B Adventurous: 15 Vacation Spots to Visit in 2015

A wise man once said: “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

It’s 2015, folks. So this year, B adventurous. As you’re saving up and marking your calendar for your next big trip, check out some of the Bs’ favorite travel destinations and what to experience while you’re there. From small to big cities, from seasides to mountainsides, our top picks feature a place for every style and budget.

1. Colorful Cityscape
Portland, Oregon

• Must see: Multnomah Falls
• Must do: Shop at Powell’s City of Books downtown and explore wineries in the Columbia River Gorge
• Must eat: Corned beef hash at Mother’s or anything at Pine State Biscuits
• Must drink: An Old Fashioned at Multnomah Whiskey Library

2. Small Town, Grand Scenery
Dandridge, Tennessee

• Must do: Head out to Douglas Lake and rent a pontoon boat
• Must eat: The Bible Burger at Tinsley-Bible Drug Co
• Must drink: The chocolate malt at Tinsley-Bible Drug Co

3. Island Getaway
Key West, Florida

• Must see: Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
• Must do: Skip the car; rent a bike
• Must eat: Conch fritters at Southernmost Beach Café
• Must drink: A piña colada at Sloppy Joe's or (if you’re brave) do the Key West cocktail challenge

4. Historical Gem
San Miguel de Allende (SMA), Guanajuato, Mexico

• Must see: Some of SMA’s many art galleries
• Must do: Travel to see historic sites of Independence in Guanajuato
• Must eat: A hotdog from a street vendor
• Must drink: Squirt, a carbonated beverage similar to Fresca

5. Big Easy 
New Orleans, Louisiana

• Must see: The National WWII Museum
• Must do: Ride the streetcar 
• Must eat: The Eggs Stanley breakfast at Stanley
• Must drink: A hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s

Photo courtesy of Tate Tullier Photography

6. Backwoods Adventure
Hacklebarney State Park, Long Valley, New Jersey 

• Must see: The fall foliage along the Black River
• Must do: Hike the trails and have a stick race
• Must eat: Cider donuts at Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill
• Must drink: Fresh apple cider

7. Rocky Mountain High
Durango Mountain Resort (DMR), Durango, Colorado

• Must see: The sunset view from the top of Durango Mountain
• Must do: Snow sports on the mountain – skiing, snowboarding, sledding and night snow-shoeing 
• Must eat: Elk at Ken and Sue's
• Must drink: Hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps at the base of the ski resort 

8. Beach Retreat
Isla Mujeres, Mexico

• Must see: Playa Norte (North Beach)
• Must do: Bring the family to Garrafon Water Park
• Must eat: Pizza at Casa Rolandi
• Must drink: A Mexican beer at Buho’s swing bar at Playa Norte

9. Natural Wonder
Crater Lake, Oregon

• Must see: The crater, of course
• Must do: Stay at Crater Lake Lodge
• Must eat: Local Oregon favorites at the Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room
• Must drink: A local IPA while enjoying the view 

10. Texas Hill Country Hub
Fredericksburg, Texas

• Must see: Enchanted Rock
• Must do: Shop downtown
• Must eat: German cuisine
• Must drink: Wine tastings at a local winery

11. Magical Mountain Town
Banff, Alberta, Canada

• Must see: Lake Louise in Banff National Park
• Must do: Take a helicopter tour of the mountains
• Must eat: The nachos at Nourish Bistro
• Must drink: A local beverage at St. James's Gate Olde Irish Pub

12. Gateway to the West
St. Louis, Missouri 

• Must see: The view from the top of Gateway Arch 
• Must eat: Imo’s Pizza or Italian cuisine at Rigazzi’s

13. Slice of Americana
Butte, Montana

• Must do: Attend the Montana Folk Festival
• Must eat: A Butte pasty
• Must drink: The Shawn O’Farrell at M&M Cigar Store

14. Seaside Resort 
Laguna Beach, California

• Must see: Crystal Cove State Park
• Must do: Visit the art studios on the main strip and check out live music at a local bar 
• Must eat: Dinner at Nick’s Restaurant
• Must drink: Fresh juice at Orange Inn Café

15. Concrete Jungle
New York City, New York 

• Must see: The view from the rooftop bar of The Met
• Must do: Ride the Staten Island Ferry
• Must eat: A hot dog at Gray’s Papaya and a cupcake at Magnolia Bakery
• Must drink: Anything on the rooftop of The Met
• Must shop: Uniqlo, Muji, ABC Carpet & Home

What are the “musts” at your favorite vacation destination?