Choose from 2,014 Fun Things to Do in Usa
ShowingFilter 1761-1780 of 2014 listings.
Wild Center at Tupper Lake
Explore 81 acres (33 hectares) of New York open space at Tupper Lake's Wild Center, an indoor/outdoor science center running by Adirondack Park. Between five indoor exhibits and miles of open trails, you'll learn everything you need to know about the area's natural surroundings. Head to Big Wolf Great Hall inside the center for one of its daily wildlife shows, where you'll see live animals like ravens, porcupines, owls, and snakes. Outside, you can weave through the treetops and visit a four-story tree-house along the elevated Wild Walk walking path for incredible views of the forest.
For a more immersive experience, sign up for a free, guided hike through the trails or ride a canoe down the Raquette River for an extra fee. You can also man the trails on your own. Hike the Living River Trail to pass a running waterfall and the park's resident otters, and don't forget about the complimentary snowshoes if it's icy out there.
Practical Info
The Wild Center is located at Tupper Lake in upstate New York. It is near the center of Adirondack Park and is best reached by car. It is open daily from the end of May to mid-October, and only Friday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, thereafter. If off-season, it’s best to check the website for openings. Admission costs $20 for adults and $13 for children, and tickets are good for two days.
Address: T45 Museum Dr, Tupper Lake, New York, USA
Hours: Daily 10am–5pm (May–Oct); Fri & Sat: 10am–5pm (Nov–Apr)
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
WonderWorks Orlando
A firm departure from the everyday, WonderWorks Orlando offers what most attractions cannot – a spin on this thing we call reality. Built to resemble an upside-down laboratory, this science museum offers over 100 hands-on exhibits built to test your belief of what is real and what is illusion. Filled with “oh, wow” moments that include rope obstacle courses, zip lines and laser tag, WonderWorks Orlando is an engaging step into science and discovery – one that will leave the whole family full of wonder.
Practical Info
WonderWorks Orlando is located at 9067 International Drive in Orlando. Parking is plentiful and free. Closed-toed shoes are required.
Address: 9067 International Dr, Orlando, Flordia 32819, USA
Hours: Daily 9am-Midnight
Admission: G.A. Adult $25.99, Child $19.99
From $ 15
Whitney Plantation Museum
The Whitney Plantation was one of the most infamous plantation estates in Louisiana, having housed some 60 slaves between 1819 and 1860. Today, the site serves as one of the only slavery memorial museums in the United States, having opened in 2014. Through original period buildings, art exhibits, and first-person narratives, visitors can gain an understanding of the lives of slaves in 19th-century America.
The Basics
The plantation site, on the National Register of Historic Places since 1992, includes a stately plantation home and a number of historic outbuildings. While the visitors center museum exhibits are self-guided, the other plantation buildings—including the French Creole–style Big House, slave quarters, and a church—can only be visited by 90-minute guided tour, included with admission. The poignant exhibits and memorials help visitors see the stark contrast of the lives of slaves and slave-owners in pre-Civil War Louisiana. Most travelers see the Whitney Plantation has part of an extensive plantation tour from New Orleans.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Guided tours of the plantation site are included with admission; self-guided tours are not permitted.
- Whitney Plantation tours are 90 minutes long; plan to spend about two hours onsite.
- Dress for the weather, bring water, and wear closed-toe walking shoes.
- Although children under 6 enter for free, some tour material may be unsuitable for kids.
- The visitors center is accessible to those with limited mobility; the second floor of the Big House is not. There are gravel paths throughout the plantation.
How to Get There
The Whitney Plantation is located in Wallace, Louisiana, 46 miles (74 kilometers) northwest of New Orleans. Group and private tours offer round-trip transportation from New Orleans, while ride-sharing applications are not readily available in the area.
When to Get There
The Whitney Plantation is open year-round but closed on Tuesdays and on New Year's Day, Mardi Gras, Easter Sunday, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Understanding Louisiana’s Dark History Through Art at the Whitney Plantation
Words and art are used at the Whitney Plantation to honor the lives of the slaves who worked and died there. Throughout the site are The Children of Whitney, life-sized sculptures of slave children by American artist Woodrow Nash. In the Field of Angels exhibit, the 2,200 children who died under slavery in Louisiana are commemorated, with their names listed on granite. Names of Whitney Plantation slaves are recorded with their ages and skills on the Wall of Honor, and in the Allèes Gwendolyn Midlo Hall, the names of all 107,000 people recorded in the Louisiana Slave Database line 18 walls, along with quotes and pictures from the time of slavery.
