What can we say? Iceland is hot these days. Scrolling through Instagram, you’ve likely come across images of the Nordic island’s dramatic sights: marvels of volcanic landscapes, massive aqua-tinged glaciers, explosively spewing geysers, plummeting waterfalls, and snow-streaked craggy peaks. It’s easy to be seduced by the spectacular natural phenomena populating this island country. Here, a wealth of natural and cultural treasures compete for your attention when you drive the famous Ring Road, a slim 800-mile loop that circumnavigates the country. Many visitors use the snug, sophisticated capital, Reykjavík, as a home base for day trips or to quickly depart in favor of a more rural setting, but each region has a unique personality worth experiencing.

This time of year, the Northern Lights are not visible, but summer does bring endless days (albeit cool ones, ranging from the 40s to the 60s in Fahrenheit with some sporadic winds and rain) and all the more hours of sunlight to explore with.

Best of all, your entrée to this stunning landscape is a less than six-hour flight from Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Sure, Wow Air might have gone under, but you can still immerse yourself in this world-away with affordable flights via Iceland Air, both direct and with layovers. We’ve broken down three distinct regions in and around Reykjavík to help you get started.

RENDEZVOUS IN REYJAVÍK

Just a short drive from the Keflavik International Airport, the capital city feels like a picturesque village in many ways—peppered with pastel facades and in close proximity to snow-coated mountains and teal seas. But that quaintness belies Reykjavík’s urban sophistication, awash in hip coffee shops, contemporary art galleries, and restaurants helmed by world-class chefs.

Start with a jaunt around this walkable mini metropolis to admire its bountiful history and architecture. Modern designs abound from the futuristic Ásmundarsafn sculpture museum, featuring massive figurative and abstract works by famed sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson, to the Nordic House art institution, designed by Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto and featuring a regular roster of exhibitions by Nordic notables.

For al fresco attractions, circle “The Pond,” aka Lake Tjörnin, an enchanting landmark with benches to idle on and colorful old houses to ogle. You can also walk or bike toward the Grótta Lighthouse on a paved trail along the city’s waterfront toward the Atlantic Ocean. At low tide, step across a sandbank to the rocky islet that leads to a nature reserve (though it’s off limits until July 15 due to nesting migratory birds).

Wherever you wander, Hallgrímskirkja towers over the capital, and this unusually shaped church is a sight to be seen, soaring almost 250 feet in the air. For the best views of the city, buy a ticket and take the crowded elevator to the top.

But even as the urban epicenter, Reykjavík is never far from natural wonders. The outdoor Reykjavík Botanical Garden boasts numerous paths through the wild diversity of Icelandic flora. For something more scenic, take a 10-minute ferry to Viðey Island, a stamp-size island with sweeping shorelines where you can bike or hike past old stone walls and centuries-old foundations.

Farther afield, there’s good reason why the Golden Circle tour is on everyone’s must-see list. On this day trip, you’ll explore such striking sights as the fissured plain of Thingvellir National Park, the spewing Strokkur geyser next to the dormant Geysir in a sulfur-suffused geothermal valley, and the thunderous, bi-level Gullfoss waterfall.

Meanwhile, Icelandic cuisine is an unexpected assortment of traditional dishes and delicacies (think horse steaks, smoked puffin, and fermented shark). If you’re feeling adventurous, try them all, but Reykjavík is also replete with creative cuisine for out-of-towners with weaker stomachs.

Lines form early in the morning at Braud & Co., an artisanal bakery with beautiful breads, buns, and pastries. For a more substantial first meal, start with daily breakfast and brunch at Bergsson Mathús, featuring locally sourced ingredients and inspired accompaniments like Icelandic butter. Whatever the hour, don’t leave without visiting Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, a 1930s red-and-white hotdog stand, with the signature dish best eaten with raw and fried onions, sweet mustard, rémoulade, and local ketchup. For lunch, the Grandi Mathöll food hall is a popular hangout located in a spacious old fish market on the edge of the harbor and filled with vendors of every cuisine. For something less crowded, The Coocoo’s Nest is a family-owned waterfront restaurant down the street with a whimsical interior and an ever-changing menu.

