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Exploring new cities needs to be thrilling to your total crew. As a part of the Good Housekeeping 2026 Travel Awards, our testers logged miles to uncover locations with big-ticket thrills, budget-friendly bites and house to breathe again on the resort. Along the way in which, we discovered shocking actions you won’t count on — and undoubtedly gained’t need to miss.
Cities and Regions
Just outdoors of Dallas, Fort Worth ropes in littles and grown-ups with superb new lodges, enjoyable meals, and, most of all, the possibility to cosplay cowboys! Bedazzled boots and hats are virtually a part of the costume code, whether or not you’re on the Fort Worth Stockyards watching the cattle drive or feasting on blue-corn tacos at Don Artemio, a preferred restaurant.
TESTER NOTES: Our tester visited twice—as soon as along with her household and once more along with her girlfriends—and felt very glad with each journeys. “My kids never got tired of seeing people on horses ride by, so we spent most of our time at Fort Worth Stockyards and Hotel Drover, within the historic district,” she mentioned. For the weekend with buddies, she stayed on the high-end but laid-back Bowie House: “It was in a great location where we could walk to restaurants and a lot of the museums.”
Albuquerque flies excessive as the new air balloon capital of the world, with a pageant that pulls a whole lot of balloons and three-quarters of one million individuals. But the town’s attraction goes above and past that one fall weekend. The favourite year-round spot to hold is Old Town, which dates again greater than 300 years. Old Town outlets, eating places, artwork galleries, and even tasting rooms that solely function the state’s wines warmly welcome vacationers.
TESTER NOTES: “Albuquerque is a feast for the eyes and the stomach,” mentioned our tester, who visited along with her younger grownup son in September. “The hush puppies made with blue corn meal and fresh corn that we had at Hotel Chaco in Old Town turned out to be the favorite food I ate in the city.” The mother-and-son pair additionally explored numerous cultural points of interest, together with the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the Flamenco Institute, the place dance performances entertain visitors each weekend.
Your journey {dollars} stretch far in Winston-Salem, a culinary gem within the northwestern a part of the state. The downtown neighborhood, close to the place our tester stayed at Summit Street Inns, supplies a budget-friendly dwelling base that passes the vibe verify. Delectable eating places and bars are inside strolling distance, and the inn gives a wide range of Southern breakfast specialities within the price. One afternoon, take a day journey to discover the 44 wineries and vineyards within the close by Yadkin Valley Wine Region.
TESTER NOTES: “Dining out and drinking offered great value,” mentioned a Good Housekeeping recipe editor. “I was surprised by how little the tabs were, considering that I have spent much more in other cities.” Her favourite native spot was Mozelles, which had superb tomato pie. Overall, she famous, “Winston-Salem has all the attractions and amenities of a big city on a more snackable scale.”
Jackson calls itself “The City With Soul,” and we whole-heartedly agree. Tourists who discover the pivotal Civil Rights landmarks there, such because the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home, shortly understand that the state capital is way from one-note. A vibrant music and culinary scene offers this trip spot an interesting rhythm. Many Black-owned companies (together with The Orchid, a bed-and-breakfast the place our tester stayed) exemplify the town’s neighborhood focus.
TESTER NOTES: “Visiting the city’s Mississippi Civil Rights Museum was an incredibly moving experience for me,” mentioned our tester, a Black mother of two. She additionally had her finest chunk of the journey there: “The gumbo I ordered at the museum’s Nissan Café was by far one of the most delicious things I’ve eaten in my life!”
A girlfriend getaway is all the time a good suggestion, particularly if you happen to’re headed to Lexington. Horses, bourbon, and a newish luxurious resort converge for the last word lengthy weekend with the besties. Venture to Mill Ridge Horse Farm (the place you’ll be able to pet and feed thoroughbreds) and Castle and Key Distillery (for a tour of the historic buildings capped off by a bourbon tasting) earlier than some pillow speak on the Manchester Hotel. On grounds that had been as soon as a bourbon distillery, the spirited spot gives Quad Suites with bunk beds which can be excellent for recapturing your faculty days.
