Alist Nation
Dec 20, 201713 min
Top Places To Travel In The USA, That Are Affordable And Different.
On our list you won’t find those typical places that you see every year on the major travel magazine lists. We went beyond the norm and found you the extraordinary. Places that you never even knew existed. Well, maybe a few of you did. if you're planning a vacation or even a getaway in 2018 these places are a must to consider.
Take a look and let us know if you decided to give it a go tag #AlistVacas to be featured on our IG page. @nation_alist
New Hampshire
1785 Inn
The 1785 Inn, a classic country inn nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, is well-known for its spectacular mountain views, cozy pub, friendly service, comfortable lodging rooms, delicious breakfasts, and reasonable rates ("an amazing value").
A visit to The 1785 Inn is an experience you'll long remember. From the charm and beauty of its original colonial construction to the cheerful, welcoming atmosphere, you'll enjoy the tradition of friendly Yankee hospitality.
The 1785 Inn is a wonderfully relaxing place to vacation any time of year. Our central location in the Mt. Washington Valley puts you in the middle of a huge variety of things to do year round... or you can just relax at the Inn in front of a crackling fire or while away a summer's afternoon by our swimming pool overlooking the mountains.
1785Inn Ski Pkgs 2017-18
(packages are per person, double occupancy and include lodging, breakfast, and trail pass)
Ski Attitashor Wildcat
(“Ski both mountains!”)
Large Private View: $134.50 midweek,
$159.50weekend/holiday
Suite w View: $149.50 midweek,
$174.50 weekend/holiday
XC Ski / Snowshoe Inn Trails
(“Amazing value!”)
Large Private View: $74.50midweek,
$84.50 weekend/holiday
Suite w View: $89.50 midweek,
$99.50 weekend/holiday
Other Rooms available for more info go to
Oregon
Tetherow is just minutes from Mt. Bachelor, the renowned skiing resort of the Pacific Northwest. There, visitors can find world class cross country skiing, snowmobiling, sledding and snowshoeing, not to mention the Bend Ale Trail. Home to more breweries per-capita than any other city in Oregon, Bend has been dubbed Beer Town USA.
Tetherow also offers a delightful retreat from the snowy weather, including large TVs, cozy fireplaces and even guitar rentals. The resort is home to The Row, Tetherow’s version of a pub, offering a casual family-friendly dining experience with 12 beer taps, more than 30 bottled beers and world famous Scotch eggs.
Tetherow encompasses 700 acres on Bend, Oregon’s desirable west side. They boast an 18-hole golf course, 50-room boutique hotel, pool, two restaurants, vacation rental homes, event pavilion, golf academy and various residential neighborhoods. In 2017 they anticipate the opening of their new recreation center and neighborhood park! Great things are happening at Tetherow and we are thrilled to tell you more about this special place.
Vacation rentals
Tetherow’s new VACATION RENTAL HOMES are nestled in the heart of the resort and provide 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, fine finishes with modern furnishings, well-appointed kitchens, modern appliances and technology, hot tubs, fire pits, wi-fi, large patios and much more. Enjoy your vacation near the heart of the resort, with easy access to the Clubhouse, dining, golf course, pool and other amenities.
Dining
SOLOMON’S is Tetherow’s fine dining experience and features a rotating menu. Solomon’s highlights vibrant offerings from the Pacific Northwest where pheasant, elk and seafood are thoughtfully prepared alongside vegetarian creations and decadent desserts. With representations from the finest viticulture of the West Coast region, the extensive wine collection will perfectly accent any meal. We are inspired daily by the stunning sunsets over the Cascades and you will be, too!
THE ROW is Tetherow’s version of a pub and offers a casual, family-friendly dining experience. With 12 beer taps, over 30 bottled/canned beers and a menu that offers both American and Scottish-inspired items, The Row is one of Bend’s best restaurants. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and nightcaps No reservations.
Tetherow’s Cafe is housed on the main level of Tetherow Sport and offers a delicious, fresh selection of made-to-order and grab and go options. Sandwiches, bowls, salads, smoothies, coffee drinks and a full bar are available.
