Tag: nature

Best Places to Visit in the U.S. Once Travel Restrictions are Lifted

We all know these are troubling times. However, the spirit of travel is alive and well, and we do see the light at the end of the tunnel getting brighter. At Southwestern Travel Group (SWTG), we believe in travel. We are dreaming of a time when we can travel again, and we wanted to share with you some of the best and practical places to visit in our exquisite country when travel restrictions are lifted.

1.  Go on a roadtrip to the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina. You will not regret taking a walk on the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the United States and seeing the breath-taking views of the Smoky Mountains. But be warned. This bridge stretches 680 feet across a valley and is suspended 140 feet above the ground, calling all adventurous travelers.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Take a ride on the Alaskan Railroad to adventure into the Last Frontier. This experience is sure to leave you wanting more. From day trips to custom weeklong adventures, you are sure to observe Alaskan brown and black bears as well as icebergs. You will also end one day with a delicious salmon and prime rib dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. There is so much to see in the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. Don’t be surprised by the herds of buffalo, wild mustangs, and burros, or by the world’s largest collection of reptiles at the Reptile Gardens. Families can choose from six amusement parks in the state, witness the unearthing of prehistoric mammoths, and visit dinosaur exhibits. If you’re a fan of old western movies, you might even want to add in the experience of an Old West shootout or make reservations for a cowboy supper and music show.

 

 

 

4. If you are looking for fresh air, fun, and inspiration, then Boulder, Colorado, should be on your list of places to visit. It is full of outdoor splendor. From the dramatic sandstone slabs of the Flatirons to the snow-capped peaks that travel far and wide, it’s easy to see why this place is certain to grab your attention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Find your perfect beach in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. With over 100 miles of pristine shoreline, you are sure to find your perfect beach spot. Don’t worry, golf lovers—they have you covered. Northeast NC is an ideal and serene golfing retreat. After a day at the beach or golf course, be sure to visit the charming local shops and grab a bite to eat at one of the many incredible seafood restaurants.

 

 

 

 

 

6. If you’re a Netflix fanatic, then we’re certain you’ve heard of the Lake of the Ozarks. This is Missouri’s most popular lake destination. It features 1,100 miles of shoreline. Did you know that is more shoreline than the coast of California? You can take your pick from one of the public beaches, enjoy a fishing getaway, or just have some fun out on the water.

 

 

 

 

7. Welcome to Red Rock Country, Sedona, Arizona. Hiking and biking the 400+ miles of trails in Sedona is one of the first things to cross off your to do list when you arrive. Enjoy a Sunday brunch with mimosas at one of the many fine restaurants, take a pottery class, go fishing in the Oak Creek Canyon, or sunbathe at Slide Rock State Park. A day at the local shops, restaurants, and cafés won’t disappoint.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, Massachusetts, offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the U.S. These two island landscapes in New England are picturesque destinations awaiting your arrival. Both can only be reached by boat or air, and only a few shoals and about 30 miles separate the two islands. From the flat lands and cobblestone streets of Nantucket to the high cliffs and rolling hills of Martha’s Vineyard, these beautiful islands are calling you home.

 

 

 

 

 

9. Nature beckons you to Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. The land is bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows—and all just a short 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C. Don’t forget to look up from your phone so you don’t miss sighting the deer and beautiful black bear that call this haven home, and then listen quietly for the songbirds. Shenandoah National Park is sure to fill your soul with wonder.

 

 

 

 

 

10.   Nature’s splendor will inspire your soul in the Adirondack Mountains, New York. This beautiful part of our world features the backdrop of mountains, lakes, verdant valleys, and steep cliffs, and it spans more than six million acres. What makes this area so special is the uniqueness of its 12 regional destinations. While visiting, you can spend the afternoon canoeing in the Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake regions or find the perfect hiking trails of the High Peaks Wilderness in the Lake Placid Region. Others may choose to map out a bicycle ride between wineries on the Adirondack Coast or dive to sunken shipwrecks in the Adirondack Seaway near the Canadian Border. It’s an open invitation for all visitors to explore the outdoors and discover one-of-a-kind recreation opportunities.

 

 

 

 

We would love to help you plan your next adventure. At Southwestern Travel Group, our depth of expertise, knowledge of destinations, and attention to detail saves you time, money, and headaches. As travel experts, we can handle any emergency that may arise when you’re on the road — everything from a missed flight connection to a hotel that closes unexpectedly—and we will go the extra mile. To book your next trip, contact us today at 800.222.4441 or [email protected].

We are anxiously awaiting the day when travel will return. When the time is right to travel again, we are here for you.

As featured in the Southwestern Family of Companies June Newsletter. Visit www.southwestern.com for more information and company updates!

Our team of travel experts would love to help you plan your next adventure. At Southwestern Travel Group, our depth of expertise, knowledge of destinations, and attention to detail saves you time, money, and headaches. As travel experts, we can handle any emergency that may arise when you’re on the road — everything from a missed flight connection to a hotel that closes unexpectedly—and we will go the extra mile. To book your next trip, contact us today at 800.222.4441 or [email protected].