To the weekend wanderers,
Two Florida gems just made the top ten for best small cities. St. Augustine and Pensacola impress with their beaches, walkable streets, and lively dining options.
Could your next getaway be closer than you think?
📰 Upcoming in this issue
🌴 St. Augustine and Pensacola Shine on Best Small Cities List
🌴 Fancy but Affordable Palm Springs
🍂 New Mexico’s Aspen Vista Trail Shimmers in Gold
📈 Trending news
🌴 St. Augustine and Pensacola Shine on Best Small Cities List
Condé Nast Traveler readers placed both Florida towns among the nation’s best small cities. Coastal charm, historic streets, and beach life continue to win hearts.
Key Takeaways:
🏅 Ranking Highlights: St. Augustine ranks fourth, and Pensacola lands in the top ten, according to Condé Nast Traveler readers.
🌊 Why They Win: Beaches, walkable districts, and lively dining scenes highlight Florida’s mix of history, arts, and outdoor living.
📈 Tourism Boost: National recognition increases visibility, supporting local businesses, festivals, and year-round tourism.
🗺️ State Spotlight: Two small cities in one ranking reinforce Florida’s strength for coastal escapes beyond its larger metros.
🌴 Fancy but Affordable Palm Springs
Thrillist maps a chic Palm Springs getaway that feels luxe without a splurge. Think stylish motels, pool day passes, and mid-century glam with a smart budget twist.
Key Takeaways:
🏨 Stylish Stays: Renovated motels and boutique hotels deliver design-forward rooms, lively pools, and value-driven perks.
🏊 Pool Day Hacks: Day passes and weekday cabanas offer resort-style relaxation without the overnight price tag.
🍸 Taste on a Budget: Happy hours, chef pop-ups, and creative diners serve refined bites at friendly prices.
🏜️ Free and Iconic: Architecture tours, public art walks, and desert hikes bring classic Palm Springs vibes for little to no cost.
🍂 New Mexico’s Aspen Vista Trail Shimmers in Gold
Just outside Santa Fe, this aspen-lined climb rises toward 12,000 feet and rewards hikers with cool alpine air. In fall, the forest glows gold beneath quaking canopies.
Key Takeaways:
📍 Close to Santa Fe: A quick drive up NM 475 makes this an easy escape, with a steady grade and flexible turnaround points.
🏔️ High-Alpine Payoff: Gentle forest roads open to sweeping Sangre de Cristo views and crisp mountain air.
🍂 Fall Showstopper: Late September through mid-October delivers golden tunnels of aspens and peak foliage across the Santa Fe National Forest.
❄️ Four-Season Options: Wildflowers in summer, color in fall, snowshoeing in winter, and bird song in spring make it a year-round favorite.
🔔 Mark Your Calendar
🐼 Panda Fest Nashville 2025
Get ready for one of the largest outdoor Asian food festivals in the U.S. Enjoy more than 80 food vendors, cultural performances, family fun, and exclusive VIP perks at Nashville’s Fair Park.
Event Details:
📅 Dates: October 24–26, 2025 (Fri–Sun)
⏰ Hours: Fri 4–10 pm | Sat 10 am–10 pm | Sun 10 am–8 pm
📍 Location: Fair Park, 2300 Bransford Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
🎟️ Tickets:
Early Bird $10 (Sep 4–14, 2025)
General Admission $14
VIP $35 (includes VIP areas, bathrooms, Fast Pass, and 3 free gifts)
Saturday tickets +$2
🍜 Highlights: 80+ Asian food vendors, live performances, panda inflatables, and family-friendly fun (leashed dogs welcome).
🎫 Get tickets at PandaFests.com
💀 Muertos Fest San Antonio 2025
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with art, music, and remembrance in downtown San Antonio. Experience live performances, colorful altars, and community tributes at this free cultural festival.
Event Details:
📅 Dates: October 24–26, 2025 (Fri–Sun)
⏰ Hours: Fri 5–11 pm | Sat 10 am–11 pm | Sun 12–9 pm
📍 Location: Hemisfair, 630 Nueva St, San Antonio, TX
🎟️ Admission: Free and open to the public
🎉 Highlights: 80+ community altars, live music and dance, art vendors, family activities, and traditional processions.
🔗 More info at MuertosFest.com
📊 Take This Edition’s Poll:
Would you rather vacation in small cities, big metros, or hidden towns?
Why It Matters
Destination rankings boost local economies through increased tourism and the growth of small businesses. Short getaways or off-season stays are a great way to explore these places while keeping crowds light.
Authentic charm and consistent quality keep small cities thriving year after year.
Until next time, bon voyage!
Zoe Reed
Editor-in-Chief
Passport to Paradise
P.S. Interested in sponsoring a future issue? Just reply to this email and I’ll send packages!
