Enter the Wild in Juneau
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By Mary Mann
- Winter months in the Alaskan capital offer the chance to hike across glaciers and see the northern lights without the crush of cruise-ship crowds.
Join the Après-Ski Scene in Ellicottville
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Six hours upstate, a flock of newly groomed trails, posh condo hotels, and hearty restaurants and breweries have turned a sleepy town into the Aspen of the East.
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Trek Across Geothermal Landscapes in Reykjavik
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Exploring volcanic formations and soaking in hot springs is more affordable than ever, thanks to a currency collapse and Icelandair’s free stopovers on flights to Europe.
Tri-State Area
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Graze on Artisanal Cheeses in the Finger Lakes
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Bypass the overcrowded wineries to visit family-run farms and dairies producing some of the country’s best cheddars and chèvres.
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Go Nautical in St. Andrews
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Spot whales and walk the ocean floor in New Brunswick’s uncrowded summer resort town.
East
Enjoy the Off-season in Martha’s Vineyard
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Take advantage of fall's smaller crowds and lower prices to fully appreciate the island’s small-town charms and natural beauty.
Soak Up the Art Scene in Philadelphia
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World-class museums, cutting-edge galleries, and ubiquitous street murals make this city a trove of creative riches.
West
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Eat Farm-Fresh Cuisine in Boulder
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An ever-expanding roster of locavore restaurants and chefs have turned this city into a beacon of sustainable dining.
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Escape the Crowds in Teton Valley
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The foothills of Idaho offer a low-key alternative to flashy Jackson Hole, offering the same dramatic scenery and outdoor adventures without the fuss.
South
Go Culture-Hopping in San Antonio
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With new museums and riverfront projects, the city is finding new ways to celebrate its international history.
Ride the Waves in Charleston
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South Carolina’s coastal city offers a growing surf scene and a host of other beachy activities.
Midwest
Hit the Peninsulas in Traverse City
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With farms, vineyards, and foraging chefs, this bucolic retreat in northern Michigan is a rising destination for food lovers.
Go Beyond Football in Madison
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Best known as a college town, Wisconsin’s progressive capital city is also home to notable architecture and art, as well as an emerging culinary scene.
International
Find Unspoiled Surf in Troncones
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Steer clear of the mega-resorts on Mexico’s Pacific coast and head to this tiny fishing village (population: 500) for empty beaches and unbeatable waves year-round.
Go Off the Grid in Playa del Carmen
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Trade the chaos of Cancun for this relaxed town on the Mayan Riviera, where you can swim in sinkholes and explore stunning archaeological sites.
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The Travel Planner
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The Rentables
- The intrepid traveler’s guide to spending a fantasy vacation in someone else’s home.
NORTHEAST U.S.
Hudson Valley
Beacon is host to a slew of new independent galleries, art cafés, and design stores.
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Camden, Maine
Skip lobster in favor of the town’s vineyards, farm markets, and cooking schools.
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Boston Harbor
The revitalized waterfront is packed with luxury hotels and great restaurants.
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Montauk
A crush of newly renovated hotels, boutiques, and off-the-beaten-path seafood spots are revitalizing the classic beach town.