Five Favorite Short Getaway Cities

This morning I woke up with the itch.  That familiar restlessness that I know can only be resolved in one way, take a trip.   I am so grateful for this wanderlust, it has taken me to wonderful places where I have met warm, welcoming people.  I have eaten exotic foods and tried new and different things which only leaves me longing for more.  I know it is genetic as my parents are the only people that I have ever known that have walked on all seven continents and they instilled that desire to see, feel, experience in me, for which I will always thank them.

I have just a few days but I will open this computer later this afternoon and look for somewhere that I have never been before and start making my plans.  It is a process that is almost as fun in the planning as it is in the actual doing.  I will look for charming, different with great food and lots to do and believe me, this country is full of such places as is our beautiful neighbor to the north, Canada.   I have been blessed to travel to 45 of the 50 states and 7 of the 10 Canadian provinces and there is so much that I haven't seen just yet.  So today, we will talk about some of my favorite short getaway destinations (not in any particular order, I love them all.)

1.  New Orleans-I have blogged about this beautiful city before.  I often travel here for a 4/5 day getaway.  It is a very short flight from the East Coast and it offers accommodations of every variety and food that just defies description.  But the thing that I love most about this wonderful European flavored city is the abundance of music.  You hear it on every street corner in the French Quarter.  There are street entertainers every where and I defy you not to smile as you stroll the streets lined with ancient and beautiful Pin Oak trees.

Jackson Square, New Orleans

2.  Quebec City-Another French influenced city that offers so much to see, do and eat.  There are all types of accommodations but when I travel to this lovely city, I stay behind the walls of Old Quebec at the majestic Chateau Frontenac.  Opened in 1893, the Chateau (which is currently operated by Fairmont) sits atop a cliff overseeing the St. Lawrence Seaway and the views are spectacular. It is by far, the most prominent structure in the Quebec City skyline and is said to be one of the most photographed hotels in the world.  The Old City is full of shops and restaurants and Rue du Tresor or Artists Alley where you can buy an original piece of art as a souvenir.  I will blog further about this lovely place in the future but it is a great getaway from the east coast.

Rue du Tresor (Artists' Alley)

Chateau Frontenac, Old Quebec City

3. Charleston, South Carolina-This city is loaded with Low Country southern charm.  Again, there are accommodations of every variety but my favorite is the Embassy Suites that is the site of the original Citadel.  It is lovely and historic and in a very good location right down the street from the Visitors' Center.  Again, the food is wonderful.  If you want real Low Country Southern cooking this is the place to go.  The city itself is full of history and a ferry ride over to Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired is worth the trip. Take some time to see one of the many plantations and a city tour and learn about this charming southern city.  Again an easy drive or plane ride from the east coast.

Sunset in Charleston

The Battery, Charleston

4.  Baltimore, Maryland- This is a city that I really have come to appreciate over the past few years.  There are accommodations of every type available but stay down at the Inner Harbor or up at Fell's Point.  Again, there is plenty to do and see, but make the aquarium a priority.  It is the finest that I have ever visited.  When in Baltimore, you must eat the crabs.  They have it in every possible form all over this great city but  crabcakes are my favorite though my husband is a big fan of Crab bisque soup.  Fell's Point offers  restaurants and bars of every variety and on a warm summer evening it is a very busy place.  I will blog in greater detail about this great east coast city in the future but suffice it to say, it is worth a visit.

Baltimore at Dusk

Fells Point, Baltimore

5.  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-In the interest of full disclosure, I live right across the river from this historic city but even I will cross the bridge and stay for a weekend.  Again, the variety of accommodations is endless but try to find something close to the historic district.  A trip to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the Constitution Center is a must.  Of course, every tourist wants to run up the Art Museum steps (until they actually see them) and do the Rocky dance at the top, so go for it.  The restaurants run the gamut also but you must try a Philly soft pretzel and a cheesesteak before you head home.  Pat's and Geno's have an ongoing battle over "Best Cheesesteak in Philly" but there a plenty of places that make great ones.  Don't leave without trying one.  For the more adventurous, try Scrapple or Pork Roll and Tastykake's Peanut Butter Tandy Kakes, other Philly favorites.  If you are looking for a 4th of July trip, this is absolutely the place to be, The Birthplace of America, because Philly really knows how to celebrate our nation's birthday.

Liberty Bell and Independence Hall

Philadelphia Art Museum

Hope this will give a start when you get that travel bug and only have a few days to spend.  I will add more to this list in the coming months but right now, I am off to find another hidden treasure.  So until then, safe travels.