Address: 5099 LA-18, Wallace, Louisiana, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 65
Wild Florida Wildlife Park
Step into the Florida Everglades at Wild Florida wildlife park, located outside Orlando, where visitors can explore the Florida wilderness and its resident animals. Spend the day spotting alligators, white-tailed deer, sloths, and tropical birds and take an adventurous airboat ride at this popular family attraction.
The Basics
Wild Florida offers a variety of options to visitors who want to explore this wilderness refuge. You can choose an easy walk on raised walkways through the zoo-like environment as you observe exotic animals from Africa, Australia, and South America, in addition to animals native to Florida, in animal habitats. Or you can opt for an airboat tour that gives you an up-close view of these animals as you careen through the swamp ecosystem.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Get more by upgrading to a combination ticket that includes an airboat ride or a behind-the-scenes tour for just a little more than the standard admission price.
- Animal-encounter tickets with alligators, porcupines, sloths, and ring-tailed lemurs are available for an additional fee.
- Wild Florida has an on-site restaurant, as well as a gift shop.
- Visitors are welcome to bring food and drink to enjoy on the premises.
- Consider taking a night airboat tour, when you are more likely to see active gators and get a unique visitor experience.
How to Get There
Wild Florida Wildlife Park is located at 3301 Lake Cypress Road in Kenansville, Florida, about 63 miles (39 kilometers) southeast of Orlando. From Orlando, take Florida’s Turnpike south for 20 miles (12.4 kilometers), exiting at Kissimmee Park Road. Turn right on Old Canoe Creek Road, and follow that for 8 miles (5 kilometers) to Lake Cypress Road. On-site parking is free.
When to Get There
The park is open Monday through Saturday, 9am to 6pm. Florida doesn’t experience an off-season when it comes to airboats and swamps, but consider which types of animals you are most interested in seeing to guide your decision on when to visit. In the dry season (December to April), you’re likely to see a variety of birds that have migrated south, while in the wet season (mid-May through November), you might be more likely to spot alligators mating, nesting, and hatching.
Dine with Sloths
Wild Florida offers a variety of really interesting animal-interaction options, including the opportunity to feed alligators, and several activities involving the park’s two-toed sloths, including Paint Nights with Sloths, sloth encounters, and even having lunch with a sloth! You’ll learn all about these animals and the park’s conservation efforts.
Address: 3301 Lake Cypress Road, Kenansville, Florida 34739, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 28
Willis (Sears) Tower
Once the world’s tallest building when it opened in 1973 as Sears Tower, Willis Tower is still way up in the clouds. The 1,454-foot (443-meter) skyscraper reigns as the tallest building in the Midwest and the second-tallest building in all of North America with its spires just 325 feet (99 meters) shorter than Manhattan’s One World Trade Center. Though it functions as an office tower, the skyscraper’s 103rd-floor Skydeck Chicago draws 1.7 million annual visitors for a trip out onto The Ledge, an enclosed glass balcony extending four feet (1.2 meters) outside the 103rd floor, and for panoramic views that, on clear days, extend as far as Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
The Basics
Willis Tower can be seen from around the Windy City and is a highlight on most sightseeing tours and Chicago River cruises. Those looking to head to the top should book admission tickets in advance to avoid waiting in long ticket lines. The journey to Skydeck Chicago starts with interactive exhibits and the “Reaching for the Sky” film presentation, which covers the tower’s history and plays during the 70-second elevator ride up to the 103rd floor. At the Skydeck, you can admire the city from above and take a turn on the glass-bottomed Ledge, set 1,353 feet (412 meters) above the streets. For a unique Chicago dining experience, book lunch or dinner at Willis Tower, where you can eat Chicago-style, deep-dish pizza on either the 99th floor or at the Skydeck. Early risers can opt for an early-access breakfast experience at the Skydeck, 90 minutes before it opens to the public.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Allow at least an hour for a trip to the top.
