Let's visit Greece and the Greek Islands...

September 2015 Tour of Greece:

DELUXE PACKAGE TO GREECE &  GREEK ISLANDS

INCLUDED ARE ALL R/T DOMESTIC FLIGHTS, HYDRO'S -- ALL PRIVATE TRANSFERS, A COMPLIMENTARY VOLCANO & HOT SPRINGS BOAT TRIP ( value $99-pp ) --

KING SIZE BEDS & all hotel  amenities. 

ATHENS OFFICE TOUR MANAGER WILL MEET & GREET YOU PERSONALLY 

*International Airfare is NOT included with tour, but may be added.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2015- Depart on your overnight flight to Athens.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2015  Welcome to Athens!  You will be met at the airport and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel, the 5* Metropolitan HOTEL (www.chandris.gr)  Stay for 2 nights with breakfast daily.

7:00 pm - COMPLIMENTARY DRINK  & ORIENTATION MEETING AT HOTEL, BY MRS. MAGDALENE, ATHENS OFFICE MANAGER.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 -   Athens   In the morning, you will be met at your hotel at approx. 8 a.m.to take the Half-Day Athens City Tour, to the Acropolis with R/T transfers to the hotel.  This tour will introduce you to the most important sights of the city.  You will see the temple of the Olympian Zeus, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Pan Athenaeum stadium.

OPTIONAL TOUR TO CAPE SOUNION IN THE AFTERNOON ( $75pp) (approx. 2:00 - 7:00 p.m.)

Driving along the coastal road past the wonderful beaches of GLYFADA, VOULIAGMENI, VARKIZA and countless coves, one has a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf. A crowning feature of the tour Cape Sounion, dominated by the spectacular Temple of POSEIDON overlooking the Aegean sea.

In the evening at 8:00 p.m. or later- Have dinner in a traditional restaurant in Plaka

Includes a traditional dinner with wine and folkloric dances.  Relax with a Greek dinner show at a typical taverna in the renowned Plaka district. It's the perfect way to spend a night out on the town in Athens!  

SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 - Athens–Piraeus (Embarkation)–Mykonos

You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the port for your highspeed sea transportation to Mykonos (3 hr. 45 min.)

You will be met at the port and transferred to your hotel, the 4 star Manoulas Beach. Stay for 3 nights with breakfast daily.

In the evening, have dinner at a local restaurant. You can sample local specialties, like louza loukaniko (sausage) and kopanisti (peppery goat cheese), then mingle with the locals at a quaint taverna or take a bus to the main square of Manto Mavrogenous. (B,D)

SEPTEMBER 29, 2015- Take a Half Day City and Island Tour of Mykonos (approx. 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)

Starting the City-and Island tour by walking the small and narrow streets, we have many possibilities to take nice photographs in the early morning, quiet city.

We get orientation and information in the labyrinth of the old town as well as impressions of the small port and the churches in town. Of course we will see the famous wind-mills and find Petros The Pelecan, the mascot of Mykonos.

After this we are exploring the island with a bus, visiting some of the most famous beaches and the inner land- scape. We see fishermen and kaikis, small private chapels and houses built in typical cycladic style.

In the second main village of Mykonos, Ano Mera, an idyllic place 6km from town, where the guests have enough free time for a stroll around the traditional square and they can visit the monk monastery Panagia Tourliani built in the 16th century.

Next stop is Kalafatis beach were there is time to relax a little and have a coffee or a refreshment (not included in the tour price), before going back to town and to reach a place with a fantastic view all over the town and neighbour islands.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015- Take a Tour to Delos. Departs at 10:00 a.m. and returns at 2:30 p.m.

Only a 45 minute boat ride away from Mykonos Delos was the centre of the Cyclades of the ancient world, the island of light, birthplace of Apollon and Artemis, home to the first multicultural civilization and trade.

There is a lot to see: having been inhabited between 2500 and 69 b.C. Delos boasts of many treasures remaining from these times like the ancient market place Agora, the famous terrace of the Naxos lions, the holy lake, the ancients living quarters and theatre that give you a lively vision of the daily life then; especially the houses of Dionysos, Kleopatra, the Trident, the Masks, the Dolphins with their mosaics are a fantastic experience of art not to be missed.

