5 Last-Minute Spring Break Getaways
Haven't booked a Spring break trip yet but hankering to leave your city? Don't despair, there's still time to schedule an amazing trip in April to a destination that's only a few hours away. We've rounded-up our favorite Spring getaways below. Offering exciting festivals, top-notch weather and beautiful scenery, all of these places are guaranteed to help you relax and breathe a sigh of much-needed relief.
Oheka Castle (Credit: Oheka)
Long Island Gold Coast
If you live in New York City and really don't want to venture far, the Long Island Gold Coast can be a great place to visit in the Spring, when the gardens open up and the homes look even more spectacular.
Stay: For a truly authentic experience, book at room at the Oheka Castle, one of the more incredible historic mansions from 1919 that has been transformed into a luxurious hotel.
Do: From Oheka, you can easily drive out to visit the rest of the mansions like the Vanderbilt Museum, which not only has a beautiful house and garden, but also a planetarium for kids; Coe Hall, which still sits on its original 409 acres and features many of the original furniture pieces; and Old Westbury House, which is under construction, though the 200 acres of gardens open for the season on April 20.
Eat: Treat yourself to one of the most inventive tasting menus in New York at Maroni's Cusine, where you'll enjoy a 20-course meal that is like nothing you've ever had. Or stay in and check out the menu at OHK Bar & Restaurant at Oheka Castle, which delivers French and European staples in an elegant setting.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge (credit: Capilano Bridge)
Vancouver, Canada
Consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the world for its mild climate and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, Vancouver is also one of our favorite places to visit, especially in April when the rainy season ends and the warmer season begins.
Stay: If you want to experience luxury in Vancouver, there's no better place to do it than the historic Rosewood Hotel Georgia. Having once hosted the likes of Marlene Dietrich, Elvis Presley, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra, the hotel is surely one of the most beautiful in the city, with Art Deco design details and multiple grand marble staircases.
Do: It wouldn't be a Spring round-up without cherry blossoms. Vancouver delivers with its annual Cherry Blossom Festival, taking place almost the entire month from April 4-28. Of course, you should also visit the other famous sites; go biking in Stanley Park, take a stroll around the incredibly lush Butchart Gardens, and – if you dare – go for a climb on the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a daring 230 feet above the ground.
Eat: Often named the best seafood restaurant in Vancouver, Blue Water Café is known not only for its unparalleled food, but also for its commitment to sustainability; the Vancouver Aquarium recommends it for its ocean friendly seafood choices. Of course, Vancouver is also known for its diversity and its food scene reflects that; check out Mak N Ming, a tiny Japanese fusion restaurant with a stellar, seasonal tasting menu.
The Ordinary Raw Bar (credit: The Ordinary)
Charleston, South Carolina
The absolutely beautiful Southern city of Charleston really comes alive in April, when many of the historic homes open up their doors for the annual Festival of Houses & Gardens. Charleston offers ample entertainment and activities for the whole family.
Stay: Go back in time to the Wentworth Hotel, an 1866 landmark grand home that has been transformed into a luxurious hotel and spa. With many of the original details preserved, like hand-carved marble fireplaces and Tiffany stained glass, the Wentworth is the perfect place to go to feel like a pampered member of Charleston's upper class.
Do: Running from March 13 - April 18, the 2019 Festival of Houses & Gardens is an amazing time to visit some of the glorious homes that dot the historic district of Charleston. Different tours run on different days, so be sure to check their website to sign up for the tours that interest you. History buffs can take the ferry to Fort Sumter (where the Civil War began), and kids will love the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry. Dip your toes in the ocean at Sullivan's Island, or burn a hole in your wallet at the shops at King's Street.
Eat: Charleston is a real foodie city with some of the best restaurants in the entire country, so be sure to come hungry when you visit. Some must-tries include oysters and seafood at the Ordinary; Southern classics in a fine-dining setting at FIG; and modern takes on heirloom ingredients at Husk. Be sure to make your reservations in advance though; these places are always full of culinary adventurers from around the country.
Amsterdam King's Day (credit: Remi Mathis)
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Yes, Amsterdam might be a bit far, but hear us out. April during King's Day is the best time to visit the quaint European city, and a weeklong Spring break is the perfect amount of time to spend soaking up its multiple charms.
Stay: The modern interiors of the Sofitel Legend Grand Hotel in Amsterdam belie its 300-year-old age thanks to transformative renovation project by architect Sybille de Margerie. Contemporary rooms offer window seats that overlook the boats moving back-and-forth in the canal, while a zen-like courtyard provides a welcome place of reflection.
Do: If you manage to be in Amsterdam on April 27, make sure you pack an orange outfit and join the country for its annual national King's Day celebrations. The entire city transforms into a giant festival for the occasion, when restaurants set up stalls selling treats in the streets, stores hawk goods at flea markets, and locals cram onto boats and take to the river, often with balloons or a drink or two in hand.
Eat: For those who wish to dine in a Michelin-starred spot, look no further than the Sofitel Legend, where Bridges serves up excellent fish and seafood dishes. There are also wonderful more casual options in Amsterdam, like Stork, an al fresco restaurant in a former factory building with views of the river. Or grab a drink from Proeflokaal Arendsnest, where you'll find around 50 Dutch beers on tap.
Tucson from the J.W. Marriott (credit: J.W. Marriott)
Tucson, Arizona
If you just need to get away from the cold once and for all, then the natural beauty of Tucson, Arizona might be for you. The desert landscape makes for a stunning backdrop for outdoor and activities and wellness treatments.
Stay: For a total break from the pressures and stresses of everyday life, book a stay at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. Offering an Arnold-Palmer-designed golf course and easy access to beautiful trails and hikes, the hotel certainly has some of the most stunning and serene views of the arid landscape's desert and the Tortolita Mountains.
Do: Tucson hosts two fun festivals every April, making it a great time to visit; the Arizona International Film Festival and the Tucson International Mariachi Conference. If those two hobbies aren't your scene, however, you can take in the beautiful scenery on one of the many mountain trails or go golfing at one of the 40 world-class courses.
Eat: The semi-official food of Tucson is the Sonoran Hot Dog, a bacon-wrapped hot dog in a toasted bun, covered in beans, chopped tomato, onions, mustard, jalapeno, and mayonnaise. Get one from the favorite food truck La Carrreta del Rorro or from the more established restaurant El Güero Canelo. For a drink, check out the Owls Club, a former funeral home that's been converted into an eerie and atmospheric whiskey bar.