The air is getting warmer, COVID restrictions are lifting and we have five weeks until the unofficial start of summer. It is never too late to book that vacation you have been dreaming of, or the vacation that was cancelled last year…. but since we are sensing a travel boom, it is best to start planning now. We have suggested the top trending destinations to go, perfect for a #fourdayweekend!
Several counties and cities are making the news with announcements around COVID restriction reductions and subsequent openings, all in anticipation of a summer season that feels a little more “normal.”
The Jersey Shore will be “opening” on Memorial Day Weekend with social distancing guidelines in effect; restaurants up and down the shore can operate at 50% capacity as of March. Eagle County, home to the town of Vail, is aiming to completely lift COVID restrictions by May 27th. Charleston’s mandatory mask order will be lifted May 14th and the local government is allowing restaurants to operate at 100% capacity. Cape Cod no longer has restaurant capacity limits (yay for outdoor dining!), and gatherings have increased to 150 people outdoors. Lake Geneva suggests physical distancing when possible, and restaurants can operate at 75%.
Keep reading for more on why these 5 spots should be on your summer 2021 travel list.
Jersey Shore
The Jersey Shore has been a summer escape for the tri-state area, especially to New York City residents, forever. With 141 miles of oceanfront beaches, boardwalks, restaurants and properties, there’s no doubt that it will be a hot spot this summer.
We have picked a central location, Bay Head, NJ, a tiny town that embodies the idea of summer with bikes as the main mode of transportation, days at the beach and delicious food. Bay Head is known for its historic B&Bs, and one of our favorites is The Grenville, a bright pink hotel dating back to 1890.
Start your day off at Mueller's Bakery for their delicious crumb cake or stop by Playa Bowls to hop on the acai granola bowl trend. Spend the midmorning/afternoon at the beach (don’t forget a beach pass!) and finish the day off walking on Pt. Pleasant boardwalk, a mile long boardwalk full of fun games, rides and fireworks! Finish off the day with dinner at Charlie's of Bay Head, where you will find fresh seafood and craft beers.
Interested in the Jersey Shore? Check out our Curated Guide or contact us!
Vail
Vail in the summertime is an oasis for those who love nature, food, and sightseeing! The mountain is open to hikers and mountain bikers, the quaint village is filled with shops and recreational activities, and the surrounding land is a playground for those who are interested in road biking, running, fishing, and more.
Book your stay at the Sonnenalp, a Bavarian-inspired alpine hotel, The Sebastian located in the center of Vail Village, or the The Lodge at Vail, where you can see gorgeous mountain views. The Sonnenalp is a Four Day favorite!
Start your day off with breakfast and coffee at Big Bear Bistro followed by a walk through Vail VIllage for shopping, or hit the Vail Farmers Market for fresh produce and treats (only open Sundays)! If you are looking to get active during your stay, check out the Vail Recreation District, where you can book reservations for golf, tennis. or biking. Vail is the spot if you are looking for a good hike. Head to Berry Picker Trail for unbelievable views, and a delicious lunch at Eagles Nest.
When it comes to dining in Vail, there is no shortage of delicious options. From French-inspired dishes at Left Bank, to seafood at Montauk and upscale sushi from Matsushia, a Nobu restaurant, Vail is definitely a hub for international cuisine.
Interested in Vail, CO? Check out our Curated Guide or contact us!
Charleston
Charleston is a gorgeous, historic city in South Carolina, named the number one city in the world to travel to, and the best city in the U.S. for seven years in a row. From the Southern charm, to the architecture and the conjunction of old and new, Charleston is a great place for a four day getaway this summer.
Book your stay at The Mills House, located in a pink historic building, this hotel is centrally located, if you are looking for waterfront accommodations, check out Charleston Harbor Resort, where you will find true Southern hospitality.
In the morning, grab a fresh baked biscuit from Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit on King Street. From there walk around King Street for the best shopping in Charleston.. The Battery is a seawall and promenade landmark known for its Antebellum houses and views of Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse seen from White Point Garden. If you are looking for a day of relaxation, Folly Beach is the epitome of a perfect beach day. Walk the 1,000 foot pier, or Center Street, which is lined with surf shops. For lunch, head to Taco Boy for an endless menu of delicious tacos! Finish off the day back in Charleston at Leon’s Oyster Shop, offering fried chicken and chargrilled oysters. Another option is 167 Raw , a bustling seafood restaurant that is worth the wait.
Interested in Charleston, SC? Contact us!
Cape Cod
Another weekend escape for folks from all across the eastern seaboard, Cape Cod is Massachusetts' summer playground with its beaches, culinary scene, and its picturesque New England vibe. Spanning across 15 towns, Cape Cod has lots of room for activities!
Book your stay at the famous Chatham Bars Inn, which had been named a top resort in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine. Grab breakfast at Captain's Table which offers great outdoor dining. Soak up the sun at Chatham Bars Inn pool or private beach, indulge in delicious steak or their beachfront cafe. Just nearby is the Chatham Pier Fish Market , voted best lobster shack on the Cape with unmatchable views of the harbor. (Don’t forget to feed the seals!) For dinner indulge in fresh caught sushi at Blue Fins located right on Main Street.
Twenty minutes away you will get to Provincetown, on the tip of Cape Cod. Whether just a day trip from Chatham, or looking to stay, Provincetown offers some of Cape Cod’s best beaches, shops and restaurants. Book a room at the Pilgrim House, est. in 1890 centrally located off of Commercial Street, where you will find some of P Town’s best restaurants.
Interested in Cape Cod? Contact us!
Lake Geneva, WI
A popular summer destination from Chicago and Milwaukee, Lake Geneva is a bustling resort town filled with historic mansions, a crystal clear lake, golf courses and fine dining. This getaway town is perfect for a four day weekend out of the city.
Since Lake Geneva was originally an escape for Chicago’s elite, there are plenty of historic mansions to pick and choose from for your weekend stay. Maxwell Mansion is situated on the lake, and will bring you back in time to the 1800’s; or stay at Hugh Hefner’s former Playboy Hotel, The Grand Geneva.
Grab breakfast at Simple Cafe, and check out downtown via bike or foot. Spend the afternoon on a cruise around the lake, then quench your thirst at Studio Winery, which is a tasting room, gallery and music venue all in one! Grab dinner at the Hunt Club Steakhouse, which has views of three golf courses. If you are in the mood for pizza, check out Oak Fire Pizza and great views of the lake.
If you are feeling ambitious, hike around the Geneva Lake Shore Path, a 21-mile trail around the water.
Want to learn more about Lake Geneva or book a trip? Contact us!