- It’s best to book tickets in advance to avoid waiting in admission lines.
- The building offers free public WiFi.
- Gift shops and a café—serving popular Chicago fare from Connie’s Pizza and Vienna Hot Dogs—are located at the Skydeck.
How to Get There
Willis Tower is located on the west side of the Loop, not far from the Chicago River and several popular Chicago attractions such as the Art Institute and Millennium Park. It’s serviced by several bus lines and is near the blue, brown, orange, pink, purple, and red lines on the L train. The Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station are both under a half-mile (0.8 kilometers) west of Willis Tower. The entrance to the Skydeck experience is off of Jackson Boulevard.
When to Get There
Willis Tower is open 365 days a year, with the Skydeck and The Ledge open October through February from 10am to 8pm and March through September from 9am to 10pm. Last entry to the Skydeck is 30 minutes prior to closing. Views are equally good on sunny days year-round, but Chicago winters are notoriously snowy. To beat the crowds, it’s best to visit just after the building opens. Sunset is a popular time to visit, while the midday sun can create shadows and glares on the viewing windows and Ledge platform.
Address: 233 S. Wacker Drive, The Loop, Chicago 60606, USA
Hours: Open daily. Mar-Sept: 9am-10pm, Oct-Feb: 10am-8pm. Last entry 30 minutes prior to close.
Admission: Adults: US$23, Children (3-11yrs): US$15
From $ 22
Wild Wolf Brewing Company
Set in an old schoolhouse on ten acres of Virginia farmland, Nelson County's Wild Wolf Brewing Company is as beautiful a place to visit as it is a popular spot to drink. With a wraparound porch and views of the mountains, the brew house serves its unique craft beers in a picturesque, Southern setting, and features seasonal offerings as well as a pilsner, ale, and stout influenced by the brew master's time in Germany and Chicago.
Go behind-the-scenes on a brewery tour, or enjoy a cold one under the shade of Siberian Elm trees in the beer garden. Here, you can enjoy the brewery's grounds or have a bite to eat at its restaurant, which is known for using local ingredients and specializing in hickory smoked meats.
Revered for its hospitality, the brewery is a great stop for thirsty visitors, and often features live music and outdoor games.
Practical Info
Wild Wolf Brewing Company is located in Nellysford, Virginia, about 32 miles (52 km), or a 40-minute drive, southwest of Charlottesville. The restaurant and taproom is open every day from 11am to 10pm, and until 11pm on Saturday.
Children and pets are welcome, and there’s even a playground for the kids. Live music plays every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night, year-round.
If in need of a designated driver, private tours offer round trip transportation to the brewery from Charlottesville, including hotel pickup and drop-off.
Did you know? Wild Wolf Brewing Company has been recognized as a green brewery for its sustainability practices.
Address: 461 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, Virginia, USA
Hours: Mon–Fri: 11:30am–10pm; Sat: 11am–11pm; Sun: 11am–10pm
From $ 165
WonderWorks
WonderWorks is an amusement park with more than 100 interactive exhibits to engage your mind and imagination. Built in an upside-down “top-secret laboratory” that was mysteriously transported from Bermuda to Myrtle Beach, this family-friendly park features six wonder zones, laser tag, a glow-in-the-dark ropes course, and a 6D motion ride.
The Basics
A trip to Myrtle Beach’s WonderWorks is an entertaining treat for the whole family’s bodies and brains. Quirky attractions include the Hurricane Shack to experience winds up to 84 mph (135 kph), a fighter-jet flight simulator, and the opportunity to make a 3D impression of your body on the WonderWall. Purchase a 1-day pass for access to all WonderWorks exhibits, the 6D XD Motion Theater, the indoor ropes course, and one game of laser tag.
Things to Know Before You Go
- WonderWorks is ideal for families with children.
- Expect to spend three to four hours exploring the park.
- Reentry is available on same-day visits, so you can come and go as you please.
- The Works Eatery is an indoor/outdoor café and bar serving up pizzas and sandwiches.
- Skirts, dresses, and open-toed shoes are not permitted on the ropes course.
- WonderWorks is equipped with elevators for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
WonderWorks is located in Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach. Simply drive along Highway 17 or the Robert M Grissom Parkway to access the park, where there is plenty of free parking.
