A Country Christmas, Gaylord Opryland’s yuletide extravaganza, turns the sprawling 2,888-room resort into a festive playground for all ages. Now through January 4, 2025, this enchanted retreat invites guests to immerse themselves in merriment, magic, and a touch of frostbite (not really, they have parkas to keep everyone warm)
From Hollywood writers to modern archaeologists, the Neolithic sights of Northern Scotland inspire imaginations and draw travelers with a penchant for history of the early world.
You’ll be hard-pushed to find a place with more spectacular natural beauty than Iceland. Its volcanoes, hot springs, lava fields and glaciers have earned it the moniker ‘the land of fire and ice’ – and while the island country’s natural attractions are certainly a sight to behold, Iceland’s towns and cities offer a unique beauty of their own. The capital city of Reykjavik is culturally modern and historically important, with architectural highlights including the nature-inspired Hallgrimskirkja church and Harpa Concert Hall with stunning portside views of Mount Esja. The Westfjords and Austurland regions are dotted with picturesque villages like Ísafjörður, a fishing town surrounded by dramatic mountains, and the artistic Seydisfjordur with its public art and welcoming community.
The Martha, originally built in 1832 as a private residence for General Francis Preston, has retained much of its architectural integrity. The historic brick structure now serves as the central building of the hotel, with the Preston family’s original living room as the main lobby. In 1858, the mansion became Martha Washington College, an upscale school for young women, operating through the Civil War and the Great Depression before closing in 1932. Converted into a hotel in 1935, The Martha has undergone extensive renovations in 1984 and 1995 to preserve its historic charm while updating its amenities.
This upscale neighborhood defines itself as urban chill. Fun and lively, Clarendon buzzes with activity around the clock, whether it is morning fitness, afternoon shopping, or evening merrymaking. Dual centers of activity define Clarendon. The Crossing Clarendon mall is home to dozens of high-end shops. While Central Park is a green space home to the neighborhood’s metro station and a War Memorial dedicated to past Arlington residents.
The sixth largest city in the United States, Philly provides vast opportunities for unique entertainment. Residents and visitors mingle in world-renowned museums, iconic eateries, and luxurious and fun venues. Both architecture and nature are celebrated. The City of Brotherly Love inspires the modern yet holds its historic past close. Neighborhoods have distinct personalities and offer a variety of excitement. A simple subway system aided by bus and trolley routes allows people to gather for festivals, attend arts and sporting events, and discover new areas of the city on the banks of the Delaware River.
Fleeing the powerful political forces of Norwegian King Harald Fairhair, a young Helgi the Lean (Eyvindarson) set out for Iceland, a place of fertile land, bountiful seas, and freedom. Around 890 AD, Helgi the Lean took possession of the land around Eyjafjörður and made a home in Kristnes, south of modern day Akureyri, which is the largest town outside the island’s more populated southwest corner.
Built in 1794 by American Revolutionary War general Anthony Wayne, the original fort—and thus the foundation of the city—bordered the indigenous lands of the Miami tribe. Over the years, Fort Wayne experienced a series of ups and downs and beginning in the 1990s launched an upswing as city leaders spurred efforts to reduce crime, diversify its economy, and redevelop downtown. Prime examples of these efforts are flourishing. The Electric Works, an excellent example of adaptive reuse turned a scuttled 39-acre General Electric plant into a thriving, mixed-use campus with businesses, learning centers, recreational facilities, and a multi-vendor food hall and market.
Visit Richmond promotes an eclectic culture spawned by craft beer, more than 900 restaurants, and an underground music scene, but those looking to bring an RV or pitch a tent need to look outside the city. The surrounding countryside offers access to the city, plus proximity to amusement parks, nature activities, and historic spots from the founding of the nation and the US Civil War. Here are our picks for 5 of the best places to spend time in an RV, tent, or cabin near Richmond.
It is easy to walk right past Freyja Guesthouse. Unassumingly situated in a quiet neighborhood around the corner from Hallgrimskirkja, the iconic cathedral inspired by the basalt formations along Iceland’s coast, Freyja Guesthouse can be recognized by a lone metal plaque with the church’s relief serving as a logo. There’s also a Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award designation along the wall.