TESTER NOTES: “Make a reservation at Lexington Tea & Brie, which attracts a lot of girlfriend groups with its great selection of teas and photo-ready pink walls with fun artwork,” suggested our testers who traveled with an in depth good friend. They additionally took a candle-making workshop at Poppy and Pomelo. “Wherever we went, we were mingling with locals,” she added.
Nestled between the Appalachian mountains and the serene seashores of the Outer Banks, Raleigh is an up-and-coming family-vacation spot. Free or low-cost (and sneakily instructional) actions abound, together with the brand new Gipson Play Plaza on the entrance to one of many metropolis’s most beloved parks. Incredible climbing buildings, a moist sand space to sloosh round in, and a sensory maze entertain youngsters of all ages. In reality, Raleigh boasts 9,000 acres of parkland for households to take pleasure in—a formidable quantity for a metropolis of half one million. Free world-class museums, together with the North California Natural Museum of Sciences, which gives stay reveals and hands-on science experiences, spotlight the town’s family-friendly nature.
TESTER NOTES: “The vibe was amazing,” mentioned our tester, who introduced her 9-year-old. “I’m a native New Yorker and I never think of leaving my city, but if I did, I’d move to Raleigh.”
This Dallas suburb hits it out of the park with its kid-friendly points of interest. For starters, the Frisco RoughRiders constructed a lazy river of their Minor League stadium, so your fam can watch the sport from an inside tube! Frisco additionally boasts a museum youngsters is likely to be particularly keen to go to—the National Video Game Museum gives interactive displays with each new and nostalgic video games that households can play collectively. And ought to “video game creator” not be the profession your gamer is contemplating, Kidzania, a youngsters’s museum–like house, permits members of the long run workforce to role-play greater than 100 professions.
TESTER NOTES: “My 9-year-old son said the day we saw the RoughRiders baseball game from the lazy river was the best day in his whole life,” famous one mother. Other testers, who stayed on the Omni PGA Resort and the Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa, reported that these properties had been family-friendly.
Riding excessive from the opening of Epic Universe, Orlando has cemented its repute as “the Theme Park Capital of the World.” Its subsequent purpose is to unfold the phrase concerning the vibrant metropolis past the park gates: Its Michelin-starred eating places, serene kayaking spots, performing arts venues, and even tree-lined cobblestone streets are simply the ticket for post-park enjoyable and leisure.
TESTER NOTES: Before rope-dropping at Epic Universe, an editor and her college-age daughter spent two blissful days on the Alfond Inn, a newly renovated boutique resort in Winter Park. Chilling out on this idyllic neighborhood about 20 minutes from Universal helped construct endurance for a marathon day of driving. “Our room was bright and cheery, with touches from the designer of Rifle Paper, which has a storefront in town,” mentioned our tester. “We also scooped up pastries at the Saturday farmers’ market and took a low-key boat tour.”
Get the ladies’ journey out of the group chat and over to Lodi. About 40 miles south of Sacramento, in a grape-growing area identified for its Zinfandels, Lodi harvests about 20% of California’s wine grapes, greater than touristy Napa and Sonoma mixed. Visits to among the 85 boutique wineries, purchasing within the historic downtown, and kayaking on the Mokelumne River add as much as getaway gold.
TESTER NOTES: Our tester and her good friend stayed at Appellation Lodi, Wine & Roses Resort and Spa. “The resort is situated off a main road, but you would never know—the grounds feel as if you are in a secluded resort because of all the flowers and lush greenery,” she mentioned. Their two favourite wine stops: female-run Oakfarm (“The property is gorgeous, and a chef creates seasonal menus”) and WooGirl Cellars (“It has tasty rose and sparkling wines the owner produces herself.”)
