Ahhhh, summer vacations. ⛱️ Sean here. There’s nothing quite like a few days on a sandy beach with a good book to ease the mind. Or, maybe you prefer the cool mountains + loooong hikes and campfires.⛰️ Heck, sometimes it’s nice to just stay home and tell people you’re on a vacation so they don’t bother you. Whatever works, right?

My wife and I like to use up our vacation time exploring new cities. We’re taking a mini-vacation to New Orleans this week to gain 10 pounds and commission a voodoo doll in the likeness of my mother. Later this year, we’ve got a few days planned for Chicago… again, more food. Sometimes you just want to get out of town, and our idea of fun is eating and walking around.

As a kid, some of my best vacation memories involve fortnight-long marathon trip with 20+ family members to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. It wasn’t until years later that I learned the only reason we went there in the first place was so that grandpa could play golf all day. But at least we had the beach.

In my adult years, I’ve loved our visits “Downeast” to coastal Maine. The views are stunning + the weather is just right. I think the lobster is my favorite bug to eat from the sea. 🦞

But now we want to hear from you. Spill your vacation spot secrets.

What’s your destination of choice + why? Is it the mountains? Is it the beach? Is it worth the drive from Chattanooga? The closest beaches — Tybee Island, Georgia + Hilton Head, South Carolina — are both about 5.5 hours away by car. Of course, the Great Smoky Mountains are just a few hours away. We’re also surrounded by fun cities like Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville + Asheville that are easy weekend trips.

With the peak of summer vacation season upon us, we want to know where you go when you want to get away?

Responses

Here are some of your recommendations:

“Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg are usually first picks because the drive is not far, it's family friendly and it's gorgeous in the summer and early fall! We also go to the beautiful springs in North Florida, the 75 degree spring water feels amazing on a hot summer day.” — Victoria G.

“I love Europe! Otherwise, I prefer travelling by RV to mountains and lakes (especially the Great Lakes!) and avoid the ocean like the plague. The Great Lakes are unsalted and shark-free—and NOT crowded” — Kellie F.

“Gulf beaches for the powder white sand and beautiful emerald water and an occasional trip to Estes Park, Colorado for the Rocky Mountain hiking and views!” — Connie B.

“We take the family down to Hilton Head every summer. It's an amazing beach with great tide pools for the little ones to play in. The food is wonderful (check out the Old Oyster Factory or Skull Creek Boathouse and Island Bagel & Deli is a hidden gem). There is so much to do with the kiddos without the touristy/amusement park atmosphere (Coastal Discovery Museum, Lawton Stables, and the best dolphin tours - we always see a bunch)” — Buck W.

“Yellowstone, Tetons, Glacier NP. We like to vacation there because it's a good break and reset from our day to day...plus, animals!” — Josh M.

“I love summer in New England. A few years ago we stayed on a small island off the coast of Maine and went lobstering. The North Fork of Long Island is another lovely getaway with farmers markets and vineyards. It's more old-school charm, not super fancy like the Hamptons.” — Rhett B.

“We like to vacation on cruise ships. New destination(s) each time and it’s all-inclusive. So much to see!” — Kate K.

Be sure to share this article and let everybody know where you’re going this summer.

Quiz

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Check out the answer in The Wrap section of today's (7/25/19) newsletter.