California
Marina Del Rey Hotel
Situated on the world’s largest man-made harbor tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and minutes from LAX, the famed Venice boardwalk and Santa Monica pier, the Marina Del Rey Hotel allows guests to unwind and indulge in equal balance. The iconic hotel, famed as the first hotel on the Marina was recently renovated in late 2015 and refreshed with 164 guest rooms and suites, many of which overlook the sparking marina. The waterfront paradise welcomes guests by offering luxury standards at an affordable rate that won’t break the bank. Book early enough with special discounted rates available through their advance purchase deal and save nearly $50 on your next room, upgrade to a free Marina view and wake up to breathtaking views of the glistening Pacific. Wake up and join the hotel’s award winning restaurant, SALT Restaurant & Bar, for a savory breakfast to kick-start your day before embarking on your Los Angeles adventure. The contemporary California cuisine based restaurant offers seasonally inspired and locally sourced dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Take advantage of the year-round LA sunshine and enjoy the hotel’s amenities which include a heated infinity pool and spa with a marina-view sundeck with daybeds and cabanas available without a reservation and rental fee, on-site fitness center, 24-hour concierge and bike rentals perfect for the California weather.
Looking for a place to play? Catch a wave from a local paddle board instructor and surf across the marina, perfect during anytime of the year with the California climate or take a 10 minute car ride down to the World Famous Venice Beach where you can catch a glimpse of the Venice drum circle and dance on the board or shop for gifts for your friends and family from local street vendors with an array of art of cool finds only available in California. Take a light stroll up the boardwalk and run into the Santa Monica pier with its own carnival and shopping located minutes away at the 3rd Street Promenade. Check out ICE in downtown Santa Monica (1324 5th Street & Arizona) the full-service 8,000-square-foot outdoor rink. Feeling adventurous? Take hike through the Malibu Creek State Park and travel through several of its hikes, the Lost Cabin Trail has vehicles and camp setup where the hit television show (“M*A*S*H”) was filmed. Enjoy all of this and more by choosing Los Angeles and the Marina Del Rey Hotel as your Winter destination. We are located just minutes from LAX, which has great deals of flights from all over the US (I.E. Southwest Airlines, Spirit).
Colorado
Snow Mountain Ranch
Snow Mountain Ranch is less than two hours away from Denver and offers an affordable and activity-filled getaway in the winter months. With a world-class Nordic Center and more than 100 kilometers of trails accommodating everyone from the first-time cross-country skier to the elite racer, there’s plenty to explore. Other snow-filled activities includedog sledding, snowshoeing, fat bikes, ice skating, tubing/sleddingand sleigh rides, plus indoor adventures like indoor archery, indoor climbing wall, roller skating, expansive crafts center, swimming and creative group games like human hungry hungry hippos. Most activities and trail passes for skiing/snowshoeing are included at no cost to overnight guests making Snow Mountain Ranch a very affordable winter destination.
Accommodations at Snow Mountain Ranch range from hotel style lodge rooms to cozy cabins and even mega reunion size cabins sleeping up to 44 guests. Mid-week rates are always a great value and lodge rooms can start at just $79/night and two-bedroom cabins at $169/night.
You can fill your day and nights at Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA with our programs and activities. Every season brings fun and excitement for the entire family. Whether you are looking for adventure or a relaxing stroll, we can set you on your way.
Our Mission: YMCA of the Rockies puts Christian principles into practice through programs, staff and facilities in an environment that builds healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We will accomplish this by serving conferences of a religious, educational, or recreational nature; providing unifying experiences for families; offering traditional summer camping experiences for boys and girls; and serving our staff with leadership opportunities and productive work experiences. snowmountainranch.org
Arizona Snowbowl
Snowbowl has received more snow this season than in the past 12 years, for a total of 328 inches to date.
This past season was the first year that Snowbowl will celebrate Cinco de Mayo on the slopes! Snowbowl extended its season and was open Fridays through Sundays, until May 7. Closing weekend festivities included music on the Agassiz Deck, food and beverage specials, giveaways, and more!
