As a lifelong east coaster I've had the pleasure of taking in the spectacle of some of the most vibrant cities along the eastern seaboard.  There are five destinations I can't get enough of and during the holiday season the experience of these cities are taken to a whole new level for you to explore the wonderful nostalgia, lights, displays, shows, food, and my personal favorite, shopping! If you’re looking for a quick getaway where you can experience all of these wonderful holiday season delights, here are my choices that are easily accessible by car or plane.

1. Providence, Rhode Island

Providence is an easily walkable, charming small city that’s packed with history, culture, great food and a plethora of activities.  It’s also the home of big college names like Brown University, Providence College, Johnson & Wales University and RISD (Rhode Island School of Design).  Should you choose to visit during the holiday season and you’re a theater buff be sure to check out a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or Trinity Rep.  Broadway comes to Providence at the Providence Performing Arts Center quite often.  For outdoor seasonal fun go ice skating or ride bumper cars at The Providence Rink: Bank Newport City Center.  If you seek a slower pace, then stroll the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo or walk the downtown Providence Riverwalk to take in the festive city lights reflecting off of the water.  A more unique way to explore the river is either by Gondola ride or narrated boat tour.  But if you have shopping on your mind then you can’t miss Providence Place Mall.  Where other malls are shuddering across the country, Providence Place Mall is boasting with a variety of 170 shops, restaurants and activities.  You can truly make a day of it.  For an epic dining experience we recommend Federal Hill, Providence Little Italy.  You’ll find authentic Italian markets and restaurants perfect for a romantic night out on the town or a big gathering of your favorite people.  Some of our favorite places to nosh include Cassarino’s Restaurant, Pane e Vino, Constantino’s Venda Bar & Restaurant and Caserta Pizzeria.  For a pleasant stay and good night’s sleep consider Graduate Providence, The Beatrice and Omni Providence Hotel.  But, if Airbnb is more your style, there’s certainly no shortage of choices for you.  Before you leave the city there are three streets we think you should explore: Thayer St., Benefit St., and Westminster St.  Have a wicked good time in PVD (said in a New England accent)!

2. Charleston, South Carolina

Ahhhhh, Charleston, the Belle of the South. Its charming, historical buildings, landmarks, and neighborhoods are enough for anyone to fall in love with. But throw in a blanket of colorful lights, garland, and trimmings for miles, and you’ll think you’ve landed in a holiday dreamland you never want to leave - complete with cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages. Speaking of horses, our hands-down, top holiday activity in downtown Charleston is a holiday carriage tour. Book in advance with Palmetto Carriage Works. It’s a fun way to experience and learn all about Charleston’s history while you relax and take in the South Carolina air and beautiful architecture. Shopping is extraordinary and easily walk-able in downtown Charleston with dozens of fantastic, locally-owned shops as well as big brand stores lining King Street, Meeting Street, and everything in between. Check out local shops M. Dumas, Shop Historic Charleston, Candlefish, Preservation Society Shop, Blue Bicycle Books, and Savannah Bee Company just to name a few. If you’re looking for brand names, there is a lululemon, Madewell, Faherty, Vineyard Vines, J. Crew, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Anthropologie and many others. There’s even a Target! Dining is always a treat in Charleston. Some of our tried and true dining picks are as follows: For Coffee & Pastries try Harken Cafe, Clerks Coffee Company, Sightsee,The Harbinger, or Bitty and Beau’s. For Breakfast or Brunch try The Daily, Poogans Porch, or Husk. For Casual Lunch: Dave’s Carry Out, Leons, Xiao Bao Biscuit, Lewis BBQ, Berkeley’s, or Bertha’s Kitchen. And for Dinner: Lowland, The Ordinary, FIG, Chez Nous, Le Farfalle, or Stellas. Whatever you do, make sure you book a reservation, especially at this time of the year! Lastly, there are plenty of downtown Charleston hotels for every kind of budget. Here are a handful of great downtown Charleston hotels to consider: The Ryder Hotel, French Quarter Inn, The Mills House by Hilton, The Palmetto, Harbourview Inn, Hotel Emeline, Zero George, The Pinch, Charleston Place, Courtyard by Marriott, and Embassy Suites. If your budget allows it, try staying in downtown Charleston. The beauty, charm, walk-ability and convenience to a plethora of the citys’ highlights is unforgettable and worth it in our opinion.

3. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is Amazing. If you have never spent time in this fun and diverse city (outside of the ATL airport), you should definitely give it a try. With its many historical neighborhoods surround downtown, it’s fun to drive or walk around and explore all of the charming enclaves within this vast city. Our holiday picks start with the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. If you haven’t been, this is a great time to experience it. The Atlanta Botanical Gardens is world-renowned for its seasonally-themed displays and the holiday light display is arguably one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring in the East. Don your coat and beanie and treat yourself to a magical night-stroll though this garden menagerie of lights this holiday season. The shopping is also incredible all around Atlanta. Be sure to check out Ponce City Market, a newly renovated and converted industrial warehouse with an array of delicious dining options, awesome stores, and a rooftop entertainment area. There are so many eateries to choose from and a few local favorites are Bibi Eatery, H&F Burger, and El Super Pan Latino. The shopping at Ponce is insane with the feel of industrial warehouse meets world-class shopping destination. Three floors house popular brand names like West Elm, Sugar Boo & Co., Williams Sonoma, Warby Parker, Nike, Lululemon, Anthropologie and more. Take the elevator to the Ponce rooftop and enjoy their new Holidays on the Roof event featuring ice skating or renting one of their cozy rooftop igloos to take in the Atlanta skyline in style! Right outside of Ponce Market is the famous Atlanta Beltline. This 22-mile inner city trail features endless restaurants, lively bars, awesome shops while simultaneously looping through many of ATL’s hip neighborhoods. We took a little adventure down the Eastside Trail of the Beltline, starting at Ponce Market and finishing at the Krog District, about 1.5 miles by foot, bike, or rentable scooter. Along the way pop into New Realm Brewery for a cold one, chill on the patio at Lady Bird Grove and Mess Hall, and land at Superica (inside Krog Market) for margaritas and queso. If you’re looking for other unforgettable dining experiences in Atlanta make reservations at Aria, Staplehouse, BoccaLupo, or Ticonderoga Club. Lodging in ATL is high-end, easy to come by, and surprisingly reasonable this time of the year. Some great Atlanta hotels to consider are: The Ritz Carlton, Loews Atlanta, Waldorf Astoria Buckhead, W Atlanta, The Candler Hotel by Hilton, The Clermont, Hotel Indigo, or InterContinental Buckhead. There is so much to do and see in Atlanta and you’ll be glad you came for the holidays when it shines at it’s best!

