The mercury is rising! As temperatures climb around the country, many states are reporting record heat from the 90's to well into the 100's. Wheeew! But sweat not! Here are 5 great places where the temperatures stay nice and cool!
ALASKA
Whether you're the outdoorsy type or prefer a more luxurious vacation, Alaska has just what you're looking for! With average Summer daytime temperatures in the low to mid 60's, Alaska offers a crisp refreshing respite from the sizzling summer heat. Famous for its fishing vacations, hiking, camping not to mention their world famous Alaskan King Crab and Alaskan Halibut, Moose Steak and Reindeer Burgers, you're certain to discover a whole new frontier!
Viewing the Northern Lights at least once in your lifetime is a MUST and Alaska is the perfect viewing destination!
Bristol Bay is known as the Sockeye Salmon Capital of the World; and Homer is equally famous for Halibut. Visit the stunning Kenai River if King Salmon is your game. Ketchikan, Kodiak Island and Ship Creek are also excellent fishing paradises. Licenses are required and many sport fishing companies offer to clean, freeze and ship your catch to your home for you for a fee.
Juneau, Alaska's capital city, visit the picturesque beauty of Mendenhall Glacier by foot, canoe or helicopter, go on a awe-inspiring whale watching excursion and enjoy the up-close majestic beauty of wild orcas and breaching humpback whales, or take a private boat cruise through the Tracy Arm Fjord.
Ketchikan Nestled along the inside passage boasts breathtaking beauty of Misty Fjords National Monument which can be seen by land or air where you can take a fun, entertaining and educational tour through the Alaskan Rainforest Sanctuary; a 40 acre reserve where visitors can experience salmon-filled streams, wetlands amongst native wolves, black bears and bald eagles.
Glacier Bay National Park - Just west of Juneau is Glacier National Park. Covering a mind-boggling 3.3 Million acres. Glacier National Park is the jewel of the Inside Passage and part of a 25-milion acre World Heritage Site - One of the world's largest protected areas.
Skagway - For the gold rush enthusiast - Skagway is a tiny town with gold in them thar hills! This little Klondike town hosts the preserved Gold Rush National Historical Park. Visit Gold Rush Era buildings or take a ride along the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad on a vintage locomotive.
Icy Straight Point is native owned and operated wilderness adventure, boasting the world's largest ZipRider with six 5,330 foot ziplines, tower. Visit Gold Rush Era buildings and rainforests.
Hubbard Glacier - a six-mile wide glacier so active, it's nicknamed "The Galloping Glacier".
MAINE
Maine is the largest of the New England states and boasts a long, rocky Atlantic coastline rich with famous Maine Lobsters which is in peak season during the summer months, and 40,000 acres of wild blueberries! The average daytime temperatures in Maine during the summer months is a spring-like 70 - 77 degrees.
37 million people visit Maine each year! Below are some of the attractions.
The Kennebunk's - Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, these neighboring quaint towns are the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing, slow-paced vacation. Check into one of its charming B&B's or historic inn's, lounge on any one of the many sandy beaches, shop in local boutiques then enjoy a leisurely evening stroll to a fabulous nearby restaurant.
Acadia National Park - Looking for some outdoor activities? No better place than Acadia National Park. One of the top 10 most-visited U.S. national parks it contains 50,000 acres along the Atlantic coastline with 33 miles of historic driving roads, 158 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads. Visitors can hike, camp, bike or drive through this majestic landscape.
Portland - With summer temperatures reaching between the mid 70's to low 80's, Portland Maine is an ideal destination for a fabulous coastal vacation. Strolling the Old Port District, visitors will be charmed by the foggy storybook old-world cobble-stone streets, 19th century architecture and classic fishing piers combined with modern amenities such as shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars, speakeasys and nightclubs. Start your day with a uniquely delicious mashed potato donut at Holy Donut or a lobster benedict at Bayside American Cafe. As is required when visiting Portland, lobster rolls are available a stone's throw from anywhere, including...yes...McDonalds! I recommend trying them from multiple venues in order to find your favorite such as DeMillo's on the Water which is literally a floating restaurant on the water. You can't ask for a better atmosphere than that! Or, for a more upscale experience, try Back Bay Grill – Food that tastes as wonderful as it looks which has options for your non-lobster enthusiast travel companions such as rack of lamb, lavender marinated duck, or a nice filet mignon.
