Coming up on your spring break and still wondering where you should visit? We surveyed our AAA Hudson Valley team to find out their favorite places to travel to for Spring Vacation. Here’s what they said:
Clearwater Beach, FL
I LOVE Clearwater Beach. My husband and I stayed at the Hyatt Regency (on the beach) which was so convenient to many attractions, restaurants, and excursions. We did a Dolphin sightseeing tour; it was a short walk from our hotel to where they offered a ton of water activities. The pier nearby had shops/entertainment at night at the park across the street, all within .02 miles from property. It’s a great destination for families, couples, friends!
– Stephanie B., Travel Agent
Ogunquit, ME
Yes it’s cold in Ogunquit, but the beaches are pretty empty and if you like wild seas, walks on the Marginal Way, singalongs at the Piano Bar “The Front Porch”, great breakfast sandwiches at the Village Market, good clam or lobster chowder in Wells and a day trip to Portland to walk around the old harbor/wharf district and small shops…it’s great. The Nubble lighthouse is also only a few minutes away in York. Plus – hotel prices are much less expensive before the summer season!
– Jeannette S., Insurance Agent
Myrtle Beach, SC
One of my favorites is Myrtle Beach. I always have enjoyed the sun, sand, surf, beautiful sunrises, great food, waterslides, the boardwalk, excellent mini golf and you can’t forget the night life! Always a good time. Each time I visit, I stay at the same place – Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort. This is a great, AAA Approved beachfront property with plenty of indoor and outdoor pools along with a lazy river. I love the SkyWheel because it’s awesome and gives a great view on the boardwalk!
– Darrel B., Manager of Technical & Facility Services
St. Augustine, FL
When I go home to Florida, we always take a day trip to St. Augustine. There is so much to see and do there for everyone. There are lots of historical sites like Castillo de San Marcos National Monument (the oldest masonry fort in the US), the oldest Wooden School House, Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum to name a few. Plenty of activities for the kids too like mini golf, the Alligator Farm Zoological Park, Marineland, the Aquarium and…let’s not forget the beach! There are many great places to stay including the 3-Diamond designated property Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection and 4-Diamond Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens.
– Nona H., Staff Accountant
Williamstown, MA & Bennington, VT
I love going to Clark Art Institute in Williamstown. It’s a quick drive from the Albany area and only a 15 min drive to Bennington from there. Both areas are gorgeous!! And if you go to Bennington you can go to the Robert Frost House and then go see his gravestone in the cemetery located behind the Bennington Museum. The cemetery has numerous signs posted with different facts and poems about/by Frost. It’s beautiful and historic with several of the headstones dating back to at least the 1800s. The cemetery is located across from this remarkable house that looks haunted, though it is occupied! Madison Brewing Company Pub & Restaurant is an awesome place right on Main St in Bennington where they brew onsite, and they have pretty yummy food. Also on Main St is the cutest candy store ever, The Village Chocolate Shoppe. Everything is handmade onsite and they have two giant chocolate Moose in the center of the store
– Desiree C., Dispatcher
Orlando, FL
From the minute I set foot off the plane in Orlando and take the monorail to ground transportation, I ALWAYS feel at ease. No matter if I’m going to stay with a friend, to a conference for work, or to play in an amusement park. I’ve stayed many places, but will always recommend a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. If you’ve got a family and/or are on a budget, value properties make great homes away from home with food courts, pools and resort transportation easily accessible. In addition to resort buses, Art of Animation and Pop Century are the Skyliner route. Not into visiting the parks? Winter Garden is another area I frequent and its away from the touristy crowd. Plant Street Market is a great indoor artisan, local market right in the historic area. AntiquiTeas is my absolute favorite spot to get a quick lavender iced tea.
– Emily G., Senior Marketing Coordinator and AAA Every Day Editor
New Orleans, LA
One of my favorite places to be in spring is New Orleans. The weather is mild, the food is fantastic and this city knows how to party! I recommend going in April for Jazz Fest when there is live music of all kinds everywhere you go. Places not to miss are the Audubon Zoo to see the white alligators, Aquarium of the Americas, St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and Preservation Hall for some real New Orleans Jazz. Hotel St. Marie is a great place to stay and it’s in the French Quarter in the middle of everything.
