Three upstate towns were named the best budget vacation spots in the country
This year is even more exciting than usual, because MarketBeat just announced its list of the best "bougie on a budget" vacation spots, and New York has three locales listed in the top 10. (Coming in at No. 2 is Kaunakakai, Hawaii, so we're guessing airfare doesn't get included.)
Sitting pretty at No. 3 is New York's own Cold Spring, which has the added benefit of being served by Metro-North's Hudson line. A vacation that doesn't require a rental car? An autumnal delight! As MarketBeat writes: "Just an hour from NYC, this Hudson River village is full of antique shops, art galleries, and stylish cafés — all nestled between leafy mountains and the water's edge. Hike Breakneck Ridge, then reward yourself with rosé on a patio."
But as the outlet points out, the list isn't about traveling on a shoestring budget. These are all destinations that are redefining what luxury means. The price point might be lower, but that doesn't necessarily mean the thread count is, too.
Elsewhere in the Empire State, Saranac Lake clocks in at No. 6 ("Adirondack charm without Olympic crowds or prices"), while Hammondsport makes the top 50 at No. 43. The tri-state area also took another spot in the top 10 with fifth-place finisher Cape May, New Jersey: "Skip the bustle of Cape May proper and head a mile west to the Point. It's quieter, wilder, and full of dunes, shorebirds, and Victorian rentals tucked into quiet streets. Ride bikes, read on the porch, and enjoy the beach without the boardwalk noise," the ranking reads.
The top spot went to the charming Colorado spot, Twin Lakes. And while small towns abounded, major cities were notably absent from the list. Turns out, bougie on a budget is a lot easier to achieve the further away you get from an airport.
The MarketBeat ranking comes courtesy of 3,011 travel professionals, all of whom voted via an online survey. Click here for the full list.
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Time Out
3 hours ago
- Time Out
Three upstate towns were named the best budget vacation spots in the country
We're now in that time of year when it feels like we may never feel cold again, but this is the home stretch! And what better way to suffer through air quality alerts and triple-digit temperatures than with a little armchair travel and/or vacation planning for when the weather finally cools? That's right, we're talking about fall foliage season day trips. This year is even more exciting than usual, because MarketBeat just announced its list of the best "bougie on a budget" vacation spots, and New York has three locales listed in the top 10. (Coming in at No. 2 is Kaunakakai, Hawaii, so we're guessing airfare doesn't get included.) Sitting pretty at No. 3 is New York's own Cold Spring, which has the added benefit of being served by Metro-North's Hudson line. A vacation that doesn't require a rental car? An autumnal delight! As MarketBeat writes: "Just an hour from NYC, this Hudson River village is full of antique shops, art galleries, and stylish cafés — all nestled between leafy mountains and the water's edge. Hike Breakneck Ridge, then reward yourself with rosé on a patio." But as the outlet points out, the list isn't about traveling on a shoestring budget. These are all destinations that are redefining what luxury means. The price point might be lower, but that doesn't necessarily mean the thread count is, too. Elsewhere in the Empire State, Saranac Lake clocks in at No. 6 ("Adirondack charm without Olympic crowds or prices"), while Hammondsport makes the top 50 at No. 43. The tri-state area also took another spot in the top 10 with fifth-place finisher Cape May, New Jersey: "Skip the bustle of Cape May proper and head a mile west to the Point. It's quieter, wilder, and full of dunes, shorebirds, and Victorian rentals tucked into quiet streets. Ride bikes, read on the porch, and enjoy the beach without the boardwalk noise," the ranking reads. The top spot went to the charming Colorado spot, Twin Lakes. And while small towns abounded, major cities were notably absent from the list. Turns out, bougie on a budget is a lot easier to achieve the further away you get from an airport. The MarketBeat ranking comes courtesy of 3,011 travel professionals, all of whom voted via an online survey. Click here for the full list.
The Herald Scotland
5 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland's best ice cream shops to enjoy a cone with dreamy views
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Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Daily Record
The Scottish village with nearby castle hosting 'thrilling' family fair this weekend
For many people in Scotland, August is dominated by the Edinburgh Fringe. While the legendary arts festival is well worth visiting the capital for, there is lots else going on around the country that is worth checking out this month. For the Daily Record's latest Village of the Week, we have chosen a charming little settlement near a castle that is hosting an incredible festival this weekend. Thornhill is a small village in Dumfries and Galloway that is known for its wide streets and opulent Victorian villas. Just a few miles out of the village is Drumlanrig Castle and Gardens, which are situated on the 90,000 acre Queensberry Estate and date back to the 17th century. While the castle is worth a visit any time of year, this weekend it is hosting the Galloway Country Fair. Taking place on August 9 and August 10, the annual fair is a weekend event that celebrates countryside and family life. Each year, it transforms the tranquil grounds of Drumlanrig Castle into a bustling hub of rural fun and "thrilling entertainment" for the entire family. Headlining the action this year is the Stannage Stunt Team, who will perform jaw-dropping motorcycle and fire stunts. Meanwhile, OG Performance Jousting will put on an adrenaline-filled display of medieval skill. In terms of what's on exclusively for little ones, The Kids' Zone is jam-packed with activities such as free mini quads, bouncy castles, and laser quest. For a small fee, children can even enjoy bumper cars, a bungee trampoline, and a giant inflatable fun course. There will be plenty to enjoy when it comes to food and drink at the Galloway Country Fair too. There will be lots of stalls selling everything from artisan hot dogs to fish and chips, as well as donuts, crepes, and ice cream. Meanwhile, Thornhill is well worth exploring all on its own—with a number of shops and cafés dotted around its High Street. The village is also home to the Drumlanrig Cafe restaurant, where you can enjoy a proper meal. Read on for some images that show why Gairloch is worth a visit this August. Meanwhile, more information about the Galloway Country Fair can be found on the Drumlanrig Castle website. For further travel inspiration, a few of our past Towns and Villages of the Week can be found here:
