Ask me where I want to RV in 2019, and I will answer, honestly, where don’t I?
When it comes to compiling my list of the places I’m most excited about in the coming year, narrowing down the field is easier said than done.
I pore over tourism reports, and consider scenic landscapes, culinary experiences, historic significance, outdoor activities, temperate weather, fall foliage, and my bucket list.
Minor consideration is given to where people are actually going, and the trendy places that the so-called travel experts are watching in the coming year.
And, of course, there are the off-the-beaten path destinations and hidden secrets that we haven’t heard much about—places like British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, an emerging wine destination.
After all, isn’t dreaming about places totally new to us—and seeing old favorites in a new light—why we travel in the first place?
© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
With rolling hills dotted with sagebrush and ponderosa pine—and thousands of acres of vineyards—the Okanagan Valley can no longer be considered a nascent Napa. Lying between two mountain ranges and stretching roughly 125 miles north from the U.S.-Canada border, the geography varies from the desert-like conditions in the south to the green plateau of the Naramata Bench and Okanagan Lake’s sandy beaches.
© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved
Mesilla
Although the town of Mesilla, in Southern New Mexico, is home to a mere 2,196 people, it’s a fascinating place to visit. Here you’ll find well-preserved architecture, history worth delving into, and high quality restaurants.
The plaza is the heart of Mesilla and that’s a good place to start exploring. In fact, it’s a national historic landmark. The San Albino Basilica dominates one side of the plaza. This Romanesque church was built in 1906 although its bells are older, dating back to the 1870s and 1880s.
© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved
Newport
There are plenty of things to do in Newport but the seaside city really shines brightest during the summer. After all, the million-dollar mansions that Newport is known for were built as warm-weather retreats, for those perfect days spent on yachts and lawns.
There are many ways to soak in the culture. The Cliff Walk, where you can peek into well-manicured backyards, remains free, while some of the mansions are open for tours and special events. And the who’s who of Newport will be out in spades at two big festivals in July: the Newport Folk Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival.
© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved
Santa Fe
Founded in 1607, Santa Fe is America’s oldest capital city and also houses
the oldest public building in the country, the circa-1610 Palace of the
Governors which was originally the seat of government for the Spanish colony of
Neuvo Mexico. To wander the Downtown Santa Fe Plaza is to immerse one in
traditional adobe structures. There are time-warped old buildings and churches including
the stunning Loretto Chapel famous for its miraculous staircase and San Miguel
Mission, reported to be America’s oldest church built between 1610 and 1626.
But, history’s not the only thing going down in Santa Fe. The city’s unique cuisine and renowned art galleries are integral to the area’s charm.
© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved
Lodi
Lying at the edge of the Sacramento River Delta, Lodi enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool evenings, ideal for growing wine grapes. Wander historic downtown Lodi with century-old brick buildings, brick-cobbled streets lined with elm trees and turn-of-the-century light poles. You’ll love this area and the way the city has maintained its history and heritage. Many unique shops, restaurants, and more than a dozen wine tasting boutiques and exciting restaurants.
© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved
Shiner
Speaking of beloved American beverages… Shiner, Texas is home to 2,069 people, Friday’s Fried Chicken, and—most famously—the Spoetzal Brewery where every drop of Shiner beer is brewed. Tours are offered throughout the week, where visitors can see how their popular brews get made. Tours and samples are free. Founded in 1909, the little brewery today sends more than 6 million cases of delicious Shiner beer across the country. Founder, Kosmos Spoetzal, would be pretty proud! To which we say “Prosit!”
Worth Pondering…
America is laced with nooks and crannies, good places that go undiscovered by many mainstream travelers.