The primary cause to go to this sun-drenched haven within the coronary heart of Sonoma isn’t the wine (that’s an in depth second). The meals in Healdsburg alone is definitely worth the journey! Fresh elements, native purveyors, and a little bit of an Asian affect within the eating choices add as much as standout bites, whether or not you’re on the three-star Michelin restaurant or at a nook cafe. Every May, a Wine & Food Experience showcases the area’s tastemakers.
TESTER NOTES: “Bravas de Tapas, Acorn Cafe, Pizzando, Lo & Behold, and Troubadour Cafe were solidly delicious,” mentioned our tester, whose husband is a pastry chef. She and her sister cut up their time on the town between Hotel Healdsburg (the place famend chef Charlie Palmer has a restaurant) and the apartment-style 235 Luxury Suites (which is nicely suited to a bigger group). Added our tester, “The chef’s tasting and wine pairing experience at Jordan Winery was another major highlight for us.”
Williamsburg and its neighbors Jamestown and Yorktown make up a “historical triangle” that’s filled with actions that deliver the Revolutionary War (and the Hamilton soundtrack) to life. The centerpiece is Colonial Williamsburg, a residing historical past museum with partaking reenactments that includes blacksmiths and different tradespeople. Take the interactive tour of Governor’s Palace, then stroll right down to the tranquil James River for a break from the solar and the crowds.
TESTER NOTES: “We particularly enjoyed visiting the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, especially the encampment outside,” mentioned our tester, who introduced her college-age son. “We got to see how soldiers traveled, lived, and survived throughout the Revolution.” She recommends alternating historic actions with downtime on the resort (our tester stayed in a roomy apartment at Kingsmill resort) and a visit to Busch Gardens.
The 60-mile stretch of land that connects San Francisco to the Silicon Valley is without doubt one of the best-kept trip secrets and techniques: Dreamy cities inside fast driving distance of one another help you combine and match walks alongside the seashore with spa remedies, forest hikes, and scrumptious eateries to curate an epic itinerary for vacationing within the San Francisco Peninsula.
TESTER NOTES: A GH staffer and her good friend visited a number of cities throughout the peninsula, making their dwelling base the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay. “Half Moon Bay offers a unique idyllic tree-lined street with an array of shops and restaurants, but upon checking into the hotel, you’re immediately transported to an Irish/Scottish oasis,” she mentioned. “The moody skyline contrasts with sharp cliffs, and the resort sits along the ocean with expansive views and long, winding trails to explore.” She added, “A quick 20- to 25-minute drive inland to San Mateo offers a cool yet sunny landscape with breathtaking views of the hillside areas.”
Bellevue needs to be greater than a aspect journey from Seattle, and we’re offered. About a 20-minute drive from the Space Needle throughout the second largest pure lake within the state, you’ll discover a sustainably minded neighborhood you would possibly by no means need to go away. More than 100 parks, fascinating museums (together with one only for youngsters), and a bustling downtown are all straightforward to get to due to the “Bellehop” service, which whisks you freed from cost wherever in a six-mile radius in an all-electric automobile.
TESTER NOTES: “Kayaking on Lake Washington was very peaceful, and the views of Bellevue and Seattle were amazing,” mentioned our tester, who traveled along with her college-age son. They additionally loved the general public artwork installations and the various restaurant scene: “Tendon Kohaku, a Japanese restaurant, stood out for its authentic, well-prepared food as well as its fun and interactive bouncing cat dessert made with coconut gelatin.”
City Hotels
This resort chain, identified for its lush atriums, can be a youngsters’ programming whiz! With choices from a summer season collab with DC Superheroes to a winter wonderland with ice slides, Gaylord Hotels have mastered the artwork of serving to households make recollections. Five of the six areas boast fun-filled water parks with wave swimming pools and lazy rivers.
TESTER NOTES: Testers visited three areas, together with the most recent spot in Chula Vista, California, simply outdoors San Diego. All three had been impressed with the water security. “We appreciated the kid-size life vests to borrow and were impressed by the lifeguards’ vigilance,” mentioned one mother of Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center close to Denver. Another tester, who stayed at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center close to Orlando, mentioned, “My kids must have gone around the water park’s lazy river 100 times!”
