5 Unexpected Spots for an Escape

If you live life in a big city, sometimes you just want to escape the crowds. Yet even “escape destinations” have started to become popular, and day trips just aren’t what they used to be. That’s why we’ve gathered 5 unexpected spots to escape to, so you can enjoy the hard-earned solitude.

1. Saranac Lake, NY

Tucked away in the Adirondacks in upstate New York, Saranac Lake is an escape from the cosmopolitan life of New York City and has been a refuge for entertainers and artists alike since the 19^th century. Among its famous visitors were Robert Louis Stevenson and Mark Twain, and that artistic history permeates even today, in combination with the peaceful vibes that only come with its location in the mountains. Choose to become a Lake 6er and earn a badge by climbing all six peaks in the area, or meander Main Street and check out the charming The Book Nook  bookstore or The Village Mercantile for local vendors and goods, as well as the multitude of art galleries.

Book your stay with Best Western Saranac Lake.

2. Anaconda, MT

Travel to Montana for an idyllic winter vacation in Anaconda. As the Anaconda tourism board puts it, Anaconda is “a place where industrial history bumps up against wilderness – a place where moose and bear sometimes wander into town and kids rid their bikes to Washoe Theatre to catch a show.” If you travel in January, you won’t want to miss the Festival of the Winter Moon. Events include: ice skating with a princess, frozen turkey bowling, ice sculpting, and more. During winter there’s also ice fishing at Georgetown Lake, skiing in close-by towns and wildlife viewings that range from sheep to elk.

Book your stay with The Forge Hotel, BW Signature Collection.

3. Lincoln, NH

New Hampshire is home to Lincoln, a great place for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Enjoy nature at the Flume Gorge, a scenic walk with waterfalls, mountain views and a pool, or visit Loon Mountain for winter activities, including snowboarding and skiing. Loon Mountain is also home to New Hampshire’s longest Gondola ride­ – perfect to view the changing leaves and colors in the fall. If you want a more eclectic activity, you can sign up for moose sightings with the Pemi Valley Moose Tours.

Book your stay with Woodwards White Mountain Resort, BW Signature Collection.

4. Keizer, OR

The pioneering spirit lives on in Keizer, Oregon. Plan your visit during the summer to check out The Great Oregon Steam-Up, which has been going strong for 50 years and includes train and trolly rides, steam sawmilling and a parade. Don’t miss bicycling on the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, the first official scenic bikeway in America. Stretching 134 miles, you’ll want to grab a bike and pedal past vineyards, small towns and Oregon’s history of settlers.

Book your stay with Best Western Premier Keizer, Salem Hotel.

5. Arroyo Grande, CA

Nestled south of San Luis Obispo and only a few miles away from Pacific Coast Highway is the family fun spot, Arroyo Grande. Walk across the Arroyo Grande Swinging Bridge, spanning 171 feet in length and suspending 50 feet above the creek ­– the only one of its kind in California. Or bring a family picnic and choose an award-winning wine for the adults from the Village of Arroyo Grande, home to many of the area’s wineries and vineyards.

Book your stay with The Agrarian Hotel, BW Signature Collection.