Thumb Your Nose at the Pump

Lake Placid, NY

Driveable from NYC, Albany, Syracuse; and Middlebury and Burlington, VT

Sure, it's legendary for twice hosting the Winter Olympics (1932 and 1980), but Lake Placid also makes a great home base for summer in the Adirondacks. Outdoor adventurers in particular revel in the possibilities. Hiking expeditions lead up 46 of the highest local peaks, fishing is practically mandatory thanks to countless streams and lakes, and all pursuits are made even better by the area's picturesque terrain. In addition, golf maintains as strong a popularity as when it was introduced to the village in 1898, and more than a dozen courses invite players to go the distance. If you're amazingly well trained, you might even consider Lake Placid's Ironman Triathlon, which strenuously tests athletic mettle each July. If lazy relaxation is more your style, that's eminently possible as well. Simply take in the breathtaking scenery, rock quietly on a wood-plank porch, and give yourself over to events like Lake Placid Sinfonietta's Summer Symphony Series, a six-week classical music mainstay.

Driveable from Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Charlotte; and Myrtle Beach, SC, and Norfolk, VA

Gorgeous, unspoiled beaches and quaint village life recommend Ocracoke, whose coastal traditions from ages past are proudly upheld. Accessible by ferry, the island remains defiantly authentic and greets visitors with only independent and local businesses. Day trips to Ocracoke from other towns along the Outer Banks are popular, but if you're really looking to get away from it all, lodging is available on the island itself. And if your previous beach experiences have been marred by overly bright signs and the shrieks of marauding teenagers, you'll revel in Ocracoke's rhythmic wash of waves and not-so-remote gull cries. Primary island attractions include Ocracoke Lighthouse, a squat, whitewashed landmark built in 1823, and the island's ponies, whose uncertain origins (perhaps descended from shipwrecked livestock) have done nothing to stymie their numbers or popularity. Recently, the beach was named America's best for 2007 by Dr. Beach, adding another feather to its already-showy hat.

Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, TX

Driveable from Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio; and Shreveport, LA

If vacation, in your eyes, means abundant pampering, give yourself over to this intimate resort, which alleviates stress and rejuvenates body and spirit with soothing therapies and exquisite surroundings. The lakeside locale in the Texas Hill Country quiets harried guests with beauty and stillness, while spa treatments, fitness classes, and superb cuisine let you decompress from the usual daily regimen. Nationally recognized Lake Austin Spa Resort welcomes individuals, couples, friends, bridal parties, and more, cosseting them with Pilates sessions, art and meditation classes, and everything from massage and acupuncture to hydrotherapy and body wraps. True, civilization isn't too far distant, but seclusion from the daily grind and being sequestered from run-of-the-mill obligations go far towards fulfilling the necessary purpose of vacations.

Driveable from Los Angeles and San Diego; and Las Vegas, NV, and Phoenix and Flagstaff, AZ

Set within San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear Lake offers a cool, blue-sky respite from Southern California's summer swelter. Rock-strewn vistas, majestic pines, refreshing waters, and fresh air serve as an ideal backdrop for fishing, canoeing, hiking, water skiing, and swimming. Energetic young visitors clamber up craggy shores and throw themselves willy-nilly into the lake while folks in search of relaxation prize long, leisurely cruises spent marveling at scenic vistas and soaking in the sun like sleep-minded cats. For vacationers interested in nature, the town offers a zoo, a history museum, a solar observatory, and a discovery center that highlights local wildlife and outdoor opportunities. In addition, plenty of lodges and B&Bs accommodate travelers of all sorts. While Big Bear Lake can be touristy at times, it gets the bulk of its business in the winter. As a result, its 22 miles of shoreline let warm-weather visitors spread out just a little more comfortably.

Driveable from Atlanta, Nashville, and Knoxville; and Birmingham and Huntsville, AL

While people in the know will gently remind you that the "mountain" is actually a plateau spreading across three states, that misnomer does nothing to diminish the appeal of this high-elevation terrain. And while panoramic views are stunning, the area also lays claim to a number of natural attractions, including Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the Incline Railway. The first – a spectacular, 145-foot waterfall located within Lookout Mountain – is the crowning glory of underground caverns awash in ancient geological formations. Rock City maintains the theme, showcasing age-old rock formations along a winding outdoor trail. Gardens planted with native specimens, scenic overlooks (local lore claims that seven states are visible), a deer park, and a swinging bridge are among the family-friendly highlights. Finally, the Incline Railway is a sightseer's dream. As its cars scale the mountain, expansive vistas open up to afford astounding views. Furthermore, the grade near the top positions the Incline (a draw since 1895) as the world's steepest passenger railway.