Coolcation Adventures: Discover North America's Chilly Charm!

Autumn is here, and the weather is turning cooler, leaves are falling and we all know what’s coming. Many of our clients are already calling to inquire about winter getaways. Those are always to someplace warm and sunny, where they can leave the cold and snow of Wisconsin behind for at least a week or two.

            But many people are getting away from warm weather, too. Publications like USA Today and Vogue are saying that the next big travel trend is the “coolcation.” No, not “cool” as in something trendy and stylish, but as in temperatures, and they’re not that far away. Here are the top ten “coolcation” destinations in North America:

·         Anacortes, Washington. This town on Fidalgo Island, off the Washington state mainland, has temps around 70 degrees in midsummer. A ferry makes it a popular destination, surrounded by the beautiful waters and mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Sea kayaking, hiking and wildlife watching—harbor seals and orca whales, to name two—are popular activities.

·         Prince Edward Island, Canada. This island province in the Canadian Maritimes is known for its red sand beaches, lobster and mussels, and inspiration for the Anne of Green Gables books by Lucy Maud Montgomery. You can get there by car across a bridge from New Brunswick, by ferry from Nova Scotia or by plane. Go during the “shoulder” seasons (fall and spring), for bracing walks on the beach and drives along the coast.

·         Yellowstone National Park, Montana and Wyoming. The park is open year-round, although most visitors come in the summer. Off-season Yellowstone is a great destination, avoiding most of the tourists and the mosquitos, and you’ll see a lot of wildlife. Camping is a great way to enjoy the park to its fullest, but bring plenty of bear spray, food and water, and a waterproof tent.

·         Portland, Maine. Another great off-season destination, Maine’s seacoast town offers a local brewery, great coffee shops and downtown streets that look straight out of a 19^th-century nautical painting.

·         Madison, Wisconsin. Yes, our very own state capital makes the “coolcation” list. Known for its big-city feel in a small-town package, it’s filled with arts, great food, parks and two beautiful lakes, not to mention Badger football in the fall. The Capitol building is known for its renowned architecture.

·         Logan, Utah. Situated in the Beehive State’s Cache Valley, Logan is surrounded by mountains that provide great hiking and camping, and plentiful hot springs to relax in. For great dining, try the Tandoori Oven, said to be the finest Indian restaurant in the state.

·         Woodstock, Vermont. No, not the site of the famed 1969 rock festival. That was in upstate New York. The one in Vermont is a quintessential New England town, right down to its wood-covered bridges and amazing fall color, which makes autumn the best time to visit. Notable stops are the farmers market and a quaint bookstore. There’s hiking nearby at Quechee State Park.

·         Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. For a combination of European romance and outdoor adventure, this city on Vancouver Island, just off the B.C. coast, has arts and crafts, great food, music and more. Architecture buffs will want to check out places like Hatley Castle, and there’s whale-watching tours out on the water. Gardeners and flower buffs will definitely want to go inland a little bit to see Butchart Gardens.

·         Salem, Massachusetts. Best known for the 17^th century witch trials, Salem is ideal for anyone who loves history and maritime culture. Walking tours and the Salem Witch Museum set the tone, and colonial life is on display at Pioneer Village Salem. There are also art museums and great restaurants.

·         Missoula, Montana. A college town in the middle of the Bitterroot and Mission Mountain Ranges of the Rockies, Missoula has a first-rate arts and music scene, the Lolo Hot Springs Resort, access to hiking and mountain biking trails and a wide variety of restaurants. Plus, you’re only a spectacular drive away from Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park.

With our own weather cooling off, a “coolcation” might not be on your bucket list till next summer. But when it’s time to start planning, give us a call. We’ll take care of the details, you just get out your hiking boots!

Sue Tindell