Itap amazing how refreshing a four-day weekend can be with a change of scenery and activities, especially when itap just one short flight there and back direct from Denver.
Consider these spots for a rejuvenating short vacation soon:
Albuquerque, N.M.
Flight time: 90 minutes
Where to stay: Hotel Chaco near the Sawmill Market, Los Poblanos Inn & Organic Farm in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, or a historic motel along Route 66 like El Vado Motel.
What to see and do: If you’re in the mood for culture, visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center or the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Summer events here include the Festival Flamenco, Mariachi Spectacular, and you can consider driving one-hour drive to the Santa Fe area to take in the Santa Fe Opera. The Sandia Peak Tramway is a popular attraction here. Summer events here include the Festival Flamenco, Mariachi Spectacular, and you can consider driving an hour to Santa Fe, perhaps even to take in the Santa Fe Opera. The Sandia Peak Tramway is a popular attraction.
Tucson, Ariz.
Flight time: about two hours
Where to stay: The JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in the foothills, at the historic Hotel Congress downtown, or eco-boutique lodging like Cat Mountain Lodge or JTH Tucson.
What to see and do: Saguaro National Park has two separate parts to explore by car or on the trails. The annual Gem Show is a big draw for visitors here each summer. After indulging in a hearty meal in this UNESCO City of Gastronomy, drive to the top of Mount Lemmon to gaze at the stars at the SkyCenter Observatory.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Flight time: 90 minutes
Where to stay: Le Meridien & Element Downtown, splurge at the 24-story Grand America Hotel, or get a neighborhood vibe at Maven STAY.
What to see and do: The Maven District bills itself as the largest community of women-owned businesses in the world where there are wellness spaces, restaurants and boutiques. Gilgal Sculpture Garden is a quirky folk art spot inspired by the Mormon Church, or Temple Square includes historic buildings and the world’s largest genealogical library at the Family Search Center. Drive to the Great Salt Lake, the largest saline lake in the Western Hemisphere, which is disappearing fast, to see wildlife or go boating.
Seattle, Wash.
Flight time: 3 hours
Where to stay: The Edgewater Hotel (the name is literal) or soak up history at the Mayflower Park Hotel or Hotel Sorrento.
What to see and do: Play tourist and go to the Space Needle, which was created during the 1962 World’s Fair here. The Seattle Center park surrounding this site includes other fun remnants from the big event, like the International Fountain. Chihuly Garden and Glass is worth a visit, and make sure to stroll through Pike Place Market for a meal or snacks.
Los Angeles, Calif.
Flight time: Just under 3 hours (But there are also nonstop flights to Santa Barbara, San Francisco, San Diego, Redding, Santa Rosa, and more.)
Where to stay: The upscale Cara Hotel is not far from the Griffith Park neighborhood or Hollywood Volume might make you feel like a celebrity while partying by the rooftop bar. (Where you stay will depend on the activities you prefer, as well as price, and maybe even desire to see celebrities.)
What to see and do: Soak up some art and nature at the Getty Museum, see art and history at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and adjacent La Brea Tar Pits, and spend the evening at the Griffith Park Observatory.
Portland, Ore.
Flight time: 2 hours
Where to stay: Downtown lodging options include the Hotel Lucia, where you’ll be walking distance from Powell’s Books in one direction or the Willamette River in the other. Or, try the Society Hotel, where you can try one of their communal rooms to keep on budget.
What to see and do: Visit — and sniff! — the International Rose Test Garden at Washington Park. Leave time for a day trip to hike to a waterfall, such as Multnomah Falls, about 30 minutes away.
Missoula, Mont.
Flight time: just over 2 hours
Where to stay: Dowtown, check into the Wren Missoula, and for a historic feel, go to the Gibson Mansion Bed and Breakfast.
What to see and do: Missoula is the home of the University of Montana and has the vibrant energy of a college town. The natural beauty here will draw visitors outdoors to hike, bike and explore places, such as hiking to the “L” on Mount Sentinel or whitewater rafting on the Blackfoot River or whitewater surfing on Brennan’s Wave on the Clark Fork River.
Reno, Nev.
Flight time: about 2 hours
Where to stay: Lodging options range from the vintage Jesse Hotel & Bar in a humble building with six rooms to the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino with over 1,600 rooms and multiple pools.
What to see and do: There are plenty of neon signs and gambling options to explore, you can also stroll the Riverwalk on the Truckee River and check out the Nevada Museum of Art. Beyond the city, drive less than one hour to Lake Tahoe or Pyramid Lake for some beach time.
Jackson, Wyo.
Flight time: 90 minutes
Where to stay: The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa, Trailborn Jackson Hole (formerly Snow King Resort), or Fireside Resort Cabins in nearby Wilson.
What to see and do: Nature is the top attraction here year-round, so plan a 20-minute drive over to Grand Teton National Park and spend a day hiking and exploring or take the lift to the Snow King Observatory & Planetarium. The National Elk Refuge on the edge of town is beautiful place for a walking or driving tour.
Boise, Idaho
Flight time: 2 hours
Where to stay: Basecamp at Hotel Renegade, where there’s a rooftop bar, the Avery Hotel & Brasserie for a historic and French vibe, or the Sparrow Hotel, where you can cozy up at an outdoor fireplace.
What to see and do: This capital city wants to capitalize on its outdoor amenities. Rent a bike to see this place from a riverside trail on the 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt, where you can also get in the water on kayaks or paddleboards, and stop at food trucks, museums, and other local spots. Stop by the Basque Block to learn about the Basque people who came from Europe and settled in Idaho.
