Basking in its 300 days of sunshine, Lake Tahoe is a haven for outdoor fun in every season. Swimming, kayaking and windsurfing are popular in the summer months, while epic snowfall makes for spectacular skiing in winter. For those who prefer indoor fun, there's plenty of that in Tahoe, too. With 24-hour casinos and a flashy nightlife scene, the area has a tangible Vegas vibe. A sprinkle of bling, if you will. Not surprising, since Lake Tahoe straddles the border between California and Nevada.

With the bluest of blue water and the greenest of green surrounding forest, Lake Tahoe, quite simply, transfixes. From the early Indians to authors such as Mark Twain, people have tried to capture the beauty and mystique of the lake with nicknames like "Big Blue" and "Grasshopper Soup". Others maintain that it's impossible to describe the magnificence in words. At 6225 feet above sea level, Tahoe is the highest alpine lake in the United States and has long attracted holidaymakers from around the world. In the summer, hiking, windsurfing, golfing, fishing and swimming (usually in wet suits due to the lake's brisk year-round temperature) are all the rage. The winter season starts in late November, around Thanksgiving, and brings throngs of skiers to local resorts. Located between California and Nevada, different sides of the lake tend to attract different types of visitors. The California side draws families and outdoor enthusiasts while the Nevada side beckons those looking for big-name entertainment and casinos. No matter which side you choose, a getaway to stunning Lake Tahoe will not soon be forgotten.

Each year, horse enthusiasts hoof it to Louisville and Churchill Downs, the legendary home of the Kentucky Derby. In addition to equestrian endeavours and bluegrass roots, Louisville boasts a range of exciting attractions the whole family can enjoy. Stroll through Central Park, in the historic district, to people-watch and get a real feel for the city. Visit other nearby parks for hiking, biking and fossil-hunting. Baseball fans will love the Louisville Slugger Museum, a celebration of the sport's legends. The museum is easy to spot, just look for the enormous bat that leans against the building.

Homer is a nature lover's nirvana where common sights can include moose grazing, a black bear crossing the road or porpoises playing in the surf. The charming seaside city, overlooking Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains, can be the starting point for a multitude of exciting adventures, including glacier skiing and viewing and guided kayak tours. Naturally splendid Kachemak State Park offers even more outdoor fun, with miles of excellent back-country hiking trails. Explore nearby Halibut Cove, a unique fishing and artists' enclave where the roads are made of water. Or head to downtown Homer to sample delicious seafood, art galleries, museums and shops that sell locally made crafts. A trip to Homer would not be complete without casting a rod for salmon or halibut, the area's major catches. Head to the Homer Spit and try your luck from the shore, or join a chartered fishing boat excursion. No matter which activities you choose, a weekend in Homer is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Bordering the southern side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City is a small town with big outdoor possibilities: whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, tubing, zip-lining, paddleboarding, mountain biking and scenic train rides. This laid-back, non-touristy spot is a true getaway for couples, friends and families alike. Bryson City is just one hour west of Asheville, two hours from Greenville, Knoxville and Chattanooga and three hours from Atlanta and Charlotte.

Local legend claims that Freeport was the birthplace of Maine, the decision to separate from Massachusetts having been made in a local tavern way back in 1789. Whether this is truth or folklore, Freeport has much more to offer, including South Freeport, a historic harbourfront village offering up a fresh catch every day. Nearby Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park and the Mast Landing Audubon Sanctuary provide nature trails with scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean over the rocky shores of Maine.

Incan majesty and Andean baroque exist side-by-side in Cusco's stone streets, epitomized by the Qoriacancha palace and the church of Santo Domingo flanking the Plaza de Armas. In this high-altitude melting pot of Amerindian and mestizo culture, you'll find extraordinary textiles, lively summer festivals and archaeological wonders.