When to Get There
The WonderWorks indoor amusement park is open year-round; hours vary seasonally so check the website. Busiest times are during spring break (mid-March to late April), summer, Christmas, and when it is raining. To avoid large crowds, visit in the morning hours.
Broadway at the Beach
This large outdoor shopping and entertainment complex is located toward the north end of Myrtle Beach. Its main attractions include WonderWorks, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Hard Rock Café, and the Soar and Explore zipline course. The complex surrounds a man-made lake and makes for a fun day of shopping, dining, and adventure during your trip to Myrtle Beach.
Address: USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 30
Wilderstein Historic Site
When Thomas Holy Suckley purchased a stunning plot of land along the riverfront back in 1852, he had a vision for building a residency that paid homage to the natural beauty the Hudson River Valley was known for. The building’s exterior originally took on the look of an Italian Villa, while the home’s interiors were designed by the now-famous Joseph Burr Tiffany.
Visitors to this iconic home just in the heart of the Hudson Valley will be able to journey through time as they walk through the picturesque hallways of this well-preserved destination. The interiors showcase some of the best of early American design and the grounds offer up one of the most breathtaking romantic landscapes in the Valley.
In addition to exploring the Wilderstein’s beautiful interiors, travelers can also check out the network of trails, walkways and carriage routes that wind through some 40-acres of land. Although tours of the home are available between May and October only, the grounds are open year-round from 9am-4pm and are free of charge to walk.
Practical Info
The Wilderstein is located at 330 Morton Road in Rhinebeck, New York. It is accessible via Amtrak from New York City by taking the train from Penn Station to Rhinecliff-Kingston Station. The historic site is about 1.5 miles from the train station. Tour season is May through October, Thursday through Sunday. Entrance is $11 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.
Address: 330 Morton Road, Rhinebeck, USA
Hours: Tour season is May through October, Thursday through Sunday
Admission: $11 for adults and $10 for students and seniors
From $ 73
Windansea Beach
With 17 miles of coastline, San Diego is known for its scenic beaches. Everyone has their favorites, making it hard for visitors to choose. But if you’re a surfer, or just like to watch them in action, save time for a trip to Windansea Beach.
It’s one of the more crowded beaches, but for a good reason. Most locals agree it provides the area’s most consistent surfing conditions. It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, a guy or girl, surfing is a part of life in San Diego.
Underwater reefs help create the surf breaks that surfers enjoy here. Swimming is also allowed at the beach, but swimmers need to be careful. Windansea Beach is also known for its moderate to severe shore break. That means there can be hard breaking surf near the shoreline, so swimmers need to use caution when getting in or out of the water.
Practical Info
Windansea Beach is located in the La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego. San Diego lifeguards patrol the beach.
Address: Windansea Beach, San Diego, California 92037, USA
From $ 99
Williamsburg Bridge
With Brooklyn growing in popularity by the day, and Williamsburg at the helm of its cultural vibrancy, the Williamsburg Bridge connects the trendy area to Manhattan. Dating back to 1896, when it was realized that the Brooklyn Bridge alone would not serve the traffic needed between Brooklyn and Manhattan, construction on this second bridge began. At the time of its completion, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world.
The large bridge allows for transit from Williamsburg over to the lower east side of New York City, granting views of the city skyline. It carries both automobile and rail traffic, though is often best enjoyed on foot to take in the urban scenery. The designated National Engineering Historic Landmark is a symbol of industrial strength and well-executed design. Walking across the bridge allows for many excellent viewpoints and photo opportunities of both cities, as well as the East River and the neighboring Brooklyn Bridge.
Practical Info
The Williamsburg Bridge can be entered from Manhattan at Delancy and Clinton Streets, or from Brooklyn on Bedford Avenue between South 5th and South 6th Streets. There are separate sides for pedestrians and bikers as directed by signs. The bridge also carries the J, M, and Z Subway lines and carries up to eight lanes of road traffic. It is free for all to cross.
