A quick 3-day getaway may be just what the doctor ordered

By Liz Meszaros, MDLinx
Published May 7, 2019

Key Takeaways

Don't have time for a full vacation but need to get away? MDLinx has come up with a list of six locations that are ideal for the perfect 3-day, long-weekend getaway. So, take a load off, sit back, and read about some of the great places you can go to ease the stress and strain of the typical physician's long work hours.

New York City, NY

Nothing quite compares to the hub-bub and energy that is New York City! Broadway, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art top the endless list of "Things to Do in NYC." The good news is, this is the city that never sleeps!

The iconic Times Square—known worldwide as the epicenter of tourism—is NYC's busiest attraction. The recently widened walkways and enhanced security will make your walk-through easier—but, be forewarned, the pace is still frenetic and the crowds large.

If you're a bit hesitant to take in the sights alone, many guided walking tours are available. Most start in Times Square and, in about 2.5 hours, will take you past all of NYC's main attractions in Central Manhattan, including Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Grand Central Station. The main attraction is the Empire State Building, and with pre-reserved tickets for the tour, you can skip the line, and go straight to the 86th floor for spectacular views of the city.

Here's an insider tip: For stunning views of the Empire State Building and the twinkling, expansive NYC skyline, grab dinner and/or drinks at one of NYC's rooftop lounges. Some recommended options include SixtyFive at Rainbow Room—a glam lounge located on the 65th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza with a wraparound open-air terrace; 230 FIFTH Rooftop Lounge—NYC's biggest indoor/outdoor rooftop bar; and Loopy Droopy—for stunning views of the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor.

Another pro-tip: Head to the Brooklyn Heights promenade for a full view of the NYC skyline and some great photo ops.

San Diego, CA

Nothing quite compares to the sunny, temperate climes of San Diego—a city known for its friendly people, beautiful beaches, and countless attractions.

The iconic Hotel del Coronado is located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, just a few miles from downtown San Diego. If you want to relax and enjoy the coast in quintessential SoCal style, the Hotel del Coronado, the grand dame of the city's hotels, is a must. Enjoy surfing lessons or private bonfires on the beach, or dine at one of seven seaside restaurants that boast expert chefs, impeccable service, and locally sourced ingredients. Even if you choose not to stay there, and just stop in for a visit, you can catch appetizers and drinks on the sand at the Beach + Taco Shack, or enjoy the Crown Room Brunch there. SoCal ambiance, elegance, and beach venues are all part of the magic of the "del."

The San Diego Bay is home to a large active naval fleet that features the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier turned museum. It's open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and features over 60 exhibits and 29 restored aircraft.

SeaWorld San Diego, one of the city's top, must-see attractions, is located in Mission Bay Park. Full of amazing marine animals, interactive attractions, rides, and educational programs, SeaWorld has something for everyone.

If it's nightlife you crave, there's no better place to go than the Gaslamp Quarter, the historic heart of San Diego. Right next to downtown and across the street from the Convention Center, the Gaslamp Quarter is 16.5 blocks of history, dining, and dancing.

Park City, UT

Located just 32 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, picturesque Park City, UT, is home to the Sundance Film Festival each winter, and for good reason. If you're tired of big cities, escape to this quaint, scenic town bordered by the craggy mountains of the Wasatch Range, which comprise the western edge of the greater Rocky Mountains. Downtown Park City consists of historic Main Street—lined with buildings that were built during a 19th century silver-mining boom—Park City Mountain Resort, and Old Town.

What is there to do when Sundance is over and the snow is gone? Plenty if you love the great outdoors.

Activities include a full array of rafting and water sports, mountain ziplines, fly fishing, and even guided horseback riding through the mountains. Nearby are reservoirs, hot springs, forests, and a myriad of hiking and biking trails. In fact, in 2011, the International Mountain Bicycling Association bestowed the honor of Gold-level Ride Center designation on the town for its numerous mountain bike trails, amenities, and community.

At the Jordanelle Reservoir, just 15 minutes away and designated as a Utah State Park, you will have about 5 miles of water, sandy beaches, pavilions, and picnic areas to enjoy.

Another plus? You may not even need to rent a car thanks to the free Park City Transit system, which offers free bus and trolley rides throughout town. And to refuel and refresh, consider that Park City has over 150 restaurants.

And for a little shopping, Park City boasts the largest collection of factory outlet stores in northern Utah. And golfers will delight in easy access to Park City's 15 golf courses. Every Sunday from June to September, you can enjoy the Park Silly Sunday Market, an eco-friendly open-air market and street festival that runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Québec City, Québec, Canada

For a taste of Europe on the North American continent, there's no better destination than Québec City in Canada. This 400-year-old city is the perfect blend of Old-World charm and modern amenities.

