The COVID-19 pandemic has probably left you stuck at home and may have even forced you to cancel your travel plans, but that shouldn’t stop you from planning future trips. There are many great towns across America that offer plenty of fun and new adventures, and you can make plans to visit one of these exciting locations when stay-at-home orders have finally been lifted. Here are five great towns to escape to with your family after the quarantine ends.
Ithaca, New York
Situated in the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca offers a quieter, more peaceful alternative to the frenetic pace of New York City. Ithaca exemplifies many of the finest aspects of Upstate New York and is home to roughly 28,000 acres of state forest. The town also boasts many waterfalls that can work well as backdrops for many of your family photos. Many of the local streets and shops continue to maintain a small-town, vintage charm that’s reminiscent of yesteryear. If you decide to visit in the fall, you’ll be treated to the sight of the spectacular autumn landscapes that come to life with color as the leaves change during the season.
Galena, Illinois
Galena is an especially great place to visit if you want to avoid large crowds. With a population of around 3,500 residents, Galena still offers visitors plenty of fun things to do. As The Crazy Tourist explains, the town features 10 local golf courses where people like you can go to enjoy a game when the weather is pleasant. The town also boasts two wineries that are open for tours. The Galena River is the perfect place to go canoeing or kayaking. Apple River Canyon Park, which is adjacent to Galena, features spectacular limestone cliffs along with ideal campsites. If you come to Galena in the month of June, you can watch the always exciting Great Galena Balloon Race.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Nestled along South Carolina’s gorgeous coastline, Myrtle Beach can offer you the perfect vacation spot by the sea. The abundant sunshine and warm weather that Myrtle Beach experiences throughout much of the year can leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed after a visit. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade is the perfect place to take a stroll by the beach. You can also take a ride on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel or down a waterslide at Splashes Oceanfront Water Park. Of course, no visit to Myrtle Beach would be complete without playing a round of golf at one of the city’s famous golf courses. If you happen to fall in love with the community and want to move here with your family, you can find plenty of great Myrtle Beach real estate options that are sure to be to your liking.
Spokane, Washington
You’ll find this charming city in Eastern Washington on the opposite side of the state from Seattle. Spokane is one of the easiest cities to get around by car, and your chances of getting lost here while driving are slim to none. Spokane Falls consists of a series of beautiful small waterfalls that sit in the heart of downtown. On the first Friday of every month, the city hosts the First Friday Artwalk. You and your family can also check out the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture and the Mobius Science Center during your visit. You can even plan a trip to attend an annual event such as the Spokane County Interstate Fair or Lilac Bloomsday Run.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Usually referred to as simply Carmel, this slice of paradise is situated on the Monterey Peninsula and famous for its awe-inspiring coastline. Once the site of an old Spanish Mission, Carmel has blossomed to become one of the state’s top arts and culture centers. Many of the best local shops and galleries can be found along Ocean Avenue. Carmel’s Mission Trail Nature Preserve offers the perfect setting for a jog or stroll through nature. You and your family can also spend time at the beach by heading to Carmel River State Beach.
It’s not too early to start dreaming of future travel plans and how you’ll spend your leisure time once the coronavirus woes end. Any of these towns can leave you and your family with an abundance of special memories and are worth visiting.
