Tag: places

10 Best Places to Live on the East Coast

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From the lush forests and rugged coastline of Maine to the dreamy white-sand beaches of Florida, our country’s Eastern Seaboard is brimming with picture-perfect landscapes, natural wonders, historic landmarks, and unique cultural experiences that draw newcomers from around the world. But the East Coast, which consists of 14 states and the District of Columbia, is also home to some of the wealthiest and most economically developed metro areas in the country, along with all eight Ivy League colleges and many other top-rated educational institutions, making the area a fertile ground for innovation and professionals seeking better job opportunities and career advancement.

So, if you’re considering relocating to one of the states that border the Atlantic Ocean, we compiled a list of the best places to live on the East Coast with the highest standard of living and a wealth of recreational opportunities.


Portland, Maine

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With more than 17 million acres of forests, Maine certainly lives up to its moniker of the Pine Tree State. And as its most populous metro area, Portland is at the center of its cultural and economic life. The city, which just topped U.S. News & World Report‘s latest ranking of the best cities to live on the East Coast for its low crime rates and the overall well-being of its residents, attracts newcomers with its natural beauty, bustling art scene, and laid-back outdoorsy lifestyle.

“We’re afforded such an abundance of options to enjoy the outdoors: swimming, boating, hiking, biking, rowing, running, skiing, and climbing,” Jennifer Sweeney, a broker at Town & Shore Real Estate, told Travel + Leisure. “Portland is a walkable gem of a city on the working waterfront, marrying rich history with ever-evolving culture.”

She added that some of the most popular neighborhoods for first-time homeowners in greater Portland include South Portland, which “offers more of a seaside suburban vibe, with pet- and kid-friendly beaches and access to trails,” and Cape Elizabeth for its picture-perfect coastline, Fort Williams Park, and highly rated school system. 



Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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Located along the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth’s well-rated public schools are

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Virginia’s ‘Lake Tahoe of the East’ Is One of the Ideal Places to Obtain a Family vacation Household in the U.S.

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Established towards the towering Blue Ridge Mountains, this scenic lake is generally in contrast to Lake Tahoe and gives abundant recreational activities.

Virginia might be regarded for its charming modest cities, lots of wineries, and historic landmarks, but the Aged Dominion is also house to amazing lakes that attract vacationers from close to and considerably. Situation in position: Smith Mountain Lake in central Virginia was recently named one particular of the finest places to commit in a 2nd home, according to Evolve, rating larger than other more notable spots this kind of as Pocono Lake in Pennsylvania and Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks.

Kelsey Johnson/Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation

Nicknamed the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains” and “Lake Tahoe of the East,” the human-created Smith Mountain Lake features 500 miles of scenic shoreline and two dozen islands. It spans 40 miles, creating it the 2nd-biggest human body of water in Virginia, with outstanding recreational possibilities year-spherical. Whether it is really h2o athletics, climbing, boating, swimming, fishing, or golfing, the location is a magnet for travelers looking for outside adventures on and off the lake’s crystal clear waters.

<p>Joel Mulbah/Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation</p>

Joel Mulbah/Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation

“Smith Mountain lake helps make you come to feel like you are dwelling as soon as you get below,” Brenda Fichtner Bratt, a realtor with Lengthy & Foster Serious Estate, advised Vacation + Leisure, noting that the regional serious estate industry is still likely sturdy irrespective of the nationwide downturn. In accordance to knowledge from Evolve, the median listing rate was $462,772, with homes reaching a cap amount of 5.1 %. That, coupled with an approximated annually rental profits of $33,692, made the spot a single of the best-doing trip rental markets in the region.

<p>John Henley/Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation</p>

John Henley/Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Company

“Houses, condos, and city properties are rented 12 months-round because our spot has quite gentle seasons in comparison to our neighboring states,” additional Bratt. One more draw for second-household prospective buyers? Taxes.

“The greater part of my purchasers occur from locations such as northern Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, New

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The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2023

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With much of the world reopened, 2023 is shaping up to be the year travel officially bounces back. We made our list of the 50 best destinations for 2023 a little differently this year: We asked Travel + Leisure’s editors where they want to go in the months ahead. Some are raring to get back to Japan, while others have the Trans-Bhutan Trail on their lists. Still more are planning a sail around Greenland, a wine-tasting trip on California’s central coast, and a visit to France’s next big wine region (which is, as it happens, tiny).


A few up-and-coming culinary destinations made our list, as did a remarkable piece of art, the size and scale of which boggles the imagination. While many of the team’s picks are remote, breathe-in-that-fresh-air kinds of places, our list doesn’t skimp on cities where the hustle and bustle is part of the fun.


But with so many choices now back on the map, there are as many styles of trips as there are places to explore. That’s why, for the first time in recent memory, we’ve broken our list of best places to go into categories.


The hope is that, whatever it is you’re after in the year ahead, you’ll find it in one of these 50 places. And who knows? We may just see you there.


— Edited by Paul Brady and Maya Kachroo-Levine



Destination by Category




For Cultural Riches

Alexandria, Virginia

K. Summerer for Visit Alexandria



With postcard-perfect cobblestone streets and quick access to the wineries of northern Virginia, Alexandria is an easy city to love. But these days, the reason to go is to see how effectively the city is confronting its own history, as destinations across the American South grapple with the legacy of the Confederacy. Alexandria, which was founded as a tobacco port in 1749, was for decades of the 19th century the site of the country’s largest domestic slave trade. Today, the Freedom House Museum has three new exhibitions honoring the people who were forcibly brought here. Meanwhile, the African American Heritage Trail, which opened in 2020, follows

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12 Best Places to Buy a Lake House in the U.S. in 2023

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Lakes are quintessential all-American vacation destinations. Regardless of which side of the lake versus ocean debate you fall on, you can’t argue with the fact that the former provides a year-round reprieve from our busy lives, along with an endless supply of water sports, idyllic views, and cool breezes. And with approximately 480,000 lakes dotting the continental U.S., chances are there’s a natural or man-made option a quick drive from your home.


