When the temperatures heat up in the Southwestern US during the summer, so do the region’s tourist attractions.  Though the heat might be enough to make some people shy away from traditional vacation activities like golf and desert excursions, there are still plenty of reasons to visit this diverse and exciting region.

Why head to the Southwest in the summer?  It has some of the world’s best health and wellness spas, plenty of mountain adventures, including biking and whitewater rafting, and some of the country’s best artists and musicians, not to mention hundreds (even thousands) of years of history.

Here are five of the best summertime destinations in the Southwestern US.

1. Boulder, Colorado is a mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts year-round.  It draws mountaineers, bikers, hikers, campers, fishermen and sports climbers during the warmer months .  Boulder is also a center for alternative culture and mainstream education.  The city offers attractions both urban and natural.  Shopping, dining and nightlife can be found on Pearl Street, where street performers ply their trade during the summer.  A short distance away, Chautauqua Park, home of the famous rock formations known as the Boulder Flatirons, hosts hikers, climbers and picnickers during the days and concerts by the Boulder Symphony on summer evenings.

A lengthy trail runs through the greenbelt that surrounds the city and plenty of outfitters lead climbing and rafting trips to the nearby Rockies.  Of course, the true attraction of Boulder is that you can have an adventure in the mountains or on the water during the day and be back in town in time to experience some world-class cuisine and party at a nightclub or hit the pubs to knock back a few quality micro-brews before calling it a day.

2. Santa Fe is the cultural and historic heart of New Mexico.  For some visitors, there is no place more exotic in the United States.  A 400-year-old city, its culture and history have been influenced by Spain, Mexico, the United States and the local native tribes who have lived in the area for more than 1,000 years.  This colorful past is on full display at the many missions, museums and historic buildings throughout the city.

Santa Fe’s arts scene is well known, with galleries along Canyon Road and in Santa Fe Plaza displaying and selling high quality work.  During the summer, there are numerous festivals that celebrate the city’s culture.  The Santa Fe Arts and Crafts Festival takes place throughout the summer in the central plaza.  A jazz festival, wine tasting events, folk art markets, a rodeo and a classical music festival fill out the summer calendar and assure visitors that something will be going on when they arrive.  Golf, horseback riding and treks to the scenic Sangre de Cristo Mountains mean that adventure can be as much a part of the trip as culture.

3. Moab, Utah is mainly known for its lunar-like landscapes and deep canyons.  Yes, for sightseers looking for a glimpse of the Southwest, this is one of the best places to take postcard-esque pictures.  Several outfitters in the area provide jeeps for half-day and day-long tours of the canyons and desert lands near Moab.

The best summertime activity – one that virtually assures a dip in the cool waters of the Colorado River – is river rafting.  There are numerous outfitters in the area, offering challenging river runs or more gentle, family-oriented paddles.  Some companies, like Colorado River and Trail Expeditions, offer tours that include both rafting and hiking.

4. The Southern Colorado Rockies have always been a wintertime destination.  Recently, many of the region’s ski resorts have been developing summertime activities that can allow them to remain open during the warmer months of the year.  Mountain biking trails, alpine slides, hiking and spa services, as well as rafting trips and climbing expeditions, make them good summertime destinations for casual adventurers who want to combine their outdoor activities with a comfortable resort vacation.  Famous ski names like Breckenridge, Park City, Loveland and Keystone have a full menu of summertime options.

5. Las Vegas is a year-round destination mostly known for its casinos.  But there is a surprising amount of alternative attractions in Sin City, especially during the summer.  Family-friendly sites, like the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Casino Resort and the Lion Habitat the the MGM Grand, are examples of this new side of Vegas, while old classics like the Bellagio Fountains and the Flamingo Garden are still worthwhile places to visit.  M&Ms World and the newly-built CityCenter are other alternatives to the blackjack tables.

Summer vacation in Las Vegas?  With so many non-gaming attractions in one place, it might not be a bad idea if you want convenience, diversity and excitement.

There is always a lot going on in New York City.  Memorial Day weekend is no exception.  There are parades, parties and event throughout the Big Apple.  These range from somber to fun to spectacular.  When it comes to parades, New York has more than a few to choose from, with each borough putting on multiple marches over the course of the weekend.  These offerings include some of the country’s largest Memorial Day parades.  The holiday is marked in the city’s iconic areas: from Times Square to the Statue of Liberty.

