Disneyland (California)

Let me start by saying Disney WORLD is the most magical place on earth and you need to dedicate at least 4 days to a week to that adventure. However, DisneyLAND in California is a spot you can conquer in 1-2 days.

DisneyLAND was Walt’s first creation in 1955. It was an instant success, and, in 1971 Disney World became the bigger and more astounding version in Florida. If you’re going to go to any Disney spot, Disney World should be first on your list. However, if you are on the West Coast and Disneyland is easier for you to get to, here are some tips to on what to do and see!

DisneyLand has two parks: Disneyland Park, which is your typical Disney park: castle at the centerpiece with Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, etc.; AND California Adventure Park which I found most similar to Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. Both parks are right across from one another, and Downtown Disney is just a walk away. The layout is much more convenient than Disney World, as you can walk to everything Disney.

If you plan accordingly, you can do both parks in one day, just get a park hopper pass. Otherwise, you can spend one day at each park. Let’s start with Disneyland Park. Before you go, fast pass any major rides you want to do and plan your day around those times. Upon arrival, explore the charm and shops of Main Street USA. Get your picture in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle, then explore it. Pick out a dress and head to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (this is for ages 3-12, so adult princesses, we’re out of luck). Then, make it your goal to hit up every “land.” I always like to start at Tomorrowland and travel counterclockwise, but choose your own adventure. Make sure to check out the latest addition: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. You definitely feel like you’ve left Disney and are on a Star Wars set. 

There are a lot of famous rides that are similar to Disney World like Dumbo, Tea Cups, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Thunder Mountain, It’s A Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean Space Mountain, and Splash Mountain, to name a few.

But some rides differ, like Finding Nemo is in a submarine, and The Matterhorn is not at Disney World at all.

Outside the Tiki Room, they serve Dole Whip floats (pineapple soft serve with pineapple juice) which I’m now obsessed with. Its super sweet and refreshing. 

The best parades and night shows can be seen at Disneyland Park. Especially their Fireworks and, my personal favorite, Fantasmic. Tip: the Pirates bridge is the best place to watch Fantasmic from. 

Onto California Adventure! Even though I said California Adventure is most similar to Disney World’s Hollywood studios, it has a lot of differences that I think make it really special and unique. For starters, the famous Tower of Terror ride has been transformed into Guardians of the Galaxy. The live Frozen Show gives the Broadway one a run for its money and is a perfect way to break up your day and cool down from the afternoon sun. This show runs longer than your typical Disney show (about an hour) so hit up the bathroom before you get in line. My absolute favorite thing about this park: Pixar Pier. Not only is the pier beautiful, but I LOVE Pixar films and am so happy they are celebrated in such a special way! And the Ferris Wheel will give you the most beautiful view in the entire park. California Adventure offers other shows, parades, and nighttime extravaganzas as well, so make sure to put those on your schedule, if you have time.

Between seeing your favorite characters, riding nostalgic rides, and escaping the real world to be immersed in magic, you can’t go wrong with Disneyland. I’m Jillian Lawton, and thank you for reading 10-Minute Travel Tips: Weekend Getaways. Please check out the corresponding YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BznbGlqnP1c

Old Orchard Beach, ME

Old Orchard Beach, ME

Old Orchard Beach, located in southern Maine, has a population of 9,000 full-time residents, but the town hosts up to 75,000 during the summer. The location is complete with a beach, downtown, Amusement park, and pier. A delight for every member of your family.

The hotels mostly tend to be family run inns with a cottage-y feel. Many are on the water and have a perfect view! I recommend The Edgewater. Make sure to book at least 6 months in advance!

All kinds of shops and restaurants line the street and are hoppin’ both day and night!

Tip: make sure to try the lobster rolls and malt vinegar fries. 

While the amusement park is open all day, the lights at nighttime make it sensational. And who doesn’t love a ferris wheel ride after a few drinks?

Don’t forget to hit up the Pier for some nightlife. Reminder: everything is within walking distance!

I’m Jillian Lawton, and thanks for reading 10-Minute Travel Tips: Weekend Getaways.

Nashville, TN

Nashville, Tennessee: the home of country music. What many may picture as a quaint, southern community has become a high-energy, bustling party town. The main action happens on Broadway. Wall to wall open air bars and restaurants have live music pouring out of them as you walk by, complete with an air of hope and determination. The streets are flooded with bachelor and bachelorette parties, as this is now one of America’s top destinations for such. 

What to do: if you love country music, obviously hit up the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and take in as much as the country scene as you can. Everyone else: be prepared for a weekend of bar hopping. Most things are conveniently located on Broadway, so there’s no need to drive anywhere. Tired of sitting inside a bar? Might I suggest a pedal bar. Shockingly there’s only one bull in town at the Wild Beaver Saloon. Hop on it before you’ve had a few too many. Make sure to hydrate and get plenty of food in. Some of my favorite restaurants include: The Southern and Pucketts for brunch and Merchants for dinner. And, as you can imagine, the nightlife is poppin’. Don’t worry, you can find plenty of dance spots that play all kinds of music, not just country.

Accommodations. Like I said, most attractions are on or near Broadway, so be sure to secure a hotel within walking distance. My hotel choice: Holston House Nashville.  Enter to a cool, contemporary lobby. Rooms have a clean, updated feel. And the rooftop hosts a beautiful pool and bar.

For me, three days in Nashville was the perfect amount of time. Country music fans as well as folks just looking for a lively trip are sure to leave “Grinning like a possum eating a sweet potato.” 

Thank you for reading 10-Minute Travel Tips Weekend Getaways: Nashville. Please check out the corresponding video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvTEPb5PT3s&t=1s

Sleepy Hollow, NY

Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow, Nyack, and Tarrytown are a cluster of towns less than an hour north of New York City that are a must for your Halloweekend!

One of the best things to do at Halloween is visit the Jack O'Latern Blaze, with over 5,000 Jack O'Lanters! Don’t worry, it’s not scary! Make sure you pre-order you tickets for this one! The blaze is an ideal family event to make your Halloween season special. The artistry in the hand-carved pumpkins is spectacular and spending the evening outdoors, just a gallop away from the headless horseman’s stomping grounds, makes this a perfect location for Halloween fun!

Other attractions include taking a tour of Lyndhurst mansion in Tarrytown, and checking out downtown Nyack.  Go to Hickery Dickery Dock Gift Shop for souvenirs and Strawberry Place for breakfast (do yourself a favor and order the cookie dough pancakes).

Stay at the Time Nyack hotel. Extremely inexpensive rates paired with high-end, whimsical decor and a bustling bar and restaurant make this hotel not only super cool, but very accessible for any budget. 

I’m Jillian Lawton, and thanks for reading 10-Minute Travel Tips: Weekend Getaways. Please check out the corresponding video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDT1x5PetV4