Furthermore there are the Temple of Isis, the Egyptian goddess, the Roman water system and cisterns and the wonderful museum with plenty of breathtaking mosaics, statues and many more objects found during the excavations.

On our guided tour you depart at 10pm from the old pier in Mykonos Town and you return at 2.30 pm. If you wish to remain a little bit longer you can also take the last boat back at 3 pm in order to have some time at leisure or maybe climb on Mount Kynthos to enjoy the view over all the surrounding Cycladic islands.

OCTOBER 1, 2015- Mykonos–Santorini

You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the port for your high speed sea transportation to Santorini ( 2 hr. 15 min.). Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, the 5* Suites of the Gods. Stay for 3 nts. with breakfast daily.  In the evening, have dinner at a local restaurant.

2 FREE CATERGORY ROOM UPGRADE TO SUPERIOR/ MASTER SUITE - With your stay you will enjoy the following services we have arranged complimentary on your behalf:

***COMPLIMENTARY WELCOME DRINK UPON ARRIVAL

***COMPLIMENTARY CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST DAILY.                                                            

***COMPLIMENTARY 50 MIN. USE OF SPA FACILITIES

***COMPLIMENTARY WINE & FRUIT BASKET UPON  ARRIVAL.

I had a chance to visit it earlier this year and it is an absolute haven.  It offers the best position on the caldera and allows for the most spectacular views of the islands whitewashed villages perched on the cliff-side (and that is no exaggeration). 

It is just outside of the main town of Fira, which allows for privacy and intimacy - yet it is still very convenient to the restaurants, nightlife and shops in Fira.  And the facilities are superb!  It was once an old winery and parts of the original structure have been preserved and converted into the largest spa in Santorini.  Other facilities include a wine tasting cave, open-air restaurant and pool area perched on the cliffs.  All that if you can tear yourself away from your room, a suite with Jacuzzi, private terrace or balcony and great views of the Aegean Sea, Volcano and Caldera cliffside.

OCTOBER 2, 2015 - Take the 3 hr. Volcano & Hot Springs Tour.

Tour begins from the Old Port of Fira at 2 p.m. (hotel pick ups will commence prior to this time)

Don’t forget to wear a bathing suit, comfortable walking shoes and bring a towel! Also needed is cash for the cable car to get to and from the old port (unless you want to brave 580 steps on the same path as the donkeys!). The current cost is 10 euro r/t.

OCTOBER 3, 2015- Take the Archaeological Bus Tour Including Winery

Hotel pick up at approx. 10:30 a.m/Return at approx. 5:30 p.m.  We will first visit the highest point of the island (565 meters high), Profitis Ilias mountain (where the homonymous monastery of the 18th century is located). That point offers panoramic views of Santorini. You will be able to see also the close-by islands Anafi, Ios, Sikinos, Folegandros and in some days with good visibility levels, you might be able to see even further, Milos, Amorgos and Naxos. 

After visiting Profitis Ilias, we will move on to Megalochori village. That’s a fine example of a 18th century hillside settlement. Small, narrow streets, excavated dwellings, old canavas (buildings used for wine making and storage) and lot of churches of various architectural patterns offer a nice walk within that village. 

We continue to Akrotiri Archaeological site, which is one of the most important prehistoric settlements of Mediterranean. Along with a professional guide, you will learn the secrets of this town, which was initially inhabited during the late Neolithic time in the 4th millennium BC. While at his peak of development in Minoan Bronze Age, it was destroyed by the Great Theran Eruption (17th century BC) and buried under tons volcanic ash, the layers of which preserved the famous frescoes (wall paintings) of Akrotiri, artworks and objects of everyday life. It is believed that Akrotiri might be the inspiration of Plato’s story about lost Atlantis city. 

Our next stop is at Perivolos black sandy beach, where we have a free time for swimming into the crystal-blue waters, have a nice sunbath on the hot black volcanic sand or enjoy lunch in one of the waterside little restaurants. Perivolos is located just next to Perissa beach, just below to the mountain Profitis Helias.

