TRAVELCHANNEL.COM NAMES THE TOP 10
‘TRAVEL’S BEST: ALL-AMERICAN VACATIONS’ FOR 2015
CHEVY CHASE, MD (June 9, 2015) – Your next vacation can be spent on an overnight adventure aboard a U.S. naval ship! TravelChannel.com has named the top 10 “Travel’s Best: All-American Vacations” for 2015 with locations steeped in history, from a road trip to the southernmost point in the United States to exploring the natural beauty in our country’s national parks.
TravelChannel.com enlisted a panel of experts to help determine the 10 best all-American vacations for 2015, including: Robin Bennefield (freelance travel writer and producer), Jessica Bowers (family travel expert, SuitcasesandSippyCups.com), Guillaume Dutilh and Jenna Spesard (TinyHouseGiantJourney.com) and Jessica van Dop DeJesus (U.S. Marine and editor of DiningTraveler.com).
The 2015 “Travel’s Best: All-American Vacations” (in alphabetical order by state):
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park – Mobile, Ala.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the park created to honor the ship’s stellar service during World War II. Tour the battleship, the aircraft collection and the USS Drum submarine, or even book an overnight adventure aboard the ship. Beyond beautiful Mobile Bay, streets lined with historic homes and giant oaks give way to a vibrant downtown once dubbed, “the Paris of the South.”
Williams, Ariz.
Expect an eclectic mix of rich Route 66 history and the Wild West at Williams, Ariz. Williams is the perfect place for a pit stop to find a kitschy souvenir and let the kids get up close and personal with wildlife at the Bearizona drive-through wildlife park. Then, hop aboard the 100-year-old Grand Canyon Railway for a scenic, 65-mile ride to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Redwood National and State Parks, Calif.
This enchanted forest of giant trees is located next to miles of empty beach, combining history, culture, wonder and nature in one beautiful location. As sunbeams break through the towering canopy, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported into a real-life fairy tale. Redwood National Park is truly an awe-inspiring escape for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.
Peak to Peak Highway – Estes Park, Colo.
Explore the unmistakable beauty of the Rocky Mountains by driving through a three-hour stretch of green pine trees, snowcapped mountains and log cabins. This scenic byway – Colorado’s oldest – is the perfect setting for a short-but-sweet road trip.
Overseas Highway – Florida Keys
Drive to the southernmost point in the United States, which Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffet, two American icons, have called home. Cruise down the 113-mile Overseas Highway, a network of bridges stretching from mainland Florida all the way to Key West. Pull over and stretch your legs for the occasional conch fritter or take a snorkeling break.
Lafayette, La.
A mix of historical and cultural influences has created the unique Cajun/French Creole food, music and language found only in this small part of the United States. You’ll get all the Mardi Gras celebration without the New Orleans tourism. Enjoy a delicious (and messy) crawfish boil, dance to zydeco music and take a thrilling airboat ride!
Annapolis, Md.
With its historic homes, wooden sailboats and midshipmen strolling the streets in their whites, Annapolis is the epitome of classic Americana. It’s the perfect place to explore military history and get a peek at its future at the United States Naval Academy Museum. Of course, no trip to Annapolis is complete without enjoying some Maryland crab with Old Bay.
St. Louis, Mo.
St. Louis is the “Gateway to the West” for more reasons than one. The iconic Gateway Arch is complemented by steamboats, a vibrant riverfront along the Mississippi, Midwest sensibility and free attractions, including the St. Louis Zoo. Plus, it’s a baseball (St. Louis Cardinals) and beer town – it doesn’t get more American than that!
White Sands National Monument, N.M.
White Sands offers perhaps the most serene experience in the country. Walking the dunes is like wading through an ocean of diamonds surrounded by purple mountains. Arrive early to experience the majestic sunrise, or stay late for the picturesque sunsets reflecting off the mountains.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area – Washington/Oregon
Often overlooked for larger national parks, this ideal family vacation spot offers sweeping views of the Columbia River complete with waterfalls and wildflowers. If you’re willing to get wet, take a short hike through the majestic Oneonta Gorge, a lush chasm leading to a hidden waterfall.
For more details on the “Travel’s Best: All-American Vacations” for 2015