The United States is home to some wonderful landscapes. From the coast to beautiful national parks and exciting cities, there is no shortage of places to take a vacation. However, don’t miss the mountains and the charming towns between them!
• Telluride (Colorado)
The state of Colorado is known as Rocky Mountain Central and there is no better base than Telluride. Home to a large ski and golf resort located in some of the best scenery in the West, your eyes will never tire of the views of this city. Stroll the streets lined with Victorian houses among the mountains between outdoor activities.
• Park City (Utah)
Park City, best known as a ski and snowboard paradise, is also a great mountain escape. Summer turns the slopes into incredible hiking and cycling routes, often accessible from the city. Not to mention the numerous lakes and rivers to cool off on a hot day.
• Sitka, Alaska
Yes, there is a reason for non-fans of The Proposal to visit this small Alaskan town. Nestled among numerous peaks, there is no other place like it in the U.S. Kayak and hike in the summer and spot bears, birds, and more!
• Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, another Colorado favorite, is ideal for all types of nature lovers. Whether you like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, hiking or biking, this is the place to do it. When you’re tired of exercising, sample delicacies at one of the city’s delicious restaurants or stroll through the many boutiques and shops.
• Jackson Hole, Wyoming
At the base of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks lies Jackson Hole, a beautiful and relaxing place. You can ski, snowboard, dog sled, and sleigh ride in the winter and hike, camp, and bike in the warmer months!
• Leavenworth, Washington
If you didn’t already know about this little German gem in the Washington Cascades, add it to your list now! Modeled after towns across the Atlantic, it does a good job and even has annual Oktoberfests and Christmas markets. It is also a great starting point for hiking and camping in Enchantments.
• Lake Tahoe Area
Straddling California and Nevada is the stunning area of Lake Tahoe. The crystalline lakes and waterfalls in front of the Sierras are reason enough to visit it. Plus, it’s a paradise for skiers and snowboarders in winter. In summer, there is an underwater trail for those certified in scuba diving!
• Asheville, North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Mountains may not be the first place everyone thinks of for a getaway, but Asheville is a great place to vacation. Incredible landscapes, delicious restaurants and trendy shops and galleries await you in this quirky mountain town. It is also home to many popular music venues in case you want to see your favorite artist in a beautiful location.
• Stowe (Vermont)
The snow sports capital of the East Coast, Stowe is where everyone from New York, DC, and Philadelphia goes for winter getaways. Even outside of the cold season, it’s a great place to hike, mountain bike, or enjoy the fall colors.
• Bend, Oregon
The Oregon mountain town of Cascade is known for being an ideal base for a wilderness adventure. Ski, bike, snowboard, or walk all day before enjoying the city’s great food and craft beer. Alternatively, you can explore the Bend Ale Trail, the largest beer trail on the West Coast.
• Big sky, Montana
The city that gave the state its nickname, “Big Sky Country,” is home to the largest volume of ski area in the United States. More than 5,500 acres of ski trails and terrain are set aside for snowmobiling. In summer you can explore all the mountains on foot or by mountain bike.
• Ketchum, Idaho
A nice town near Boise, people from all over flock to Ketchum for snow sports in the winter and hiking in the summer when the weather warms up. Home to clean rivers, towering mountains, and a city that is small but packed with cultural offerings, you may never want to leave.
• Taos, New Mexico
This town near the Sangre De Cristo mountain range in the southwest is home to a world-renowned ski resort and more. There is also the UNESCO Native American Heritage Site, where you can see a multi-story house made of adobe. Beyond that, Taos is an art colony where many seek inspiration for their work.