Our last stop is at “Santo Wines” winery in Pyrgos, where you can have a tour to learn the secrets of wine making and taste different kinds of Santorinian wines. Founded at 1947, Santo Wines produces Appellation of Origin Santorini of High Quality wines made of the indigenous varieties of Assyrtiko, Athiri, Aidani, Mandilaria, Mavrotragano and Voudomato. Wine making as key element of Santorini’s development is also a nowadays challenge for many locals pursuing a natural way of living. The anhydrous land of Santorini, mineral elements, layers of volcanic ash and porcelain combined with the traditional techniques and state-of-the-art machinery result in excellent wines with distinctive characteristics. There, you may find also local products as the tomataki (small cherry tomato), caper and fava. 

OCTOBER 4, 2015- You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Athens. Upon arrival to Athens, you will be met and transferred by private car back to your hotel, the 5* Metropolitan. Stay for 1 night with  breakfast.

OCTOBER 5, 2015- You will be met at your hotel and transferred by private car to the Athens airport. End of tour.

All of this for less than you are imagining! A truly fantastic 10 day tour of a lifetime.

For additional information please contact info@texasmusiccruises.com or call 419-492-4368

Places That Shine in Shoulder Season

Timing can make or break a vacation. Travel during the high season, and you're fighting the crowds for a spot on the beach. Go during the low season, and risk lousy weather and the closure of local attractions.

Luckily, there's a window of time for most destinations known as the shoulder season, when the prices and crowds are low, but the weather is still perfect. If you travel during this time, you'll not only save money, but you'll probably also mix it up more with local residents at festivals and events that rarely appear in glossy travel magazines.

Tuscany, Italy

When to Go: Spring

Why: Many Romans retreat to the countryside around Easter, but after those festivities die down, there's no better time to visit Tuscany's hill towns. Usually packed with tourists during the summer high season, the plazas of Siena and San Gimignano are charming and easily navigable in the spring. And you'll be surprised how green this region gets before the summer sun browns the terrain (bring an umbrella, though, as showers are more prevalent this time of year).

Machu Picchu, Peru

When to Go: Fall

Why: Unlike much of North America, the Andes region of South America has two seasons -- dry and wet. The latter begins in November, so if you're looking to hike the Inca Trail, or just want to marvel at the ruins in this part of Peru, you'll want to go before the rains fall but after the busy summer months (June through August). Another tip for hikers who are doing either the Inca Trail or the alternative Salkantay Trek: Time your visit with the full moons for an outdoor adventure you'll never forget.

Hawaii, U.S.A.

When to Go: Fall

Why: No matter what time of year you visit,Hawaii seems to have perfect weather. Try to experience it in the fall, when families are done with their summer vacations and the snowbird rush from the West Coast has yet to begin. The Aloha Festivals -- cultural celebrations held on each island that include parades, block parties and special events such as canoe races -- start in September and run through mid-October. This is one of the best times to enjoy Hawaii as a local, not a tourist.

South Africa

When to Go: Spring (fall in the Northern Hemisphere)

Why: Dreaming of an African safari? It's never a cheap experience, but during September and October -- South Africa's spring -- prices and temperatures are a little lower and the foliage is less dense, making it easier to see animals. Bonus: You might see recently born baby animals up and walking around. Near Cape Town, the town of Hermanus, known as one of the world's best land-based places to watch whales, has an annual Whale Festival in late September or early October, featuring music, crafts and enviro-education.

New Zealand

When to Go: Fall (spring in the Northern Hemisphere)

Why: The seasons are reversed Down Under, so travelers from the Northern Hemisphere can get a taste of autumn smack dab in the middle of their own spring season. Regions such as Hawkes Bay on the North Island and Central Otago on the South Island are known for their brilliant foliage. It's also harvest time for New Zealand's well-regarded wine regions, including Marlborough, which grows some of the world's most popular Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

Grand Canyon, U.S.A.