4. Washington, D.C.

There is something about Washington DC during the holidays that is traditional, sophisticated, and classic. Perhaps it’s the billions of white lights, greenery, and red accents set against our national landmarks. Or maybe its the crisp, cool Washington air blended with holiday glow all around you while you stroll down every avenue. Whatever the reason, this city doesn’t disappoint in delivering classic, holiday nostalgia. Walk through historical Georgetown or Alexandria for some holiday shopping at all of the many incredible merchants along their respective main streets. Both neighborhoods located within the greater D.C area are equal parts beautiful and charming, and offer lots of shopping and dining choices that are easily accessible. Speaking of dininng, there are a plethora of fantastic restaurants all around Washington D.C. Some of the most iconic to consider are: Old Ebbitt Grill (American), Pizzeria Paradisio (Italian), The Dabney (Fine Dining), 1789 (Fine Dining American), Clydes (American), Mama Ayesha’s (Middle-Eastern), Florida Avenue Grill (Soul Food/Diner), Tabard Inn (Contemporary American), Loebs NY Deli (Sandwiches), Mr. Henrys (American Pub), Martin’s Tavern (American). If you like history, spend a few hours at one of the many amazing National museums and take a stroll along the national lawn. Zoo Lights at The National Zoo is a delightful walking experience for all ages. Another immersive holiday experience worth the ticket price is the Enchanted Christmas maze at National Park. And if you love live performances, check out A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theater this month. Lastly, there is no shortage of great hotels in D.C. Here are some with excellent guest ratings: The Willard Intercontinental, The Conrad, The Moxy Downtown, Intercontinental The Wharf, The Dupont Circle Hotel, The Lyle, Embassy Suites Georgetown, Grand Hyatt DC, Sofitel Lafayette, Watergate Hotel. Whether your going solo, as a couple, or bringing the whole family, Washington D. C. is a town you won’t regret visiting during the holidays.

5. New York City, New York

Last but certainly not least is the city of known for its lights: New York, New York. For those of you who crave a holiday adventure with ALL of the “extra” trimmings, this is the spot for you. With the most options for dining, events, shopping, and lodging, you can’t go wrong visiting NYC for the holidays. But first, the live shows. From Broadway, to Madison Square Garden, NYC Ballet and the New York Philharmonic, there is always a good show playing in NYC. But for a truly New York holiday experience, try one of these live shows playing all December: The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular and The Nutcracker New York City Ballet. Pair one of these unforgettable world-class performances with a dinner at one of New York’s extraordinary restaurants, and you have the makings for the ultimate holiday evening. The very best restaurants in the world were born in New York and since we don’t have enough time or space to list them all here, here are a bunch that are all superb at what they do: Balthazar, Roberto’s, Sylvia’s, Bahn Vietnamese Shop House, Gallaghers Steakhouse, Le Bernardin, Szechuan Mountain House, Ci Siamo, Grand Central Oyster Bar, Baekjeong Korean BBQ, Koloman, Oxomoco, Hometown Bar-B-Que, Gramercy Tavern, Via Carota, Taqueria Ramirez, Katz Delicatessen, Una Pizza Napoletana, Russ & Daughters Cafe, The Four Horsemen, Win Son Taiwanese. Now you know where to eat, here are the best NYC neighborhoods to shop during the holiday season: 1.) Soho - a mix of high-end designer stores and mid-low end shops (West Broadway, Prince Street and Spring Street) 2.) Fifth Avenue - known for their lavish holiday window displays at Saks Fifth Ave, Barneys, and Bergdorf Goodmans (from 42nd-59th street), 3.) The Flatiron District - a mix of mid to low-end retailers and unique specialty shops (23rd to 14th Streets, and Broadway west to 8th Avenue), 4.) Rockefeller Center - retail clothing, gift shops, and lots of kids stores like Lego and American Girl. Finally, here are some highly rated hotels to unwind in after a long day of exploring, playing, and shopping. NYC hotels aren’t inexpensive this time of the year but here are a several for every budget: The Aloft Chelsea, The Hotel Chelsea, Freehand, The Gotham Hotel, The Artezan, The Cloud One Downtown, MADE Hotel, The Ritz Carlton, The Conrad, Royalton Park Ave, LUMA Hotel, The Henry Norman, Ace Hotel Brooklyn, Avid Hotel Brooklyn, Best Western Plus Soho, Graduate NYC, Nine Orchard, Public Hotel.

Safe and happy traveling to you! Feel free to add some of your favorite attractions in the comments below if and when you visit any of these remarkable destinations.

~Penny

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