Come evening, treat yourself to a tipple at Micro Bar, where there are too many Icelandic beers to count. Wine lovers will want to find Port 9 for evening jazz and fine vintages by the glass. Raise one and skål (aka “cheers” in Icelandic).

After a few, find your way home to one of the city’s chic, boutique lodgings, like the hip Kex Hostel with vintage décor and bay-view private rooms. Hotel Reykjavík Centrum, situated on one of the oldest city streets, with an especially appealing and sunny contemporary junior suite. See also their seaside Fosshotel Baron for a mid-century modern aesthetic.

THE WILD WESTFJORDS

While the Westfjords feel like a world away from the capital city, it’s only a two-hour drive to its edge from Reykjavík. This wild, remote region is the least visited by tourists each year, but we recommend getting to know the hidden gem for its dramatic sea cliffs, unparalleled birdwatching, and scenic solitude. Start on Route 60, then 61, heading north toward the largest town on the peninsula, Ísafjörur, a true and tiny fisherman’s village that dates back to the ninth century. Eventually, these roads circle the entire region, but in driving your rental car anywhere in Iceland, be prepared for the errant herd of sheep or team of wild horses.

For a quick introduction to the region, head to the town’s harbor and wander through the Westfjords Heritage Museum. Here you’ll get a history lesson on its nautical heritage through artifacts of Icelandic watermen. In nearby Súavík, the Arctic Fox Centre is dedicated to Iceland’s only native land mammal. Sign up for a private tour to see them in the wild.

For more animal sights, a short boat ride from Ísafjörur takes place daily to transport you to Vigur island to view the region’s abundant bird life, such as puffins, eiders, guillemots, and terns. You can also cruise to the untouched Hornstrandir Nature Reserve to walk the verdant landscape, admire the colossal sea cliffs, and view its Arctic flora. Further southwest down 60, pull off and park for a scenic 15-minute hike to the breathtaking Dynjandi waterfall, the largest of its kind in the Westfjords at 300 feet. Two hours onward, you’ll also come to the westernmost point of Iceland, Látrabjarg, one of Europe’s biggest bird cliffs and home to countless waterfowl. It’s a great spot for any budding birdwatcher or wildlife photographer.

In this region, restaurants are few and far between, but the ones that do exist are worth the excursion. For example, one might not expect to find pizza on this Nordic neck, but upon entering Westfjords, you’ll stumble upon Café Riis in Hólmavík, a cozy pizzeria with seafood pies featured in The New York Times. If you’ve set up shop in Ísafjörur, your destination is Tjöruhúsið, a rustic 18th-century barn noted for its fresh-caught fish in a pan. If they’re available, trust us and try the tender cod gellur. If you’re heading around the ring, Fisherman Kitchen in the small village of Suureyri is a must for local sourcing, maritime-focused day tours, and its onsite hotel. Forty-five minutes down the road, Simbahöllin in Thingeyri boasts a small comfort food menu, walls hung with works by local artists, and horse and bike tours of the surrounding valleys.

Again, lodging options are limited, but a few decent spots do exist, like the pastoral Heydalur on the way to Ísafjörur with outdoor geothermal springs or, 20 minutes past the town, the simple suites of the aforementioned Fisherman Hotel. A fair drive farther south, the Fosshotel Westfjords outside of Patreksfjörur, run by Íslandshótel, has more modern suites and mesmerizing waterfront views. Heading back to Reykjavík, you can also stay at the Fosshotel Reykholt in Borgarfjörur—the trendiest, chicest option around.

THE SCENIC SOUTH COAST

The South Coast is revered for its diverse natural environments, ranging from breathtaking beaches to towering mountains to age-old glaciers. With all that, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most visited regions in the country. From Reykjavík, head southeast down Route 1 and onward to the great outdoors.

On your way east, you’ll find a few places to pull off for some of the country’s most phenomenal waterfalls, like the sky-high Seljalandsfoss, the secluded Gljúfrabúi, or the majestic Skógafoss. Before long, you’ll also stumble upon access points to massive Arctic ice sheets, like the Sólheimajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. Book guided tours for off-the-beaten-path sights such as ice caves and crevices amidst a bright blue backdrop.