When to Go: Fall

Why: September and October are still warm in Arizona, but most of the summer crowds -- usually families on vacation -- have returned home. While this region rarely discounts, you won't have as tough a time getting a lodge or rafting trip reservation, and many consider the hiking conditions ideal. Keep in mind that some facilities close in mid-October and that snow falls on the North Rim as early as mid-November.

St. Lucia

When to Go: Late spring

Why: After the spring break and Easter holiday crowds stop coming, the islands of theCaribbean usually drop their prices in preparation for the steamy, stormy summer months (hurricane season starts June 1). OnSt. Lucia, recognizable by its twin Pitons, the annual Jazz Festival takes place in early May, ensuring that the island will keep hopping for at least a little longer.

Prague, Czech Republic

When to Go: Spring

Why: The crowds don't stream in until June, but the casks in Prague's beer gardens start flowing in May. Coincidentally, that's the month when the multi-week Czech Beer Festival begins. Beer not your thing? Starting in mid-May, the Prague Spring International Music Festival is the official kick-off to Europe's classical summer festivals, and draws many of the world's top orchestras.

Riviera Maya, Mexico

When to Go: Late fall

Why: Before the winter holiday rush, the beaches in Mexico's all-inclusive resorts empty out, and it's easy to find deals. By November, the most dangerous period of the hurricane season has ended, and the humidity isn't as bad (this is considered the dry season for this region of Mexico). Worth checking out is the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, held in November.

Quebec, Canada

When to Go: Fall

Why: New England gets all the credit for fall foliage, but go a little further north into Canada and you'll see the same brilliant leaves, with much smaller crowds, cheaper prices and a French flavor. Go out into the Eastern Townships to taste the fruits of the burgeoning ice wine industry (autumn is also the apple and cranberry harvest season), check out migrating snow geese along the St. Lawrence River, or enjoy a romantic city break in Quebec City orMontreal.

Thailand

When to Go: June

Why: By June, tourists are crowding into Europe, and the warm weather destinations that you craved in February have become too hot to handle. The solution? Look to Southeast Asia, where cities such as Bangkok are beginning to cool down in anticipation of the rainy season, which is at its wettest between August and October. If you're looking for a beach vacation, check out the islands in the Gulf of Thailand, such as Koh Samui, Koh Tao or Koh Phangan.

Switzerland

When to Go: Early fall

Why: People tend to think of Switzerlandduring the summer, when the country's green hills are at their lushest, or the winter, when ski resorts in the Alps such as St. Moritz and Gstaad draw the rich and famous to their slopes. But the weather is still perfect in September, particularly in the southern canton of Ticino, which offers a taste of Italy in its food, wine and even language (the locals speak Italian rather than French or German). Several Swiss towns throughout the country also conduct an Alpabzug, when farmers herd their cows, bedecked in flowers and ribbons, down from the mountain in a celebratory march through the village.

Cheapest Time to Travel to Europe

Travel pricing to Europe is based on seasons, with winter being the “low” season and least expensive time to travel, and summer being the “high” season, when airfares and hotels charge premium rates. The time of year you travel to Europe is the most significant factor that affects the pricing, but timing is also important in deciding when to purchase your tickets or package and which days of the week you fly.

Travel Seasons

Off-peak travel to Europe generally begins in November and runs through the end of March. During this low season, you’ll probably find the cheapest prices on airfares, hotels and vacation packages or tours, but keep in mind that there are some blackout dates during holidays. Fall and spring are considered “shoulder” season, and there are some good values for European travel with fewer restrictions or worries about traveling in winter weather. Summer is the high season and fares, as well as hotel rates, are at their peak.

Cheapest Time to Buy

Pricing changes near the end of the season, so look for fall and winter prices to Europe beginning around August and September. In general, you’ll need to book a month or two in advance for popular destinations, but there are often special Internet-only sales that only last for a few days, so sign up for email alerts from major international airlines and travel websites. If you see a good deal in an email alert, book it immediately as these are limited in quantity and sell out quickly. If you haven’t booked in advance, you can sometimes find a last-minute deal at websites like LastMinuteTravel or Site 59, as well as on the airline sites.

