A rich 300-year history, a thriving arts community and seemingly endless wilderness make this New York capital city on the Hudson River a great weekend getaway. Outdoor enthusiasts come here to ski, hike, canoe and fish; trout and small-mouth bass fishing is among the best in the U.S. Mountains surround the city, and the tapestry of golds and reds on an autumn day is breathtaking. The city is dominated by an elaborate 10-building complex that includes the State Capitol; the New York State Museum, with life-like dioramas such as American Indian life and an Adirondack logging operation; and the oval-shaped Empire State Performing Arts Centre, nicknamed "The Egg." History buffs will enjoy the colonial homes, historic churches and museums, and can tour 18th-century mansions, like the Schuyler, a superb example of pre-Revolutionary War architecture. Whether nature or history is your passion, you'll find an abundance of both in this upstate New York gem.

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.

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.

Named one of the top ten small art towns in the country, Brattleboro's downtown is packed with coffee shops, bookstores, and art galleries. Over the course of a year, the town hosts world class jazz concerts, film festivals, and theater companies. Since 1922, Brattleboro has also been home to the Harris Hill Ski Jump, an annual winter tradition that brings thousands of spectators to the town to watch as some of the world's best athletes tackle the death-defying 90-meter ski jump.

Known as Vermont's best skiing mountain, Killington is the biggest ski area in New England. With steep slopes for advanced downhill skiers and several trails that crisscross the mountain for cross-country fanatics, it is no wonder that this is the most popular place to ski in New England.

Lynchburg, Virginia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has had a prosperous history, serving as a center of trade, the home of numerous notable personages, and the site of the official end of the Civil War. Visit Appomattox Court House, where Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant. The house and gardens of Harlem Renaissance poet Anne Spencer, the landmarked Old City Cemetery and Thomas Jefferson's retreat at Poplar Forest are also open for tours.

The comforts of a friendly, small-town atmosphere combined with the pleasures of big-city life make Grand Rapids an ideal choice for a fun getaway with a host of indoor and outdoor activities. Once known as the furniture capital of the world, the city has a reinvigorated downtown area and a thriving arts and cultural community. Its most popular attraction is the museum dedicated to native son Gerald R. Ford, 38th US President, where interactive exhibits take you to the White House and the 1976 Republican National Convention. Wander through the state's largest tropical conservatory at the Frederik Meijer Gardens, a magical wonderland of gardens, woodlands and over 100 bronze statues by famous artists, including Leonardo da Vinci's 24-foot bronze horse. More outdoor fun is half an hour away at the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan. Golf lovers have plenty of places to hit the greens since Grand Rapids has more privately owned, daily-fee, public courses than any other US city. Wind up your busy weekend with a cold beer at the Hair of the Frog Brewery or the Grand Rapids Brewing Company.

Named after Abraham Lincoln, this state capital is a great place for children, history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. Soak in the panoramic view of the city from the observation tower of the 400-foot-high capitol building. The white stone Art Deco spire can be seen from miles around. Then take a tour of the building and its grounds, where you'll find a Lincoln monument created by the same artist who sculpted the famous Lincoln statue in Washington, DC. While you're on a history roll, visit the Governor's Mansion, whose Georgian Colonial exterior belies the varied architectural styles inside, and make sure and see the collection of dolls representing the state's first ladies dressed in their inaugural gowns. Kids will love the Folsom Children's Zoo & Botanical Gardens, where they can circle the zoo in a miniature train and see over 300 animals living among spectacular gardens. For some outdoor fun, head to one of the city's beautiful parks, the largest of which is Wilderness Park. The hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails will keep you on the move for hours.

Everyone knows Aspen as a top-notch winter resort town. But outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy it in the summer, too, when the mountains become a perfect setting for hiking, biking and horseback tours. Some may be surprised to find it’s a top romance destination—but after all that outdoor exercise, who wouldn’t want to repair to a luxurious hotel room or a cozy, firelit bar?

The biggest draws to St. Thomas are beautiful beaches and duty-free shopping. Once your luggage is full of china, crystal, liquor and jewelry, you can explore life outside the markets, and there's no shortage of options.  You can visit Fort Christian, the 17th century Dutch stronghold; swim or snorkel in the calm blue waters of Magens Bay; hop a ferry to St. John; or just lie beside the pool with a daiquiri.

Seattle's petite downtown area and many attractions make it possible to pack a week’s experience into a weekend. Grab a latte and start at the world-famous Pike Place Market. Watch the fish fly and then head to the Space Needle for a dramatic view of the city and its surrounding waters. Return to earth and jump aboard a moonlit dinner cruise to Blake Island or canoe through the arbouretum.

Snowboarders are an afterthought at a lot of resorts, but they get plenty of attention at this destination in the Italian Alps. Gold medalists regularly practice their spins and flips at the expert-level Mottolino Snowpark on the eastern slopes. Across the valley, Carosello 3000 has a terrain park for intermediate freestylers. The ski runs are challenging, but not too challenging, with only a handful of truly difficult patches. Because the slopes are so forgiving, Livigno is a great place to try off-piste skiing and snowboarding. The village soaks up the sun all winter long, so the main drag is always full of strollers. This is also a duty-free zone, with tons of shops catering to bargain-hunters.