Continuing along, you’ll find yourself on the Dyrhólaey peninsula in the village of Vík. Explore both the higher and lower levels of this scenic promontory along jet-black sand beaches toward the nearly 400-foot-high archway in the sea. Be on the lookout for puffins and seals.

If you don’t mind the drive, or plan to follow the entire Ring Road, Route 1 will take you to the Eastern Region as well, which has continued natural beauty of its own design, with vast frozen deltas, jagged mountains, and even more mesmerizing shorelines. Diamond Beach is aptly named, given the dazzling iceberg remains that litter the beach. They’ve washed up on shore from the nearby Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, which you can visit up close via boat tour.

Heading back west, stop into the tucked-away oasis of Seljavallalaug for a warmer dip. Locals love their outdoor swimming pools, and this is one of the oldest, set in the lush green hillside like it’s been there forever.

Out here in the wide open, you can find both stylish hotels and eclectic Airbnbs. Our favorite might be the Magma Hotel, an hour east of Vík, situated on a lake with Nordic-chic design, private patios, and in-room Marshall stereos. Similarly, the Brú Guesthouse, heading back west in Hvolsvöllur, features mini modern homes with cozy living areas and great windows for spotting wildlife. In the same town, for something slightly fancier, the Skálakot Manor Hotel is the lap of luxury on a fourth-generation farm with tufted armchairs, clawfoot bathtubs, and horseback riding tours. Just outside of Selfoss, the Frost & Fire Boutique Hotel also offers a luxe experience, with beautifully appointed rooms, outdoor spa facilities, surrounding hot springs, and a renowned restaurant that celebrates Icelandic geothermal cooking.

In addition to Frost & Fire’s Restaurant Varma, there are some incredible dining experiences to be had on the South Coast. Perhaps the most memorable is a 35-minute ferry ride off the coast of Hvolsvöllur to the volcanic Westman Islands. Following the slow food movement, Slippurinn in Vestmannaeyjabær utilizes fresh seafood, foraged herbs, and thoughtful recipes. Just book your ferry early, as it fills up fast in the warm months. Other eateries worth a visit in town are Gott, for fun, funky bites, and Fiskibarinn, for traditional fish stews. Back on the mainland in Selfoss, Tryggvaskáli is a warm and welcoming fine-dining restaurant with farm-to-table dishes. A quick detour from there toward the ocean will also take you to Fjöruborðið, a down-home spot renowned for its langoustine, aka Norway lobster.

In the end, fear not all the unfamiliar orthography—most in Iceland do speak English. But whatever region you choose, be sure to fully immerse yourself in the local culture. While this Nordic country is only a short flight from Baltimore, it truly is a world away.

NEWS

B. Doughnut: The local doughnut scene has taken diners on a bit of a rollercoaster ride lately. A number of beloved bakeshops have opened, closed, popped-up, and switched locations more times than we can count. And when this Hampden favorite—famous for its signature everything bagel-doughnut hybrid—moved to Leesburg, Virginia in 2016, foodies certainly felt the loss. But now, owners Brian and Pin Chanthapanya are bringing back their fan-favorite flavors for a recurring weekend pop-up inside Mount Vernon Marketplace. Pinch Dumplings will offer the doughnuts every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. until sellout. Aside from the savory bagel varieties, be on the lookout for sweet flavors including vanilla bean, lemon curd, coconut-glazed, and the “Homer”—named after the famous cartoon patriarch and dipped in pink glaze with rainbow sprinkles. Pinch Dumplings, 520 Park Ave., 667-309-3445.