Address: Williamsburg Bridge, Brooklyn, New York, USA, USA
From $ 19
Willard Brook State Forest
Just an hour’s drive from Boston, you’ll find the beautiful New England grove of Willard Brook State Forest. Escape the busyness of Boston in less than an hour, and discover the rugged New England beauty the area is famous for. The Willard Brook State Forest is over 2,500 acres of classic New England forest, surrounded by babbling brooks, creeks and streams, which makes for an absolutely spectacular fall showcase come October. June, however, is when the mountain laurel blooms, and when the snow falls, visitors enjoy miles of cross-country ski opportunities. Others come year-round simply to enjoy the serene escape provided by this wooded wonderland.
With over 19 campsites, a group Yurt, numerous swimming and fishing opportunities, miles of hiking, mountain biking and horse trails, this is a popular escape for those in the Boston area looking to get out and explore the softer side of nature.
Practical INfo
Toilets are available onsite, but showers are not. Peak season is May through September.
Address: Rte. 119, Between Ashby & Townsend, Massachusetts, USA
Admission: Daily parking fee $5
From $ 105
Wisconsin River
Winding through the length of the state, the Wisconsin River flows from the Mississippi for more than 430 miles. Forests and hills often surround the waters, which vary in both depth and speed of current. Some sections contain rapids with conditions ideal for rafting, while others are calm and more suited for relaxed canoeing and paddling. There are sandbanks and secluded beaches located along the riverbanks, often beside scenic rock formations and bluffs that the Midwestern landscape is known for.
Most of the river is calm and shallow enough to stand in, and with the number of sandbanks throughout it is known as the “River of a Thousand Isles.” There are numerous scenic spots to stop and enjoy the water, and often there’s also local wildlife to spot. The river, with its pine trees and clear waters, is home to bald eagles, cranes, and herons, as well as river otters, beavers, and turtles.
Practical Info
Most visitors to the Wisconsin River visit the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway, which runs from the town of Sauk Prairie to the start of the Mississippi River. Paddling can be done year-round, though water levels are at peak during the spring season.
Address: Wisconsin, USA
From $ 190
Wollman Rink
Open from November through March, the Wollman Rink (formerly Trump Rink) is an outdoor ice-skating rink in Central Park. Accessible from the south entrance of West 59th Street and 6th Avenue, the rink offers open skating as well as lessons. For New Yorkers and visitors, skating on the rink is a tradition that symbolizes the magic and romance of the winter holidays. In fact the scenic rink, with its park and Manhattan skyline backdrop, has been featured in various movies, including “Serendipity” and “Love Story.”
During the summer months, the rink turns into the Victorian Gardens.
During the summer months, the rink turns into the Victorian Gardens.
Practical Info
The rink is open Monday & Tuesday from 10am to 2:30pm, Wednesday & Thursday from 10am to 10pm, Friday & Saturday from 10am to 11pm, Sunday 10am to 9pm and Thanksgiving 10am to 7pm. Prices are $11 Monday through Thursday and $17 Friday through Sunday for adults, $6 every day for children 11 and under, and $5 Monday through Thursday and $9 Friday through Sunday for seniors. Spectator fee is $5. Skate rentals are $7 and locker rentals are $5 plus a $6 refundable deposit.
Address: USA
Hours: Mon and Tue 10:00am - 2:30pm; Wed and Thu 10:00am - 10:00pm; Fri and Sat 10:00am - 11:00pm; Sun 10:00am - 9:00pm
Admission: Mon-Thu $11, $6 Chl; Fri-Sun $17, $6 Chl
From $ 25
Winter Garden
The Winter Garden Atrium is a 10-story, glass-vaulted pavilion filled with various plants, trees, flowers, and shops. The atrium is located in Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park City, in the Brookfield Place office complex. The building was severely damaged during the attacks of September 11, 2001, and was the first major structure to be completely restored in 2002. The building opens to the World Financial Center Plaza, and has large glass windows looking out to the Hudson River and New Jersey, where plenty of luxury yachts provide a visual backdrop.
Step inside the atrium for a respite from the busy city streets and enjoy a cup of coffee as you wander through the building’s many offerings, including luxury retailers, pubs, and restaurants. The atrium is close to several attractions, including One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial, the Hudson River Park, and the Irish Hunger Memorial. In warm weather, the restaurants in Brookfield Place open their doors for dining al fresco, and concerts and symphonies are held here – making it a great place to enjoy a drink and a meal while watching the sunset.
