U.S. and International Travel Destinations - Vacation Ideas

Explore the Arty Side of Atlanta

By Blane Bachelor

Thanks to revitalized neighborhoods full of young, creative types, a new wave of public art, and lots of love from the film industry, the �Hollywood of the South� isn’t just for rappers anymore.

More Southern Getaways

Hit for Par in Charleston: It'll take more than a weekend to ace all the courses in this southern city, but you'll love trying.

Uncover the New South in Old Savannah: Spot the future of southern culture in this mini-metropolis, where a famous historic district accommodates Confederate and cosmopolitan sensibilities alike.

Tri-State Area

Savor the Season in Millbrook: By Devorah Klein Lev-Tov; As the days grow shorter, head to the farms and vineyards of this uncrowded Hudson Valley town for late-season wine tastings, seasonal dinners, and top-tier organic cheeses and meats.

Toast to Harvest Season in the North Fork: By Julie Earle-Levine; Celebrating fall on Long Island means drinking at new wineries, eating freshly harvested oysters, and enjoying farm-fresh produce at weekend food festivals.

East

Explore the Creative Side of Cambridge: By Nicholas DeRenzo; With innovative restaurants, funky design boutiques, and one of the country's hottest theaters, this cultural hub outside of Boston offers much more than just Ivy League pomp.

Go Neighborhood-Hopping in Baltimore: By Emily Saladino; The city’s once-grungy northern districts have transformed into a thriving area with hip boutiques, destination restaurants, and a homegrown art-and-nightlife scene.

West

Chill Out and Drink Up in Carmel Valley: By Geraldine Campbell; Bypass ritzy Carmel-by-the-Sea and venture inland to this burgeoning wine region, with intimate tasting rooms, seasonal new eateries, and modern takes on ranch living.

Explore the Hip Side of Honolulu: By Cemile Kavountzis; The Hawaiian capital is hopping, with a spate of stylish new hotels and boutiques, a thriving young fashion scene, and less-crowded beaches (and lower prices) in the off-season.

South

Rock Out in Birmingham: By Edna Ishayik; With a spate of small new venues attracting big-time bands and fresh record labels curating local talent, Birmingham has moved well beyond old-time rock and roll.

Find Your Inner Film Buff in Marfa: By Jenny Miller; The tiny Far West Texas town is best known for its visual arts scene, but movie obsessives will find plenty to love: film festivals, famously cinematic desertscapes, and bona fide Hollywood history.

Midwest

Discover the Arty Side of Ann Arbor: By Meghan Murphy-Gill; With experimental new art spaces, a thriving gallery scene, and a burgeoning cocktail culture, this midwestern city offers much more than the typical college-town charms.

See Cutting-Edge Contemporary Art in Cleveland: By Edna Ishayik; This Rust Belt city is transforming into a thriving art hub thanks to two stunning new museum openings and a growing number of galleries.

International

Discover the Contemporary Side of Vienna: By Chadner Navarro; The city of opera and imperial grandeur is moving into the future with design-driven urban projects, a growing young art scene, and restaurants venturing far beyond tafelspitz.

See the Modern Side of Madrid: By Shayla Martin; Economic setbacks haven't slowed the pulse of the Spanish capital, where lively cafés, innovative culinary concepts, and arty boutiques are thriving.

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The Travel Planner

Forget Paris ... and London, and Berlin, and Beijing: Head to these lesser-known cities for equally fine wine, just-as-ancient architecture, and even-more-secret warehouse parties.