The Best Staycation in Every State

Athens, Georgia

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ADDRESS
Athens, GA, USA

This laid-back college town—home to the University of Georgia’s flagship campus—is located just 70 miles northeast of Atlanta. Stay at the pet-friendly Graduate Athens, a historic hotel located in a former foundry that created some of the city’s most iconic ironworks, including the UGA arch. Located on the edge of downtown, the hotel has an in-house coffee shop. It offers complimentary bikes for guests to explore the city’s tree-lined streets, craft breweries, lush gardens, notable museums, and acclaimed restaurants.

Start the day by strolling through 5 miles of scenic trails at the 313-acre State Botanical Garden of Georgia, then visit the Georgia Museum of Art, whose collection includes African pottery, Italian Renaissance paintings, and American decorative arts. For lunch, head to Mama’s Boy for Southern staples like biscuits and gravy before sampling local beers at Creature Comforts and Terrapin breweries, both of which offer outdoor seating. Finish your day dining on Southwestern-inspired cuisine in an outdoor greenhouse at Last Resort Grill or Mediterranean small plates at chef Hugh Acheson’s The National. –Laura Scholz

Honolulu, Hawaii

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ADDRESS
Honolulu, HI, USA

 

WEB :Visit website

 

Everyone knows that Waikiki is the best place to play tourist. The newly renovated Kaimana Beach Hotel provides the perfect opportunity to escape everyday life while staying on the outskirts of Honolulu’s busiest neighborhood. Even better, the hotel offers 10 percent off its online rates for kama‘aina. Apart from the convenience of not having to fight for parking at Kaimana’s, you’ll be within walking distance from the Waikiki Aquarium and Waikiki Beach, as well as local favorites like Duke’s and Lulu’s. Venture just a bit further east to visit Diamond Head and Kahala, head inland to get lost in the Manoa Valley, or organize a day trip to Pearl Harbor.

 

Along with enhancements to the hotel, the open-air Hau Tree restaurant and its famed brunch menu have received an upgrade thanks to chef Chris Kajioka, who you may recognize from downtown’s Senia. The new Hau Tree’s oceanside views and beachy vibes are the same, only elevated, while fans of the eggs Benedict will be relieved to find it still on the menu (with a few delicious updates). —Katherine Gallagher