Häagen Dazs: This week’s abnormal spike in temperatures had everyone jonesin’ for an ice cream cone. But, for now, Harbor East diners will have to look elsewhere, as this token dessert destination in the neighborhood is currently closed for renovations. Atlas Restaurant Group is overseeing a complete redesign of the shop, whose original decor is more than a decade old. The management team plans for the revamp to reflect the advancements of the Harbor East community, and expects the store to reopen in mid-April—just in time for more warm weather. 685 S. President St, 410-605-2950

OPEN

Three New Dining Concepts Land at BWI: Baltimore Washington Thurgood-Marshall International Airport has seriously upped its food game lately. And this month, three new eateries have joined the many local spinoffs and enticing chains that the airport has to offer. Travelers can now chow down on Mexican street cuisine at La Carnita on Concourse D, soft-serve ice cream and sweet breakfast treats at Sweet Jesus on Concourse C, and classic burgers and shakes at Urban Burger at the Main Terminal.  410-859-7111.

COMING SOON

Noona’s: Husband-and-wife duo Phil and Jennifer Han—who own Dooby’s and Sugarvale in Mt. Vernon and Sundays in Federal Hill—have plans to expand their Charm City footprint with a pizzeria in Midtown near the University of Baltimore campus later this year. According to liquor board documents, the spot inside The Fitzgerald Building is expected to serve an array of pizzas, sandwiches, and small plates accompanied by cocktails and local beer. Stay tuned for more details. 1203 W. Mt. Royal Ave.

Suspended Brewing: After a successful liquor board hearing last week, this highly anticipated Pigtown brewery has finally set a grand opening date for Saturday, March 3. The brand’s sustainable mindset will shine through with elements like repurposed furniture and ecologically conscious brewing equipment. Head to the taproom on opening day to sample unique releases including the New England-style Dirty Washes IPA, and Sour Persian conditioned with Iranian barberries. 912 Washington Blvd.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

2/22: Holy Frijoles Grand Reopening
Hampden locals were devastated when this Tex-Mex mainstay suffered an electrical fire in 2016. Luckily, owner Geoffrey Danek was able to bounce back and reopen the restaurant a few months ago—but he never really got a chance to celebrate. Now, the team is officially toasting the redesigned space with an all-day bash featuring $3 Mexican drafts, hourly food and drink deals, a tequila wheel of speicals, live music by The Busted Boots and DJ Pancakes, and, of course, plenty of Pinball machines. The party just so happens to coincide with National Margarita Day, which means there will also be $2 margs poured at the bar all day long. 908 W. 36th St., 11 a.m., 410-235-2326

2/22: The Txoko Experience Screening and Tasting
La Cuchara and The Parkway Theatre are teaming up to present this special evening celebrating Basque culture. Partake in a screening of The Txoko Experience—a documentary about the gastronomic societies that feature cuisine from the Basque region—and a Q&A with the screenwriter and director before enjoying a reception with passed bites from La Cuchara. The Parkway Theatre, 3 W. North Ave., 7 p.m., $35.

2/26: A Winter’s Night in Hungary
You might know Craig Falk as the chef behind The Lunchbox Lady’s signature sandwiches and salads. But next week, he is switching things up to host a Hungarian pop-up at Wet City inspired by his heritage. (Falk’s Hungarian grandmother is even flying in from Michigan to help him prepare.) Warm up with traditional dishes including Liptauer cheese spread on toasted marble rye, stuffed cabbage topped with tomato sauce, classic chicken paprikash, and a seven-layer chocolate crepe cake with caramel sauce. Wet City, 223 W. Chase St., 5 p.m., 443-873-6699

2/27: Ekiben x Clavel Mexican + Asian Steamed Bun Pop-Up

This Tuesday, ditch the brown bag and head to Ekiben in Fells Point for this epic Asian and Mexican collaboration. The team from Clavel in Remington will be stopping by to whip up a one-day-only lunch menu of soft steamed buns that fuse both restaurants’ signature flavors. Ekiben, 1622 Eastern Ave., 11 a.m.- 3:30 p.m., 410-558-1914

After a year of travel restrictions due to COVID-19, it’s time to take a summer vacation. But you can’t jet-set away without hearty food to sustain you throughout your journey, and Baltimore Washington Thurgood-Marshall International Airport (BWI) plays host to numerous food and drink options—whether you’re in the mood for a locally brewed IPA, a Baltimore-inspired sushi roll, or a simple burger.

Whether you’re in need of a quick bite or searching for a spot to kill time during a layover, we’ve broken down our picks for the top spots to hit while passing through BWI this summer.

