Boston, Massachusetts
This stunning port town in Massachusetts may not be the first thing that comes to your mind, my dear, steady Virgos, but hear me out. If there is anything a Virgo likes, in one word, it would be the engrossing, engaging world of — history. Being around you is like walking with a ready-made tour guide. You are very interested in what has shaped the world around you — its past, its meaning, its history. Boston is one of the most historic cities I’ve ever been to in the U.S., so to me it feels like your match made in heaven.
But first — lunch! Boston is home to some of the oldest taverns in the United States, like the famous Bell in Hand Tavern, and (because Boston is also home to multiple craft breweries and distilleries) they all feature local beers, ciders, and ales. This city is the perfect place to snuggle into a cozy booth with your closest friends, a tall, cold pint, and a piping hot cup of chowder to plan your investigation into the long-ago Boston.
Not a fan of chowder? That’s not a problem. Boston features some of the freshest seafood in the country, including buttery lobster, oysters, and clams — and any tavern will boast about their classic, mouth-watering fish and chips! Check out James Hook & Co., a tiny, family-owned, waterfront restaurant that has been serving the people of Boston for over ninety years. Even if seafood isn’t your thing, you’ll find something for you — but make sure to settle in for a delicious breakfast or lunch because you’ll need your energy to explore.
On your mapped-out agenda should be perusing one of the oldest used bookstores in America — Brattle Book Shop (est. 1925!) — then brush up on your Revolutionary War knowledge by taking a tour of Boston’s historic sites, including walking the famous Freedom Trail — the path Paul Revere took the night he warned the townspeople of the British invasion.
Visit Paul Revere’s house (built in 1680), and of course check out Boston Harbor where the famous 1773 Boston Tea Party actually happened! After you fill up your imagination with historical tales of daring and bravery, don’t forget to end your glorious day by watching the exquisite sunset over the beautiful Boston Harbor — preferably as you munch on the delectable delicacies from one of the many local pastry shops, like Mike’s Pastry!
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
One of your many talents, Virgo, is your ability to always find the diamond in the rough, which is exactly why Great Basin National Park should be at the top of your destination list! Located off the “Loneliest Road in America” (a wide-open highway with few landmarks but ghost towns and historic mining communities), Great Basin National Park is in the middle of nowhere, and it’s one of the least visited national parks in the US! But all that means for you, dear Virgo, is you won’t have to fight through pesky crowds, and you can spend all the time you want analyzing everything of interest. That alone makes Great Basin worth the trek, but there are plenty of other reasons to pay this beautiful park a visit.
For starters, the park features incredibly diverse topography. Where else can you visit a glacier (in Nevada of all places), some of the oldest living trees in the world (the “Methuselah Grove”), picturesque lakes, and explore a cave all in one place?
To pique your interest, dearest Virgo, I’ll tell you that the Great Basin’s ancient bristlecone pine trees are the world’s oldest living non-clonal organisms (meaning, these trees are not genetic copies of a parent organism, but are — in fact — the original organisms).
One of the best trails to guide you through the park (and allow you to see most of the major highlights) is the Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop, which consists of about 5.3 miles and is only moderately challenging. The loop takes you around the beautiful Stella and Teresa Lakes, offering stunning views of the mountains and alpine trees, and groves of ancient Bristlecone pines. Some of these ancient trees predate the Great Pyramid of Giza (which was built between 2,584 – 2,561 BC) — while the oldest known tree in the basin started growing in 3051 BC and is now over 5,070 years old!
I highly suggest you extend your hike by taking the Glacier Trail from the Bristlecone Grove, and end at Wheeler Peak Glacier, an alpine glacier that sits right under the second highest peak in Nevada. But the best view of the glacier itself is on the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive from the Wheeler Peak Overlook. Another must — explore the Lehman Caves while you’re here. Ranger-led tours are offered year-round, but remember to book them well in advance because they sell out fast.
Also, formally recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, Great Basin is one of the best places to stargaze, so you’re going to want to make sure you spend at least one night in the park itself. Whether you grew up in the middle of nowhere or in a bustling city, the night sky at Great Basin will blow you away with its beauty!
Mount Fuji, Japan
Virgos, you are always diligently working behind the scenes to ensure everyone else is being taken care of, which is why it’s high time you took a much-needed vacation to take care of yourself.
The many resorts and spas based around Mount Fuji offer a tranquil atmosphere to restore and refresh your mind, body, and soul. Soak in the rejuvenating waters of traditional onsens (natural hot springs heated by the volcanic activity of Fuji, itself) or explore the many attractions surrounding Lake Kawaguchi!
If you are looking to surround yourself with luxury, the Kozantei Ubuya dedicates itself to celebrating life and ensuring all your needs and comforts are attended to. The resort is located on the east bank of Lake Kawaguchi and — besides its unbeatable views of the volcano, open-air hot springs, and prime location to other attractions around the lake — it offers a multitude of amenities to ensure you leave feeling pampered and refreshed.
If you’re looking for a relaxing, charming hotel that still offers a variety of amenities and spa packages but won’t break the bank, then Kawaguchiko Hotel is the place for you. Located only a fifteen-minute walk from the train station, Kawaguchiko is located on the south side of Lake Kawaguchi and offers prime views of Mount Fuji and a spectacular yet tranquil garden to stroll through.
When you do finally bring yourself to leave the hotel, be sure to check out the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and the hiking trail around the peak of Mount Tenjo, which offers spectacular views of Fuji and has folklore of its own! For more fun, you could take a tour of the Ide Sake Brewery, which has been in business for 21 generations, or the Kawaguchiko Music Forest, a small theme park dedicated to automated music boxes!
Consider ending your trip with a visit to Fujirokushosengen Shrine. There is a 1,000-year-old path worn by ascetic monks who trekked from shrine to shrine before journeying to the sacred mountain’s peak. Fujirokushosengen Shrine is the final shrine before hiking the mountain. Theirs was a journey of purification.
How better to end your own journey to Mount Fuji?
