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Looking for vacation recommendations for a couple

travelvacationplanning
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Radoslav_Tech
Joined:
06.07.2021
Posts: 324
Topic Starter
23.01.2025 15:51
My partner and I are starting to plan our annual vacation, but we are feeling a bit stuck on where to go this year. We usually prefer places that offer a mix of good hiking trails and interesting local food scenes, rather than just sitting on a beach for a week. We are based in the US and looking for somewhere we can comfortably visit within a 5-7 day timeframe. Does anyone have any hidden gems or favorite spots that aren't overly crowded with tourists right now?
15 replies in this topic
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Niko_N
Joined:
15.04.2024
Posts: 231
17.03.2025 17:42
Have you considered Asheville, North Carolina? The Blue Ridge Mountains have world-class hiking and the restaurant scene downtown is honestly incredible. It’s perfect for a 5-day trip.
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mati_123
Joined:
07.02.2024
Posts: 1317
23.03.2025 10:30
In reply to a previous post
Agree with the Asheville suggestion, but it can get pretty crowded on weekends. If you want something quieter, check out the Finger Lakes region in New York.
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Hubo_K
Joined:
15.01.2020
Posts: 1606
07.04.2025 02:48
I’d suggest Sedona, Arizona. The red rocks are stunning for hiking, and there are some really unique southwestern-fusion restaurants you won't find anywhere else.
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vulk_samotnik
Joined:
09.07.2020
Posts: 2108
04.06.2025 16:00
In reply to a previous post
Sedona is great, but be prepared for the heat depending on when you go! Maybe look into the Pacific Northwest instead?
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Iggy_R
Joined:
02.11.2024
Posts: 2084
08.06.2025 01:12
In reply to a previous post
If you don't mind a bit of a drive, Olympic National Park is mind-blowing. You get the coast, the rainforest, and the mountains all in one go. Food in Port Townsend is top-tier.
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Oli_S
Joined:
06.06.2020
Posts: 110
18.07.2025 17:58
Try Vermont! Burlington has a fantastic local food scene and the hiking in the Green Mountains is very accessible.
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iztrit_potrebitel
Joined:
16.03.2020
Posts: 1592
28.07.2025 17:42
In reply to a previous post
Seconding the Vermont recommendation. Stay at a bed and breakfast in Stowe for a really romantic vibe.
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ObiknovenChovek
Joined:
24.11.2023
Posts: 1632
27.08.2025 17:22
Honestly, skip the popular spots and head to the White Mountains in New Hampshire. It’s rugged, beautiful, and the local diners are classic.
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Fari_P
Joined:
16.07.2022
Posts: 363
18.09.2025 12:12
In reply to a previous post
Is New Hampshire too far from where you're based? You mentioned being in the US, but that's a big country!
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Brayan_Z
Joined:
17.06.2024
Posts: 1128
22.09.2025 00:09
Check out Bentonville, Arkansas. It sounds random, but the mountain biking and hiking trails are top-notch and the food scene has exploded recently.
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ZlatnaRuka
Joined:
01.04.2025
Posts: 312
07.10.2025 18:41
In reply to a previous post
Bentonville is a total hidden gem. I went last year and was shocked by how good the coffee shops and restaurants were.
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Leni_C
Joined:
25.06.2021
Posts: 679
16.11.2025 16:54
If you want something coastal but not a 'beach trip', try Cannon Beach in Oregon. Great trails nearby and incredible seafood.
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Viktoria_S
Joined:
30.01.2023
Posts: 1434
17.11.2025 03:13
What about Santa Fe, New Mexico? The culture is distinct, the hiking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is gorgeous, and the food... oh man, the green chile is life-changing.
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Znaesht
Joined:
28.05.2024
Posts: 674
06.03.2026 06:01
In reply to a previous post
Santa Fe is amazing, but make sure to book your dinner reservations early, the best spots fill up fast even in the off-season.
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Hani_B
Joined:
23.02.2022
Posts: 242
28.03.2026 16:23
Good luck with the search! We usually just use AllTrails to find a region first, then look at the local food scene on Yelp.

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