With its collection of historic homes, museums and battlefields, Frederick, Maryland, is a must-see destination for any history enthusiast. The sites of two bloody Civil War battles are preserved at Monocacy National Park and South Mountain State Park. Within the city, visit the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and learn how soldiers wounded in those battles were treated, or visit the house of Barbara Fritchie and picture her hanging the Stars & Stripes in defiance of the Confederate Army.

If you’re into eating locally and supporting sustainable agriculture, go to Asheville—and eat, eat, eat. This town of less than 100,000 people has 17 farmers’ markets, and the local restaurant scene is all about taking advantage of the seasonal produce sold there. And don’t miss the area’s microbreweries.

For a weekend of fun and relaxation, you don't have far to go. North Dakota's largest city gained a certain measure of modern fame with its 1996 movie namesake. But Fargo is more than a city of friendly folks and flat accents. Local museums will please art lovers, children and baseball enthusiasts. After a family visit to the Red River Zoo, parents can unwind at local area lounges, many of which offer casino gaming. In Fargo's sister city of Moorhead, Minnesota, The Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center has replicas of a Viking ship and a Norwegian Stave church. Back in Fargo, Bonanzaville USA gives modern visitors a taste of pioneer life.

Corpus Christi possesses all of the main ingredients of an ideal weekend getaway: the sun, the sea, the sights, plus exhilarating and engaging activities the whole family can enjoy. Spend the day on the beach soaking up the sun or wind surfing, the breezy city's favorite pastime. Visit the Texas State Aquarium to take in encounters with hundreds of animals and explore the new immersive Caribbean Journey experience. Take a tour of The USS Lexington, one of the most famous aircraft carriers in U.S. naval history. Stroll through fabulous flora and fauna at the Botanical Gardens. At the Museum of Science and History, check out the Pinta and Santa Maria, recreations of two of the ships Columbus sailed to the new world. At night, enjoy a succulent seafood dinner at any number of fine restaurants, then head to the historic Harbor Playhouse for delightfully original community theater and a true taste of what Corpus Christi is all about.

<p>The Southern Oregon coast is home to isolated beaches, rugged cliffs with breathtaking views of the Pacific and quaint seaside towns. If you stay in the Bay Area, go whale watching at Coos Bay or explore the region on a bike or a hike along the coastline. Antique shoppers will want to explore old town Bandon while golfers hit the links at the world-renowned Bandon Dunes golf course. And don’t forget to bring your fishing gear – you’ll want to cast for salmon and other Pacific Northwest fish at Gold Beach, one of the region’s top fishing spots.</p><p>The Central Oregon Coast is a great place for fishing, clamming, hiking, golfing and other outdoor activities. Take the kids and visit the Sea Lion Caves near Florence, the world’s largest. Head up to Newport for a view of the state’s second-tallest lighthouse and shopping in this seaside town popular with vacationers for the last century. Go fly a kite on the beach in Lincoln City, kite capital of the world.</p><p>The Northern Oregon Coast offers a relaxing way to enjoy the region. A stay in the scenic town of Astoria on the Washington border will allow you to explore the western edge of the Lewis and Clark trail, with views of the Columbia River and the Pacific. Walk the sandy beaches in Seaside and Cannon Beach and then grab saltwater taffy and other treats while shopping these seaside towns.</p>

The Algarve's sunny shores offer perfect escapes for all types, from those seeking the hot nightlife of flashy, energetic Lagos to those desiring secluded stays in rambling Sagres. Portugal's most southerly region offers historical attractions in former Moorish capital Silves and fascinating Tavira, great golf, fabulous beaches from Praia da Luz to Armacao de Pera, thermal springs at Caldas de Monchique, and miles of limestone caves and grottoes, cliffs and bays along its rugged coastline.