Cheapest Travel Days

Being flexible about your travel dates is the best way to find the cheapest airfare or package, so use the flexible date search option on consolidator websites like Travelocity. What day of the week you travel is often a factor, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays historically being the least expensive days to travel. Also, while travel during a holiday season can be more expensive, you can often find good deals if you travel on the actual holiday, like Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day.

Cheapest Destinations

Avoid traveling to a destination during a special event, like visiting France during the Tour de France, heading to Munich during Oktoberfest, or visiting the country that’s hosting the Olympics. Hotel rates and airfares are raised to their maximum limits during national special events. Since Europe has several budget domestic airlines and an efficient rail system, consider flying into a cheaper destination and traveling to your target destination by one of these methods. For example, fares to London are often among the lowest European fares, but you can connect to a local carrier directly from one of London’s major airports or take the “chunnel train” to Paris or Brussels.

Caveats

Several blackout dates are in effect during the off-peak travel season to Europe, including the week of Christmas and New Year’s. Also be sure to check that all taxes, fees and fuel surcharges are included in the pricing. These can add hundreds of dollars to your total price, making a cheap fare or package not really a bargain at all. If you’re traveling in the winter to Europe, you may encounter weather delays both at your departure gateway and in Europe, so purchasing a travel insurance policy that covers the additional expenses of a delay may be a good idea.

Iconic Summer Getaways in the U.S.

Coastal villages and quaint islands. Great Lakes beaches and national parks. Mountain trails and cozy cabins. Nothing brings on warm, sun-soaked memories like a classic summer destination. Whether it's on the bustling boardwalk or under a swaying desert palm, find your place in the sun at one of these 12 iconic summer getaways.

Adirondacks, New York

Once a playground for Manhattan's 19th-century elite to build grandly rustic "great camps" along the region's lakeshores and riverbeds, the Adirondacks are now the perfect escape for kayakers, bird-watchers, and whitewater rafters. Long trails meander through valleys thick with spruce on their way to the High Peaks. Scenic byways wind around the lakes to historic forts and tiny mountain towns. And each Sunday night sees a line of rental cars making its way back to the hot, sticky city from whence they came, stocked well with antique finds and maple syrup.

Where to Stay: The distinct Craftsman style of those Golden Age "great camps" lives on in revamped luxury resorts like The Sagamore Resort and The Point Resort (the Rockefellers' own haunt, where the age-old adage "If you have to ask, you can't afford it" is acutely true). Budget hunters and nature lovers can take to the Adirondacks' countless campgrounds and campsites.

Cape Cod And The Islands, Massachusetts

Sandy dunes spotted with sea grass. Seafood shacks slinging lobster rolls and fried clams in greasy newsprint-lined cones. A pair of islands so iconic that they've spawned their own style of dress (and shade of red). The Cape Cod peninsula has 600-some miles of coastline, from the Cape Cod Canal to Race Point, dotted here and there by seaside towns and coastal trails. Popular stops include Hyannis Port, the preppy home to the Kennedy compound, and Provincetown, an artsy fishing village and gay-friendly vacation haven. Of course, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket out at sea offer charm for nautical miles.

Where to Stay: Provincetown (or "P Town") is filled with bright beach houses and B&Bs, including the affordable and Conde Nast Traveler-approved Salt House Inn. You can't be a Kennedy, but you can reside nearby at the SeaCoast Inn in quaint downtown Hyannis. And on Nantucket, the White Elephant's working fireplaces and white wicker chaises are island-style New England at its very best.

Jersey Shore, New Jersey

Neither the awful reality show nor Hurricane Sandy could wash away the warm memories of many New Jerseyans who spent their summer vacations "down the Shore." (Count this writer among them.) Here, the beaches are clean, with row upon row of brightly striped beach umbrellas sunk into the sand. Wooden boardwalks are lined with shops selling airbrushed T-shirts, pizza parlors, neon-lit amusement parks and Skee-Ball lanes, and shops hawking saltwater taffy. Relaxation seekers will find it in spades among Cape May's quaint gingerbread Victorians and historical promenade, where Snooki is but a distant dream.