Here is the best that New York City has to offer on Memorial Day weekend:

Billed as the nation’s largest Memorial Day parade, the march through the Queens neighborhoods of Little Neck and Douglaston draws spectators and participants from around the city and the country.  This is the 83rd year that the Little Neck parade has taken place.  This quiet corner of NYC is surprisingly suburban-looking (not the type of landscape normally associated with the Big Apple).  It is a great opportunity to see an impressive parade while getting a behind the scenes look at life in the outer boroughs.   The parade kicks off at 2 p.m. on Memorial Day.

Memorial week is Fleet Week in New York.  Starting on May 26th, there will be demonstrations, tours and performances related to the sea-going branches of the armed forces.  A parade of ships on the Hudson River (best viewed from Manhattan’s riverside) kicks off a week of free events.  There are free daily ship tours on Staten Island, parades all day on Memorial Day, and performances by Navy and Marine marching bands.

Of course, there are plenty of non-military related activities and events in the Big Apple during late May.  Block parties and outdoor art shows take place around the city, with many of the most accessible happening in the borough of Manhattan.  These include the Waverly Place Festival and the Lower East Side Art Festival.  In addition to these two notables, a huge outdoor art gallery will be set up in Washington Square.

The end of May brings several high-brow entertainment options.  The most notable is the annual free Memorial Day concert given by the New York Philharmonic.  The event will be held in the Church of Saint John the Divine with seats being awarded on a first-come-first-served basis.  If the weather is dry, the concert will be broadcast to people on the lawn outside the  church as well.  The curtain goes up at 8 p.m. on Memorial Day, but would-be attendees need to arrive much earlier to assure themselves on a good seat.

For those who prefer pop to classical, the top two contestants on this year’s American Idol will be performing early on Friday morning (May 28th) as part of the NBC Today Show Summer Concert Series.  The show will take place at 7 a.m. on the plaza near Rockefeller Center.  There is no admission fee.  ABC’s Good Morning America offers a similar free option when they bring country stars Sugarland to the stage in Central Park at the exact same time that the Idols take the stage.

Of course, all the museums, shopping streets and theaters will be operating as usual during the weekend, giving visitors a virtually limitless amount of activities to choose from. If you plan on staying even longer, find some great NYC Hotel Deals that are currently available.

New England is full of summertime attractions.  The heavy snows of winter give way to pleasantly warm weather, and locals and tourists alike are ready to visit the breezy seaside, explore mountain trails, photograph historic sites and experience those legendary New England charms.

With a choice between cosmopolitan culture, rural scenery and classy seaside excursions, it is simple for tourists to find a vacation that matches their interests.  Certain destinations allow travelers to sample the best that New England has to offer.  Here are five of the best summertime vacation destinations in the Northeast.

1. With all its history, diversity and exciting attractions, Boston is the best place in New England for an urban vacation.  History and high-brow culture always take center stage in America’s oldest big city.  Warm weather means a trip to the famous harbor is possible, as is a stroll down the Freedom Trail, which passes some of the more important sites in US history, such as Fanieul Hall and Boston Commons, America’s oldest public park.  Boston is also home to the famous Boston Pops orchestra, the Boston Museum of Fine Art and several museums located on the Harvard and MIT campuses.

Summer also brings whale watching tours on the waters of the Atlantic and celebrations marking the Fourth of July.  The Boston Pops helps to celebrate Independence Day with an outdoor concert that accompanies fireworks launched from the banks of the Charles River.  These events and attractions make New England’s largest city one if its best summertime destinations.

2. If you want a more laid-back New England experience, but still want some sophistication, head to Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  Boston does not have a monopoly on the region’s historic sites.  Portsmouth is the third oldest city in the US.  Its is characterized by aged architecture and hint of the ambiance of bygone eras.  The Strawbery Banke Museum, located in an historic, port-side neighborhood, is open daily during the summer and offers a glimpse into the city’s past.  A more modern experience  is available at the brewery that produces bottles of the popular Red Hook Beer.

The Prescott Park Arts Festival (outdoor performances all summer long) and the Portsmouth Blues Festival (traditionally held in August) add to the summertime excitement in this New Hampshire city.

3. Another small city  option is Burlington, Vermont.  The largest city in Vermont, it is home to less than 50,000 people, but has a surprisingly sophisticated ambiance and plenty of worthwhile attractions.  Entertainment options range from taking a  cruise on nearby Lake Champlain to people watching to enjoying the skills of street performers who dance, sing or act outdoors along Church Street in the center of the city.

There is also plenty of history, with several sites dedicated to Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen and several of examples of old New England architecture.  The pub and cafe culture is alive and well in Burlington, with students from four area colleges, including th University of Vermont, giving the nightlife a youthful energy.