So, no wonder lakefront properties are an increasingly popular real estate investment. But as demand has risen, so have prices. That’s why vacation rental company Evolve put together a list of the best places to buy a lake house in 2023.


Ron and Patty Thomas/Getty Images



The company looked at three main factors when evaluating the data: median home value, estimated yearly expenses, and vacation rental performance metrics for lake house destinations across the U.S.


“When determining the best places to buy a lake house, we look at destinations that have advantages for both potential investors and future guests,” Louis Olds, director of real estate at Evolve, told Travel + Leisure. “For investors, we present the Evolve Difference as a way to help lake house owners maximize income and exceed the projected revenue of the market. For guests, we showcase desirable locations that have the right atmosphere for relaxation, natural beauty, and many ways to have fun.”


Keep reading to find 12 of the best places to buy a lake house in the U.S.



Saranac Lake, New York

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This historic mountain town in the Adirondacks tops Evolve’s ranking, thanks to its affordable median home prices ($250,190) and great rental potential ($25,294). Located in upstate New York — with proximity to not one but several lakes, including Lake Placid — the charming destinations has a bustling cultural scene with year-round activities, events, markets, and festivals, only adding to its appeal with renters. In the winter, the town becomes a major ski destination. Visitors can enjoy 15 acres of skiable terrain that’s also perfect for snow tubing and snowshoeing.



Branson, Missouri

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Branson is a

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Here’s what You Missed at This Year’s Ritz-Carlton Grand Prix of Amelia Island

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This year’s Ritz-Carlton Grand Prix of Amelia Island was a sight to behold. The event, which took place on March 9-11, featured some of the world’s best classic cars competing in several races. In addition to the races, there was also a Concours d’ Elegance is a judged event that allows car owners to show off their prized vehicles. One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s Ritz-Carlton Grand Prix of Amelia Island was the return of the Ferrari Challenge. This race, which is only open to Ferrari owners, is always one of the most popular events of the weekend. This year’s Ritz-Carlton Grand Prix of Amelia Island was an event not to be missed. If you are already planning on attending next year’s event, we have some advice: get your tickets early! This event always sells out quickly, view what Ritz Carlton Amelia Island has to offer.

History of Ritz-Carlton Grand Prix of Amelia Island

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Prix of Amelia Island is a historic racing event on the island of Amelia Island, Florida. The event was held in 1996 and has been held every year since. The race is run on a street course that winds its way through the resort community of Amelia Island. The Ritz-Carlton Grand Prix of Amelia Island is one of the most popular racing events in the United States and attracts some of the world’s top racing drivers. The race was created by Bob Rubin, who also played a significant role in the creation of the Detroit Grand Prix. Rubin wanted to create a street race to showcase Amelia Island’s resort community.

The first race was held on March 3, 1996, and featured 24 cars. Canadian won the race driver Jacques Villeneuve. In the years since the Ritz-Carlton Grand Prix of Amelia Island has become one of the most popular races in the United States. The race attracts some of the world’s top racing drivers and is televised live on ESPN.

2022 Ritz-Carlton Grand Prix

The 2022 Ritz-Carlton Grand Prix of Amelia Island was eventful. Here’s a quick rundown of what … Read More...

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20 Best Places to Visit in Upstate New York

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Occasionally, when I tell people I’m from New York, their reaction is something along the lines of, “But you don’t sound like you’re from New York.” I wonder, have they forgotten there’s a whole state beyond the Big Apple?


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But upstate New York, with its majestic mountains, abundance of lakes, and charming small towns, is anything but forgettable as anyone who has been to the region knows. For those who haven’t yet visited, or want to see more of it, here are 20 of the best places to visit in upstate New York.



Conesus Lake

Debora Truax/Getty Images

Conesus Lake is the westernmost Finger Lake, drawing crowds every year for its July 3rd Ring of Fire, when 10,000 flares are lit along its periphery as fireworks explode overhead. Nearby, the tiny hamlet of Lakeville is home to the Little Lake Brewing brewery, one of the stops along the new Livingston Libation Loop that maps out wineries, cideries, and craft microbreweries around the county. While there, don’t miss the recently installed street murals and art along the 90-mile self-guided Inspirations Trail.



Cooperstown

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The National Baseball Hall of Fame is just one of the notable attractions worth visiting in this quaint New York village. The Fenimore Art Museum, built on land once owned by novelist James Fenimore Cooper, features an impressive collection of American art, and the Glimmerglass Festival, held each summer, lures opera lovers from far and wide. Visitors to nearby Howe Caverns (about 38 miles east), can go caving or spelunking at New York state’s second-most visited natural attraction.



Letchworth State Park

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Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park features an impressive gorge carved out over centuries by the Genesee River. You’ll find dozens of camera-ready waterfalls where the river dramatically crashes down along shale, limestone, and sandstone cliffs that rise 550 feet at their highest point. A recently built Autism Nature Trail, the first in the country designed for people on the autism spectrum, includes eight marked sensory stations spread across a one-mile loop.



Niagara

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