Forty p.c of the rooms on the Park Lane New York—together with its iconic rooftop breakfast spot and bar—face Central Park, which is correct throughout the road from the resort. The 47-floor property distinguishes itself from a number of pricier neighbors due to a reasonably current redesign that introduced whimsical touches impressed by the placement to room interiors and customary areas. For visitors touring with grown youngsters or members of their prolonged household, the resort gives connecting rooms that sleep six to eight and are simply bookable on its web site.
TESTER NOTES: “I’ve stayed in a few dozen hotels in New York City, and Park Lane is my favorite so far,” mentioned our tester, who traveled along with her daughter. “Besides a convenient location, fantastic food, and a comfy bed, we were gobsmacked by the art. Every guest room has an exquisite hand-painted mural.”
The new Okana resort can flip anybody right into a water park individual. The soaking rides and slides within the 100,000-square-foot indoor facility aren’t a lot totally different from these at different parks of this nature, however the environment right here is leveled up. Modern decor, high-quality meals and a very good spa make the expertise really feel like an precise trip moderately than a visit you tolerate to your youngsters’ sake. The complete household may also be drawn to the seasonally operated out of doors journey lagoon, which has enjoyable options like Zip & Dip, a zipline that drops you into the water!
TESTER NOTES: “Okana is nothing less than an oasis in the heartland of Oklahoma!” mentioned our tester, who traveled there along with her partner and two youngsters. “Every single hospitality detail has been considered. The rooms are spacious and well equipped. The dining amenities are plentiful and delicious—this isn’t your typical water park food!”
Next to the Colorado Rockies’ baseball stadium, The Rally Hotel attracts sports-loving households with its rooftop pool, the place you’ll be able to catch the sport whereas taking a dip. (Pro tip: Cover up on chilly days—that is Colorado, in spite of everything—with the resort’s plaid plush robes.) For youngsters who’re extra into house than sports activities, guide the immersive bundle and have a spaceship tent and a star projector delivered to your room. Large households and people touring with grandparents will admire that the 182-key property gives a number of two-bedroom suites.
TESTER NOTES: “My 4-year-old slept in the tent because she loved it so much,” mentioned our tester, whose was touring with 5 visitors, together with her father. “The baseball memorabilia in the lobby and a fun but manageably sized pool also make the hotel grandparent-friendly.”
Kids and teenagers by no means really feel not noted on the St. Regis Chicago, a newish luxurious resort with unbelievable views of the Chicago River and Navy Pier. While mother and father verify in, tiny vacationers are directed to a mammoth treasure chest within the foyer that opens to disclose (gasp!) jars of treats in addition to books and toys they will borrow throughout their keep. At a complimentary night reception the place a champagne bottle is sawed open with a sword (it’s a model custom!), youngsters line up for glowing juice from a cart that has glasses on the prepared. Perhaps essentially the most family-oriented benefit of all: The resort’s noodle-filled pool opens at 6 a.m., so your mini early risers gained’t have to attend to take a dip.
TESTER NOTES: “The most delicious food we had on our trip was at the hotel,” mentioned our tester, who visited along with her college-age daughter. “The three-course Italian snack experience with homemade pasta that you can watch chefs making in a viewing window blew us away.”
Freshly glowed up after a multimillion-dollar renovation, The Wigwam Arizona, an virtually 100-year-old resort close to Phoenix, appeals to vacationers who crave a keep that mixes cultural touches with pampering and nice meals. Spacious adobe and timber suites (a.okay.a. casitas) dot the grounds, that are lush with cacti, floral gardens, and palm timber. A serene adult-only pool tucked away from the 2 others supplies a refreshing break from the warmth.
TESTER NOTES: “My wife and I really loved Litchfields, a restaurant with a modern Western vibe,” mentioned our tester. “Watching the chefs in the open-fire kitchen proved very entertaining, and our tomahawk steak and the service were excellent.” They additionally felt that the foyer exemplified the thoughtfulness that had gone into the property’s refresh. “It has retained many of the timeless original details while adding modern flair.”