– Rebecca L., Member Services Rep
San Diego, CA
One of my favorite destinations for everyone (adults and families alike) is San Diego, which has so much to offer. It has temperate climate all year round. Besides the famous San Diego Zoo with its many exhibits and attractions, Mission Bay Park is a 4,600 acre aquatic park with fascinating marine life. There are many beaches along the Pacific coast, as well as hiking trails, bird watching sanctuaries and, of course, Downtown San Diego for sightseeing, shopping and all types of great cuisine to suit everyone. For luxurious accommodations, I would highly recommend the 5-Diamond hotel Fairmont Grand Del Mar which was also given a “Best of Romance” distinction from the AAA Travel Inspectors.
– Jennie K., Travel Agent
Gatlinburg, TN
Gateway to the “Great Smoky Mountains”, Gatlinburg is the perfect family-friendly destination. Hiking the many trails of the mountains has added excitement in the spring because there is always the possibility of spotting a baby bear in your travels – just don’t get too close! The city also offers numerous attractions that afford beautiful vistas of the Majestic Smokies. I visited with my mom and we really enjoyed Gatlinburg Sky Bridge which is the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America with glass panels on the floor in the center of the bridge give an exhilarating view. A few more notable attractions are Anakeesta, Rowdy Bear Mountain Adventure Parks, Hillbilly Mini-Golf. An unusual stop on our way out of town was the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum. We had a pleasant stay at the conveniently located Fairfield Inn & Suites. Although we didn’t have time this visit, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge is only 10 miles away from Gatlinburg.
– Susan H., Branch Leader
St. Petersburg, FL
My favorite place is St. Petersburg. I love the west coast of the state and its blue waters. They have wonderful resorts. I’ve personally stayed at many places, including Thunderbird Beach Resort, Tahitian Resort, Bilmar Beach Resort. There are also a ton of places to eat and lounge. Some of my favorites restaurants are Ricky T’s Bar & Grille in Treasure Island (a great place with good food and live bands), Gigi’s Italian Restaurants, Captain Bill’s Oyster Bar and The Brass Monkey, which has excellent views of the gulf.
– Louise A., Staff Accountant
Newport, RI
I’ve traveled to Newport many times and in all seasons. There is always so much to see. I enjoy visiting the Newport Mansions, trekking the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk for the outstanding views, and shopping on Thames St. The island is scenic all around from crossing the Newport Jamestown Bridge to driving Ocean Ave. It’s family-friendly and I have always felt very safe there. In Newport I would recommend staying at the 4-Diamond Newport Marriott which has been given AAA Inspector Distinction in Best of Location for its walking distance to many restaurants, shopping on Thames St, and other attractions.
The hotel has a full-service restaurant, harbor view rooms, and onsite spa.
– Lindsay H., Coordinator of Branch Operations
Philadelphia, PA
I like Philadelphia, PA. The Franklin Institute often has a traveling exhibit during break weeks. There is a planetarium show which is well done. Also in Philadelphia, you can visit places like the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center and Independence Hall – where the foundations of our country were born! I enjoy staying in Valley Forge at one of the Marriott hotels in the area. Plus, there is good shopping in nearby King of Prussia!
– Angela S., Branch Leader
Destin, FL
My favorite is Destin/Miramar Beach. There are miles and miles of sugar white sand and turquoise waters where guests can enjoy Dolphin & Sunset cruises. HarborWalk Village (Destin Harbor) offers great shops, restaurants, and entertainment. In my opinion, the best resort to stay at (which is definitely a splurge) is the 4-Diamond designated Henderson Beach Resort and Spa which has distinction from the AAA Travel Inspectors for Best of Housekeeping AND Personal Favorite!
– Lynne S., Travel Agent
Want to plan a trip to one of these places that comes with high recommendation? Contact your AAA Travel Agent and start planning today. Taking a road trip and want custom directions? Order your Triptik now or build yours online. No matter where you choose to go, have fun and be safe!
