I was at an event the other day, and naturally the conversation turned to the topic of summer vacations and where everyone was planning to go this year. A handful of people had plans to go to foreign destinations, but surprisingly the majority had plans to vacation right here on U.S. soil. My husband and I have also decided to stay in the country when we vacation for the summer. The rationale? We need to spend our money at home to boost our own economy. It almost seems like the patriotic thing to do under the present economic circumstances facing our country. Clearly, with employment at an all-time low, summer resorts and other summer businesses could become a major source of employment for people all over the country if enough business is generated. According to reports by the Associated Press, these enterprises are getting swamped with applications from unemployed Americans. Even professionals are competing for these jobs, which are normally reserved for teenagers or foreign workers who are willing to accept lower wages. Think of all the hotels, airlines, auto rental companies, theme parks, tourist attractions and more that could use the boost.

 

I strongly believe that vacationing at home will in no way diminish our vacation experience. After all, the United States as a country is vast (slightly smaller than all of Europe) and has amazing diversity and so much to offer and be discovered. I am often amazed at the scenic wonders of our land. Surely, anyone who has experienced our deserts, awe-inspiring mountains and sparkling beaches, pristine lakes, delightful prairies, or the marvels of our wildlife can understand.
The Hamptons is, of course, a favorite summer destination for those who love socializing. Martha’s Vineyard (often referred to as “Hollywood East”) buzzes with visitors in the summer and has been the summer, retreat of such families as the Kennedys for a long time.

There’s a long list of lavish retreats throughout the states, like the Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Florida Keys, which Jonathan Siskin reviews on page 36. Another idyllic island getaway is our country’s own Caribbean paradise, the U.S. Virgin Islands. For a seaside vacation where you can enjoy the sun, fishing and golf, Fenwick, Connecticut, which has a population of fewer than 100 in the off season, is the perfect summer refuge if you want to take it easy.

Apart from the posh New England retreats and exclusive beachside refuges, some of us will find delight at some luxurious haven further inland, like Idaho. And while Idaho doesn’t often cross my mind at all, let alone in terms of its being an ideal vacation spot, its Sun Valley resort town is a bucolic venue for relaxation and recreation, like going out for a horseback ride on charming mountain trails, enjoying a round of golf, or improving your tennis backhand.

Whether this season draws us toward somewhere tropical and we find ourselves sunning and gazing out at the azure waters surrounding Fisher Island near Miami, or whether it finds us escaping to a lovely summer cottage in the charming coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island—or perhaps enjoying another hidden gem among the country’s purple mountain majesties and amber waves of grain—the perfect getaway can be found within U.S. borders, without a doubt.