here, spacious suites include kitchens,
living rooms, and laundry facilities, but lack the charm and history seen in
some of the common areas. There also are two pools (one indoor, one outdoor),
kid-friendly activities like miniature golf, a general store that sells gifts
and groceries, and an above-average bar and restaurants that serves American
comfort food.
Relax and
Recharge in Austin
Lake Austin
Spa Resort is the perfect place for a relaxing spring break.
Maybe you’ll spend your mornings kayaking on Lake Austin, or perhaps you’ll
take a yoga class, join a “discovery program,” or treat yourself to a decadent
spa treatment. Here, serene lakefront grounds give way to cheery interiors with
stunning views around every corner. Guest rooms are airy and bright, and some
suites even have private patios with whirlpools. There are three large pools,
including an indoor lap pool housed in a converted barn. The hotel also serves
free daily breakfast in the homey dining room and offers free Wi-Fi.
Have It All
in Vancouver
Often
ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities, Vancouver
truly does have it all. A cosmopolitan metropolis, Vancouver features one of
the most appealing environmental juxtapositions a city can offer: the mountains
and the sea. Outdoor enthusiasts will likely appreciate Vancouver's
parks, gardens, beaches, and mountains, and those who prefer a classic
cosmopolitan experience should check out the trendy boutiques and luxury dining
on Robson Street. The city is also one of Canada’s most culturally diverse and
is particularly LGBT-friendly. Vancouver’s relatively mild weather means spring
is a great time to visit. The Granville
Island Hotel is conveniently located near great
shopping, dining, and nightlife. Contemporary rooms have large windows with
fantastic Vancouver views, and the on-site Dockside Brewery and Restaurant is a
standout.
Retreat to
the Great Smoky Mountains
If
you’ve ever wanted to “rough it in the mountains,” but would prefer not to give
up creature comforts like, say, well, mattresses and showers, a trip to The Lodge at
Buckberry Creek might be your perfect solution. Set on 26 acres
at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg,
Tennessee, The Lodge at Buckberry Creek is designed to reflect
luxurious, rustic cabins of a bygone era. Here, guests can have an authentic
lodge experience, without sacrificing any of the comforts of home. Large rooms
feature cozy decor, private balconies, and full kitchens; some even have fireplaces.
Bathrooms have large walk-in showers and separate whirlpool tubs. The hotel
also offers free Wi-Fi and a free continental breakfast each morning -- try
getting that in a tent! There are multiple hiking trails along the
scenic grounds, and plenty of decks and lookout points with fire pits for
enjoying the spectacular scenery.
Live the
Ultimate City Experience in New York
Let’s
face it, there’s never a bad time to visit New York City. It’s the
city that never sleeps -- so you know there will always be something good going
on. Culture buff? Spend your days exploring the city’s museums. Outdoor
enthusiast? Check out Central Park, the High Line, and Battery Park. Lover of
show tunes? See a different performance every night, both on and off Broadway.
Food fanatic? This is New York, so you can sample any type of cuisine
imaginable. One spot conveniently located near all the action is the Hudson Hotel -- just
two blocks from Central Park and Columbus Circle. It's a hip, high-design hotel
that aims to be affordable (by NYC standards). Rooms, while on the smaller
side, are funky and stylish. But the hotel’s common spaces, like the lobby and
restaurants in particular, are awesome spots for gathering.
Be Wowed by
Lake Powell
Lake
Powell is a large manmade reservoir created in the 1960s when Glen Canyon Dam
corralled the waters of the Colorado River. The area surrounding it is replete
with red-rock canyons and beautiful vistas. Guests at Lake Powell
Resort, just a few miles outside of Page, Arizona, can take in
the gorgeous scenery from nearly every corner of the hotel. Its two outdoor
pools overlook the gorgeous lake, and its signature restaurant, Latitude 37, is
the perfect spot for sunset dinners. Though rooms here are bland and somewhat
drab, they are clean and comfortable, and all have balconies. From the hotel,
guests can chart boat tours, or even rent one of their own.
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