Even if you start the year with the best of intentions, tiring schedules and roadblocks can begin to take their toll by July. Fortunately, getting back that New Year motivation is as simple as taking a short getaway to reawaken your drive and enthusiasm. If you’ve hit that mid-year slump, these four inspiring travel destinations are sure to put some pep back into your step.
1. St. George, Utah
Located in the Mojave Desert with the Pine Valley Mountains serving as a backdrop, St. George, UT, offers the ideal setting for rejuvenation. The small city offers a diverse selection of arts, a rich cultural history, and mesmerizing natural beauty. To begin your journey, take the opportunity to unplug with a trip to Snow Canyon State Park. Spanning 7,400 acres, the site features a vibrant landscape and majestic wildlife. Immerse yourself in nature by taking on one of the park’s many hiking trails.
Back in town, reward yourself with some self-care at Red Mountain Resort. From wellness workshops and music healing to facials and massage therapy, the hotel offers everything you need to de-stress and relax. Next, fuel your creative side with a trip to the St. George Art Museum, followed by a visit to the Zion Human History Museum. Finish off your trip by combining both the natural and artistic worlds with an outdoor theater or concert performance at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre.
2. Fairbanks, Alaska
There’s nothing quite as effective at shocking the system as 24 hours of sunlight per day, and that’s exactly what Fairbanks, AK, offers. In fact, the city experiences 70 straight days of sunlight from mid-May to the end of July. While you can’t catch the Aurora Borealis until later in the year, Mother Nature offers a virtually endless supply of inspiring natural wonders in the area.
Just outside of town, the Chena River State Recreational Area is home to quintessential Alaska wildlife, like bears and moose. Pack a picnic lunch and hit one of the trails for a day-long or even overnight escape. The Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge is another majestic site sure to invigorate. Coving over 2,000 acres, the dairy-farm-turned-sanctuary offers safety to migratory birds and native wildlife in the area. Stop by the Farmhouse Visitor Center to learn about the work they do, enjoy a solo-trek on one of three nature trails, or take an educational guided tour.
Along with an awe-inspiring landscape, the Fairbanks community offers a wide selection of innovative art and historical attractions. Two Street Gallery showcases work from local creators of all ages and mediums. Other popular locations include Well Street Art Company and The Alaska House. If the past powers your drive, reserve time to stop by the University of Alaska Museum of the North and the Fairbanks Community Museum.
3. Colorado Springs, Colorado
When it comes to revitalizing scenery, it’s hard to beat Colorado Springs, CO. The city is stationed in a natural wonderland, surrounded by mountains, plains, and desert. There’s no better place to jumpstart your motivational adventure than Pikes Peak. Located in Pike National Forest, “America’s Mountain” sits 14,115 feet above sea level. To catch the astounding views from the top, you can hike, bike, or take a guided tour from a local outlet, like Adventures Out West Jeep Tours.
If you prefer water-based adventures, try stand-up paddle boarding. The leisure activity has become a favorite pastime of locals because of its quiet, meditative qualities. Yet, you can take traditional SUP a step further by combining it with mind-soothing yoga. Dragonfly Paddle Yoga offers public classes regularly with private sessions available.
4. Mesa, Arizona
Mesa, AZ, is such an inspiring travel destination that it attracts artists from all over the world. When planning your getaway, put the Mesa Arts Center at the top of your list. The site offers the perfect location to get your creative synapses’ firing with art exhibits, live performances, and classes, such as glass blowing.
For nature-based inspiration, visit Superstition Mountain just east of the city. If you feel like a multiday trek, peruse the rest of the range by hiking the Apache Trail. The Usery Mountain Regional Park is another exhilarating spot, offering nearly 30 miles of mind-clearing trails and plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting and cave exploration.
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