This post is written by Danielle Smith, a student at the University of Arkansas.
I have been working hard on my travel bucket list lately: California, New York, Washington D.C.. As I think about my travel “bucket list” I realized that there are many cities I want to visit that are not “typical” vacation destinations.
These cities probably are not going to appear on any top destination travel list.
Many of us probably travel through them all of the time, but I for one have never really stopped and enjoyed what these cities have to offer.
Here are 5 destinations that I’m adding to my weekend getaway bucket list!
1. Dallas, Texas
Dallas has tons to offer if you are looking for a weekend away. Spots lovers can catch a game at Cowboys Stadium or watch the Texas Rangers or Dallas Mavericks play ball.
Thrill seekers and families can head to Six Flags, the 212-acre amusement park. Adults looking for a night away can check out one of Dallas’s many entertainment districts.
No matter what you are looking for you can almost guarantee Dallas has it. To learn more, check out Visit Dallas.
St. Louis Arch at Night. Photo by Daniel Schwen.
2. St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is one place I have never taken the time to visit, but the city has a lot to offer. My first stop would be the St. Louis Arch, a 630-foot stainless steel monument that provides you with the finest view of the Gateway City. This history rich city is full of great museums and memorials like the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.
Spots fans this is the city for you! Head to Busch Stadium to watch the 11-time World champion St. Louis Cardinals, even if you’re not a fan, you’re guaranteed to see some good baseball. Catch some football as the Rams take the field at the Edward Jones Dome or hockey fans can head to the rink to watch the St. Louis Blues at the Scottrade Center.
St. Louis also has many affordable options for families including the Saint Louis Zoo, one of the city’s many free attractions, the zoo as been recognized as one of the nation’s best zoological parks. To learn more visit Explore St. Louis.
The blue bear holds up the convention center in downtown Denver.
3. Denver, Colorado
Did you know that Denver is America’s #1 beer city? Denver brews more beer than any other city in the county. Head to Denver and visit one of the many winery and breweries, live music and comedy attractions, or museum and art galleries.
Denver is also home to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science where you can encounter some of Earth’s most awe-inspiring mammals and wander over some of the oldest human artifacts in existence.
Sports fans can check out one of the seven professional sports teams including the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies. To learn more visit http://www.denver.org
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is one of Kansas City’s newest attractions. Photo by Burdettekevin
4. Kansas City, Missouri
Yes this is my home and I do not take enough time to enjoy it, not to mention there are tons of new attractions in KC, so it is going on my list. Plus, I think KC offers a great weekend getaway for everyone in the family!
KC is home to the new SEA LIFE Aquarium, located at Crown Center, this 2-3 hour journey through 260,000 gallons of water is a must see! One of KC’s newest attractions is LEGOLAND Discovery center. Families may also enjoy visiting Worlds of Fun, Oceans of Fun, Schlitterbahn, or the Kansas City Zoo.
Adults looking for a night out should head to the Country Club Plaza, Power & Light District or Westport.
Kansas City is a wonderful place to find Arts and Culture. It is home to many famous museums including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art or visit the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Learn more at VisitKC.
5. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Maybe I am just a shopaholic, but I am just dying to visit the Mall of America. Then again the Mall of America has a lot more to offer than shopping. Check out the aquarium, many dinning options, or one of their popular events.
Minneapolis is also home to St. Anthony Falls, the only waterfall on the Mississippi River. If you like the outdoors or waterfalls you should also visit Minnehaha Falls, the 53-foot waterfall with limestone bluffs that overlooks Minnehaha Park.
To learn more visit this Minneapolis website.
What is on your travel bucket list? Where is your favorite place to take a weekend getaway? Please share in comments below.
A native of Stilwell, Kansas, Danielle plans to return to the Kansas City area upon graduation.
Danielle is currently working as a social media intern with VentureTime Travel. When she isn’t working or in classes, Danielle enjoys traveling the world with her fiancée Will.
Learn more about Danielle here.
Need Some Inspiration for Your Weekend? Check out these other Weekend Wanderings posts:
- Weekend Wanderings: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Weekend Wanderings: Chicago
- Postcards from Milwaukee
- Weekend Wanderings: 7 Reasons to Visit Portland, Oregon
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