Practical Info
The Winter Garden Atrium is located in Brookfield Place in Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park City, bordered by West Street, the Hudson River, Vesey, and Liberty Streets. It is accessible by train, ferry, and subway; there is standard and valet parking available. Hours listed below are for the shops; restaurant hours vary per restaurant. The Winter Garden and public space is open daily, from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Address: 200 Vesey Street, New York City, New York, USA 10281, USA
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm and Sun 12pm-6pm
From $ 20
Williamsburg
Well-known as the hipster-hub of Brooklyn, Williamsburg is full of creative types and indie venues. It’s safest and most vibrant areas lie near the L train stops, with the main street of the neighborhood being Bedford Avenue and having shops, bars, restaurants, galleries, performance spaces and museums extending out from there. It’s the type of neighborhood where you’ll forever be stumbling across unusual, eclectic and ironically hip spaces. For example, The Brooklyn Flea Market sells vintage clothes, antiques and a variety of artwork, while Buffalo Exchange allows you to buy and trade your clothing for trendy outfits and vintage duds. If you like music and performance, the Knitting Factory puts on concerts and comedy shows and offers old-school video games, cheap beer and quirky art. Artsy folk enjoy one of Williamsburg’s newest additions, Nitehawk Cinema, which shows independent films and serves fluffy homemade popcorn. If you want to gallery hop, you’ll find free creative spaces littered all over the neighborhood, especially on Grand Avenue. And for something completely quirky, visit the City Reliquary which showcases unusual New York City artifacts like horse bones, rotting birthday cakes, antique subway maps and L train paint chips.
Practical Info
The most scenic way to get to Williamsburg is to stroll over the Williamsburg Bridge, which connects the neighborhood to Manhattan’s Lower East Side. If you’d rather take the subway, you can take the G to Flushing Avenue, Broadway or Metropolitan-Lorimer; J,M,Z to Marcy Avenue; J,M to Hewes Street, Lorimer Street or Flushing Avenue; L to Lorimer Street, Graham Avenue, Grand Street, Montrose Avenue or Morgan Avenue.
Address: USA
From $ 24
Williams
Williams, Arizona, is a town in the northern part of the state and within the Kaibab National Forest. It was founded in 1881 and named after Bill Williams, a famous trapper, scout and mountain man. Williams offers a variety of outdoor activities. There are seven fishing lakes in the area. Several hiking trails go up Bill Williams Mountain and into Sycamore Canyon. The town has an alpine ski area as well as cross country skiing trails. There is plenty of wildlife in the area, including a drive-thru wildlife park. Visitors can also play golf at one of Arizona's premier golf courses, Elephant Rocks Golf Course.
Williams is known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon, since it is only an hour's drive away. You can also choose to ride in a vintage train to the park with the Grand Canyon Railway, a journey that takes about two hours. The town also lies along the historic Route 66 and was the last town on the route to be bypassed by Interstate 40. Williams continues to celebrate the historic route with vintage car shows and the Route 66 Cultural Heritage Days.
Practical Info
Williams, Arizona, is located about 35 miles west of Flagstaff and can be reached from Interstate 40. You can also reach Williams from Amtrak's Southwest Chief line.
Address: Williams 86046, USA
From $ 22
Winter Park
Fun fact: four presidents have visited Winter Park, Florida, including Barack Obama in 2012. With those notable stop-ins, this former resort town exudes charm and encourages relaxation even today. The suburban city in Orange County showcases some of the best natural scenery in Central Florida, and nature lovers flock here to enjoy the more than 70 parks in the city. For those still looking for a resort feel, Winter Park also has top-notch golf courses and a popular shopping district.
The city’s Main Street is a lively area. It serves as a cultural hub, complete with art galleries, a liberal arts college, museums, a cemetery and even a beach. Boaters enjoy having easy access to a launch nearby, and two of Winter Park’s most famous attractions are Rollins College and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of Art. The latter destination is home to the United States’ largest collection of Tiffany glass.
Practical Info
Winter Park is located a mere 15 minutes from Orlando, making it a great day, side or weekend trip if you are in the area. Winter Park is a great escape from the crowds and commotion in Orlando, so come prepared to relax.