Many ski areas wish they had a town like Flag nearby with so many great bars and restaurants. Snowbowl to Flag is about the same distance as Jackson Hole ski area to Jackson, WY. Snowbowl is much closer to Flag than Mt. Bachelor is to Bend, OR -and Bachelor has no on-mountain lodging either. The Flag/Snowbowl combo rocks! Look for it to become more and more a ski destination. Snowbowl might not be as big as a Jackson Hole or a Mt Bachelor, but lots of people only ski bits of such big mountains and the Apes Ski scene is as important as the mountain. Flag has the goods!
Arizona Snowbowl is DEEPER than you think -its 2,300 foot vertical drop is MORE than Alta, Brighton, Solitude, Durango, Brian Head, Eagle Point, Monarch, Wolf Creek and every ski area in New Mexico except Taos at 2,612 (source verticalfeet.com and skitaos.org).
Arizona Snowbowl is very family friendly and everyone skis FREE on their birthday.
Arizona Snowbowl has a respected ski school, the largest beginner terrain in the Southwest, many beginner and intermediate runs, and bilingual instructors.
Arizona Snowbowl is only 1.5 hours from the Grand Canyon, making for an incredible winter combo vacation -and only two hours to Phoenix Major League Baseball Spring Training.
Below are examples of deals at Arizona Snowbowl from last season. This coming season's deals are being finalized. Related Snowbowl will open its 3rd new lift in three consecutive years.
Arizona Snowbowl's Ski Lift Lodge offers cabins and hotel style rooms - and the closest lodging to the slopes! Or, visit one of our many hotel partners in Flagstaff. For free lodging at Ski Lift Lodge, see www.arizonasnowbowl.com/freelodging. Note: the free lodging and the "The World's Best $29 Spring Break" package cannot be combined.
snowbowl.ski
Las Vegas
Visitors can skate into action at The Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas to roast s’mores by the fire while indulging in warming beverages amongst an unprecedented view of the Strip.. For those who prefer to sit on the sidelines of the rink, Vegas Golden Knights will hit the ice with hockey games throughout November and December atT-Mobile Arena.
The destination brings the heat with endless shows and residencies from the world’s best entertainers. Fans can catch Jennifer Lopez, Backstreet Boys or the last performance by Britney Spears atThe Axis at Planet Hollywood. Carolers can sing along to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” during her performances atThe Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens utilizes wonderful fragrances and magnificent colors of the seasons, bringing the magic of the holidays to life with floral polar bears and candy cane accents.
Las Vegas is famous for its epic New Year’s Eve celebration. Seven Las Vegas resorts will launch a dazzling display of fireworks from the rooftops along the Strip for revelers. Sundance Helicopters offers an unparalleled view of the Strip’s firework show while flying high in the sky. With myriad of offerings, Las Vegas is the ultimate destination to celebrate the holidays, and raise a glass to ring in the New Year.
Take a Breath of Fresh Air
Only 30 minutes from downtown Las Vegas, but a world-away in atmosphere, visitors can indulge in the winter wonderland that is Mount Charleston. At almost 2,600m above sea level, the base lodge offers four lifts that take skiers to the start of 11 different trails with a terrain park and pipe for snowboarders. This Las Vegas ski and snowboard resort hosts majestic mountain surroundings, crisp and invigorating air, with breathtaking views of the Humboldt-Toiyabe national forest.
With over 26 numbered hikes and trails, Red Rock Canyon showcases beautiful wildlife, seasonal waterfall oases, and sandstone bluffs. This technicolor conservation area boasts breathtaking sunsets over the mountains with magnificent contrast between grey limestone and red sandstone only 30 minutes outside of Las Vegas.
Yogis searching to find their “zen” should look at Maverick Helicopter’s HeliYoga: Limitless. Up to six guests will fly on a private helicopter from the Strip to the Valley of Fire, landing atop a remote mesa for yoga with Las Vegas’ award-winning company, Silent Savasana. The 75-minute yoga session concludes with a champagne toast before the yogis’ final “Namaste.”
