Summer is flying by, and August is already here. One of the best ways to enjoy what remains of the nice weather is to book a flight someplace.
If you would rather stay stateside, here are several great U.S. cities worth considering for last-minute August travel plans.
New York City, NY
This place truly has it all, no matter the time of day or night. If you’re craving a chopped cheese or a slice of pizza at midnight, you’ll find them somewhere in the city.
From shopping to green spaces like Central Park and Bryant Park, there’s always something going on in New York City. If you’d rather not deal with the mass transit system, it’s great for walking and bike riding.
Remember that the avenues run east to west, and the streets are in numerical order for the most part. Once you’re at the lower tip of the island, it’s a bit confusing even for locals. Embrace it as part of the experience.
Lexington, KY
Lexington is the largest city in Kentucky after Louisville. If you like bourbon and horses, you’ve come to the right place. There has been more of an effort to highlight all aspects of Lexington’s history, including the parts that aren’t so savory.
Bites of the Bluegrass, a walking tour company, provides a thorough history of the city while treating guests to drinks and food. If you’re interested in learning how Black people shaped Lexington, historian Yvonne Giles founded the African American Heritage Trail there. She’s just the person to guide you.
Be sure to patronize some of the Black-owned businesses. Book a tasting at Fresh Bourbon, and sample the award-winning wines at Silver Springs Farm Equine and Vineyard.
Memphis, Tennessee
Rock n’ Roll and barbecue are woven into the fabric of this city. You see symbols of these everywhere.
If you’re interested in learning about Black history in Memphis, The National Civil Rights Museum is the perfect daytime activity. Slave Haven and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music are equally educational.
If it’s not too hot, bike across the Harahan Bridge, which overlooks the Mississippi River. At night, catch live music and tasty food along Beale Street.
Sausalito, California
Fans of the Bay Area already know San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley. However, Sausalito offers a quieter experience, and visually it resembles the Amalfi Coast. Just be sure to have a jacket with you as it gets chilly at night.
To get there, take the ferry or go across the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’ve got the stamina, biking is probably the more rewarding option. You can work out and take in the scenery.
Bridgeway is the main stretch, where you’ll find the shops, restaurants, and bars. Treat yourself to a massage or a facial at Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa, and a burger at the Napa Valley Burger Company.