All 50 Affordable Stateside Escapes Blog Entries

Beat rising gas prices by vacationing in your own backyard. This summer, the SmarterTravel editors will blog about an affordable and fuel-friendly escape for every U.S. state, posting a new destination each day. Check back often!

STATE

BLOG TITLE

Hawaii

Soak in the Natural Splendor of Waipio Valley on Hawaii's Big Island
Posted: July 10, 2008 at 12:00 pm ETby Jamie Moore
The Big Island's tropical version of the Grand Canyon.

Alaska

Wilderness expeditions in Girdwood, Alaska
Posted: July 9, 2008 at 12:00 pm ETby Jamie Moore
Find spectacular scenery and world-class skiing near Anchorage.

Arizona

Be charmed by natural beauty in Sedona, Arizona
Posted: July 8, 2008 at 12:00 pm ETby Robin Chambers
Sedona is both a top golf destination and a big spiritual center.

New Mexico

Artists and artisans in Santa Fe
Posted: July 7, 2008 at 12:00 pm ETby Robin Chambers
Find more art and culture than you could exhaust in a lifetime.

Oklahoma

Find a slice of small-town America in Edmond, Oklahoma
Posted: July 5, 2008 at 12:00 pm ETby Robin Chambers
Edmond celebrates the arts and embodies small town pride.

Utah

Enjoy luxury at off-season prices in Park City
Posted: July 4, 2008 at 12:00 pm ETby Robin Chambers
Cheap hotels, train rides, mountain views, and Olympic fever.

Wyoming

Go Wild West in Sheridan, Wyoming
Posted: July 3, 2008 at 12:00 pm ETby Jamie Moore
The cowboy spirit is alive and kicking with events in Sheridan.

Idaho

Explore country culture in Pocatello, Idaho
Posted: July 2, 2008 at 12:00 pm ETby Robin Chambers
Pocatello is a great spot for exploring the magic of the Gem State.

Washington

Soak up sunshine and wine in Prosser, Washington
Posted: July 1, 2008 at 12:00 pm ETby Jamie Moore
Don't miss Washington's small town with a big reputation.

Montana

Explore the great outdoors in Glacier National Park
Posted: June 30, 2008 at 12:00 pm ETby Robin Chambers
Horseback riding, hiking, boating, and fishing await you.

South Dakota

History and local charm in South Dakota's Black Hills
Posted: June 28, 2008 at 12:00 pm ETby Robin Chambers
The Black Hills area is one of the most beautiful spots in the U.S.

North Dakota

Dinosaurs and culture in Dickinson, North Dakota
Posted: June 27, 2008 at 12:00 pm ETby Robin Chambers
Paleontologists have found many fossils in North Dakota's rich soil.

Colorado

Sand, scenery, and steam train adventures in Alamosa, Colorado
Posted: June 26, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Jamie Moore
Alamosa is an ideal place to get lost among natural wonders.

Nebraska

Hiking, history, and Miocene fossils in Nebraska's Pine Ridge region
Posted: June 25, 2008 at 12:00 pm ETby Robin Chambers
Relive the Old West, explore fossils, or witness the unusual.

Nevada

Old West treasures in Virginia City, Nevada
Posted: June 24, 2008 at 11:40 am ETby Jamie Moore
The Wild West lives on just 23 miles south of Reno.

West Virginia

Wilderness adventures on West Virginia's New River
Posted: June 23, 2008 at 12:00 pm ETby Jamie Moore
Beckley is the ideal place for weekend adventure.

Kansas

Find Kansas history and tradition in Abilene
Posted: June 21, 2008 at 12:00 pm ETby Robin Chambers
Head to the city of Abilene to catch a glimpse of Kansas history.

Minnesota

Minneapolis/St. Paul's art scene inspires budget spenders
Posted: June 19, 2008 at 12:00 pm ETby Robin Chambers
Explore the other wonders of the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes.

California

Lakeside fun in Tahoe, California
Posted: June 18, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Picnic, bike, and enjoy activities under the stars in Lake Tahoe.

Wisconsin

Nature's appeal in Eagle River, Wisconsin
Posted: June 17, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Kate Hamman, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Eagle River is an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true.

Iowa

Get city and country culture in Des Moines, Iowa
Posted: June 16, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Come for the Iowa State Fair, quality museums, and the new "East Village."

Texas

Pedal, drink, and dance in Fredericksburg, Texas
Posted: June 14, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
There's so much more here than quilts and collectibles.

