Aspen, CO

Hotel Jerome: A landmark since 1889, Hotel Jerome sits less than a stone’s throw away from Aspen Mountain. Built during Colorado’s silver mining boom, the accommodations emulate some of the greatest European hotels of their time, such as the legendary Claridge’s in London. The hotel quickly became the mecca of the West for those looking to cash in on the silvery findings. http://www.hoteljerome.com/

Boston, MA

Omni Parker House: The oak-paneled walls and crystal chandeliers of the Parker House take visitors back to 1855, the hotel’s founding year. Located across from Boston Common, this legendary hotel has hosted world luminaries such as John F. Kennedy and Charles Dickens. While impressive, the guest list isn’t the most famous attribute of this 19th-century hotel. Fun fact: the Parker House is credited with the creation of the Boston cream pie.

Bolton Landing, NY

The Sagamore: When five Philadelphia millionaires joined forces more than 100 years ago, they sought to build an exclusive resort community in the place they dubbed their summer home. So they did what any determined millionaire would do and purchased an island situated on Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains. Known as Green Island, this exclusive paradise has been home to The Sagamore since 1883. http://www.thesagamore.com/

Charleston, SC

Planters Inn: Built in 1844, Planters Inn originally housed a dry goods emporium in Charleston’s bustling City Market. It wasn’t until 1994 that the building was purchased by its current owner with the goal of transforming it into one of the premier small luxury hotels in the South. With antique accents and its old-world charm, Planters Inn allows visitors to feel like they’re staying in one of Charleston’s historic mansions. http://www.plantersinn.com/

Gettysburg, PA

Best Western Gettysburg Hotel: During the height of the Civil War, the structure now known as the Gettysburg Hotel witnessed a pivotal event in American history: Union and Confederate troops swarmed the town in the three-day Battle of Gettysburg. Not far from the hotel, President Lincoln spoke the immortal words of the Gettysburg Address. Nearly a century later, the accommodations served as President Eisenhower’s national operations center during the Cold War. http://www.gettysburg-hotel.com/

Manchester, VT

The Equinox Resort and Spa: The roots of the resort date back to 1769, when Marsh Tavern was the only occupant of this property. During the Revolutionary War, the tavern’s owner took pity on the British cause, and the two-story establishment was consequently seized by American troops. By 1863, it was apparent that the establishment had made a name for itself as a premier summer resort when it was visited by Abraham Lincoln’s family. http://equinox.rockresorts.com/

Philadelphia, PA

The Latham Hotel: This historic Philadelphia treasure was built in 1907 and has since been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But it wasn’t until 1970 that The Latham Hotel opened its doors to the public, becoming an oasis for business travelers around the world. The European style boutique hotel sits on the original site of the home of William Bucknell, founder of Bucknell University. http://www.lathamhotel.com/

San Antonio, TX

The Menger Hotel: Twenty-three years after Davey Crockett’s legendary fight for the Alamo, German immigrant William Menger constructed this hotel, which is only steps from the fallen mission. Considering the folklore of the area, it’s not surprising that an apparition or two has been known to grace the halls of The Menger, which happens to be the oldest continually operating hotel west of the Mississippi, http://www.mengerhotel.com/

Sonoma County, CA

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa: The legacy of this historic hotel can be greatly credited to the hot springs that have boiled beneath its grounds for centuries. First developed in 1840 for commercial use, the springs revitalize its visitors to this day. Five years before the turn of the 20th century, the springs inspired the first hotel on this site, which catered to San Franciscan gentry. The current inn, a mission replica, wasn’t built until 1927, after a fire destroyed the original accommodations. http://www.fairmont.com/sonoma/

New Orleans, LA

Hotel Monteleone: Affectionately known as “New Orleans’ Timeless Address,” Hotel Monteleone has long been a favorite of writers such as Ernest Hemingway, who referred to the hotel in his short story Night Before Battle. This French Quarter location is one of only three hotels in the United States to be designated a literary landmark. http://www.hotelmonteleone.com/

Washington, D.C.

The Hay-Adams: Named after two of the sites’ first residents, The Hay-Adams overlooks Lafayette Square, just steps from the White House. The Italian Renaissance-style hotel, which opened in 1928, boasts a highly recognizable guest list, including Charles Lindbergh, Sinclair Lewis, and Amelia Earhart, to name a few. www.hayadams.com

I am sure you've heard of Aspen, Vail, Tahoe, Park City, and Stowe. Chances are you associate these mountainous destinations with winter fun. But what about summertime? As it happens, some of our favorite winter destinations make great warm weather getaways too. You get all the beauty, none of the snow, and--compared to winter--some real bargains to boot.

City slickers and outdoor enthusiasts alike can rejoice in endless activities. There are countless trails for hiking or mountain biking. Ride a lift up and explore. Summer fun in the mountains can include mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing and even world-class golfing. Jeep tours and hot-air balloon rides are also commonplace in mountain towns and make for fun summer times.

More and more people are enjoying a second season in the mountains. However, tourist volume has not yet reached the peak of the winter months, so room rates are usually lower, and your chances of making the scene at the trendiest spots increases. Here’s your chance to score a reservation at the hot spots you've been reading about. Perhaps best of all, once you’ve rubbed elbows with the elites, you can high tail it back home and have the hot tub all to yourself!

Too often the obvious is overlooked, and holiday travel time is no different. There's a tremendous amount of focus on air travel to exotic destinations most of us only dream about going to, when in reality, the vast number of holiday travelers drive to their destinations. According to AAA, more than 85 percent of holiday travelers drove to their destinations in the past two years. This winter it's predicted that millions again will take to the highways at holiday time. If you're among them, you'll want to pay attention to the following tips. In addition to safety advice, they just may put some fun back into your road trip.