Spring has sprung and it’s high time for your next adventure. The open road, a plane to anywhere. The first whisper of warmer weather. Many of your friends will be packing bikinis for hotspots like Cancun, Miami, or Hawaii. But you're ready for more downtime with your partner or family and don't want to break the bank.
This is where our shortlist comes into play. Chances are high we’ve got a destination to support your soul-searching. Bikini optional.
- Big Sur, California: Coastline and beaches for days
For our California pick, we’re going about 150 miles south of San Francisco into the arms of our central coast crush, Big Sur. At this time of year, get first whiff of the region’s wildflowers in super bloom: wild iris, willows and calla lilies, emerald green hills, lupine and California poppies galore. Find yourself in a natural hot spring. March: you’ll catch the last scene in the gray whale migration and bear witness to the birth of sea otter pups. April: more human movement and excitement when the highway is closed down for the Big Sur International Marathon.
- Santa Fe, New Mexico: An arts oasis
The light in Santa Fe feels like a natural Instagram filter, so your photos won’t need much extra help. Add adobe walls, a thriving art colony, and balmy spring weather and you’ve got the best the Land of Enchantment has to offer. Santa Fe’s art scene has deep roots. Canyon Road gives way to a magical mile of a 100 art galleries overlooking the dreamy Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
- Sedona, Arizona: Untouched nature
In our continued obsession with southwestern landscapes, the land of red rock formations also ranks high. You can explore Sedona by foot, bike, or car to experience its scenic vistas in any style you desire. Oak Creek Canyon is said to be a smaller cousin to the Grand Canyon, but no less majestic. It’s got prime picnic areas, crystal-clear swimming holes, and enviable hiking trails. Low light pollution and high altitudes make for ideal stargazing so you can contemplate your place in the cosmos.
- Nashville, Tennessee: A musical feast
Spring in Nashville is the time and place for those looking to find themselves in the middle of a citywide jam session. If you want something raw and real, come for the famous Tin Pan South festival. In the span of 5 days (April 3-7 of this year), you’ll cozy up with more than 250 songwriters and acts participating in over 90 shows in 10 venues. Not enough? A few other ongoing events: Nashville Fashion Week, The Rolling Stones Exhibit, the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival.
- St. Augustine, Florida: because beautiful beaches aren't just in California
This one’s for those of you still lusting for warm beaches--and why shouldn’t you? St. Augustine offers the best of the sunshine state without the crowds. With year-round warmth and an assortment of activities--this place is perfect if you've got little ones in tow. Here you’ll get to lounge around in shorts at the beach, transition seamlessly into kayaking, then find yourself touring the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument at a moment’s notice.
Whatever destination is taking up a corner of your imagination, don't wait to get out and live it. And, bonus points if you're taking Treehut with you.
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