The Best Staycation in Every State

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

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ADDRESS
Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA

People opting for local travel to Mississippi’s ‘Secret Coast’ can rest assured that the tourism and hospitality sector of that region is committed to safe, responsible experiences for visitors. Under the Coastal Mississippi Destination Promise of Health and Safety, industry leaders ensure that all necessary precautions and best practices continue to be implemented throughout the southern communities.

 

Ocean Springs is a great place to start for a Gulf Coast staycation. It’s in close proximity to the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport, the tantalizing seafood of Biloxi, and the golf courses of Gautier. The Roost boutique hotel, just a short walk from bustling Government Street, offers quiet accommodations with historic charm. The entire town is an art lover's dream but the Twelve Oaks Nature Preserve and Trail is a creative blend of the arts community and the outdoors. With both takeout and outdoor dining available, the quirky, down-home joint The Shed serves up rustic vibes and barbecue with all the fixin's. —Amy Conry Davis

Hermann, Missouri

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ADDRESS
Hermann, MO 65041, USA

WEB :Visit website

Just an easy hour-and-a-half drive west of St. Louis and centrally located for the majority of Missourians, Hermann offers an appealing, accessible getaway on the banks of the Missouri River.

 

Handsome 19th-century brick buildings populate the predominantly German downtown district, setting the stage for leisurely strolls to admire more than 150 National Historic landmarks. With echoes of the Rhine Valley, the hillside vineyards surrounding Hermann feed a thriving wine industry and a Wine Trail that claims six family-owned operations where visitors can sample the wares during tasting sessions.

 

If your proclivities lean more toward beer or spirits, local distilleries and a couple of craft breweries stand ready to deliver, complementing a dining scene that serves up everything from traditional Gasthaus cuisine to Mexican food, pizza, and familiar American favorites. Work up an appetite first with a bike ride on the scenic Katy Trail, the longest developed rail-trail project in the United States. —Amy Lynch