Reasons to Drive

Visit these small and growing cities across the country just hours from major local markets. You may be surprised to find the best restaurants, hikes, beaches, and more are found here.

Reasons to Drive: Travel Guides to Local Cities in the U.S.

New York

Philadelphia

Boston

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Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

The holiday season often means carols, ringing bells, warm, spiced beverages, and—the less accessible, but equally iconic—Christmas markets that twinkle across Germany and the rest of Europe each year.

This Christmas Market in Pennsylvania Rivals Anything in Europe

Chicago

Carmel Christkindlmarkt

The aroma of warm Glühwein, sizzling bratwursts, and crisp potato pancakes mingling with the sounds of festive Christmas music and beautiful twinkling lights is what draws millions of travelers to Germany’s Christmas markets each year.

The Midwest City with a Shockingly Authentic German Christmas Market

Denver

Courtesy of Elk Falls Outhouse Tour

What happens in the outhouse usually stays in the outhouse—except in Elk Falls, Kansas, where the 28th annual Outhouse Tour runs from November 22 - 23.

The Tiny Town Filled with Outrageous Outhouses

Dallas

Photo by FOTOGRAFIA, INC./Getty Images

Grief can be such a heavy thing to carry, but, as with labor, many hands make light work.

This Texas Town Does Día de Muertos Bigger Than Anywhere Else in the U.S.

Los Angeles

San Francisco

San Diego

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Lifestyle

Attention all spell casters, magic wielders, witches, and warlocks!

Witches Take to the Sea at This Massive Group Paddle in Morro Bay

Phoenix

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It’s sweater weather in Albuquerque, and nothing marks the change of the season than the city’s marquee event: the International Balloon Fiesta, where from October 5–13 more than 600 hot air balloons take to the sky for a dazzling display of colors.

The Biggest Balloon Festival in the World Is Going Down—or Up, Rather—in Albuquerque

Nation

Photo by Carol Waller

Sometimes—and especially in a certain small town in Idaho—it's okay to "follow the sheep," as they say.

This Idaho Festival Actually Encourages You to Follow the Herd

Atlanta

Photo courtesy of the BayHaven Food and Wine Festival

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Best Restaurants & Bars - Places to Eat & Drink - Thrillist

For many people, Charlotte is the South’s hidden gem.

Inside the Charlotte Food Festival Celebrating Black Chefs in the South

Photo courtesy of Morton Pumpkin Festival

As evidenced by the abrupt omnipresence of pumpkin spice on menus and in grocery aisles, it’s clear that fall has—unofficially—arrived.

Attend the Ultimate Fall Festival in the 'Pumpkin Capital of the World'

Courtesy Experience Grand Rapids

For a couple of weeks in September at least, Grand Rapids, Michigan isn’t really a city anymore.

The World’s Most Popular Public Art Event Takes Place in Michigan

Courtesy Traverse City Tourism

If pyrotechnics were a sport, then the Olympics of Fireworks is set to light up the skies over Traverse City, Michigan on September 6th and 7th.

End Summer with a Bang at the International Fireworks Competition

Courtesy of The Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival

September is a magical time of year in Colorado—not just for the cool tinge in the air and the yellowing of leaves, but because it marks the return of the annual Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival.

This Christmas Market in Pennsylvania Rivals Anything in Europe

You don't have to fly to the Old Country to experience an authentic German Christmas market.

The Midwest City with a Shockingly Authentic German Christmas Market

Carmel is just 30 minutes north of downtown Indianapolis, but at Christmas it feels a world away.

The Tiny Town Filled with Outrageous Outhouses

Fan favorites include the Tomb of King Toot, Crapper Barrel, and Wipe Out.

This Texas Town Does Día de Muertos Bigger Than Anywhere Else in the U.S.

Feel alive for Day of the Dead in San Antonio.

Witches Take to the Sea at This Massive Group Paddle in Morro Bay

A water experience the whole coven can enjoy.

The Biggest Balloon Festival in the World Is Going Down—or Up, Rather—in Albuquerque

It’s the view of a lifetime.

This Idaho Festival Actually Encourages You to Follow the Herd

The Trailing of the Sheep is a tradition—nay, a way of life—in which “being a sheep” isn’t only a good thing, it’s necessary.

Inside the Charlotte Food Festival Celebrating Black Chefs in the South

Dig into Black food traditions and dine with top chefs.

Attend the Ultimate Fall Festival in the 'Pumpkin Capital of the World'

Pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin cupcakes, pumpkin donuts, etc.

The World’s Most Popular Public Art Event Takes Place in Michigan

For two weeks in September, Grand Rapids will transform into ArtPrize—one of the largest art competitions in the world.

End Summer with a Bang at the International Fireworks Competition

The International Fireworks Championships goes down with a bang in this Michigan City surrounded by wineries.

Spice Is in the Air at the Ultimate Festival for Chile Lovers

Spice life up a little.