weekend

Experience Mackinac Island’s tasty treats, vibrant small town, and biking roads. Nestled between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan, Mackinac (pronounced MACK-i-naw) Island lies untouched by recent decades. Victorian-era houses line the downtown streets, and the only highway around the island is teeming with tourists on bicycles. More than a dozen fudge shops inhabit the island, which make for good stops after exploring caves and old army forts. This quaint island, measuring only 3.8 square miles, is a popular summer getaway and an unforgettable weekend destination.

Settling in for a peaceful day of fishing on the edge of a pristine glacier lake is a dream come true for many vacationers, if only thousands of other vacationers weren’t looking for the exact same thing. Many people retreat to the mountains for peace and quiet, but they often don’t find it at Glacier National Park—at least not during the peak summer months. However, vacationing at Glacier National Park for a week during the winter is an ideal mountain getaway. A great way to kick off your week away is with the Amtrak Empire Builder train to see the beautiful mountains starting in Whitefish, Montana. The Empire Builder runs right into Essex, which is in the heart of the park’s rugged peaks. Essex is home to the Izaak Walton Inn, which is dedicated to providing an authentic Montanan experience. The inn has a no electronics policy, so visitors can enjoy a distraction-free experience.

Still trying to decide where to travel this spring? Portland, Oregon, is the perfect place for an outdoors-inspired weekend getaway. And while Portland might be known for its unique personality, the city’s gardens are known worldwide for their charm and cultural diversity. Experience new cultures and beauties in Portland’s various parks and gardens.