Weekend Getaways
When the summer settles into its lull, weekend getaways become the perfect intermission — whether to escape the brutal heat (if you live in the South) or take a much-needed break from work, or spend some quality time with loved ones. As summer begins, reality settles in: we’re already halfway through the year. Where has the time gone? It’s almost Christmas! Traveling lets us capture moments before they slip away, because time will pass anyway.
In these cities, I’ve had some of my most fun and sadly quick weekends, and I hope you will too.
Austin, TX
A fun, infamously weird, and much-needed oasis in the heart of Texas is Austin. Crowned as the live music capital of the world, there’s plenty of dancing and singing to be had — cowboy boots optional. The food scene is spectacular, and BBQ is a must. Surprisingly hilly, Austin also boasts parks and hills for those craving a little more time outdoors.
Shopping: South Congress (where you have a great view of the Texas Capitol) BBQ: Interstellar Stay: Omni Barton Creek
Pensacola, FL
White sand beaches and calm blue waters? Say less. Perched on the Gulf of Mexico, Pensacola can be a bit tricky to reach by car or plane, but a beach bum’s heart is full here. If you’re coming from the west, a detour to New Orleans is the cherry on top.
Napa Valley, CA
Wine-tainted or wine-soaked, a trip to Napa can be as relaxing or wild as you want it to be. For lovers, friends, or families, Napa offers a luxurious getaway, some of the best California has to offer.
Food: Bouchon Bakery, French Laundry (if you can covet a reservation), Bistro Jeanty
New York, NY
New York City is a place of endless possibilities, where every trip feels like the first. The movies, the songs, and the countless odes ring true. And while it might take you 22.5 years to eat at every single restaurant in the city, a few days is enough of a teaser for your next visit. The abundance of life in the city comes at a high price; it’s as exhausting as it is thrilling to be in the city that never sleeps.
Seattle, WA
When reminiscing about Seattle, I first see colors—the kaleidoscope of bouquets at the market, the deep blue of the surrounding water and the vast sky above, the white snow-capped mountains in the distance, and the lush greenery waiting in the nearby forests. A weekend getaway to Seattle can easily turn into a national park escapade, with the North Cascades, Mount Rainier, and Olympic National Parks just a short drive away
Kansas City, MO
A surprising Midwest destination, Kansas City is genuinely cool. For a mid-sized city, it radiates the warmth of a tight-knit community, where locals wear their hearts on their sleeves. Art and history are woven into the city without pretense, and their famous BBQ is seasoned to perfection.
BBQ: Joe’s (yes, it’s in a gas station) Stay: 21c
