Sometimes we just need to get away. We haven’t taken too many trips lately, with significant time tied up with family-related things, work, etc. This has been getting me thinking about where I’d like to get way to for a week. Kind of a fun thought!
In terms of traveling within the U.S., I’ve been to 47 of the 50 states. Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine are the three that I’ve yet to visit. Hawaii in particular sounds fantastic, but that will have to wait for the future. I’m simply much busier now than I was when younger, and have much greater financial responsibilities! Plus, I had a lot more time and willingness to spend when younger. Having kids is a game-changer.
All that said, I’d love to take a week to just have a week to get away. The thing is, where would I go? Even though I don’t really travel anywhere anymore, all those times of traveling when younger haven’t escaped my memory, and I still remember some great places. You come to realize, after going different places, what types of destinations are most appealing for what you’re looking for.
Some places are great for exploring. Others are fun for history, yet others for culture and entertainment. Some locations are great for kids, especially for those quintessential family vacations.
In my case, I’m just thinking about a place to visit to chill, relax, and maybe just do a little light exploring. The one place that comes to mind right now is coastal Oregon. I’ve been there before, and probably written about it at some point over the last few years, but this is as good of a time as any to share why I think it’s a great place to visit.
Surprised to hear Oregon as a place to get away? I imagine many folks might prefer warmer locales, with beaches and palm trees. Well, there are beaches in Oregon, but not exactly warm with palm trees:)
What you do have, however, are beautiful coastal drives with the Pacific on one side, and mountains on the other. It’s sort of like a poor man’s version of the Pacific Coast Highway on California’s coast, with much of the same type of feel. The difference is that this has somewhat of a Pacific Northwest feel to it. But the layout and general approach to the coastal drive seem very similar to that of the more famed drive, but seemingly more unspoiled and under the radar. It’s a hidden gem, I think!
Besides the great drive with incredible scenery, there are nice little quaint towns with relaxing hotels and good restaurants. Very laid back, a great place to decompress while enjoying nature and still having some creature comforts. Certainly very different than here in suburban Chicago! By the way, I like it here, but “scenic” isn’t something can be said about anything here unless it’s by the lake (Michigan). Even then, it’s no match for the beauty of coastal Oregon.
That’s my place to get away, for now anyway: Coastal Oregon.
It’s also not the only place I could choose, and there are some others that are very different and in other parts of the country which could be great too. It’s just the place that resonates at the moment.
I’d like to hear about where you would get away to now, if you could pick any place in the U.S. or Canada to do so – at a reasonable cost.
My Questions for You
If you had to get away someplace, where would you go?
Do you have a “hidden gem” location that’s a nice place to get away, but not a mainstream tourist destination?
I always wanted to go to Montana, don’t know why, but something about that state appeals to me!
Moneycone – me too, it sounds appealing! We drove through when I was a kid, so I don’t remember much about it. Would like to go there and actually visit. If only there was time….and resources 🙂
47 out of 50 states is awesome! I think Oregon sounds like fun.
Michelle – I have far, far less time to travel now. Being a parent alters life tremendously:) But it was great seeing all those states, and Oregon was no exception.
I love the Badlands in South Dakota. Probably the most peaceful place I’ve ever found. There are tourists, but most never stay long enough to really appreciate the beauty of the place. They just pass through onto Custer State Park or Yellowstone.
MFIJ – Great one! I went to South Dakota as a kid, saw Mt. Rushmore and Wind Cave park. Very underrated area, much like coastal Oregon. Thanks for the reminder!
It’s funny because I was so going to suggestion Oregon when I saw the title of the post, but then saw that you mentioned it! I love the Oregon coast. IMO, there doesn’t need to be palm trees for tranquility!
Suburban Finance – I agree, palm trees aren’t a requirement!
I second SuburbanFinance. In particular, Gold Beach, Oregon. It’s just inconvenient enough to get to and just far enough from Portland and San Francisco to not be ‘tourist-ified.”
My travels in coastal Oregon were further north, from Astoria down to the central coast. Never made it to Gold Beach, but will keep that in mind for the next time I visit Oregon.
Last year, I rediscovered travel locally. My wife and I went away for the weekend to the beach just an hour from home. We are lucky to live in California and there are lots of places to travel to and enjoy the state.
Larry – California is uniquely filled with a diverse range of interesting locations and activities, compared to most if not all other states. I know what you mean.
I think just taking a drive to some far away destination sounds like relaxing to me.
David – sounds good, as long as one person isn’t doing all the driving to that far away place 🙂
We are going to a week long vacation to Yellowstone on the week of Independence day. Off the places I visited in last 7 years in this country I liked Savannah, GA best as far as relaxing vacation goes. All other vacations were hectic, kind of lot of things to do in little time.
SB – Yellowstone sounds awesome. I’ve wanted to visit there, but have yet to do so. Sounds like it will be a great time. Is lodging expensive in that area during the summer?
I’m currently planning a trip to Maine! It’s an area I’ve never been, and we’re celebrating 20 years this year, so I thought it would be fun to go check out the fall colors.
Joe – congrats on 20 years! Sounds like it would be a cool trip, going there for fall colors. I’ve heard good things about Acadia National Park too.
Never been to that place yet but it sounds and looks good. Not sure yet what state. There are a lot of good places that I can’t chose right now. Lol. Probably OK? I hear trekking, kayaking and a lot of outdoor activities are awesome there.
Vacations are great, hope you can take one soon. Heck, hope I can take one soon!