Burger Joints

BGR
Tapas and sushi are all well and good, but nothing satisfies hunger quite like a hearty burger. This homegrown chain—with locations scattered everywhere from Columbia to Annapolis—keeps it simple, layering juicy patties with customizable toppings including sautéed mushrooms, grilled pineapple, fried eggs, and applewood-smoked bacon. You can’t go wrong pairing your burger with an order of garlic fries, and adding a classic chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry shake for good measure. Where to find it: The purple storefront is in Concourse B after security. 410-859-1900

Silver Diner
Complete with jukeboxes, neon lighting, tiled floors, and comfy booth seating, this old-school standby is an ideal choice for fueling up for a flight. Make your way up to the counter to order a breakfast platter, triple-decker sandwich, or a round of all-American sliders. While the menu lists plenty of classics, the Rockville-based restaurant has also kept up with the times with organic bison and veggie burgers, as well as colorful salads and a selection of vegan entrees. Where to find it: You can’t miss the striking silver exterior, located just off of the main terminal in the food court in Concourse B. 410-694-0990

Local Comforts

Miss Shirley’s 
What began as a 42-seat breakfast-and-lunch spot in Roland Park has now become a fan-favorite cafe chain with locations all over town, including a new outpost at BWI. If you’re looking for Southern cuisine with a touch of Maryland flair, check out specialities such as fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and coconut-cream stuffed French toast. Where to find it: Look for the orange-and-black oven mitt logo in Concourse A.

Nalley Fresh
If you’re looking for something light to hold you over before you fly, this homegrown cafe has you covered. Choose from a menu of salads, bowls, and wraps, or customize your own with different proteins an array of 80 colorful veggies and toppings. Where to find it: Look out for the green-and-white signage at the food court in Concourse A after security.

Craft Beer Concepts

DuClaw Brewing Co.
Though this veteran Baltimore brewery decided to downsize its restaurant footprint a few years back, its BWI brewpub is still going strong—serving grub like wings, burgers, nachos, flatbreads, and crab pretzels. Enjoy all of the eats while sipping DuClaw favorites including the Sweet Baby Jesus peanut butter porter, Hellrazer IPA, and Misfit Red amber ale. Where to find it: Spot the massive illuminated DuClaw logo overhead while strolling toward Concourse B. 410-845-4846

Flying Dog Tap House
Speaking of pioneering local breweries, this Frederick favorite debuted its first restaurant inside of the airport in 2017. In partnership with Monkton-based Roseda Farm beef, the restaurant will feature Flying Dog releases on tap (think Raging Bitch IPA, Numero Uno Agave Cerveza, Bloodline Blood Orange ale, and the like), as well as dishes that fuse both brands. Be on the lookout for options like a beef hot dog with Doggie Style Pale Ale beer cheese, and sliders with garlic aioli made with Snake Dog IPA. Where to find it: The new wood-stained storefront sits just past the food court in Concourse A.

International Eats

The Firkin & Flyer
Thanks to this funky spot, passengers traveling to Europe can experience their destination before even leaving the airport. The British pub highlights authentic eats like fish and chips, beef and stout stew, and bangers and mash, along with plenty of American options including burgers and wraps. The beer lineup is equally expansive, highlighting everything from local brews to traditional British ales. Where to find it: Keep an eye out for the Union Jack flags just off of the main terminal in the Concourse B/C connector. 410-582-8308

Zona Cocina
Start things off with a strong margarita and an order of chips and salsa at this Latin American-inspired cantina. Aside from a list of colorful cocktails, the restaurant offers Southwest salads, burritos, sizzling fajitas, and fish tacos. Where to find it: Zona is stationed directly next to Silver Diner on Concourse B. 410-850-4846

Pizza Palaces

Tony + Benny’s Pizza
Get a little taste of Brooklyn by way of BWI at this old-school Italian concept. Inspired by Old World recipes, the menu lists signature slices, stromboli, salads, and pastas, as well as its own case of grab-and-go items if you’re in a hurry. Where to find it: The quick-service spot, which debuted earlier this year, sits in Concourse A just past the Gachi Sushi kiosk and Potbelly Sandwich Shop. 410-553-4346