Wine & Dine on the Strip
Gordon Ramsay will debut his fifth Las Vegas restaurant this winter, themed for dedicated fans of FOX Network’s Hell’s Kitchen TV show.Hell’s Kitchen restaurant in front ofCaesars Palace will serve a daily themed brunch, dinner and bar menu for as many as 300 guests split between the “Red” and “Blue” sections. Gluttons will be entertained by a high-action kitchen, as the season 17 participants compete for the title of Head Chef at the restaurant.
Celebrity chef and Food Network star Robert Irvine has opened his first signature restaurant,Robert Irvine’s Public House at Tropicana Las Vegas. Inside the restaurant’s pub-like atmosphere, guests enjoy a taste of Irvine’s delicious menu of comfort food, including Shepherd’s Pie and Fish and Chips.
Modern Japanese restaurant ZUMA by Chef Rainer Becker recently brought its delicious menu of shareable items toThe Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The dining hot spot offers authentic Japanese dishes from a sushi counter, main kitchen and a robata grill.
Treat Yourself
At W Las Vegas’sAWAY Spa, the mixologist and spa director have teamed up to create a menu of seasonal spa treatments to go with festive cocktails to get all of their guests in the Fall and Holiday mood. Allcocktails are $14 in addition to the price of the treatment.
Pumpkin Spice Facial- 50 min $175
Treatment: A delicious anti-aging facial treatment that will leave skin feeling soft, hydrated and youthful.
Cranberry Spice Scrub and Wrap- 80 min $260
Treatment: A delicious anti-aging treatment exfoliates the body with a cranberry spice organic salt scrub then lightly removed. This specially designed Cranberry Moisture treatment is accompanied by a signature scalp and foot massage to balance the whole body.
The Ice Rink images – credit to The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Away Spa images – credit to W Las Vegas
Red Rock image – credit to Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
HeliYoga images – credit to Maverick Helicopters
ARIA Sky Suite Photo – credit MGM Resorts International
Wisconsin
Grand Geneva
Grand Geneva, the award-winning, 1,300 acre resort in the legendary southeastern Wisconsin community of Lake Geneva, is a great winter destination, complete with both holiday packages and skiing opportunities at The Mountain Top. grandgeneva.com
The Mountain Top
Winter skiers can race down The Mountain Top’s 20 ski slopes with elevations peaking at 1,086 feet. Snowboarders can grind rails in the terrain parks, while beginners have the option to sign up for lessons at Grand Geneva’s charming Swiss-style Mountain Top chalet. Snow making capabilities and night time lighting allow riders to enjoy skiing and snowboarding at any time of day, all winter long. With a new six-acre terrain park, The Mountain Top covers over 30 acres with 20 runs, three chairlifts and 2 carpet lifts.
Downtown Milwaukee
Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel is a 158-room boutique hotel located in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. The only hotel in this vibrant arts and culture district, The Journeyman pays homage to those who spend years honing their craft only to return home after much time spent traveling the world. The nine-story red brick hotel fits seamlessly in the historic neighborhood, pairing honest materials and interior craftsman finishes. The Journeyman features a ninth floor rooftop bar and lounge, The Outsider, which offers breathtaking views of Milwaukee. Dine at Tre Rivali to enjoy Mediterranean-inspired Modern American cuisine. journeymanhotel.com
Modern Mediterranean: A Downtown Milwaukee Restaurant
At Tre Rivali, you can expect the Third Ward’s best restaurant and bar scene — kick-ass Mediterranean-inspired Modern American cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails, all served up with genuine attention to detail and a lack of pretense. Five separate areas, including a dining room with a commanding view of the centerpiece wood-fired grill and oven, a vibrant bar and lounge, an inventive café, an intimate private dining room, and a lovely sidewalk patio on Broadway, offer just what you’re looking for any time of day. So stop by whenever the mood strikes — on Sundays, you’ll find all the ingredients for the perfect brunch. If you’re on your way to explore the city, order something from our grab-and-go counter. Hotel guests can also avail themselves of the best wood-fired pizza delivery service ever. The options are plentiful, and so, thankfully, is the food.
