Seattle, Washington
Not too hot, too cold, too sunny, nor too dark — this temperate climate will give you, dear Cancer, a virtual emotional clean slate, a rest from extremes. This verdant seaport city sits right on the Puget Sound, about 100 miles south of the Canadian border. While it does rain here often, the rain produces lush forests and supports active wildlife — plus, whenever it’s sunny, the views are absolutely gorgeous. On clear days, you can get a full view of stunning Mt. Rainier — one of the country’s active volcanoes and one of Washington’s six signature mountains.
For things to do, Seattle has been a center for the performing & visual arts and music for many years. You’ll find local art installments all throughout the city, including the famous Fremont Troll! For music, Seattle is very active. Perfect for you, Cancer! Artists like Dove Cameron, Nirvana, Macklemore — and of course Jimi Hendrix — all got their start here, and you can find a lot of great venues for fantastic artists, like the Neptune Theatre and the Sea Monster Lounge.
As the birthplace of the largest coffee chain in the U.S., some of the best coffee shops in the country are here, including the original Starbucks! However, the local coffee shops are where you’ll find the best coffee.
My personal favorite is Café Allegro. Nestled in an alley and hidden by ivy, it’s home to Seattle’s oldest espresso bar, and their beans are grown at family farms around the world, then small-batch roasted at their cozy café. But part of the fun is exploring all the local cafés yourself to discover your own favorite!
Aside from perusing the many markets and cafés, there are plenty of things to see and do to keep you entertained! I know you love interesting experiences, my dear Cancers, so you’ll enjoy taking an underground tour through the old passageways and streets under the city. These were built in the mid-19th century! And of course, you can’t visit without riding over 500 feet straight up to take in the 360ᵒ view from the famous Space Needle! You can also watch the waves roll in from one of the city’s many beaches, or take a day trip to visit Mt. Rainier National Park.
Whether you’re looking to surround yourself with nature, art, or just explore a bustling city, you can find something special to do in Seattle!
Acadia National Park, Maine
Known as the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast,” Acadia National Park was formed two to three million years ago by glaciers flowing and eroding, carving the many scenic ponds, peaks, and lakes that we see today. The weather here can also be pretty unpredictable, and the storms get very intense, so make sure you dress for the weather and bring your waterproof/water-resistant backpacks!
There are over 150 miles of hiking trails traversing through forest, mountain top, and rocky shoreline — including the 3.9-mile St. Sauveur and Acadia Mountain Loop, which summits two mountain peaks and features impressive views of the fjard at Somes Sound.
You can also take a narrated bus tour through the park with Acadia National Park Tours or Oli’s Trolley. Better yet — explore rustic carriage roads by taking a horse-drawn carriage tour!
If you get up early, go watch the sunrise over Cadillac Mountain, where from October to early March you’ll be able to see the first rays of daylight to touch the United States! However, because of the popularity of this destination, you may need to make a vehicle reservation.
One of the most admirable things about you, Cancer, is your ability to connect with others, so you should check out the Cultural Connections program at the Abbe Museum. The natives of this land are the Wabanaki people who have lived here for over 10,000 years. Visitors can meet and learn about the culture from the Wabanaki people themselves. They host free public events every Wednesday during the summer.
You can also visit the main Abbe Museum or the trailside Abbe Museum, to learn more about the culture and history. Be sure to check for updated information before you go!
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled is a beautiful spot tucked away in a secluded corner of Slovenia. It’s a picturesque location right out of a fairytale, and it’s an ideal spot for a secluded self-care trip.
There are plenty of hiking opportunities, and the tranquil town of Bled abounds with souvenir shops and Slovenian delicacies, like the Bled cream cake. If you want, you can rent an e-bike or take a guided tour. Maybe book Lake Bled Hot Air Balloon Flights, go paragliding, ride horses, or even spend the day canyoning!
Be sure to stop and tour the oldest castle in Slovenia, Bled Castle (Blejski Grad) — which dates back to the year 1011 — and go for wine tasting in their spectacular wine cellar!
If you’re looking for something to fuel your adventurous side, choose the 8-hour “black hole kayaking” tour which leads you through the pitch-black, underground, abandoned “black hole” mines — an unforgettable experience for both beginners and veterans!
You absolutely must visit Bled Island while you’re here, a tiny isle in the middle of the lake — the only natural lake in Slovenia! Few buildings are on the island, and the most well-know of them is the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary, which in its current form, dates back to the 17th century — though there has been a church at that site since the 9th century! You can rent a rowboat to transport yourself across the lake. You don’t even need any prior rowing experience but, if you’d rather skip the rowing, then hire a large, wooden gondola-like boat (called a “Pletna”) to transport you.
Lake Bled is the real place where dreams come true. Legend has it, in 1534, a young widow who lived in Bled Castle forged a bell with all the gold and silver she had. She sent this bell to the church to honor her lost husband, who had been tragically killed.
But that night — there was a vicious storm on the lake, and the ship sank, along with the bell and everyone on board! She sold all her possessions and walked barefoot to Rome to ask for the Pope’s help. However, he had already heard of this tragedy, and had already sent a new bell that he had blessed.
Whoever rings it three times is granted one wish. Supposedly, this same bell still hangs there today. What’s your greatest wish, Cancers?