Seafood Spots

Gachi Sushi
Snag a stool at this trendy sushi bar to watch chefs prepare pretty plates ranging from salads and shumai to tuna carpaccio and steamed mussels. Alongside classics like California and Philadelphia rolls, the menu lists its own odes to Charm City—including the Orioles Roll (shrimp, avocado, creamy crab meat, caviar, and eel sauce) and the Chesapeake Roll topped with Maryland crab dip. Where to find it: Gachi operates a bar in Concourse A, and has its own grab-and-go kiosk with packaged rolls in Concourse B. 410-859-4285

Obrycki’s
Nothing says Bawlmer like this 73-year-old crab cake institution. Though Obrycki’s eventually outgrew its Fells Point flagship, the legacy lives on at BWI. The sit-down spot features classics including shrimp salad sandwiches, Old Bay wings, and, of course, jumbo-lump crab cakes. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, swing by the bar to down drafts, or enjoy signature cocktails like a rye old-fashioned and citrus cosmopolitan. Where to find it: Obrycki’s Restaurant sits between gates seven and nine in Concourse B.  410-859-5723

R&R Seafood
In 2017, the Obrycki’s team also unveiled this sister-spot featuring sustainable seafood and local raw bar offerings. It is yet another spot to get your hands on the family’s famous crab cakes, but the new bar also highlights fresh-shucked oysters, little neck clams, and steamed-seasoned shrimp. Where to find it: The seafood bar can be found in Concourse D/E connector next to Starbucks and Concourse A between gates A12 and A13. 443-883-3752

Wine Bars

Brix & Vine
Whether you’re waiting out a layover, or experiencing the dreaded delay, this new bar has you covered with an international wine list and expert servers to guide you through the sampling process. Sip selections from regions as far as South Africa and New Zealand while snacking on salads, steaks, and specialty sandwiches. Where to find it: Head to Concourse D after going through security to find the brick façade adorned with plenty of decorative wine bottles. 410-834-7256

Vino Volo
Wheel your carry-on into this sleek fine-dining den, which offers a lengthy selection of worldly wines by the glass, flight, or bottle. The bar pairs all of the vino with sophisticated snacks including charcuterie platters, burrata, smoked salmon crostini, beet salads, and lamb meatballs. Where to find it: Curve around the food court in Concourse A to snag a window seat with views overlooking the runway. 410-691-2215

 

Additional reporting by Emily Williams

We heart all things Baltimore, but if there’s one time of year when the grass is greener (and the beaches are warmer) elsewhere, it’s definitely during the doldrums of winter. With an average of 346 daily, nonstop departures to 73 domestic and international destinations from the Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, beating the winter blues is easier than ever. More cities are being added to the flight grid every month (direct flights to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and seasonal service to Frankfurt, Germany, are two recent additions), and there’s a $125-million plan to improve the airport. (You’re now able to relax over handcrafted cocktails at the new Sky Azure tapas lounge.) So unless “Snowmaggedon” is your idea of a good time, consider one of these 10 great breaks out of Baltimore—and they’re all direct flights.

GOOD THING IN A SMALL PACKAGE
Aruba: If you’re looking for the quintessential Caribbean beach vacation, Aruba is small—only 20-miles long and six miles at its widest point—but spectacular. The island’s powder-soft beaches, cerulean skies, and turquoise waters are the draw here (Eagle Beach has long been touted as one of the world’s best beaches), and when the sun sets, nightlife abounds. The colorful Kukoo Kunuku party bus offers door-to-door delivery service from your hotel, and casinos are open to both high and low rollers. Hungry after sun and slots? Try island specialties such as pan bati (a sweet bread) and keshi yena (a mélange of Gouda and meat or seafood in sauce) at Gasparito Restaurant or fish cakes with pineapple mayonnaise at Pinchos Grill & Bar. Don’t miss: Souvenir shopping at The Mask for folk-art figurines made from the buds of the mopa mopa tree. Airline: AirTran Airways. Average flight time: 4 hours, 30 minutes.

