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Great Escapes
Vacation USA
By Rita Cook
Not interested in leaving the Unites States this year for your vacation? Here's a short list of destination options that are just as interesting as seeing Paris, London or Rome, we promise.
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, a perfect vacation destination since it's all about golf and spas and of course, some shopping thrown in too. You don't even have to leave the country to get this first-rate experience and if you're into golf, keep in mind that there are over 200 golf courses in the greater Phoenix area. For the best shopping and some nice out-of-the-way restaurants try Old Town Square with its wooden sidewalks and lots of options, including a farmer's market on Saturday morning.
Recently renovated and the best place to stay in the area for a romantic week or weekend is the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley. The resort is inspired by the whitewashed villages and sun drenched hills of Spain's Andalusia region. You've stepped into another country, or at least that's what it will feel like with a town square reminiscent of Europe complete with arching entryways, splashing fountains and floral walkways.
For spa lovers the Joya Spa is a two-story space complete with terraces and a private pool for spa guests. Couple's treatments might make your trip complete, but be daring as you choose your option. In fact, Joya Spa is the first spa in the area to offer traditional Hammam-style therapy and treatments.
Restaurants abound in Scottsdale so take your pick of good dining, but make sure that at least one night you experience the signature restaurant at Montelucia called Prado. Prado offers traditional Andalusian cooking and features a wood-fired grill. Even better, you can ask the chef to take you to the farmer's market on Saturday morning as he picks out his food supplies for the week.
Knoxville, TN
If the dry heat is too much for you and you prefer more of a southern style vacation, consider Knoxville. The city is a surprising jewel that offers real culture, some great street fairs and lots to see and do. If you're a history buff the various museums and mansions are perfect for exploring. There is lots of early history here in this area of Tennessee so places like the James White Fort and Blount Mansion (a National Historic Landmark by the way) all date back to when the United States was just becoming what it is today. A little outside of town there is also Ramsey House Plantation from 1797 and Mabry Hazen House Museum and Civil War "Bethel Cemetery" with more than 1600 soldiers buried on the grounds.
In downtown Knoxville there are several old theatres you will want to visit and if there is a performance going on be sure and get a ticket. The Bijou Theatre is the fourth oldest building in the city built in 1817. While you're downtown visit Market Square and then take a ride on the Volunteer Princess offering a romantic ride down the Tennessee River where you can get a glimpse of the city from a different angle. For a more modern turn, stop in at the Knoxville Museum of Art with an amazing permanent collection and an international reputation.
For dining everyone has to try Litton's Market. It's a restaurant and bakery and again, it has been around forever, since 1946. The food is worth the stop, but the highlight is their special knack for baking the best cakes in the city.
Lake Hubert, Minnesota
You hate the heat? Then head up north if you want to get a way from the summer and enjoy a rustic vacation on the lake. You fly into Minneapolis/St. Paul and take a scenic drive to Lake Hubert where the Grand View Lodge awaits. Established in 1919, Grand View Lodge is a National Historic Landmark and sits on the shores of Gull Lake. With luxury accommodations you can either choose to relax or take the time to fish (be sure and order the local Walleye fish at least once when visiting, it's a northern Minnesota favorite and they love to share it with guests), discover the great outdoors or just take in a few treatments at the Glacial Waters Spa.
For golf lovers there is Grandest Foursome on three championship courses and a social nine hole. There are also cooking classes, watercolor classes, horseback riding and nightly bonfires so there's never a chance to get bored.
Watching the sunset on the lake, antiquing and shopping in nearby Nisswa or just relaxing and enjoying sounds of nature, indeed Grand View Lodge will take you back in time and offer you a little piece of heaven as you unwind.
Dahlonega, GA
It's not exactly the kind of place you think you would find great wine, but this little town is in the heart of Georgia's wine country in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It is also the perfect place for a quiet vacation and there is even a lovely spa off the town square called Littlefield Cottage Healing Arts and Day Spa. A little out of town a golf course is also calling his name, after all Dahlonega is only about an hour outside of Atlanta.
The Park Place Hotel is your best bet for a romantic room with a fireplace and it is right in the center of the town square. From there you can visit the museums in the area like Dahlonega Gold Museum (there is still gold in them there hills) and the former United States Mint was located here too. As well, it's not far to drive to the amazing wineries including Three Sisters Vineyards and Winery, Frogtown Cellars, Blackstock Vineyards and Winery, Wolf Mountain Vineyard and Winery and Montalvina Vineyards and Winery, you will think you are in France all over again without the long plane ride.
For dinner or lunch, head over to Achasta where you can play a round of golf too. There's wine tasting dinners here and a great time to get to know the area wine even better. For lunch, just off the square is Corkscrew Café with a big menu for such a small place. A romantic getaway, a place to escape the summer heat and a step into natural wonders like the Chattahoochee National Forest and the beginning of the Appalachian Trail, there are plenty of reasons to visit this little "gold mine."