South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Best places to travel in August in the US
We know all too well how fleeting summer can be. So, why not squeeze in one last trip before the season comes to close? August is a great month to get in one last summer getaway, and we’re bringing the heat with our list of the best places to travel in August in the U.S., from big cities to vineyards. Expect a mix of popular spots and hidden gems — all of which offer different ways to say goodbye to summer.
Indianapolis is jam-packed with family fun and has a healthy dose of pleasant late-summer weather. It hosts one of the top state fairs in the country, the Indiana State Fair, which just happens to set up shop for 17 days in August. Devour Indy also makes its way to the city during this month, giving diners two weeks of set menu options for a fixed price. August is low season, which means you and travel companions will have more to yourselves, including the world’s largest children’s museum. Bonus: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has events every single day in August, from learning how to be an astronaut or experimenting in the kitchen to helping to solve fairy tale mysteries.
Indianapolis.
The picturesque views in Portland, Maine, are as beautiful as ever in August, and just so happen to be accompanied by excellent temperatures. These conditions present the perfect backdrops for exploring the late 18th-century Portland Head Lighthouse, visiting beaches on Peaks Island, and traipsing around the photogenic Fort Williams Park. Celebrate the laidback, end-of-summer vibes with a stroll along the cobblestone streets of the historic
Portland, Maine.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the world’s largest children’s museum, features a carousel dating back to 1917.
Old Port while you check out the various seafood spots, storefronts and bars. For some more entertainment, there’s a summer concert series and the Maine State Ballet has summer performances, such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” throughout August.
When it comes to events in St. Louis, August is prime time. If you show up during this month, you’ll be able to choose from tons of events and festivals that don’t occur any other time of year — and most of them are free. A few examples include Blues at the Arch (which presents free live blues every Friday), the Art Hill Film Series (an outdoor film screening series with live music and food) and the Festival of Nations (a multicultural festival that features over 40 vendors, as well as an
St. Louis.
Horse-drawn carriages and cars share the road near the majestic Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis.
international selection of food, music, and dancing).
15 minutes from Vail Mountain. Well-known by Colorado locals, Beaver Creek remains a hidden gem for tourists. The mild weather conditions allow for fun outdoor activities, such as scenic chairlift rides, golfing, music and food festivals. There are also over 62 miles of hiking
trails, 50 miles of biking trails and rafting opportunities to really get out and connect with nature while it’s still warm out. At night, cozy up to the fire and cook up some s’mores or bundle up and stargaze the clear mountain skies. often have extended tasting room hours or host special paired dinners to celebrate the sun setting on summer.
You may picture nothing but snow when thinking of Buffalo, but this northern New York city bustles in the warmer months. The city has gone through an urban transformation over the last few years, and is emerging as a top warmweather destination packed with adventure, history, and culture. Hit up the free Shakespeare in Delaware Park, check out the new Explore & More Children’s Museum and the finishing touches on the Frank Lloyd Wright Darwin Martin House (an absolute stunner for design fans), and catch an innovative theater performance from the Torn Space Theater. Down by the waterfront, work up a sweat on the ropes course, paddleboard or kayak around the Niagara River, zip across four silostretched zip lines, or float down the river on your own personal tiki boat and take in the view. Love hot wings? Come at the tail end of August and chow down at the National Buffalo Wing Festival.
Buffalo, New York.
Come August, everything is in full swing in Branson, Missouri. The local lakes are popping, attractions have extended hours, and the award-winning Silver Dollar City theme park hosts “Midnight Madness,” in which the park stays open late a few nights at the beginning of August. As many coastal dwellers head toward the beach in hot weather, folks in the Midwest beeline for the lakes — and Branson is situated near Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake and Lake Taneycomo. With so many shows, attractions and entertainment options, it’s easy to see why some folks call Branson the Vegas of the Midwest.
Branson, Missouri.