Located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee is the headquarters for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Signs around town are in English and Cherokee, and the city itself is anchored by the Harrah's Cherokee Casino. The tourist-oriented area is rich in outdoor activities for the entire family. The tribe runs a botanical garden, cultural museum, Indian village recreation, historical dramas, and an arts and crafts center.

Surrounded on all sides by snow-capped peaks and set at the narrow head of a deep valley, Ouray touts itself as the "Switzerland of America." With no nearby ski area to attract the tourism of other alpine Colorado towns, Ouray has kept much of its authentic turn-of-the-century charm. The whole town is registered as a Historic District and includes many buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Its free Ice Park attracts amateur and pro ice climbers from around the world.

Situated ideally at the center between the Lincoln National Forest to the south and the northeast and the Valley of Fires State Park to the northwest, Ruidoso is a still-sleepy mountain town despite its recent growth and popularity with tourists. The majestic Sierra Blanca towers over the city, tempting snow bunnies to the slopes of nearby Ski Apache. The race track at Ruidoso Downs and the casino at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort promise chance and adventure of a different sort.

Is there any possible way Las Vegas could not be on our "best nightlife" list? The only way we could possibly omit it is on a technicality—since you can do pretty much anything 24/7 in Vegas, it might be wrong to call it "nightlife."

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!

This popular resort town is located just a mile from Windermere Lake, the largest lake in England and alleged home to more than one peculiar sea creature. If we've scared you out of skiing, boating and fishing in Windermere Lake, there's always horseback riding and golf. Or you can explore the lake from the safety of a ferryboat, which regularly takes passengers from Hawkshead to Bowness.

When the beach is two kilometers wide, there's plenty of room for everyone. Sunbathe on the beach at St. Peter-Ording, or find your way to the nude beaches for an all-over glow. Treat yourself to spa services, try kite surfing and other seaside sports, or spend time at the Duenentherme water park and saunas for rest and relaxation any time of year.