The Best Staycation in Every State

Ithaca, New York

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ADDRESS
Ithaca, NY, USA

WEB :Visit website

One of Upstate New York’s favorite college towns, Ithaca is also filled with natural wonders and is one of the state’s best wine regions.

 

Located in the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca sits at the base of Cayuga Lake. To get a feel for the lake and the surrounding area, book a Cayuga Lake boat ride with Ithaca Boat Tours, or rent kayaks and canoes. Cayuga Lake also has its own wine trail, with 14 beautiful wineries to sample along the lakeshore. Back in town, wander through Ithaca Commons, a pedestrian-only area downtown filled with shops and restaurants.

 

If you’ve heard the slogan “Ithaca is Gorges,” then you know you need to check out some of the city’s stunning waterfalls and canyons. The Cascadilla Gorge trailhead starts just north of downtown, and the gushing Ithaca Falls is on one side of the Cornell University campus, accessed by a short trail. South of downtown is the larger Buttermilk Falls State Park, where you can easily spend a whole or half day.

 

Later, have pre-dinner cocktails at Bar Argos and then dine at world-famous Moosewood Restaurant, known for revolutionizing vegetarian food. Or, for something more casual, order the hamburger at Ithaca Ale House. Book a room at the cozy La Tourelle, a countryside manor house amid 70 lush acres. —Devorah Lev-Tov

Wilmington, North Carolina

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ADDRESS
Wilmington, NC, USA

WEB :Visit website

This picturesque coastal college town has been the backdrop of several popular films and television shows, including “A Walk to Remember,” “Iron Man 3,” and “Dawson’s Creek.” Explore the nearly 2-mile Wilmington Riverwalk—dotted with parks, public art, boutiques, and restaurants—or head to the vintage Carolina Beach boardwalk for amusement park rides, carnival food, shops, bars, and waterfront views.

 

Book a ride on the Port City Brew Bus to tour and sample beers from local breweries like Wilmington Brewing Company and Waterline Brewery. For a quieter escape, opt for the idyllic 67-acre Airlie Gardens, which features walking trails, more than 200 species of birds, and the state’s largest oak tree. Wind down with waterfront views—and a $5 happy hour—on the outdoor patio at Marina Grill, then spend the night at The Hive, whose modern rooms include full kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, original artwork, and luxurious linens. – Laura Scholz