Where to Stay: Families and groups of friends often rent shore houses for a month or the whole summer, rotating in and out between the workweeks. Check rentals on Airbnb orFlipKey. In Cape May, The Queen Victoria, with its parlors, porches, and afternoon tea, is an Anglican slice of bliss this side of the Atlantic.

Clearwater Beach, Florida

Clearwater is home to some of the best beaches in the country, where pink sunsets sink into crystal-clear waters each afternoon all summer long. And USA Today readers recently named Clearwater Beach the best beach town in Florida for good reason: an emerging downtown area plus a bustling Beachwalk make for endless activities on land, while glistening seas offer snorkeling, especially among the barrier islands and nearby Egmont Key. Sportfishers charter sails to catch grouper, snapper, and mahi mahi. Sunsets at Pier 60 offers buskers and crafters each night. And throughout, serene, old-fashioned Florida peeks out from behind the state's legendary spring-break chaos.

Where to Stay: The Sandpearl Resortl ranks among this beach town's best for its kid-friendly activities (including an educational Camp Ridley, astronomy nights, poolside movie fests, and fire pits complete with s'mores kits). Grown-ups can enjoy balconies with views of the sparkling Gulf and lagoon-style pool, plus a marina for docking the boat between sails.

Berkshires, Massachusetts

The Berkshires is a kind of cultural epicenter among western Massachusetts' placid rolling hills: Tanglewood, the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, and the picturesque estates of literary greats Edith Wharton and Herman Melville all call the region home. Creative types and vacationers alike flock to the area, where the natural beauty and cozy towns are downright Rockwellian (fitting, since he was a resident, too). Aside from the summertime arts-and-culture scene, tourists take to the wildflowered meadows, lakes, and falls for fresh air and the Appalachian Trail, which threads through the backcountry, for thrills.

Where to Stay: At Canyon Ranch, a relaxing wellness resort just a short walk from the hamlet of Lenox, guests practice yoga and meditation and reignite their creativity with art classes. For kids, the region has more sleepaway camps than you can shake a (hiking) stick at; check out a list from the American Camp Association for little ones in search of a summertime retreat of their own.

'The Mighty Five' National Parks, Utah

Travelers looking to soak up the sun in one of our national parks know where to go: Utah and its "Mighty Five" (Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion). Many summertime sightseers roll all five into one epic adventure. Watch a sunset through the spires, pinnacles, and domes of Arches. Take a mountain-bike ride through the red rocks of Canyonlands, including its 100-mile-long White Rim Trail. Hike the slot canyons of Zion or the pillars of Bryce or the ridges and spines of Capitol Reef. Or simply relax: The parks' stargazing is legendary, with wide expanses of clear, ink-black sky to explore.

Where to Stay: Crowds peak during summer, when the weather is surprisingly temperate, so book your campsites early through the National Park Service website. Those looking for lodging with a few more bells and whistles will find it at Zion National Park Lodge; its suites, cabins, and rooms are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offer immediate access to the park.

Palm Springs, California

Coastal residents in California take to the desert hills of Palm Springs year-round, but summer brings the true sunseekers, for whom dry, triple-digit heat and a Martian landscape are welcome. Nicknamed Hollywood's Playground, the region is known for its vast celebrity estates, plush restaurants, historical inns, and its own Walk of Stars. The resorts' equally starry pool scenes are top-notch, with cocktails served in cabanas and DJs spinning vinyls under the hot desert sun. But families can also find plenty to do, with the contemporary collections at the Palm Springs Art Museum to explore and an aerial tramway up Chino Canyon to ride.

Where to Stay: For a bustling pool scene or a relaxing spa stay, the Parker Palm Springsand the Viceroy Palm Springs are worth the splurge. The fabulously midcentury The Orbit Infeels like a set piece from Mad Men, with Eames furnishings and a saltwater pool residing side by side.