COLORADO
Famous for it's Ski resorts, Colorado has a lot to offer summer vacationers as well. With summer temps ranging from the high 70's to the low 80's, I think you'll agree, summer in Colorado is perfect idea! With it's many mountains, expansive wilderness and National Parks, Colorado is the playground for the outdoor enthusiast.
Aspen - Nestled between the awe inspiring Rocky Mountains, is Aspen, named after the Famous Aspen trees which are so plentiful in the area.
Take a ride to to the top of Aspen Mountain on the Aspen Mountain Gondola , or hike the Maroon Bells, the most photographed mountains in North America, or if you're really adventurous, how about some white water rafting from mild to wild!
Colorado Springs - offers something for the entire family including horseback riding, hike the world famous Pike's Peak. Why not book a world class adrenaline rush at Broadmoor Outfitters offering such adventures as ziplining above crashing waterfalls, try your hand at a stand up paddle board trip down the river or old fashion hatchet throwing! You'll also have the opportunity to try your hand at falconry! Now THAT would be a story to bring home!
CALIFORNIA
California, with more than 1,100 miles of coastline, Michelin Star restaurants, and of course world-famous Route 66, visitors are sure to find many incredible beat-the-heat travel options. Summer temps remain in the 60's, sometimes dipping into the low 70's.
San Francisco - is a cultural, commercial, and financial center in Northern California and is the 16th most populous city in the United State. San Francisco is chock full of tourist attractions. How about taking a trip to Alcatraz, which once housed Al Capone, or take a stroll along Fisherman's Wharf amongst the fishing boats and sunbathing sealions and steaming crab cauldrons. Hop on a cable car and head to China Town for shopping, dining, and oodles of culture! Last but certainly not least, you can't miss the bridge! She stands there so tall and majestic second only to Lady Liberty herself! This is a MUST CHECK box on everyone's bucket list. Everyone absolutely must see and drive across the San Francisco Bay Bridge at least once in their lifetime! You'll be glad you did!
San Diego - There's no better destination whether it's for a family vacation or a romantic getaway, San Diego checks all of the boxes. Start with a fun trip to the world famous San Diego Zoo, housing over 12,000 animals of more than 650 species on 100 acres in Balboa Park. While in Balboa Park, soak up some culture by vising the San Diego Air and Space Museum, The Museum of Us, the Fleet Science Center, the Mingei International Museum, Japanese Friendship Garden, or catch a show at the Old Globe Theater. Once your done, head to the beach or the bay for a refreshing splash in the water, and top of the perfect day with a beach bonfire!
Solvang - What's that amazing smell? It's the smell of Solvang, wafting with decadent scents of authentic Dutch amazingness at Birkholm's Bakery and Cafe! It's like traveling across the world and back in time simultaneously! Solvang's location in the Santa Barbara wine county, makes it a perfect destination for wine enthusiasts. With More than 120 vineyards, there's something for everyone. Movie buffs may remember the movie "Sideways" was filmed in Solvang.
THE GREAT LAKES
The Great Lakes region of the Northeastern United States, which is home to five lakes bordering eight U.S. States and Canada make up the largest group of fresh-water lakes on Earth.
Lake Huron - with over 23,000 square miles of surface area, Lake Huron is the second largest of the Great Lakes and the fifth largest fresh body of water in the world and is adjoined to Lake
Mackinac Island - Sailor's are drawn to Lake Huron's striking blue water and vacationers are drawn to it's
Lake Erie
Lake Superior
Lake Ontario