A 33-story-high zipline that launches into the the grounds of a museum isn’t precisely what you anticipate from a the biggest on line casino resort within the Northeast, however Foxwoods, a few three-hour drive from New York City, delivers every kind of thrills and chills: stay leisure with well-known visitors (Jerry Seinfeld is a daily), celebrity-chef eating places, and even a blissful spa. Guests can select to remain in one among three on-site lodges or in a personal villa. A pickleball facility, an escape room, and a pottery studio redefine the on line casino expertise.
TESTER NOTES: “It would be hard to visit here without feeling satisfied on some level,” mentioned one among our testers who stayed on the Grand Pequot Tower, a big and welcoming house that celebrates the wealthy historical past of the Mashantucket tribe. “The variety was what made our trip so enjoyable. While there are multiple casinos on the property, you don’t have to spend a dollar on gambling to enjoy yourself.”
The Weldon Hotel, Portland, Maine
When you’re touring with youngsters, nothing is extra valuable in a spot to remain than house—and the Weldon Hotel gives superbly adorned one- and two-bedroom suites which have all of the conveniences of dwelling and extra. Located in Portland’s Old Port District, the brand new property has 13 apartment-style suites that boast full kitchens, in-room laundry, and native espresso to brew. It additionally has frequent resort conveniences like a health middle.
TESTER NOTES: “Being at the Weldon Hotel felt like staying in an upscale, beautifully decorated, and perfectly stocked fancy apartment,” mentioned our tester, who visited along with her household. “We also appreciated the technology in the room: a big TV with a Roku streaming setup, a Sonos Sound Bar speaker you could pair to if you wanted to listen to music. and even a turntable with vinyl records my 7-year-old wanted to play over and over again.”
Core recollections will probably be undoubtedly be made at this dreamy resort within the central area of Turkey that’s well-known for its citadel, scorching air balloons, and rock formations generally known as fairy chimneys. No two rooms are alike at Argos in Cappadocia; every of the 71 locations to remain, some with fireplaces and plunge swimming pools, was hand-carved from historic houses and volcanic rock. The spa, a more moderen addition, is constructed right into a cave and features a pool.
TESTER NOTES: “I have been to my fair share of spas, and this spa will go down as one of my favorite and most memorable,” mentioned our tester, a GH magnificence professional. “I highly recommend the Turkish hammam. They create a unique spin with the way the soap is applied. I felt like I was in a cloud.”
Historic Charleston caters to fashionable sensibilities at Emeline, a boutique spot that locals swear has probably the greatest eating places within the metropolis. Frannie & The Fox, a wood-fired eatery with a considerate seasonal menu, dishes out delights equivalent to Baked Casarecce (hearty pasta) and a salad with candy potato French dressing. Don’t miss The Den, a speakeasy tucked away at the back of the restaurant that serves up a wide range of cocktails and mocktails. The property can be walkable to many eating places, outlets, and points of interest.
TESTER NOTES: “The speakeasy’s space was pretty and decked out with floral decor,” mentioned our tester. “It was a cute and cozy spot perfect for grabbing a drink with friends.” She additionally famous that her room had a “vintage-meets-modern aesthetic” and mentioned, “The bed was incredibly comfy, so I woke up feeling well-rested every morning.”
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Karen is a seasoned journalist who focuses on journey, guide, way of life and meals protection. Cicero has visited virtually each state along with her household (look out Wyoming, she’s coming for you subsequent!). She has spoken at a number of journey business conferences, together with PRSA and the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance and was beforehand the senior editor at Parents. A mother who goes overboard for all the vacations, Cicero lives within the Christmas metropolis itself: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its unique location you’ll be able to go to the hyperlink bellow:
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/travel/a69146798/2026-travel-awards-cities/
and if you wish to take away this text from our web site please contact us
