10 Stress-Free United States Towns For A Weekend Retreat
Across the United States, major cities power the nation’s economy and serve as central hubs for commerce and culture. But if you happen to live and work in one of these major cities, it’s understandable if life starts to feel stressful amidst all the hustle and bustle. Fortunately, the U.S. also has a number of inviting and enticing towns that make for the ideal de-stressing retreat.
Whether you fancy a cool weekend on a beautiful New England island, an exhilarating set of adventures high in the Appalachian Mountains, a soothing spa retreat at the Desert Southwest’s most iconic red rock oasis, or a great escape to the most stunning corner of California’s Central Coast, you have plenty of options to extend your weekend in epic style. From coast to coast, here are ten stress-free United States towns for a weekend retreat.
Edgartown, Massachusetts
Situated on the east end of the Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard, Edgartown may be the quintessential New England coastal village. Since the town is a very short ferry ride away from the island of Chappaquiddick, where you can explore the pristine shores of Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, a great spot for surf fishing (including albacore, bluefish, and striped bass), birdwatching, swimming in the calm bay water, and strolling to the historic Cape Poge Lighthouse. For more quality quiet time at the beach, head over to Wasque Point Wildlife Management Area and enjoy its long stretch of white sand for swimming, surf fishing, and simple beachcombing.
Back on the main island, there’s plenty more to see, do, and taste. In fact, Martha’s Vineyard has gained a reputation as a fabulous foodie destination, and Edgartown restaurants like The Covington and 19 Raw Oyster Bar are great spots to enjoy local cuisine at its finest. And for the ultimate Edgartown experience, check into the Harbor View Hotel for a prime location by the Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse and its beach, as well as elegantly appointed rooms and suites, more tasty restaurants on site, and even its own exquisite fine art collection.
Nunda, New York
Nunda might have an odd-sounding name (it’s pronounced none-day), but this New York town sits right by the “Grand Canyon of the East,” making it a wildly underrated gem that’s only about 50 miles southwest of Rochester. In case you’re wondering, Nunda derives from the Seneca name Nunda-wa-ono, which roughly translates into English as “where the valley meets the hills.” This name comes into clear view once you reach Letchworth State Park, an incredible nature preserve where the Genesee River cuts through the gorge and cliffs rise as high as 600 feet above the river banks. While there’s a whole lot to see and do at Letchworth, Nunda also places you close to Rattlesnake Hill, another expansive park for hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
If you make it to Nunda during the winter season, head up to Swain Resort to explore New York’s oldest family-owned and continuously operated ski area with trails suitable for skiers at all levels. Or, if you’re here during the warmer months, hit the links at Woodlynn Hills Golf Course and grab a satisfying lunch or dinner at the pub. Once you’re ready to call it a day, make your way to Letchworth Farm Guesthouses to relax in your own fully appointed house near the state park, and stick around to go horseback riding on the property.
Asbury Park, New Jersey
Only about 60 miles south of New York City, discover an easy-breezy New Jersey beach town that’s fit for “The Boss” in Asbury Park. This town has long drawn visitors with its balmy beaches and stately Victorian charm, but Asbury Park turned a corner when the local music scene began to make waves in the 1960s. Later on, rockers like Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi vaulted to superstardom after performing at The Stone Pony, and this legendary concert venue still rocks on today. In addition to the Pony, you can catch plenty more great performances at The Premier Theatre Company, and the Stephen Crane House is one of those classic Victorian homes that’s also a prominent literary historic landmark.
Of course, no trip to Asbury Park feels complete without a stint at the Beach & Boardwalk, with its mile-long stretch of sand and great Atlantic Ocean water for swimming and surfing. Only a short distance away, you will find The Majestic Hotel, an 1870 historic landmark and a lovely boutique hotel that keeps you close to the center of the action while providing a quaint space to unwind and rest.
Boone, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, about 120 miles northwest of Charlotte, Boone is the ideal town for amazing Appalachian adventures. Hit up Elk Knob State Park to hike the Northern Peaks that rise over 5,500 feet above sea level, or head south to Grandfather Mountain State Park to reach the 5,946-foot summit at Calloway Peak and cross the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Even closer to town, try the Boone Fork Trail to reach the stunning waterfall at Hebron Falls and the picture-perfect Price Park Picnic Area.
Also within easy reach of Boone is Beech Mountain Resort, a year-round adrenaline pump with ample opportunities for mountain biking, disc golf, yoga, and other activities during summer, as well as 95 skiable acres that open up to skiers and snowboarders in winter. After a long day traversing the mountains, return to town and enjoy a cozy night in at The Horton Hotel, a chic boutique hotel downtown with its own rooftop lounge and a funky selection of stylish yet comfy rooms and suites.
Traverse City, Michigan
Located at the tip of the Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan, Traverse City might be Michigan’s most delectable city, and it’s a town that places you within easy reach of the Wolverine State’s most beautiful beaches. Speaking of those beaches, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has some of the Great Lakes’ most gorgeous stretches of shore, along with sand dunes that tower as high as 450 feet above the lake and lovely natural forests. Or, stay in town and hit up Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park for a nice urban beach and picnic area.
Michigan isn’t usually thought of as a wine-producing state, yet Traverse City defies expectations with its ever-dynamic and increasingly reputable local wine scene. Head up the Old Mission Peninsula to Mari Vineyards for some exciting red and white wines made with cutting-edge Italian grapes, and stop at Hawthorne Vineyards for an appetizing variety of award-winning wines. And to complete your Traverse City wine country experience, stay at the Inn at Black Star Farms, where you can enjoy your own room or suite just steps away from the vineyards and make it exceptionally easy to do tastings and special events at the winery.
