STILLWATER MINNESOTA
is considered the birthplace of Minnesota — and it wears its history well. Victorian homes line the bluffs
S
above the water and the red-brick buildings of Main Street house candy shops, bookstores, vintage boutiques, and taverns with live music on warm summer nights. You can stroll across the restored
Stillwater Lift Bridge, take a narrated trolley ride through town, or board a paddlewheel riverboat for a two-hour sightseeing cruise past forested riverbanks and sandstone cliffs. Lodging here is part of the charm. Lora,
built into the old Joseph Wolf Brewery caves, offers stylish boutique rooms just steps from the river. For something more classic, the Lowell
Inn, a 1927 Colonial Revival hotel, offers elegant suites and a traditional afternoon tea service.
et along the St. Croix River just 30 minutes from the Twin Cities, Stillwater
LITITZ PENNSYLVANIA
L
ititz, in the heart of Lancaster County, is the kind of town that rewards a
slower pace. Brick sidewalks lead past 18th-century buildings, family-run candy shops, and stores selling quilts, soaps, and woodwork made by local artisans. Visitors can tour the Julius Sturgis
Pretzel Bakery, founded in 1861, the oldest in the country, or stop by Wilbur Chocolate, which has been producing small-batch sweets since the late 1800s. Nearby, Lititz Springs Park hosts
live music most weekends, and the surrounding countryside is dotted with covered bridges and winding farm roads perfect for a leisurely drive. You’ll find upscale yet unpretentious
accommodations at Hotel Rock Lititz, which has modern rooms and ties to the music industry (many touring acts rehearse here). For a cozier stay, try The Alden House
Bed & Breakfast, located in a restored 1850s Federal-style home.
WHITEFISH MONTANA
T
ucked into the mountains of northwest Montana, Whitefish is the
kind of town where you can buy a fly rod in the morning, hike past waterfalls in the afternoon, and enjoy a huckleberry cocktail under the stars. Though it’s known as a ski resort in
winter, Whitefish shines in late summer — especially for travelers looking to explore nearby Glacier National Park without the full crush of peak-season crowds. Whitefish Lake is perfect for a leisurely paddle or pontoon ride, and Whitefish Mountain Resort offers scenic gondola rides with views that stretch into Canada on clear days. Downtown, the vibe is relaxed yet
stylish — think Western storefronts, art galleries, and surprisingly good dining options. The Firebrand Hotel is a modern favorite right in the center of town, while The Lodge at Whitefish Lake offers rustic luxury with a lakeside setting and full- service spa.
BLOWING ROCK NORTH CAROLINA
T
ucked into North Carolina’s High Country, it offers a
cooler mountain escape during the dog days of summer. With daily highs often in the
70s, it’s a refreshing change from the southern heat. The downtown area feels like a step back in time, lined with locally owned boutiques, antique shops, and cafés. Don’t miss the chance
to sip a lemonade on the shaded patio at The Village Café, located in a restored 1907 home. Outdoor activity options include a visit to the
town’s namesake Blowing Rock formation, which sits 3,000 feet above the Johns River Gorge, or a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to nearby overlooks and hiking trails. If you’re bringing grandkids,
Tweetsie Railroad, a Wild West-themed amusement park that has entertained families for generations, is just a few minutes away. As for lodging, Chetola
Resort is a favorite, offering fly fishing, paddleboarding, and an on-site restaurant with stunning lake views.
AUGUST 2025 | NEWSMAX MAXLIFE 79
MINNESOTA/JENNIFERPHOTOGRAPHYIMAGING/GETTY IMAGES / STILLWATER/CAVAN-IMAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK / BLOWING ROCK/
VISITNC.COM /WHITEFISH/SHUNYU FAN©ISTOCK
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100
