Backyard Traveler

Six dream destinations North Americans can reach by river ship or RV. No matter where you are on the continent, you’re a short trip from the vacation of a lifetime.

Six dream destinations North Americans can reach by river ship or RV.

1. ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

Located just southwest of Bar Harbor in the breathtaking mountains of Central Maine, this magical place relieves stress better than any tranquilizer ever concocted. The park is dotted with scenic islands, including about half of Mount Desert Island (where you’ll find Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the eastern coastline). Visitors can watch the sun come up over Thunder Hole, an inlet carved out of the rocks, and listen to the waves crashing at high tide.

If you enjoy biking, you can wheel your way over the Carriage Roads — 57 miles of woodland roadways where you won’t encounter a single motor vehicle.

And if you’d rather have more of a workout in the woods, take the challenge of Beehive Trail. It’s only eight-tenths of a mile through the wilderness … but takes you across cliffs with iron rungs on the ledges.

2. SAVAGE RIVER LODGE

You might call Savage River Lodge the best of two worlds. It combines the privacy and comfort of first-class accommodations, fine wine, and good food with the ruggedness of unspoiled nature.

Imagine yourself nestled in one of 18 private cabins, deep in the midst of 700 acres of pristine Maryland State Forest.

It’s ideal for either a wholesome family vacation, or a romantic getaway with your sweetheart. Some couples even get married there.

One of the most impressive things about this idyllic haven is the way the architecture of the lodge blends seamlessly with the rustic surroundings.

And if a cabin is too cushy for you, you can always choose one of the glamping options. In the yurt (a large tent lit with a central skylight), you can drift to sleep peacefully, listening to the sounds of the forest.

3. CAPE GIRARDEAU

This pleasant Missouri town, overlooking the Mississippi River 115 miles southeast of St. Louis, is sometimes called “a picker’s paradise” — and not because of a preponderance of banjos. The term “picker” in this context refers to those who enjoy browsing for unique relics that give their homes character. Cape Girardeau has such a wide array of antique stores and thrift shops that the downtown area is known as “the antique district.”

These establishments, all well within walking distance of each other, feature everything from archaic period clothes and handmade jewelry to rare vinyl records and vintage musical instruments.

As you stroll through town, feeling your blood pressure easing with every step, consider a stop at the Spanish Street Mercantile for some ice cream, made with an old-fashioned ice-cream maker.

4. GLAMPING IN GALVESTON

The port city of Galveston has been romanticized since famed explorer Cabeza de Vaca shipwrecked there in 1528. Located just 45 miles south of Houston, its breezy beaches are famous for their serenity. East of the Gulf of Mexico and west of West Bay, it’s the perfect spot to decompress from the cares of the city in a houseboat or beach cabin.

If you enjoy glamping and sweet serenity, it’s hard to beat the aptly named Fantastic Beach Cabin Rental on Galveston Island.

And when you’ve had enough deep relaxation, there’s plenty of nightlife. Brews Brothers Brew Pub and Float Pool & Patio Bar are just two of the quaint watering holes preferred by locals.

5. TABLE MOUNTAIN

Located on the Columbia River, deep in the Washington forest, surrounded by fir and pine, rises Table Mountain. It’s not only a perfect spot for vacationers to relax and “get away from it all,” it also holds a special place in the hearts of scientists. Because it’s so far away from the nearest cities, there’s no light pollution. That means it offers a clear view of the heavens. Each summer, hundreds of astronomers would come to the event they call the Table Mountain Star Party to look at the night sky. ( The popular event has since been moved to Eden Valley Guest Ranch after the Forest Service decided not to allow permits for such large gatherings at Table Mountain.)

So, whether you’re a scientist or just a romantic, you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the constellations.

And there’s plenty to do by day as well, including wildlife photography, riding mountain bikes over the scenic trails, or enjoying one of the cabins in the Columbia River Gorge below.

6. SANDY VALLEY RANCH

Longing for a touch of the Old West less than an hour outside Las Vegas?

What could fill the bill better than Sandy Valley Ranch, where you can ride horses, chew the fat with local wranglers, and walk the Old Spanish Trail that the early settlers used for exploration back when the West was being won?

The accommodations are varied, including some great, unique options: two tiny houses ( both featured on the niche TV series

Tiny House Nation), two tipis, a restored 1969 Boles Aero travel trailer, and — if you really want to get that pioneer feeling — you can stay in an actual Old West covered wagon.