To the weekend wanderers,
In this issue, shoulder season provides the best mix of savings and scenery across the U.S. Traveling between peak and off-peak times helps you dodge crowds and secure lower rates.
Begin your adventure with these top choices!
📰 Upcoming in this issue
🌲 A Northern California Escape Worth the Trip
🌊 Kiawah’s Beachwalker Park Tops Best Southern Beach
🌄 Allegany County, Maryland: Mountain Scenery, Breweries, and Small Towns
📈 Trending news
🌲 A Northern California Escape Worth the Trip
This Sacramento Bee guide highlights a relaxed retreat with peaceful beaches, wildlife-filled trails, and local spots that tour buses often overlook.
Key Takeaways:
🗺️ How to Get There: Driving times, parking tips, and best months help you avoid crowds and heat while maximizing daylight.
🏖️ What to Do: Beach walks, cycling routes, and tidepool stops anchor the day, with options for kayaks, birdwatching, and sunset views.
🍽️ Where to Refuel: Locally operated cafes and seafood shacks feature, with recommendations for picnic supplies and reservations during peak weeks.
♻️ Respect the Habitat: Leave-no-trace guidance, wildlife etiquette, and safety reminders help keep dunes, trails, and waterways pristine for all.
🌊 Kiawah’s Beachwalker Park Tops Best Southern Beach
On peaceful Kiawah Island near Charleston, this tree-lined shoreline ranks among the best. Expect boardwalks under live oaks, gentle waves, and wide views where the river meets the ocean.
Key Takeaways:
🏝️ Nature-Rich Setting: Maritime forest surrounds vast sands and gentle waves, creating a calm, family-friendly spot that stays untouched.
🧭 Easy Day Trip: Near Charleston, the park provides easy access for day visitors looking for a quieter alternative to busier city beaches.
🐢 Conservation Mindset: Protected dunes and seasonal wildlife, such as nesting sea turtles, emphasize a leave-no-trace ethic.
🚗 Plan for Parking: Spaces fill quickly during peak hours. Arrive early or during off-peak times to secure a spot and enjoy a relaxed experience.
🌄 Allegany County, Maryland: Mountain Scenery, Breweries, and Small Towns
Less than three hours from D.C., this mountain escape features 70,000 acres of public land along with a nine-stop Ice Cream Trail: revitalized Cumberland, Rocky Gap State Park, and a historic scenic railroad complete the experience.
Key Takeaways:
🚗 Easy Access: Located about three hours from D.C. and 2.5 hours from Baltimore or Pittsburgh, the county feels remote but remains accessible for road trips.
🌲 Outdoors Abound: Over 70,000 acres of public land, including Rocky Gap State Park trails, lake kayaking, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.
🍺 Brews and Downtown: Family-run 1812 Brewery pours under barn rafters, while Cumberland’s revitalized Baltimore Street adds boutiques, cafés, and patio dining.
🚂 Scenic Railroad: The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad features dinner trains, murder mysteries, sunset rides, and holiday magic, providing mountain views without the need to drive.
Why It Matters
Traveling during the shoulder season saves money without sacrificing the experience. You’ll find easier reservations, quieter parks and beaches, and in many areas, better weather with shorter lines.
Bon voyage until next time,
Zoe Reed
Editor-in-Chief
Passport to Paradise
