It seems like every time of year is "in season" in Lenox, a small Berkshire town that has been a popular retreat since the 19th century. In summer, picnic on the lawn at Tanglewood, the Boston Symphony Orchestra's summer home. In fall, when foliage peaks, take to the hiking and biking paths of the Pleasant Valley Sanctuary to immerse yourself in the vibrant colours of the mountains. Winter visitors enjoy skiing at a number of resorts and cross-country trails, and in spring, hikers and golfers practice their pastimes in splendid settings. Rejuvenating treatments and pampering, at the well-known Cranwell Spa, are favored all year long.

The Berkshires are home to an impressive collection of cultural and historic sights. Get your fill of music, art and theatre at Tanglewood, the Boston Symphony's summer home, MASS MoCA, the country's largest contemporary art centre, the Norman Rockwell Museum and the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Recreational opportunities also abound, including snowshoeing, snowboarding, skiing, rafting, kayaking, fishing and golf. The Berkshires are an easy drive, just two and a half hours from Boston and New York.

Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, this former iron-mining town today is the quintessential Vermont getaway, complete with a white steeple church, antique shops and cozy country inns. Manchester is a true all-season destination. In winter, skiers arrive to hit the downhill slopes at nearby Bromley and Stratton Mountains or the cross-country trails at Hildene. Spring and summer bring hikers who can opt for easy treks through Merrick Forest or more challenging ones like Prospect Rock, a three-mile hike, mostly uphill, that offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains as reward to those who make it. Manchester fly-fishing is also a popular pastime, drawing enthusiasts from around the country who come to learn or hone their skills. Big name outlet stores in Manchester Centre draw shoppers year-round. In the fall, it's all about foliage. Enjoy the vibrant colours from a canoe on the mighty Battenkill River, a bicycle along a scenic path or kick back and take it all in from a comfy rocking chair on the porch of a historic inn. No matter what your vantage point, the show is always spectacular.

A short ride away from New York City on the Metro North commuter rail, Poughkeepsie sits on the banks of the Hudson River. The close proximity of Vassar College and the Culinary Institute of America guarantees the presence of fun boutiques and fine dining. Main Mall Row, a group of 1870s Renaissance Revival storefronts along Poughkeepsie's Main Street is on the National Register of Historic Places. The twenty-two surrounding parks provide the opportunity to take a relaxing break from city life.

Springfield is perhaps best known as the birthplace of basketball and home of the Basketball Hall of Fame. (The story goes that local physical education teacher James Naismith invented the sport to fill the gaps between football and baseball seasons.) But this historic town on the shores of the Connecticut River is famous for a few other reasons and definitely worth a quick jaunt or weekend away. Springfield was the birthplace and home of beloved children's author and illustrator, Theodore Geisel, Dr. Seuss. In fact, the Zoo in Forest Park, a sure hit with the kids, is said to be the inspiration for many of his wild and wacky tales. Wander through the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, at the Quadrangle, for a look at the Cat in the Hat and Yertle the Turtle cast in bronze. The city served as a major arsenal during the Revolutionary War, a role that is commemorated at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, which displays an enormous collection of small pistols. History buffs will also enjoy the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum, a tribute to the ordinary people of the region who, during various periods in time, did extraordinary things.

For a town that was no more than a fishing camp and a few farms fifty years ago, Port Saint Lucie has grown to be a lovely holiday spot. Port Saint Lucie is the location of the spring training camp for the New York Mets. Visit Tradition Field and see how the team is shaping up for the coming season. Then, if you love to golf, head over to the PGA Village, a 51-hole complex with a learning centre and historical centre. To the east of Port Saint Lucie is the Atlantic Ocean, so you'll want to schedule at least one day for the beach. Port Saint Lucie is also located just north of the Saint Lucie River, so you can explore the beauty of the river region on the St. Lucie River Princess. You'll cruise in comfort and be taken by the breathtaking scenery of natural Florida. The cruise is shaded from the sun and narrated for your education and entertainment. Cruises start in the afternoon, so you can spend a leisurely morning first. You can also explore nature on foot by hiking in the Savannas Preserve State Park. The park also offers canoe trips and guided explorations. No trip to Port Saint Lucie would be complete without a visit to Lily's Cafe. It serves great food at great prices. If you're lucky, Lily herself might be your waitress. If you're feeling more exotic, El Cubanito serves Cuban cuisine in a family atmosphere. Other restaurants include seafood, Indian cuisine, and American cuisine.

A true family destination, Westport boasts magnificent scenery, golf facilities, recreational fishing, sailing and yachting, beach swimming, hiking and cycling trails, and (to top it all off) a placed called Pirate Adventure Park. What kid wouldn't love this place? Visit in September and you'll witness the exciting Westport Arts Festival, perfect for all ages. And Westport was Google Earth's first fully 3D town, so you can relive the memories from your computer when you get home!

Brigitte Bardot frolicked on the beaches of St. Tropez in the '50s; now it's the playground of rap stars and international socialites. Most of the sandy hot spots lie southwest of town on the Baie de Pampelonne. But if you're not P. Diddy, take heart: you'll find a few family-friendly, public beaches where the sun, sand and waves are just as fabulous.