If you’re ready to beat the heat for your next vacation I get it! I’m not sure what it is, but the older I get the more I appreciate the “cool” air at some of my favorite destinations. My family and I love to hike and we’ve found ourselves on several vacations througout the years on the east coast in Vermont and Maine. If you love hiking and charming little towns, I think you’ll love my two recommendations here. And my 3rd pick is from my daughter… I’ve never been there, but I’ve heard GREAT things!

NOTE: “This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links at no extra cost to you.

My Top 3 “Cool” Vacations.

1. Stowe, Vermont – We love going to Stowe, Vermont to hike the Green Mountains. The town is very cute and has a beautiful small town feel. We’ve always stayed a resort called Smugglers Notch, which is great for families and they offer a package that includes daily guided hikes with a wonderful guide. (We love this option). This resort isn’t right in Stowe, but it is nearby… We’ve only gone during the summer months for hiking, but we’ve heard great things about skiing in the winter too. During the summer, we travel the short drive into Stowe for dinners. Some of our favorite restaurants include Piecasso, The Bench, and Idletyme. Also nearby is Von Trapp Family Lodge! This is where the REAL Von Trapp family came when they arrived in America. It’s beautiful. We’ve never stayed here, but it looks beautiful. We’ve visited to tour the hotel and see the Von Trapp memoribilla. I even met the granddaughter of the real “Maria” in the gift shop when were there. The hiking is so great in this area… Mt. Mansfield is one of our favorite and if you don’t want to climb the entire mountain you can drive up and just climb to “the nose”. Check out the All Trails app for information on all the trails in the area.

2. Bar Harbor, Maine – This is a beautiful coastal town we loved visiting. The town of Bar Harbor is so beautiful with great restaurants and near Acadia National Park. We booked early and got a good deal at the Harborside Hotel for our family, but you can also find great home rentals in the area or other hotels. The hiking is so wonderful with ocean nearby… One of our favorite hikes were Cadillac Mountain the Beehive Trail…. although if you don’t like heights be aware the Beehive Trailer, that one might not be for you. Again, check out the All Trails App for all the great hikes in the area.

My favorite restaurant pick was off the path a little bit… a small little lobster pound called “The Traveling Lobster“. It was go good we went back twice!!!

3. Ireland – So, I have not been to Ireland but I’m putting it on the list because my daughter was just here and raved out it… and it is for sure a “cool” vacation. The hiking and scenery is beautiful…. and now you can flight straight there round trip from Cleveland on Aer Lingus! If you’re open to international travel, this is a great option I’m hearing for a great vacation.

Just a reminder too… you can shop my favorite “travel must haves” on my Amazon Page!