Florida

Sun, seashells, and (relative) seclusion on Sanibel Island
Posted: June 13, 2008 at 2:13 pm ETby Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
This is not the Florida you're used to.

Michigan

Sand dunes and Blue Angels in Traverse City, Michigan
Posted: June 12, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Summer is the best time to visit the 45th parallel.

Arkansas

Find hidden gems (literally!) in Murfreesboro, Arkansas
Posted: June 11, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Dig for diamonds and keep all the gems you find.

Missouri

Experience Hannibal, MO, Tom and Huck's hometown
Posted: June 10, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Mark Twain literary attractions on the Mississippi.

Maine

Discover old Maine in Vinalhaven
Posted: June 9, 2008 at 4:03 pm ETby Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
"Old-fashioned" is a way of life on this tiny island.

Alabama

Brilliant beaches without the crowds in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Posted: June 7, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Gulf Coast beaches without Florida prices and crowds.

Illinois

Get outdoors at Illinois' Starved Rock State Park
Posted: June 6, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Houseboats, 13 miles of hiking trails, and more await.

Mississippi

After Katrina, witness a revitalized art scene in Bay St. Louis, MS
Posted: June 5, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Discover this friendly, artsy town on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Indiana

Discover the seven wonders of Columbus, Indiana
Posted: June 4, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Innovative architecture and unique public art are 45 minutes from Indianapolis.

Louisiana

Authentic Cajun culture in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana
Posted: June 3, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Head to the bayous for real Cajun culture, food, and music.

Ohio

Take in the scenery in Ohio's Hocking Hills region
Posted: June 2, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Nature preserves, lakes, and zip-lines make a fun summer day.

Tennessee

The loud and quiet sides of Manchester, TN
Posted: May 31, 2008 at 4:16 pm ETby Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
The town is known for its music festival, but there's lots to do here.

Kentucky

Spirits and spiritual pursuits in Bardstown, Kentucky
Posted: May 30, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Molly Feltner, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Sip bourbon and hunt ghosts, then save your soul in Kentucky.

Vermont

Escape to the Northeast Kingdom in East Burke, VT
Posted: May 29, 2008 at 3:25 pm ETby Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Peace, quiet, hiking, and mountain biking await.

Rhode Island

A 'salty' weekend by the seashore in Narragansett, Rhode Island
Posted: May 28, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Clam cakes, lighthouses, and clean beaches await you.

North Carolina

Riverfront history in Wilmington, North Carolina
Posted: May 27, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
A walkable historic district, live music, and more await in Wilmington.

New York

Classic Adirondack serenity in Saranac Lake, NY
Posted: May 26, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
This peaceful mountain town beckons travelers to its shores.

Virginia

Go underground to see the hidden side of Shenandoah, VA
Posted: May 24, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Just 10 minutes from the park's entrance lie the Luray Caverns.

New Hampshire

Fine food and the great outdoors in Keene, NH
Posted: May 23, 2008 at 12:27 pm ETby Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Art, theater, and cheese, all nestled in the beautiful countryside.

South Carolina

Seaside relaxation on Edisto Island, South Carolina
Posted: May 22, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
The perfect choice for a laid-back beach getaway.

Maryland

Weekends on the waterfront in historic Chestertown, MD
Posted: May 21, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Chestertown can be an enjoyable alternative to Annapolis.

Massachusetts

Arts and culture abound in Northampton, Massachusetts
Posted: May 20, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Shop one-of-a-kind boutiques, go to a concert, and much more.

Connecticut

Kayaking and seafood near Connecticut's Thimble Islands
Posted: May 19, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Some of the best kayaking in New England awaits close to New Haven.

Georgia

Summer fun for the whole family in Pine Mountain, Georgia
Posted: May 17, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Christine Sarkis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Hiking, camping, horseback riding ... and a safari?

New Jersey

Cows, mountains, and whitewater rafting ... in New Jersey
Posted: May 16, 2008 at 12:03 pm ETby Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Catch a glimpse of the Garden State's outdoorsy side.

Pennsylvania

Enjoy the great outdoors in Pennsylvania's Cook Forest State Park
Posted: May 15, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Just two hours from Pittsburgh lies a splendid outdoorsy getaway.

Delaware

Indulge your inner colonist in historic New Castle, Delaware
Posted: May 14, 2008 at 12:00 am ETby Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff
New Castle showcases living history.