WANDERLUST

Being on a travel hiatus is for the birds. We’re creatures of movement and exploration, and now, maybe, it’s about time to get back out to what we do best. Whether you’ve had to abandon previous plans or spent days scrolling Instagram for inspiration, you’re ready to start scheming a trip. Before you book that flight or load up the car, do your research online as the restrictions are still lifting from state to state. Then, once you’re ready, consider these 12 alluring destinations, which are easy to access and sure to provide a much-needed escape.

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

With its stunning vistas, mountain-town vibe, and abundance of nearby hiking trails, Asheville is one of our top retreats—and will be one of the first we hit when the time is right. A gem in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has the best of both worlds: Easy access to the great outdoors coupled with a blossoming small-town city scene. It’s still considered Beer City, USA (there are now 50 breweries in town), with new arrivals like Forestry Camp, from Burial Beer Company, marking the scene’s evolutionary step of pairing stellar food and ambiance along with the brews.

The city is also home to Biltmore, a must-visit not just for the stunning home built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1880s, but also for its 8,000 acres of hike-able, ride-able, bike-able grounds. This time of year finds the property lush with wildflowers and the farms and gardens primed for harvest—much of the food grown on site goes to the property’s restaurants.

Downtown is