The Best Staycation in Every State

Wilmington, Delaware

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ADDRESS
Wilmington, DE, USA

 

WEB :Visit website

 

With President Joe Biden installed in the White House, now seems like a good time to check out his beloved hometown of Wilmington. It’s easy to follow in his footsteps and visit some of his favorite spots, places where he campaigned from, and iconic buildings named after him.

 

If you arrive by train on Amtrak, you’ll pull into the Joseph R. Biden Railroad Station, named for him in 2011 while he was vice president. Head over to the Wilmington Riverfront, a lively entertainment district that was the site of much of the Democratic National Convention in 2020, plus it hosted Biden’s parking lot victory celebration. Walk along the Christina River or bike part of the 8-mile Jack A. Markell Nature Trail. The Delaware Children’s Museum, OperaDelaware, and the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame are all located there.

 

When hunger strikes, hit up one of the Biden family’s favorite restaurants, like casual Italian spot Café Verdi, adored sandwich joint Capriotti’s, or Bardea Food & Drink, where Joe took Jill for her birthday in 2019. If you’re ready for a drink, swing by Wilmington Brew Works and order a Rail Car One: Wilmington to Washington, in honor of you-know-who.

 

Sleep at the grand dame Hotel Du Pont, inside a historic building with opulent interiors and five-star amenities, and splurge at the hotel’s restaurant Le Cavalier, with chef Tyler Akin at the helm. For something more casual, next door is the De.Co food hall with eight food stalls, including a pizza place from Bardea and pho and banh mi spot Phubs—all stalls also offer takeout and delivery. —Devorah Lev-Tov

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Destin, Florida

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ADDRESS
Destin, FL 32541, USA

 

WEB :Visit website

 

With pristine Gulf Coast beaches and world-class fishing, Destin is the classic Florida vacation spot. Throw in some golf—there are eight championship courses—and family-friendly thrills like go-karts and water slides, and you've got enough for a week or more. Start your adventure at HarborWalk Village, featuring dozens of shops, eateries, and attractions. From here, you can launch into almost any water activity: kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boarding, parasailing, even a pirate cruise.

To relax in nature, hit the beaches. There’s snorkeling at Henderson Beach State Park, dolphin sightings at Jetty East Beach, and killer sunsets in Crystal Beach's off-season. Anglers can enjoy deep-sea fishing just a few miles offshore plus the country’s largest charter fishing fleet, two claims to fame, earning Destin the nickname “World's Luckiest Fishing Village." Local chefs are happy to cook your catch. Try Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer, which includes a trio of sauces and a side with your fish. —Cheryl Rodewig