Summertime events include Dragon Boat Races, in August, a jazz concert series, in June, and the Vermont Brewers Festival, which is hosted by Burlington in mid-July.

4. Acadia National Park, in Maine, is one of the best places to get-away-from-it-all without actually feeling like you are alone in the wilds of New England.  The park covers several offshore islands, most notably Mount Desert Island.  In total, it stretches for more than 50 square miles and contains every type of landscape you could expect in the Atlantic Northeast.  There are mountains, woodlands and forests, a rugged shoreline and waterways.  Camping is possible during the summer, although there are several small towns on Mount Desert Island that offer suitably quaint accommodations to those who want more comfort than a tent can provide.

5. York Beach, Maine, is another popular summertime getaway spot in the Northeastern-most state.  This resort area has everything you could want in a New England destination.  There are tourist attractions like a petting zoo, plenty of seafood restaurants, sandy beaches and stretches of that trademark rugged Maine coastline.  York Beach is located in Southern Maine, making it much more accessible than some of the other popular summertime resort areas further up the coast.  Aside from playing on the sand and in the waves, there are more adventurous options, such as sea kayaking tours and mountain bike trails.

York Beach is home to those quaint New England features that many visitors have come to expect from Atlantic Coast destinations: lighthouses (Nubble Lighthouse is one of the country’s oldest), craft shops, seafood restaurants and hundred-plus year-old buildings.

Winter’s coming to a close, making way for the beautiful weather and colorful landscapes of spring. What better way to usher in spring’s arrival than at a daffodil festival?

Daffodils are almost synonymous with the word, “spring.” They are striking blossoms that range in color from bright yellow to pale white. Among the first flowers that bloom in the spring, daffodils are the centerpiece of several annual festivals around the country.

In warmer parts of the country, daffodils bloom anywhere from January to March, but in the Northeastern US, daffodils bloom in April or May. So, even if you missed the daffodil festivals that took place earlier this year, you still have a chance to enjoy the following festivities.

1. Litchfield, Connecticut (Laurel Ridge Foundation daffodil fields)

In the Litchfield Hills of Northwest Connecticut, you can admire hundreds of thousands of daffodils blooming on ten acres of woodlands and fields. The fields overlook a small lake with two islands in the middle, which are also carpeted with daffodils. Although the lands are private, they are open to the wider public during daffodil season.

2. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

If you live in or near NYC and don’t want to stray too far from the big city to enjoy the daffodils, check out Daffodil Hill at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in March. Adjacent to Magnolia Plaza, this hill teems with yellow and white blossoms in early spring.

3. 2010 Daffodil Festival in Gloucester, Virginia

The 2010 Daffodil Festival in Gloucester will be taking place on March 27-28. It is a fun family event that celebrates both the arrival of the daffodils as well as Gloucester County’s heritage. While the adults enjoy socializing and viewing the daffodils, the kids can enjoy face painting, pony rides, carnival rides, and historic displays.

4. Daffodil Festival Weekend in Nantucket

In April and May, over three million daffodils bloom on Nantucket Island in Massachusetts. One of the highlights of the Nantucket Daffodil Festival is the Antique Car Parade, during which over 100 antique cars adorned with daffodils parade through town. Other events that take place during Nantucket’s Daffodil Festival include the Annual Daffy Dog Parade, the Daffodil Tailgate Picnic, the Daffy Hat Pageant, and the Children’s Daffodil Parade.

5. Meriden Daffodil Festival in Meriden, Connecticut

At the Meriden Daffodil Festival in Meriden, Connecticut, visitors can see 61 different varieties of daffodils. In addition to admiring the sea of daffodils that bloom in 1800-acre Hubbard Park, festival attendees can enjoy amusement rides, food, entertainment, and fireworks.

6. Spohr Gardens Daffodil Days in Falmouth, Massachusetts

The Spohr Gardens in Cape Cod explode with color in the early spring, when thousands of daffodils bloom. Taking a leisurely walk through this stunning maze of fragrant blossoms is nothing short of exhilarating. The Daffodil Days event takes place on April 24 and May 1, and there are guided tours as well as activities for children.

7. Brewster in Bloom (Brewster, Massachusetts)

On top of admiring the daffodils at Brewster in Bloom, you can watch a daffodil parade, see the daffodil queen receive her crown, and attend an antique and collectible fair, among many other activities. Brewster is a beautiful town that serves as an ideal spot to celebrate spring’s arrival in Cape Cod. Brewster in Bloom takes place from April 30 to May 2.

