Outer Banks, North Carolina
Stretching 200 miles (320 kilometers), the barrier islands of the Outer Banks are located off the coast of North Carolina and southern Virginia. The region is often referred to simply as “OBX,” and is known for its temperate climate, clean beaches, pristine landscape, and population of beautifully wild mustangs.
Although countless towns and villages are scattered throughout OBX, the most popular destinations are Kitty Hawk, Duck, Nags Head, and Rodanthe. OBX is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, offering swimming, surfing, kayaking, biking, sailing, diving, and more.
Tee up at one of the region’s many golf courses, or cruise down the shorefront on an off-road dune buggy. Enjoy a perfect sunset or go sand surfing at Jockey's Ridge State Park, which also boasts the U.S. East Coast’s tallest sand dunes. Climb to the top of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, where you can capture panoramic views of OBX. If the natural beauty of the PBX landscape wasn’t enough, get your camera ready and head to the beach, where you’ll find wild mustangs roaming in their natural habitat.
The rich history of the Outer Banks is to a degree, found below the surface of these waters. Divers of all levels are drawn to this area for the chance to explore the endless shipwrecks, which draw diverse marine life who take shelter within the structure of the sunken ships. There are an estimated 3,000 ships scattered along the barrier islands, including a historic World War II German U-boat, and more dating back to the first English Settlements in the United States. If you prefer to stay above, the waters of Outer Banks are bountiful, and chartering a fishing boat for the afternoon or enjoying fresh seafood at a local restaurant is the daily norm for locals and visitors alike.
You can also discover the history of the first-ever flight of the airplane at the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hills. At the site of the brothers’ famous first successful flight in 1903, the monument and museum offer a variety of exhibits related to aviation. Visitors of all ages will delight in living history at Roanoke Island’s Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. Explore England’s first American colony with interactive exhibits and, during the summer, catch the renowned musical The Lost Colony at Manteo’s Waterside Theatre.
You can reach the barrier islands via a scenic drive down U.S. Route 158 East or U.S. Highway 64 East. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) also offers daily ferry trips to major OBX destinations. For help planning your next getaway to the remote beauty of Outer Banks, contact your local Vacation Consultant.
*Please abide by any current travel advisories or restrictions to any of the above destinations.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona’s red sandstone formations make a stunning backdrop for many outdoor pursuits. Rent a motorbike or buggy and take a self-guided tour through to the Grand Canyon or one of the other nearby landmarks, such as the Wupatki and Sunset Crater National Monument.
Make the most of over 200 miles (320 kilometers) of hiking and biking trails that wind their way through buttes and monoliths, deep canyons and thick forests. The trails offer different levels of difficulty and different experiences. Some lead to high elevations and sweeping views, others to winding creeks and unusual geological features. Bikes and hiking equipment are readily available for rent. For biking enthusiasts, there is an annual mountain biking festival.
The Red Rock Country of Arizona is famed for its Native American history, incredible landscape, and outdoor activities. With a robust spiritual and artistic community, there are many ancient dwellings and more than 80 galleries. Visit one of the area’s many spiritual guides and healers who have inhabited Sedona for many years, and who claim the area possesses extraordinary powers for meditation and healing. Take a tour to Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, or Boynton Canyon, in which some claim were created by electromagnetic vortexes of energy.
For a taste of the rich Native American history of the area, visit the Palatki and Honanki heritage sites, where you can see ancient cliff dwellings and rock art. Montezuma’s Castle, a five-story, 20-room dwelling built by the Sinagua farmers in the 12th century, is considered by many ones of the best-preserved historic structures in the Southwest.
Sedona’s low levels of pollution make it one of the finest places in Arizona to view the night sky. Sign up for the Evening Sky Tours, and learn about the constellations and stars. Sedona offers unique geology, rich history, and outdoor activities, making it a popular and interesting holiday destination. For those planning a road trip, stunning destinations such as Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon are only a few hours away. With so many natural wonders nearby, our Vacation Consultants are happy to help you plan the perfect tour, contact us today!
*Please abide by any current travel advisories or restrictions to any of the above destinations.
Napa County, California
a city synonymous with grape growing and rolling green hills.
Sip your way through Napa, the county seat of Napa County, California, and its largest city. Known primarily for its fantastic vineyards, the city leaves locals and visitors spoiled for holidays, day trips, and weekend getaways activities and destinations.
Explore Napa’s famous vineyards. It’s hard to find one that you won’t like, but, Artesa Vineyards and Winery, O’Brien Estate Winery, Domaine Carneros Judd’s Hill Winery, and Microcrush are among the most popular. Tour rolling vineyards, try stomping grapes with your feet and taste to play your part in crafting some of the world’s favorite wines.
At Hess Collection, discover art and wine under one roof. Go on a tour of the timeless vineyard and taste its acclaimed cabernet sauvignon. Explore the Hess Art Collection, which gives you a peek into the world-class modern art collection of Donald Hess. For a first-hand look into the winemaking process, visit Seguin Moreau Napa Cooperage. See highly skilled barrel makers, known as coopers, hard at work creating the oak barrels that hold some of the region’s most famous wines.
Your journey of artistic discovery continues at di Rosa. The non-profit contemporary art center focuses on di Rosa Northern California artists. See pieces by Robert Arneson, Joan Brown, Jay DeFeo, and other Bay Area talent. The long gallery building, which resembles a modern barn and is surrounded by rolling hills, is almost as unique as the art inside.
Attend an event at the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater. Varied talents grace its stage, from the Symphony Napa Valley to touring dance companies, musicians, and even comedians. Or, be moved by a heart-wrenching performance at the Napa Valley Opera House, which hosts a mixed variety of events year-round.
Find Napa at the southern end of Napa Valley, 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of San Francisco. Its peak tourist season, August through October, corresponds with the region's harvest. If you visit during this time, expect exceptional wines but higher prices for purchases and accommodations. Contact your local Vacation Consultant to help you navigate the best value during any Napa valley season.
*Please abide by any current travel advisories or restrictions to any of the above destinations.