FIT FOR A KING
Atlanta, GA: From the World of Coca-Cola (with its 60-plus flavor tasting room) to the Georgia Aquarium and the CNN Center, where you can channel your inner Anderson Cooper at the mock anchor desk, big-city tourist attractions abound. But beyond the lights, camera, and action, this city also offers a more sobering look at the life and times of Martin Luther King Jr.—from visits to his birthplace on Auburn Avenue and Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached, to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and the King Center for Non-Violent Social Change. Save time to indulge in some of the best vittles in the South from Top Chef contestant Kevin Gillespie’s Woodfire Grill to fresh catches of the day at Goin’ Coastal. Don’t miss: The Jimmy Carter Library & Museum, which includes his Nobel Prize and a replica of the Oval Office. Airlines: AirTran Airways, Delta, Southwest. Average flight time: 1 hour, 50 minutes.

URBAN COWBOY
Austin, TX: Despite its location inside the conservative Lone Star State, this state capital typifies “hip,” with its multitude of techies, tattoo artists, and counterculture types. One visit will not be enough to take a tour of the Texas State Capitol, view European and American works at the Blanton Museum of Art, browse for $4,500 cowboy kicks at Allen’s Boots, brush up on presidential history at the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum, and fill up on gut-busting pork ribs at Franklin Barbecue. (It won’t be easy, but push past the point of pain for a Gourdough’s Mother Clucker fried-chicken-strips doughnut.) However you spend your stay, check out the live music—the local religion in these parts. Sixth Street is where the action is—from honky-tonk Texas dance halls to dive and punk bars. (And no visit is complete without a visit to Threadgills, where Janis Joplin once played.) Don’t miss: A stop at Waterloo Records, one of the most popular record stores in the U.S. Airline: Southwest. Average flight time: 3 hours, 25 minutes.

GO SOUTH
Charleston, SC: Whether you start off your visit with a boat ride to see where the first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter, browse for handmade, sweetgrass baskets at the farmers’ market on charming Marion Square, or brush up on antebellum history at the Aiken-Rhett House, you will be delighted by the many riches of the Low-Country landscape. And though it’s steeped in Civil War history, Charleston has kept up with the times, too, as evidenced by the annual internationally acclaimed arts celebration the Spoleto Festival (in May) and new interpretations on classic Low-Country cuisine such as James Beard nominee Husk’s cornmeal-dusted Carolina catfish with creamed-corn grits and fried cabbage. Don’t miss: The Old Slave Mart Museum, thought to be the only building still extant in South Carolina once used for auctioneering. Airline: Southwest. Average flight time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.

LET IT SNOW
Denver, CO: Snow worshippers should head directly to the Mile High City, then schuss to the slopes. Some of the best skiing in the country—from Aspen to Vail to Steamboat Springs, Telluride, and Breckenridge—is located a few hours away from the city. But if staying indoors, curled up with a cup of hot chocolate is more your speed, there’s plenty to do without leaving Colorado’s cosmopolitan capital. Check out one of the largest collections of Native American art in the United States at the Denver Art Museum, the Abstract Expressionist works at the new Clyfford Still Museum, or watch coins come to life in the Gothic Renaissance building of the Denver Mint. Don’t miss: A chance to shop at R.E.I.’s flagship store (including a 47-foot indoor red “sandstone” climbing and rapelling structure) to stock up on all outdoor essentials. Airlines: Southwest, United. Average flight time: 3 hours, 45 minutes.

TAKE A GAMBLE
Las Vegas, NV: Nothing says “escape” like Sin City, whether you’re looking to flirt with Lady Luck (we like the tables—and free mojitos—at Wynn), take in a show (Cirque du Soleil’s Beatles-inspired Love extravaganza is worth the trip alone), or shop ’til you drop at the Fashion Show Mall, one of the largest malls in Nevada. (Hint: If it’s not sold here, it doesn’t exist.) Of course, you can always eat your earnings at the transcendent Nobu or the equally divine Estiatorio Milos. (Don’t miss the chance to “ooh” and “ah” over views of The Cosmopolitan’s 65-foot chandelier.) And if the bright lights and big city aren’t your scene, commune with nature far away from The Strip and consider a helicopter ride over the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon or an outing to Red Rock Canyon. Don’t miss: Down time from the tables at The Venetian’s Canyon Ranch Spa. Airlines: AirTran Airways, Southwest, Spirit Airlines. Average flight time: 4 hours, 55 minutes.