Hamptons, New York

It's the land of Ina Garten and Martha Stewart, of P. Diddy's White Party and the scandals of ABC's Revenge. This spit of land on Long Island's South Fork is a star-filled summertime hangout, but many don't know that those of us without hedge funds and network deals are still welcome on the region's beautiful beaches and picturesque acres of farmland. Montauk, with its 218-year-old lighthouse, is a fishing mecca, and families take to its coastline for beachcombing, kayaking, and picnicking. Or they meander the Main Streets of storybook towns like Amagansett and Sag Harbor, where boutiques share space with whaling captains' Greek Revival homes capped by widows walks.

Where to Stay: You could live large like Little Edie and rent Grey Gardens for a cool $125,000 (scarves not included). Otherwise, Hartman's Briney Breezes Motel and The Ocean Resort Inn, both in Montauk, are surprisingly affordable sleeps in this ooh-la-la locale.

Door County, Wisconsin

Eleven quaint lighthouses and a brushy shoreline have earned the region its reputation as the Cape Cod of the Midwest. Reminiscent of that renowned New England destination, Door County's charming villages, filled with boutiques and art galleries, dot the coastline of Lake Michigan. Locals haul in fresh catches for fish boils. The unofficial dress code is preppy and nautical, and swimmers take to the sands (and a singing beach) for recreation. But here in the Midwest, it's cherries, not cranberries, that bring the crowds; by midsummer, tart cherries bloom and ripen, bringing pickers to the area's orchards and wineries in untold numbers.

Where to Stay: Resorts and cozy B&Bs ring Sturgeon Bay, and there are plenty from which to choose. The romantic Scofield House B&B and Guest House is a rambling 1902 Victorian right in town; its nearby guesthouse is tailor-made for a girls' weekend or a family vacation, with a kitchen for cooking cherry pies.

Ocean City, Maryland

It's hard to believe that this active resort town was once a sleepy fishing village, but for centuries, Ocean City was a bit of a backwater. Of course, the very minute a hotel was built in the region in the 1870s, others followed—and so did the crowds, drawn to 10 miles of free, flat beach, an action-packed boardwalk, and, of course, sweet Chesapeake Bay crab. With countless free or cheap activities each summer, Ocean City is especially family-friendly, and nights are best spent playing putt-putt, racing Go Karts, or taking in an outdoor movie from the comfort of one's beach blanket.

Where to Stay: Hotels number in the hundreds along this stretch of Maryland, and most major chains have an Ocean City outpost. But visitors are wise to find an ocean view. Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites has wide panoramas of the Atlantic, plus a massive pool and lazy river.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island is a Midwestern summer destination seemingly suspended in time. Pastel-painted Victorians and horse-drawn carriages fill the streets, yet cars do not (they're simply not allowed, though the intrepid can always drive their own buggies). Visitors nibble fudge from carriage seats and explore historical sites, including a War of 1812-era fort and countless preserved homes and churches. Observe butterflies at not one but two conservatories. Or, for some good old-fashioned fun, take in a vintage baseball game at the Grand Hotel, played in striped caps, long socks, and breeches and with "gentleman's rules" from 1860.

Where to Stay: Grand Hotel's equally grand front porch is considered the world's longest, its rocking chairs visible from the sea as guests approach by ferry. Sadly, rates have gone up since the 19th century (they were $3 to $5 per night then) but guests can still party like it's 1887 with a full five-course dinner each night, capped off with a cognac at the Cupola Bar atop the property.

Kennebunkport, Maine

The Bushes put Kennebunkport on the map, but native New Englanders have known about the postcard-perfect town forever. Explore the coastal village and neighboring Kennebunk by trolley, take to the sea on a whale-watching expedition, or trawl the historical downtown area for trinkets, artwork, and fine cuisine (The White Barn Inn & Spa is a good place to start). When you tire of the seafood shacks, boutiques, and beaches, the Kittery Outlets, where many a New Englander has fond memories of back-to-school shopping, are just a short drive away.

Where to Stay: A handful of historical hotels and a clutch of cozy B&Bs are Kennebunkport's mainstays. The waterfront Nonatum Resort is Maine at its most idyllic, with an original 1884 carriage house and a modern lodge bound by picture windows facing the marina. The 16 Cabot Cove Cottages are snug homes away from home, where baskets of freshly baked pastries and jams are delivered to guest-room doors each morning.