Big Sky, Montana
Situated around 50 miles southwest of Bozeman, Big Sky is a small ski town that offers natural beauty and outdoor excursions as big as its name suggests. At Big Sky Resort, do everything from scenic lift rides to mountain biking and golfing in summer, or come during winter for exceptional Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, and even dog sled tours. If you’re up for more of a road trip, drive south to Yellowstone National Park to feast your eyes on iconic American Western landmarks like Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, and Mammoth Hot Springs.
Back on the Montana side of the state line, Cinnamon Mountain (at Custer Gallatin National Forest) offers an incredible trail for backcountry hiking and mountain biking. Or, if you seek a more refined take on Montana mountain life, check into the Montage Big Sky resort for a variety of curated experiences around the region, along with a sumptuous spa, several delectable restaurants, and a grand collection of luxurious rooms, suites, and residences on site.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Crowned by what may be the Pacific Northwest’s most famous natural landmark, Cannon Beach offers a refreshing and relaxing coastal environment just about 80 miles northwest of Portland. Just to the south of downtown is where you will find the beach with the best view of Haystack Rock, the 235-foot-tall sea stack that towers over the Oregon coast and provides critical habitat for tufted puffins, sea stars, crabs, and other local wildlife. Head farther south to reach Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site, which has plenty more opportunities for hiking, tidepooling, and surfing. And to the north of town lies Ecola State Park, a preserve with some nine miles of coastline full of sea stacks offshore, Sitka spruce forests on shore, and world-class surfing waves at Indian Beach.
For a great taste of the local bounty, return to town and stop at Ecola Seafood for a wealth of freshly caught Oregon seafood and the town’s best take on fish & chips. Then, retreat to the Hallmark Resort & Spa Cannon Beach to enjoy their full-service spa and pet-friendly rooms and suites that are mere steps away from the beach.
Aspen, Colorado
If you’re down for the ultimate splurge, then you can really live it up in Colorado’s most famous ski town of Aspen. When you can use some serenity, head to the John Denver Sanctuary and do a simple stroll or meditation session at this unique wetlands park. Or, for something more activating, try a hike on the Red Butte Trail and ascend to the top for panoramic views of the Roaring Fork Valley. And for plenty more amazing Rocky Mountain scenery, drive out to the Maroon Bells to experience the magical beauty of these twin peaks that soar above 14,000 feet above sea level (to a summit at 14,163 feet at Maroon Peak) and the meadows that sit below.
Back in town, you can do an easier ride to the top by taking the Silver Queen Gondola up Aspen Mountain, a beautiful place to explore during the summer months and a premier ski mountain in winter. Whenever (and however) you make your way down the mountain, head over to The Little Nell, a true ski-in/ski-out luxury resort offering five-star accommodations, world-class dining, and a full-service spa fine-tuned to help guests adapt to Aspen’s high-altitude environment.
Sedona, Arizona
Around 115 miles north of Phoenix, the Northern Arizona town of Sedona makes it easy to let go of stress and embrace your zen with its iconic sandstone red rock landscapes. From Uptown, you’re within reach of Margs Draw, a great hiking trail sporting panoramic views of the region. For more of a challenge and more ethereally beautiful high desert scenery, try a hike into Boynton Canyon and feel the healing energy of one of Sedona’s most beloved “vortexes.”
For some artistic inspiration, try the Sedona Arts Center, which has a wide array of amazing works by local artists, along with a calendar full of interactive workshops and other local events. Just to the south of Uptown, Tlaquepaque has plenty more galleries featuring works by local artists, and it’s simply a lovely spot by the cool waters of Oak Creek. And when you really need some rest, relaxation, and recharging, the Enchantment Resort is the picture-perfect destination to restore balance with the majestic backdrop of Boynton Canyon, its calendar full of wellness workshops and activities, and the Mii amo spa that even offers its own boutique wellness-centric accommodations on its side of the resort.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Nestled on the southern end of the Monterey Peninsula, about 120 miles south of San Francisco, Carmel-by-the-Sea lets you live your best life on this enchanting corner of California's Central Coast. Right by town, you will find one of the United States’ most award-winning and highly sought-after golf courses at Pebble Beach. Just to the south of Pebble Beach, Carmel Beach is the town’s main beach and a wonderful spot to surf the waves or simply enjoy the views from the shore. A little farther south, Point Lobos State Reserve has a vibrant aquatic ecosystem that’s ideal for scuba diving, along with plenty of inviting viewpoints on dry land for painting, sketching, and nature photography.
Return to town to discover more of Carmel’s illustrious treasures, including the great collection of boutiques, cafes, and winery tasting rooms at Carmel Plaza. Right in between Carmel Plaza and the beach, you will find L’Auberge Carmel, a historic landmark dating to 1929 that’s now a Relais & Châteaux luxury hotel with 20 elegantly appointed guest rooms and the Michelin-starred Aubergine restaurant.
Stress Less And Experience More At These Wonderful Towns Across The United States
The U.S. is a large nation, so you always have a whole lot of options for de-stressing vacations and weekend retreats. Go to Edgartown for the ideal New England coastal getaway on Martha’s Vineyard, or head to Asbury Park for a weekend full of great music and good times at the beach. Ascend to the stunningly beautiful Rocky Mountain heights of Aspen, or go deep to find your inner peace in the healing environment of Sedona. And for the finest in championship golf, amazing art, and gorgeous Pacific Coast scenery, it’s hard to beat the village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Whatever works best to help you let go of all that stress, these U.S. towns are ready to welcome you and make it easier to leave your worries behind.