QUEEN MUMS THE WORD
London, England: You can go to London to see the Queen (or at least post Facebook photos of her digs at Buckingham Palace), but this world-class city has something for everyone, including theater patrons (the West End offers mega-musicals and big-name dramas), museum lovers (Tate Modern, The British Museum), architecture aficionados (the Tower Bridge, Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral), and foodies (enjoy one of 7,000 pubs within the city limits or some of the best Indian food outside of India). London is also very much a city of distinct neighborhoods, so be sure to explore some of our favorites: edgy Soho, where art galleries and all-night coffee shops are de rigueur, Shoreditch’s trendy haven for artists and designers, and Covent Garden with its plethora of street performers, cheese shops, and opera houses. Don’t miss: It’s a rite of passage to take tea at the world-famous Harrods department store. Airlines: British Airways, American, Iberia. Average flight time: 8 hours.

PARTY CITY
New Orleans, LA: While it’s known as The Big Easy, NOLA couldn’t be more serious about celebrations. Of course, the biggest party of the year is Mardi Gras (March 4, this year), but indulgence seeps into the soul of this city year-round whether you’re dining on honey-glazed-doughnut bread pudding at Boucherie, downing blueberry mojitos at St. Joe’s, or honoring all things gay, lesbian, and transgender at the Southern Decadence festival. (A leather block party is a highlight.) Balance out the hedonism with a walking tour of the famed French Quarter. (Include a stop at 632 St. Peter Street, where Tennessee Williams wrote A Streetcar Named Desire.) Add to your itinerary a stop at the National World War II Museum, a walking tour of the stately mansions and Creole townhouses of the Garden District, and Brad Pitt’s “Make It Right” green building project in the lower Ninth Ward. Don’t miss: Explore the true bayou with a swamp tour. Annie Miller’s Son’s Swamp and Marsh Tours gets rave reviews. Airline: Southwest. Average flight time: 2 hours, 40 minutes.

THE OTHER BAY CITY
San Francisco, CA: Thanks to a rebirth of the tech industry, the Golden Gate City (home to Instagram and Twitter) has experienced a renaissance from the new twinkling Bay Bridge to fashion-forward boutiques such as Union Street’s laser-cut clothing at Uko to the astonishing Herzog & de Meuron-designed de Young Museum (don’t miss the vertigo-inducing panoramic views of the city), and Renzo Piano’s striking reconstruction of the California Academy of Sciences. Of course, world-class restaurants have always been legion (the newly renovated State Bird Provisions won the 2012 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant), and no visit is complete without a visit to Alcatraz Island, featuring a first-rate audio tour narrated by the criminals and guards who spent time on the Rock. Don’t miss: Rent a bike from the ubiquitous Blazing Saddles and ride across the majestic Golden Gate Bridge into Tiburon. Airline: United. Average flight time: 5 hours, 10 minutes.

A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW
Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL: Head to the Gulf Coast to celebrate our favorite local snowbirds at the Orioles year-round spring-training facility at the Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, less than an hour’s drive south from St. Pete. Purchase an all-inclusive fan package (including O’s game tickets, schmoozing with O’s personnel, car rental, and accommodations), then fly the Orioles nest to trek through the Serengeti Safari at Busch Gardens Tampa, shop for hand-rolled smokes at Columbia Restaurant’s Cigar Store in Tampa’s historic Cuban district Ybor City, or indulge in tender Chateaubriand at the highly heralded Bern’s Steak House. (Amusingly, the owner is a recovered vegetarian.) Don’t miss: St. Petersburg’s Salvador Dali Museum, which houses the most significant collection of the surrealist artist’s work outside of Europe. Airlines: AirTran Airways, Southwest. Average flight time: 2 hours, 20 minutes.