8. Blithewold Daffodil Days in Bristol, Rhode Island

Located on the shores of Narragansett Bay, the Blithewold Mansion, Gardens, and Arboretum in Bristol, Rhode Island boast a quaint and elegant setting. Stop by Blithewold between April 10 and May 2 to admire 50,000 daffodils in bloom while taking part in a variety of events appropriate for family members of all ages.

San Antonio is one of the fastest growing cities in North America.  The famous Alamo, along with several other lesser-known (but equally old) missions, hearken back to the days when Texas was not yet a state.  Some residential neighborhoods, such as the King William District, are more than a century old.

But San Antonio, like any growing metropolis, has plenty of modern features: a vibrant nightlife, cutting edge music and eating scenes and, yes, lots and lots of free attractions.  Perhaps SeaWorld and Six Flags will not be on a budget traveler’s itinerary, but there are more than enough cost-less sights and sounds to fill a trip to this modern city.

Here’s is a list of all things good (and free) in San Antonio.

1. San Antonio’s Japanese Tea Garden recently reopened.  The well-manicured, highly-stylized gardens would not be out of place in Tokyo or Osaka.  This authentic feel makes the garden a great place to explore.  In addition to the trees, rocks and pathways, there are koi ponds and a rather impressive 60-foot waterfall.

2. Fiesta San Antonio, held in April, is the city’s biggest festival.  Actually, with more than two and a half million attendees, it is the largest outdoor festivals in the entire US.  The events take place in mid-April (the 15th to the 25th this year).  This year’s festivities will include parades, outdoor concerts, fireworks, cultural performances and food-related events.  Though not all events are free, most of those that take place in public places do not charge admission.  Others, such as the popular Taste of New Orleans ($10 admission), are reasonably priced.

3. The San Antonio Missions Trail is a 6-mile walkway that runs between four of the area’s historic Spanish-built missions.  Yes, it is one of the better places to walk if you are in search of an urban hiking venue, but the missions, which are part of a national historic park, are the real attraction.  They are among the oldest in North America, dating back to the early 18th Century.  These lesser known missions are a great alternative to often-crowded, more touristy Alamo.

4.  When they return home, San Antonio tourists can expect to repeatedly be asked: “Did you see the Alamo?”  It is hard to pass up the mission, even though it is bound to be crowded (2.5 million people pass through the site each year).  Luckily, it is possible to arrive at early, at 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday, to avoid the peak-time crowds.  Also, during summer weekends, the building remains open until 7 p.m.  Of course, it’s free to enter.
5. The Riverwalk is San Antonio’s lengthy entertainment promenade.  The shaded walkways, water and laid-back atmosphere make is a great place for a stroll.  Of course, the restaurants, bars and shops on the riverbanks aren’t free, but Riverwalk is a great place for window-shopping and there are several art galleries and museums in the area.

6. El Mercado is one of the largest Mexican markets north of the border.  Aside from the virtually unlimited amount of goods up for sale, there are musical and cultural performances, kids’ activities, and crafts during Primer Sabado, First Saturday.  The area in and around El Mercado is a great place to get a taste of the Mexican culture that is so much a part of San Antonio’s identity.

7. Art is a major part of San Antonio’s culture.  San Antonio Art Walk is usually held on the first Friday of every month.  It takes place in the Arts District, which is located in the Southtown area of the city. Aside from the art  (and free snacks, if your lucky), there are usually local bands, of all genres, performing.

8. Though they typically charge admission, several San Antonio museums waive entrance fees at certain times during the week.  Chase Bank sponsors a free night at the San Antonio Museum of Art.  It takes place between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. each Tuesday.   The Witte Museum, an exhibit hall featuring the natural history, culture and artifacts of Texas, offers free admission between 3 and 8 on Tuesday evenings.

9. San Antonio Summer Jazz and Art Festival, often shortened to San Antonio Summer Fest (or just SAS Fest) is a three day event that takes place on the first weekend in June.  Though it has not reached to same attendance numbers as springtime’s Fiesta, SAS Fest is worth a visit.  There are a dozen jazz concerts, music workshops, a craft fair and plenty of food.  It’s free to listen to music.

10. San Antonio’s Main Plaza, located in front of the Alamo and near the Riverwalk, is the heart of the city.  There is a series of free concerts held each year.  But it doesn’t stop with music.  There are dances, theater performances, movie screenings and fashion shows.  Most of these events take place during the warmer months, between April and October.