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The Weekender Edit: 4 Getaway Spots When You’re Short on Time

Craving a getaway but short on time? We’ve curated a list of the perfect weekend escapes for you including places to stay and unique experiences. Each of these destinations comes with things to explore, amazing food, and just the right amount of adventure.

Portland, Maine – The Coastal Cozy Escape

Best time to visit:

  • Late spring through early fall (May-October) for warm weather and peak lobster season

Where to stay:

  • The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection

Located on the corner of Exchange and Congress Streets in the Old Port District, features 110 thoughtfully appointed luxury guest rooms, including a Penthouse Suite with rooftop access and 360-degree views of the city; four private function rooms and is home to UNION, its 65-seat restaurant by Executive Chef, Joshua Berry. Each guestroom has design inspired by a 1920s writer’s office including a vintage-styled journalist desk, playful newsroom references throughout and floor to ceiling marble bathrooms.

Where to eat:

  • Eventide Oyster CO: Famous for their lobster rolls and fresh oysters

  • Fore Street: Fresh farm to table cuisine

  • The Holy Donut: Famous Maine potato donuts that are a must try

  • Duck Fat: A Portland classic featuring Belgian style fries cooked in duck fat – what’s not to love

Things to do:

  • Rent a golf cart or bikes to explore the island

  • Visit Portland Head Light – one of the most famous lighthouses in the US

  • Maine Brew Bus Tour to taste your way through Maine’s craft beer scene

  • Sit outside and sip some bubbles while people watching in downtown

New York City – The Iconic Urban Escape

Best time to visit:

  • Spring (April–June) and fall (September–November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. December for holiday magic.

Where to stay:

  • Warren Street Hotel

    There’s something magical about Firmdale Hotels. The brand’s co-owner and co-founder Kit Kemp imbues each of Firmdale’s 11 properties across London and New York with a tasteful vibrancy. And New York’s Warren Street Hotel, a TriBeCa gem with a glistening blue façade, is her latest masterpiece

Where to eat:

  • Polo Bar – Classic New York luxury dining (if you can get a reservation!)

  • Joe’s Pizza – Famous NYC pizza joint

  • Katz’s Delicatessen – Legendary pastrami sandwiches

  • Reyna New York – Mediterranean tapas and cocktail bar

Things to do:

  • Summit One Vanderbilt – A mirrored observation deck with immersive art installations.

  • Explore Chinatown and Little Italy

  • Ride bikes through central park or have a picnic in the spring

  • Speakeasy Tour – Hidden bars like Please Don’t Tell (PDT) and Attaboy

  • Have tea at the plaza and ice skate at Bryant Park – less crowded than Rockellfar Center

Big Sky, Montana – The Wild West Adventure

Best time to visit:

  • Winter (December–March) for skiing and snowboarding, summer (June–August) for hiking, fly-fishing, and wildlife spotting.

Where to stay:

  • Sage Lodge

     

    Located on the banks of the Yellowstone River and just 35 minutes north of Yellowstone National Park, Sage Lodge offers the ultimate Montana luxury resort getaway. It’s an idyllic headquarters from where you can launch a day of fly fishing, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, or any other endeavor that calls your name.

     

Where to eat:

  • Horn & Cantle – Upscale Western dining with local bison and elk dishes.

  • Gallatin Riverhouse Grill – Authentic BBQ with a riverside view.

  • Blue Moon Bakery – Cozy breakfast spot with homemade pastries.

  • Alpenglow – Live music, delicious food, and great cocktails.

Things to do:

  • Yellowstone National Park (1-hour drive and a must!) – See geysers, wildlife, and epic landscapes.

  • Horseback Riding with a Cowboy Cookout – Experience the Old West with a trail ride followed by a campfire dinner.

  • Get outside at hike many of the outdoor trails in summer or winter

  • Fly Fishing on the Gallatin River – One of the best trout fishing spots in the country.

  • Lone Peak Tram Ride – Take a scenic lift up to 11,166 feet for incredible views

Sedona, Arizona – The Mystical Desert Retreat

Best time to visit:

  • Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) for perfect hiking weather. Winter (December–February) offers fewer crowds and mild temperatures.

Where to stay:

  • Ambiente Sedona

    At the adults-only Ambiente Sedona, you’ll stay in one of 40 sleek atriums, each of which is outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows and a spiral staircase leading up to a rooftop terrace, equipped with a fire pit and daybed. Indulge in the complimentary minibar (everything nonalcoholic is free of charge) and gourmet snack selection. Soak in the two-person Hinoki tub, or opt for a luxurious rain shower, next to which a towel warmer makes the whole experience all the more indulgent.

     

Where to eat

  • Elote Café – Southwestern cuisine with famous elote corn.

  • Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill – Upscale dining with red rock views.

  • Coffee Pot Restaurant – Classic diner known for 101 omelet options.

  • The Hudson – Neighborhood restaurant serving New American fare & cocktails in chic, contemporary surroundings.

Things to do:

  • Vortex Energy Tour – Experience Sedona’s famous energy vortexes with a guided tour.

  • Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village – A charming Mexican-style village with local art and boutiques.

  • Jeep Tour to Broken Arrow Trail – Off-roading adventure through stunning red rock landscapes.

  • Stargazing with an Astronomer – Sedona has some of the darkest skies in the country for epic star views.

Perks of booking through us:

  • Free room upgrades upon availability

  • Daily breakfast with no additional charge

  • Early check in and late check out

  • $100 hotel credit to be used on food, drinks, spa – however you want

  • Royalty treatment – through Fora we have premium relationships with hotels and they want to keep us happy, meaning they give our clients the VIP treatment

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