Saturday, May 31, 2014

The 10 Best Weekend Escapes In America: Saugatuck, Michigan Tops Reader Vote





After four weeks of voting in 10Best.com's Readers' Choice contest, your votes helped identify the Best Summer Weekend Escape. The winners are:
1. Saugatuck, Mic Feeling restless? We picked 20 nominees for "Best Summer Weekend Escape," and turned it over to 10Best and USA TODAY readers to pick their favorites. Topping the list is the beach getaway of Saugatuck, Mich. Click through to see the rest of the top 10 winners.


2. Granbury, Texas
 In the Texas "Plains and Lakes" region 70 miles outside of Dallas, the charming town of Granbury makes frequent appearances on “best small town” lists, and it’s our runner up for "Best Summer Weekend Escape." It offers visitors an historic square, excellent shopping and plenty of appealing mom 'n' pop restaurants.
3. Sedona, Ariz. Third place winner Sedona, located at the heart of Arizona’s stunning Red Rock Country, lies 116 miles north of Phoenix. Cooler summer temperatures certainly add to Sedona’s appeal, but its majestic rock formations, artistic scene and blissful spas make for a fantastic weekend, no matter the temperature.4. Dahlonega, Ga.
Atlanta can be sweltering in the summer. Luckily, the charming former gold mining town of Dahloneg, Ga., our fourth place finisher for "Best Summer Weekend Escape," is just 66 miles north on the outskirts of the rolling Chattahoochee National Forest.


5. Hollywood, Fla.
Between Miami and Lauderdale lies the beachside community of Hollywood, our number five winner. Its wide boardwalk is busy with strollers, cyclists and rollerbladers soaking up the Florida sun. There's a bohemian feel to the boutiques and galleries here, and hotel prices are a fraction of those in other tourist destinations on the Florida coast.
6. Galveston, Texas
Just 51 miles south of central Houston on I-45 lies sixth place Galveston Island - a place of wide beaches, pleasure piers, Victorian architecture, seafood and shopping from kitschy to classic.
7. Bainbridge, Wash.
About 10 miles from downtown Seattle, across scenic Puget Sound, lies Bainbridge Island - a paradise for enjoying Washington’s great outdoors and local wineries and number 7 on our list of "Best Summer Weekend Escapes."
8. Asheville, N.C.
Located 125 miles west of Charlotte, the hippie-infused college town of Asheville, N.C., our eighth place getaway in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a great place to cool off, with no shortage of weekend-worthy activities, either.
9. Estes Park, Colo.
About 70 miles northwest of Denver lies one of Colorado’s most popular summer destinations and our number nine finisher, Estes Park. This magical mountain village sits 7,500 feet above sea level and enjoys calendar-worthy Rocky Mountain views and family-friendly attractions like zip lining, miniature golf and horseback riding.
10. Lafayette, La.
Where New Orleans provides an introduction to Cajun culture, tenth place Lafayette, located 135 miles west, offers a master course. Local live music, cozy B&Bs and excellent restaurants serving world-class Cajun cuisine make it an ideal destination for a quick escape.
10Best and USA TODAY congratulate the winners! wards/travel/.
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