Mountains continue into the distance as the sunset peaks out of the clouds
The Great Smoky Mountains will immerse you in their lush, green atmosphere while you hike down its many paths.

There's Always Time to Travel: 5 Weekend Getaways in the US

A Weekend Getaway is Still a Getaway

You work hard throughout the week, so make sure you get the most out of your weekends. Weekend getaways can be a great way to see a new city, take in the scenery and reinvigorate yourself.

Although you won’t be immersing yourself in a far-off culture, you’ll be surprised by how new and exciting a place a mere state or two away can feel. Plus, traveling domestically requires so much less planning you’ll be able to focus your time on learning how to take better photos and really soaking up everything your destination has to offer.

But with so many destinations throughout the country where you could escape to for the weekend, how do you choose where to go? Here are some of the best weekend getaways in the US.

The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

The oldest mountains in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains will immerse you in their lush, green atmosphere. Hike down the footpaths that wind past waterfalls and creeks and enormous rhododendrons.

You can also take the scenic drive through Cades Cove and along the spectacular Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail out of Gatlinburg. Stay in a cabin surrounded by thick forest and attend one of the old-time dinner theater shows.

The rock formations of Sedona, Arizona expand into the horizonSedona is often described as one of the most beautiful places in America Photo Credit: iStockPhoto / bboserup

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is often described as one of the most beautiful places in America and when you feast your eyes on those towering, jagged red-sandstone rock formations you will see why. You will probably recognize them as the backdrop from many classic films, including Midnight Run, Broken Arrow and 3:10 to Yuma.

This destination has also been popular with New Age spiritualists who have come in search of the powerful energy that pervades this place. For the best experience, visit Sedona in the winter to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

If you visit during the summer, schedule your hikes in the Red Rocks for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.

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The iconic city view of Seattle includes the famous Space NeedleThe city of Seattle is full of culture ranging from farmer's markets, to the arts, to the home of the very first Starbucks. Photo Credit: iStockPhoto / ferrantraite

Seattle, Washington

A trendy city known for hipsters and rain, Seattle is bursting with culture. Check out the Olympic Sculpture Park, an open-air display of large scale artwork in a dramatic seaside setting.

Then, visit the vibrant Pike Place Market and watch the fish sellers sing and joke as they sell their fresh seafood. You can grab a coffee at the very first Starbucks restaurant ever, then head to the Experience Music Project.

Designed by Frank Gehry to resemble a smashed guitar, this strange building of metallic angles contains a museum dedicated to the legends of rock and roll.

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