One of its neighborhoods, Old Québec, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its walkable, narrow, cobblestone streets are safe and full of ambiance. While there, be sure to visit—or stay at—the Château Frontenac, which, among other accolades, is known as the city's most visited attraction and the world's most photographed hotel. It is a National Historic Site of Canada, and was built in the late 19th century as one of the hotels for the Canadian Pacific Railway Company.

The streets of Old Québec are filled with charming cafés, antique and artisan shops, and historic attractions, including The Citadel—the largest British-built fortress in North America that has been active since 1850—and the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica, one of the oldest cathedrals in North America. Guided tours of the basilica are available, as are tours of its crypt, where over 900 are buried, including archbishops, cardinals, and governors.

For expansive, panoramic views of the entire city, visit the Observatoire de la Capitale, the highest vantage point possible. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the view includes the St. Lawrence River, Île d'Orléans, and the Plains of Abraham. For a trip on the St. Lawrence River itself, be sure to take a ride on the Québec City—Lévis Ferry.

After traipsing through the cobblestone streets of the city, take a break and fully immerse yourself in nature at Montmorency Falls Park. The falls are 272 feet high—1.5 times taller than Niagara Falls. Located along the St. Lawrence River, the park is replete with hiking trails, bike paths, playgrounds, a double zip line, and even a suspension bridge.

Boston, MA

Visiting Boston for only the weekend can be frustrating—simply because there are so many things to do and see that even 1 week isn't enough. But, try anyway. It's worth it!

Perhaps one of the must-have experiences in Boston is a walk along the Freedom Trail. This 2.5-mile line—marked by red paint or red bricks—is a self-guided tour that starts from Boston Common and runs past 16 of Boston's most important historical sights. These include Faneuil Hall, Old North Church, the Paul Revere House, King's Chapel, and the Bunker Hill Monument. If you feel you need a little guidance with such a monumental historical undertaking, free guided tours from the National Park Service or, for a nominal fee, the Freedom Trail Foundation are also available.

While you're on the Freedom Trail, be sure to stop in at the Union Oyster House—the oldest continually running restaurant and oyster bar in the country and the oldest standing brick building in Boston's Georgian architectural style. To top that, it's also been designated a National Historic Landmark. Union Oyster House opened as a restaurant in 1826, and has been visited by the likes of Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Bill Clinton, along with a slew of movie stars, athletes, and governors.

Boston is home to super sports fans of the New England Patriots, the Celtics, the Bruins, and the Red Sox. To Bostonians, Fenway Park is nearly a religious institution, and is the oldest Major League Baseball ballpark in the country. The Red Sox have played there since 1912. Its seats are all green, except for one red one, located in the bleachers of right field (Section 42, Row 37, Seat 21). It was painted red to mark where the longest home run ever hit in Fenway—502 feet by Ted Williams on June 9, 1946, off Detroit's pitcher, Fred Hutchison—landed. If you can't make it to a game, tours are available.

For a glimpse of times past, visit the historic, picturesque streets of Beacon Hill, where the famous Acorn Street is said to be Boston's most photographed. You'll feel like you have stepped back in time amidst the 19th century rowhomes, gas lamps, brick steps, and window boxes that fill the charming streets, some of them narrow and cobblestoned.

Asheville, NC

For adventure-loving travelers—and beer-lovers, too—Asheville is the perfect place to go for a weekend jaunt. This quiet, scenic mountain town is located in western North Carolina, off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is home to the Pisgah National Forest, with a section of the Appalachian Trial that is a must-see for hikers and outdoorsmen (and women).

History buffs can visit the beautiful Biltmore Estate, the huge French Renaissance-style estate of George Vanderbilt built in 1889. The largest private home in the United States, the Biltmore has 250 rooms, 8,000 acres of gardens, and 2.5 miles of walking paths. Tours are available, and guides will provide a sampling of the Biltmore's beautiful architecture, artwork, and rich history. Be sure to set aside time to visit Antler Hill Village, or partake of a tour of the estate's winery as well.

But perhaps Asheville's greatest claim to fame is as a beer-lover's paradise. Since 1994, the number of local microbreweries has increased exponentially, and visitors have flocked to Asheville just for the beer. Visit the city's first brewery, the Highland Brewing Company, or big-name breweries like Sierra Nevada and New Belgium.

Its beautiful scenery and thriving arts community also makes Asheville a well-known hipster haven. The River Arts District is comprised of 22 former industrial and historic buildings where the arts scene thrives. Take a walk through the district and enjoy the wares of over 200 artists who work in textiles, ceramics, painting, photography, and jewelry.

Nevertheless, this mecca is steeped in Southern tradition, and has also become a serious contender for top foodie destinations in the country. Over 100 independent restaurants dot the city, and you will find everything from old-fashioned, Carolina-style barbecue (Buxton Hall) to Spanish tapas (Curate) and Asian-inspired noodles (Gan Shan Station).

So, if you're looking for something to do and a way to relieve the stress of your day-to-day grind, unwind a little and explore some of these wonderful locations. You will thank you; your family will thank you; and your patients will thank you!

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