As the weather continues to turn warmer, you may be ready to take that long-awaited and well-deserved long weekend trip to relax, see the sights and indulge in culture, history, foodie experiences and time with family and friends.
Three American cities — Washington, D.C.; Miami, Florida; and Nashville, Tennessee — are exciting destinations for a long weekend.
Each of these cities offers a range of hotel options, walkable experiences and outdoor activities.
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A well-situated boutique hotel is Viceroy Washington DC, located in Logan Circle and only about a mile from popular attractions such as the White House, the National Mall and many museums.
Its onsite restaurant Dovetail offers a terrific weekend brunch, plus a variety of dinner choices and a bar to wind down in after a day of exploring.
Among the choices to visit: the Smithsonian National Zoo, the National Gallery of Art, the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum, the Washington Monument and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.Â
The museum is free, but tickets for scheduled times can be accessed on the website.
Other things to see and do while in the nation’s capital include the Smithsonian National Zoo, the National Gallery of Art, the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum, the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum — and the Library of Congress.
While in D.C., make your way to Georgetown. Browse the retail shops and sit down for a leisurely lunch or dinner at Clyde’s of Georgetown, where you can pick from burgers, salads and entrées like crab cakes, steaks and rigatoni Bolognese.
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Another great dining choice in Georgetown is Filomena, a quintessential dining experience with Italian favorites big enough to share. The décor of the restaurant makes the visit even more special; the Sunday Sauce over the pasta is a memory maker.
While in Miami, be sure to plan a dinner at CRUST for award-winning chicken Parmesan and pizza; bar hopping in Brickell City Centre is another popular choice.
Even if you’ve been to Miami before, it’s never the same trip twice, so you can create a new itinerary for each visit.
Should you prefer to stay on Miami Beach, book a stay at the beachfront Loews Miami Beach Hotel, which offers year-round children’s programming, an onsite spa, a fabulous pool and direct beach access.
If you prefer a location in the Miami region removed from the bustling Miami Beach scene, then the new Loews Coral Gables Hotel may be the place to stay.
Another fun idea is the Sail, Paddle & Snorkel at Biscayne National Park, a full-day sailboat trip.Â
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Family time in the greater Miami region is a must, so consider these ideas: the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, the Miami Children’s Museum, the Museum of Illusions and the Pérez Art Museum Miami.
Another fun idea is the Sail, Paddle & Snorkel at Biscayne National Park, a full-day sailboat trip to see dolphins, rays and sea turtles. Your captain is a member of the Biscayne National Park Institute staff — who will share the park’s rich history with your family.
Later in the evening, be sure to visit Twelve Thirty Supper Club on Broadway Street, making reservations at least a month in advance, if you can.
The ambiance is cool, the food and service are top-notch and the live performers will keep you entertained while you dine. There’s also a rooftop bar for another level of fun.
Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee, is one of the most popular destinations for eating, drinking and dancing the two-step. (iStock)
The lodging move in Nashville is the Hotel Fraye, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection.
On the weekends, don’t miss the lively DJ Brunch at Gathre, located in the Fraye’s lobby.
Three American cities to travel to this summer during a long weekend away offer activities for adults and kids alike. (iStock)
Also, consider booking a tour of Nashville and try the Nashville Combo Tour: Sightseeing, Murals and Brewery, which takes you throughout Nashville on a golf cart with an experienced local guide.
After the tour, try Hampton Social for lunch.
The Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is also in Belle Meade.
A tour will not disappoint.