Address: Winter Park, Florida, USA
From $ 69
Willamette Valley
A short jaunt southwest from downtown Portland, the Willamette Valley is known by wine lovers worldwide for its delectable pinot noirs, often produced in small batches. This picturesque region is also dotted with tasting rooms and is a popular spot for wine-tasting excursions from Portland.
The Basics
The Willamette Valley has long been celebrated by those in the know, though it didn't actually get American Viticultural Area (AVA) status until 1984. With multiple smaller AVAs and more than 400 wineries, the valley stretches hundreds of miles. Numerous wine tours depart from Portland for those who want to sample wines without having to worry about driving.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Oregon has strict drinking-and-driving laws. There are plenty of tours and driving services for those wanting to go wine-tasting safely.
- Most wineries charge a small tasting fee, which is often redeemable against purchases.
- Always bring rain gear: The weather can turn at any time (and does).
How to Get There
The Willamette Valley is the fertile stretch of land that flanks the Willamette River, from its confluence with the Columbia River south to Eugene, Oregon’s second-largest city. To reach the “wine country” part of the valley from downtown Portland, drive along Highway 99W. If you’re headed to wineries around Salem or Eugene, hop on Interstate 5 South.
When to Get There
The Willamette Valley is best visited in late spring through autumn, when the weather is comfortably warm and relatively dry. Summers here are particularly pleasant: There’s lots of sunshine, but it rarely gets oppressively hot. Note that while the area can be charming just before Christmas, especially in and around small towns such as McMinnville and Newberg, many Willamette Valley wineries and tasting rooms close for winter.
Beyond Wine
While wine is the big draw for most visitors to this region, there are plenty of teetotaler-friendly attractions in the area. The town of McMinnville is worth a visit for its good restaurants and old-timey feel, and there's a great indoor water park just outside town called Wings & Waves. The region also produces fabulous olive oil; stop by Red Ridge Farms near Dundee for a mill tour and lots of free samples.
Address: Oregon, USA
From $ 84
Woodbury Common
Locals and tourists alike love a good deal, and New York’s Woodbury Common Premium Outlets make for a bargain shopper’s mecca. Located just an hour's drive from Manhattan, many travelers make the shopping stop into a full day trip, made possible because the outlets offer enough choices to please even the pickiest fashionista. It’s not uncommon to pick up an extra piece of luggage to bring home new purchases.
Visitors can shop, save and splurge at any of the 220 stores in the outlet center, all of which attract various kinds of shoppers, from designer label lovers to sportswear fanatics, jewelry admirers and sneaker fans. Deals can be found at boutiques such as Tory Burch, The North Face, Mont Blanc and Stuart Weitzman. Travelers can visit the Market Hall to rest and refuel with a hearty meal while enjoying the free WiFi before heading back out to scour for more gems.
Practical Info
The outlet center is located in Central Valley, New York. While parking is available at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, the center is also accessible by public transportation and shuttle bus. It is open every day from 9am to 9 pm, and admission is free. Be sure to check the revised holiday schedule before visiting.
Address: 498 Red Apple Ct, Central Valley, New York, USA 10917, USA
Hours: Monday- Sunday 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
From $ 36
Williamson Wines
Australian natives and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs Bill and Dawn Williamson create their award-winning Sonoma County wines from a dozen of their own sustainably farmed vineyards strung along the Dry Creek Valley, which is famed for it’s wine friendly conditions. With vineyards across three different microclimates, Williamson Wines specializes in many varietals, including Bordeaux, Burgundy and Rhone style wines. Visitors looking to sample their wines don’t need to venture outside of Healdsburg however, as the winery’s tasting room is located downtown, where tasters can enjoy a complimentary wine sample, or reserve a table to try a more immersive experience, with artfully prepared food and wine pairings, including cheese plates dusted with Williamson’s famous truffle salt.
Practical Info
While the vineyards and winery are located in Dry Creek Valley outside of Healdsburg, they are only open to occasional visitors. For tastings, Williamson Wines operates a tasting room located at 134 Matheson St. in the Healdsburg Town Square. They are open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: 134 Matheson St., Healdsburg, CA 95448, USA
Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
From $ 50