QUICK GETAWAYS
Escape the city in a few hours
W hen it comes to travel, timing is everything. And now is the perfect time to plan your fall escape. Mere hours after stepping out your door, you can enjoy the excitement that awaits at a destination near or far.
Mediterranean Magic in Ojai
A little more than an hour’s drive north lands you in the serenity of Ojai, where the Mediterranean vibe centers on art and food. Take a Cloud Climbers Jeep Tour for a bird’s-eye view of the valley. Join the arts scene with a painting class at the Dan Schultz Fine Art Gallery. Or visit up to 80 artists in their studios during the Ojai Studio Artists Tour Oct. 10 to 12. Dine at Chef Susan Coulter’s Feast Bistro, serving New American cuisine made with locally grown organic ingredients.
Hike, bike or horsebackride along the sycamore shaded Ojai Valley Trail, which winds along the Ventura River. Relax in the artsy luxury of the Emerald Iguana Inn or the Oaks at Ojai destination spa, helmed by fitness guru Sheila Cluff. Cap it off with an herb walk with naturalist and herbalist Lanny Kaufer to learn about the uses of native plants.
www.ojaivisitors.com
High-flying Fun in Albuquerque
Fall is the best time to experience Albuquerque, and it’s just two hours away by plane. Green chili roasting season is in full swing and the world’s largest hot air balloon festival — the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta — is Oct. 3 to 11. Float into the sky morning or at sunset. Sample green chili dishes at Hacienda del Rio, a local favorite, and El Pinto, serving acclaimed traditional New Mexican cuisine for 50 years. Finish the night at the Red Door Brewing Co., part of Albuquerque’s growing craft beer and wine scene.
The next day, ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for sweeping views from the 10,378-foot peak. Visit the Turquoise Museum and browse the boutiques in Old Town. Look for wildlife in the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park and ghosts on the History & Ghost Tours of Old Town. Choose from the luxurious Hotel Andaluz or the historic charm of the Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town.
www.visitalbuquerque.org
Celebrate the Glory of Guadalajara
Wing it three hours south to Guadalajara, Mexico, the home of tequila, mariachis, colonial grandeur and art. Visit the beautiful cathedral and Degollado Theater either by foot or a romantic calandria horse drawn carriage. Be sure to eat at nearby Birrieria Las 9 Esquinas, a must for traditional birria goat stew. Ride the Jose Cuervo Express train to the town of Tequila and the historic Jose Cuervo Tequila distillery for a tour and tastings.
Tour Tonala and its mom-and-pop arts factories, including the home of the original Najaco Lupita pottery figurines. Back in the city, dine at the beautiful Santo Coyote restaurant. Celebrate the night at La Maestranza, an old-school cantina and bullfighting museum, and chic deejay and live entertainment hot spots La Santa and Primer Piso. Relax in the contemporary Hotel Riu Plaza or the old world luxury of the Quinta Real Guadalajara.
www.visitmexico.com
Live It Up in New Orleans
You can be restaurant hopping among New Orleans’ finest — Café Du Monde, Brennan’s, Galatoire’s, Antoine’s, the Commander’s Palace — in just four hours. And guess what? Fall is parade time. On Oct. 24, the Krewe of Boo Halloween parade will wind through town with spooky floats and ghoulishly costumed merrymakers. Follow it up with a Voodoo Bone Lady Tours cemetery excursion.
Shop for antiques and art along Royal Avenue. Don’t miss St. Louis Cathedral and the iconic blue dog art at nearby Cajun artist George Rodrigue Studios. Bike or stroll along the Mississippi River. Enjoy amazing jazz from Jackson Square to Preservation Hall. The “Legendary Music of Fats Domino & Dave Bartholomew” is Oct. 2 to Dec. 27 at the Carver Theater.
www.neworleanscvb.com
Naples & Marco Island — Paradise Found
Powdery white beaches and tropical sophistication abound in Naples and Marco Island on Florida’s southwest coast. In five hours, you’ll be relaxing at the Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort or the venerable Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. Explore Marco Island’s pristine mangroves by kayak, canoe or jet ski, and see dolphins, manatees and exotic birds.
Take a day-sail with Dolphin Explorer and collect shells from deserted islets. Spot alligators on an airboat ride through the Everglades. Then shop for designer labels along Naples’ 5th Avenue and sip wine at sidewalk Café Luna or enjoy conch fritters at fun-loving Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant and Bar. On Marco, have cocktails at the must-see Snook Inn palapa bar. Then savor award-winning French cuisine at Bistro Soleil in the beautifully restored 1883 Olde Marco Inn.
www.paradisecoast.com