It’s time to sum up the best places we visited this year.
Of course, there are some bad memories, but the good news is that there are many more good ones. So, in the editors’ opinion, the worst of the worst can safely be called Mobile, AL. Almost half of the residents here urgently need to get some sweets, since they are all still pretty “wild”. We will not repeat all the horrors we experienced , so let’s move on to the winners.
1. Door County, WI.
There’s not only things to do here, but also things to see. “City and Neighborhood Tour,” “Wine and Wineries Tour” – the only thing missing is a shopping tour. (Considering that we were there over six months ago, they may have already added one!) Otherwise, this is a place where you’ll definitely find something to do in warm weather, or you can go fishing in peace and quiet on Michigan’s most beautiful shore.
Lots of beaches, restaurants, museums, and positivity. Everyone (especially those who live here) is so positive about tourists that you can’t help but have a cup of tea on the porch if your eyes cross somewhere. And by the way, Door County is probably one of the few places in the Midwest where people so actively come from the traditional “tourist meccas” of Florida and California. In short, Door County is everything you need for those who want to spend time alone or with family.
2. San Diego & CA.
You could probably spend a few days in San Diego alone, not to mention Los Angeles and other cities near the coast. Yes, I think Los Angeles is near the coast, because after 30 hours by car, everything is relatively close.
You can have a great time in San Diego. Educational trips around the city, an old market and, of course, a boat with wheels that will take you around the city like a bus and turn into a ship in the open water. Don’t believe that this is possible? Check out our website: chicagobounce.com/best-getaways-in-california-2/
In general, there is a real abundance of things to do, as well as where to dine. Take the same Italian Village (Little Italy in San Diego – editor’s note) – you will find everything your heart desires here, especially excellent bread and sweets. There are a lot of places on the coast where the food is surprisingly tasty and sometimes even a little cheaper than in the city.
As for sunny Los Angeles, you can easily get sunburned just sitting on the second floor of a bus, see from a distance how the stars live and visit the heart of the Universal Studios, which, perhaps, turned out to be the most vivid impression, even though we saw a lot. If you are in those parts, do not miss a visit to Universal, especially a tour of the studio itself, as well as the Jurassic Park attraction. In general, if you want a more active and educational vacation, welcome to Los Angeles.
3. Cedarburg, WI.
Such a nice city, where even without garlands there will always be a festive and Christmassy atmosphere. Lots of places where you can “think about the eternal” with a glass of wine from a local winery or, say, burn off a few thousand calories at a local “chocolate shop”, or just stroll along these lovely streets.
Perhaps, even if you just try to imagine the coziest winter evening, light snow and fairly mild weather… Cedarburg will be right before your eyes.
4. New Buffalo, MI.
This is probably the smallest town of them all, but it also has its charms. Yes, it partially “dies out” in the winter, but in the summer, spring and fall it is simply full of life.
The Stray Dog Bar & Gril is one of the most unusual of its kind and, perhaps, one of the most “conveniently located”. Here, a 5-minute walk away, there is a beach where you can not only sunbathe, but also while away romantic evenings under the cozy waves washing up on the shore. Walk along the main streets, and you will find a lot of shops and establishments that are interesting even just to go in.
Perhaps, if you plan to visit any city located relatively close to the noisy metropolis called Chicago, sooner or later you will end up in New Buffalo.
5. St. Petersburg, FL.
We visited there recently and, based on fresh memories, I want to immediately point out several positive aspects. Firstly, the west coast is less “promoted”, and therefore everything concerning prices (perhaps with the exception of restaurants) is significantly lower here than, say, in Miami. At the same time, the atmosphere and cleanliness of the local beaches here are at a qualitatively higher level.
To this day, I do not understand why Wisconsin or the same Michigan cost twice as much, when in the resort state of Florida (Tampa Bay) a good hotel will cost you only about $100 per night.
In a word, if you want to get away from Miami, teeming with a motley crowd (and not the cleanest beaches), and if you have already been to Key West, take a look at Tampa Bay and, in particular, St. Petersburg. We guarantee that you will be satisfied.
Summing up the year, I would like to note that we have achieved a lot in 2014, but even more awaits us ahead. We will always be glad to receive your suggestions and wishes, and in the New Year we wish you even more new trips and sunny days. Happy holidays, and see you in 2015!