Virginia
Massanutten Resort
Winter Activities. Massanutten Resort boasts the most vertical drop in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania with 1,155 feet of thrilling terrain. All 14 trails are open to skiers, snowboarders, and ski boarders, and all 14 trails are lighted for night skiing! To save some money, take advantage of Massanutten’s College Days, Monday Night Madness, and Heroes on the Hill Day! Go to website for all ski area specials
If you aren’t a skier or snowboarder, no worries! Massanutten Ski Resort also offers snow tubing from Dec-March. Visit their Tubing Park on Tuesday for their Tubing Tuesday deal – just $15/person for 2 hours of heart-pumping fun! Massanutten Resort also has family-friendly ice-skating with military, college, and good grade discounts!
When you’re ready to escape the cold, stop in to one of the 10 Best Indoor Water Parks in America, the Massanutten Indoor Water Park. Always heated to 84° Fahrenheit, children of all ages will delight in Massanutten’s water fortress, inflatable adventures, body slides, pools, lazy river floats, and hot tubs. If you want to take your aquatic experience to the next level, learn how to surf on Virginia’s largest surf simulator, the Flow Rider® Endless Wave.
Live at the Lodge. Jam out to live music every Friday & Saturday night at Encounters Lounge. Show your slope-use ticket for free admission!
Lodging Specials. Massanutten Resort is proud to offer multiple ways to save on your next mountain getaway! Fall specials are in effect through November 30th, after which winter specials will post online at massresort.com. Keep your eye out for the popular Surf & Ski Package, which combines the best of Massanutten’s ski slopes and indoor Water Park!
A breathtaking property, Massanutten Resort features 6,000 acres of mountain fun at its very best. Unique in both its size, variety of amenities, and outstanding condo and hotel accommodations, Massanutten has secured its spot as one of the premier all-seasons resort destinations on the East Coast. massresort.com
Washington
San Juan Islands
Discover a Winter Wonderland in the San Juan Islands
In winter in the San Juan Islands of Washington www.visitsanjuans.com you can go winter whale watching for orca whales or find a deserted driftwood-strewn beach and build a fort. On Orcas Island, hot tub in an open-air, clothing-optional, hot tub built over a waterfall, then enjoy garden-fresh (from their extensive organic garden) pizza at Doe Bay Resort. At Moran State Park go mushrooming (legal limit is one pound) or polar bear swim in Mountain Lake and then warm-up by a crackling camp fire. Camping not your thing? Head to nearby historic Rosario Resort and Spa for the free Saturday afternoon recital played on the 1913 Aeolian pipe organ, tour the Moran Mansion museum, indulge in a pampering spa treatment and dinner overlooking East Sound.
Rosario Resort & Spa
Rosario Resort's guest rooms are surrounded by the natural beauty of the San Juan Islands, with magnificent views of Cascade Bay on Orcas Island. The resort is spread out over 40 acres, so if you are coming to the resort without transportation, please consider renting a car. There is limited cell service at the resort, but every room offers complimentary WiFi and free long distance calls. Pets are not allowed in our guest rooms.
HARBORSIDE ROOMS
The Harborside Rooms are located directly on the waterfront of Rosario's Cascade Bay, offering spectacular views across the water toward the historic Moran Mansion. They are about a 15 minute walk, or two minute drive to the Moran Mansion. These rooms offer King and Queen beds. One and two bedrooms suites are available featuring a kitchenette and fireplace.
Rosario Resort & Spa offers a variety of dining options, featuring creative cuisine in a beautiful waterfront setting. Our seasonal menus are proud to feature local produce, meats and seafood whenever possible.
Orcas Island is an ideal Northwest escape for those who love nature, outdoor activities and cultural attractions. From kayaking and whale watching on the Salish Sea to touring artisans’ studios, enjoying the wide array of activities will help create an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most beautiful locations. rosarioresort.com