Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
If you’re looking for a perfect, secluded getaway to reconnect with yourself and your love of nature, look no further than Coeur d’Alene, Idaho!
While Idaho may not be the first place you think of when you picture the perfect vacation getaway, just hear us out. Lake Coeur d’Alene is acclaimed by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and with its small-town charm, it may be just what you need.
For a resort-style stay, try the lakeside The Coeur d’Alene Resort and Spa and enjoy the lush environment in style. You can lounge by the lake and soak up the sun, or tour the lake on one of their river cruises. Their golf course is world-famous and features the world’s only floating green. They offer a wide range of pampering spa packages to give you some much needed TLC that leaves you feeling fully refreshed and as good as new!
For you wine connoisseurs, tour the Coeur d’Alene Cellars — or stop at Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch, where you can help lead alpacas to their daytime pastures!
If you’re looking for something a little more active to help you reconnect with nature, why not try jet skiing, or paddle boarding or boating, or kayaking on the lake, hiking in the gorgeous North Idaho forests, or even fly fishing on the Coeur d’Alene River! How about a guided Segway tour, an off-road vehicle tour, or a fun Coeur d’Alene scavenger hunt that leads you though local shops and landmarks? And you can pop in to our favorite fellow Celtic shop — All Things Irish!
Sequoia National Park & Kings Canyon National Park, California
Known as the “Land of Giants,” these adjacent national parks are home to the world’s largest trees — the majestic Sequoias! Believe me when I say that nothing will humble you more than standing in the shadow of these enormous behemoths — Redwood Canyon, in Kings Canyon National Park, has the largest remaining grove of Sequoias in the world. Most stand over 250 feet tall, but you can visit the General Sherman (the largest tree by mass in the world, located in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park) that looms a staggering 275 feet!
As magnificent as these Sequoias are, wandering through the groves of these massive trees isn’t the only thing to do in these neighboring National Parks. There are plenty of day-hikes or overnight backpacking excursions for you to explore — or plan a few nights’ stay at one of the four lodges or cabins the park has to offer! You can even take a guided horseback tour through the forest at either Giant Grove Stables or Cedar Grove Pack Station, both in Kings Canyon.
If you’ve read our “Fun & Adventurous Hobbies (that are surprisingly easy to start!)” and decided to give rock climbing a try, Sequoia and Kings Canyon offer a variety of pre-established climbing paths around their large granite domes. Moro Rock is the most well-known and easy to access. There is Moro Rock’s west face, which presents a 1,000-foot vertical wall of cracks and pre-set holds. If you want to hike the High Sierra Trail up to Angel Wings, Moro Rock offers a 2,000-foot wall for your climbing pleasure!
If you aren’t a rock climber yet, no problem! There is also Moro Rock Trail, which offers a sightseeing climb for fit and adventurous hikers — who aren’t too afraid of heights! There are steps, ramps, and a concrete stairwell (built in 1931) to help hikers stay on track to the top. This is only a half-mile round trip trail, so a doable hike for most.
The view alone of the Great Western Divide is worth the trek!
Monaco
Monaco is the second-smallest independent city-state in the world. As the embodiment of “treat yourself,” it is a place known for its lavish wealth and glamor and would make the perfect luxurious getaway that, as a regal, steadfast Taurus, you feel so at home in. This city will allow you to relax and indulge in the pleasure that you so often deny yourself for the sake of others. Whether you want to lounge on the beach, sipping champagne and enjoying the view of the French Riviera, or if you’d like to try your luck at the famous Monte Carlo Casino, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained in this glamorous city.
You can catch up on all the gossip of the royal family (which included Princess Grace Kelly before her untimely death in 1982). Take a tour of the extravagant Palais du Princier de Monaco (the Palace of the Prince of Monaco), where you can learn all about the royal family’s history while exploring a building that has been standing for almost a millennium!
The Princess Grace Rose Garden is a beautiful place to take a break from the hustle and bustle. You can also join a walking tour of the scenic Old Town district, or just browse the local boutiques and cafes.
Additionally, Monaco has a range of exquisite public and private beaches. The only fully public beach is the Plage des Fossettes Beach, St. Jean Cap Ferrat, where you’ll find no restaurants, facilities, or handy parasols — but it boasts a fabulous view and clear water.
Larvotto Beach is part public/part private and is a jet-setter magnet vying for the title of “the most glamourous beach in the world.” Tourists say that Larvotto is likely the best beach in Monaco, so make sure to check it out. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!
