I was 23 when my boss told me, on my first day on the job at the Arts Commission, that I was going to Charleston for a business conference. It was too late to get me into the conference hotel, so they put me in a bed and breakfast near Battery Park. I had to walk about a half a mile to the conference hotel every day, but when I wasn't cooped up in meetings, I was hanging out along the water and admiring the homes on "Rainbow Row." I've been back once, since, and if I could, I'd vacation there every year.
With all this beauty less than four hours from home, how could I NOT take advantage of a weekend getaway every now and then? After discovering the cabin experience, I refuse to stay in hotels and always search for a cabin with a beautiful view. Can anything beat lounging in a hot tub while taking in the breathtaking beauty of the Smokies?
If you live in the Southeast, most of the closest beaches are on Florida's Emerald Coast. Of these choices, Destin is still my favorite, thanks to its class, charm, and plethora of dining and entertainment options. It's been years since I've been, but to this day, if anyone mentions a beach vacation, Destin is the ONLY option in my mind.
A New York vacation satisfies my go-go-go personality. (Yes, even on vacation I can't sit still!) Still...L.A. may bump this one off the list. I love the excitement of New York but I still feel a certain negative energy in the air. Cab drivers honking, frowning faces all around. And every time I've been to N.Y., I've returned to Tennessee realizing just how GREEN our city is. Still, one of my big dreams is to go to New York and stay in a fancy hotel near Times Square. Whatever I do, I'll never take a cab ride in New Jersey again! Fifty bucks to travel five miles? Insane.
I've visited London, Paris, Germany, Canada, New England, Rhode Island, Michigan, Indiana, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, Florida, South Carolina, and Missouri, but still, one of my five favorite places is my own back yard. When you have THIS view, how can you beat staying home?
34 comments:
I've been to 2 out of 5 of your places. New York and LA are still on my list.
I loved Rhode Island. We had a beautiful time. I wouldn't leave your backyard either. :)
I've been to both NYC and LA. I LOVE NYC.
That florida beach looks amazing.
I've been to so many wonderful places. Top of my list are (I'm going with the countries because I've traveled around them all and loved all the small and large cities): Thailand, Finland, Sweden, and Germany.
This really is a great idea, but I'd have a hard time picking just 5. I LOVE LOVE New York, though I've never been out to the west coast. I also love Charleston - it has so much charm! But I'm pretty sure I'm a northerner at heart.
After seeing the photos of Gatlinburg and Destin, there are 2 more places I want to go! My dream is to spend several months touring around the US in an RV, but that might have to wait until retirement :)
Your back yard is awesome! That must be such a tonic to come home to.
Thanks for linking me, by the way!
Don't forget Minneapolis in the winter! :-) All hail the skyways!!
:-)
Pearl
I grew up in Southern California, and NYC beats LA for me, hands down.
Now I see where the beavers hang out! The photo of the cabin hot tub is my favorite.
I think Tennesse is one of the loveliest states of our 50. Natural beauty plus friendly people always equals a winning combination!
Hello! For some reason, I thought you'd mention Salem, MA! I remember how much you love Halloween but I don't remember if you actually did like Salem! Thank you for inspiring me to write today, I posted my favorite places on my blog!
Is that really your backyard. Wow Wow Wow, it is breathtaking. You probably write the most beautiful poems:)
Nice choices. I have been to NYC twice and loved it both times. Not sure I'd want to live there but great to visit.
I live in New England and it is a great place. Charleston is on my list and you make it sound lovely.
NOw you've got that CCR song in my head "....looking out my backdoor"
Those are some amazing places. I'm especially in love with Destin, must.go.now!
Oh, fellow, traveler, you've made me itch to see the south east USA. Lovely photos!
How is it I've missed all of these places?
I am actually on vacation this week. I have been at Biltmore Estates in Ashville NC now Mammoth Cave in Kentucky and then I'm staying in Gatlinburg before going through Durham again on my way to Wilmington NC. I definitely think Tennessee and Kentucky have an amazing natural beauty. On the top of my list would be Loveland and Rocky mountains in Colorado.
That was fun. I loved the Smokies when I was in Tenn. and I think they are some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Also love N.Y.C.
I love travelling abroad, but I also what to visit more places in the States. We have too many beautiful cities, national parks, sweeping landscapes and climates under our own roof!
That last comment was Maddy, BTW :)
The Gulf of Mexico -- Cape San Blas, FL! Nothing but the beach, books, friends and lots of good food!
Las Vegas -- surprised myself with how much I liked it. I really liked it!
New Orleans -- love those outgoing citizens, music, food and mystery.
Beaufort and Charleston, SC (BEAUTIFUL) and (BEAUTIFUL)
London -- enjoyed seeing the cultural differences, but was overjoyed when I returned to the chatty deep south and my favorite unlimited iced beverage.
My favorite place of all? HOME. There's no place like home.
I've never seen any of those places. Maybe some day!
I was thinking of you the other day... I had a flashback to my grade school days, when all of our work sheets were made on ditto machines. You should do a flashback Friday on Remember Dittos!
I haven't been to those places. Actually, I was in Charleston once, but just for work. I didn't get to see any of the scenic areas, or even the beach.
And I do have a backyard that I enjoy, but the view isn't nearly as great.
Your backyard is amazing! I would count that as my top five if I were you as well. Beautiful!
I love my native Tucson, desert rat that I am.
Beautiful post! And what a great reminder that America still has so much to offer. So many beautiful places and such diverse beauty!
Wow! Love that pic of Destin—talk about white sand beaches!
I want to vacation in your backyard.lol
Great pictures!!
Charleston is one of my favorite places, too. Your yard looks like a little mini paradise - lucky girl!
I don't have very many places for my list but I may just make a list inspired by your post.
The only place on your list that I've thought of going is Charleston S.C. but all of the places look so pretty. I agree USA has every area of beauty covered.
And of course what a lovely backyard you have.
I'm from South Africa and have never been to America. I am bookmarking your post for where to go. Thank you. The most amazing thing too me us is that each state in the USA is like a country on its own isn't it?
I haven't visited for a while Steph, very bad follower but I'm glad I git this one when I came around.
you have a beautiful view for ur backyard! i would love to have tht view :p
All great places, but your backyard is definitely the best. It's beautiful!
Maybe it's my proximity, but LA isn't one of my favorite places. I've taken friends there a number of times on tours, though, and we do have a heck of a lot of fun!
I'm so excited for your trip. I hope you love it!
And this post reminded me that I really need to spend more time in the South.
I'm from Canada which I love dearly, but these places you've described sound awesome! I enjoyed your blog and thanks for visiting my blog.
barb-insearchofeden.blogspot.com
Good luck on all your goals.
When I saw your view of your backyard I half expected to see a tire swing, lol
I absolutely love your backyard view!
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