Story originally appeared on Club Wyndham.
If you are headed out on a national park vacation, do not miss these surrounding towns, all near one of your club resorts, offering rich art and culture for the whole family.
Striking Smoky Mountains, TN
Smoky Mountain National Park has the draw of beautiful scenery and outdoor mountain activities. The region is also known for its Southern Appalachian culture and is full of handmade goods to explore like quilts, wood carvings, poetry, writing, and music. One of the top attractions for art lovers is the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, an 8-mile loop with over one hundred artists and craftsmen, including some delicious eateries to satisfy any taste.
Then, head into Gatlinburg, the perfect spot for those who enjoy the outdoors but also like options for excellent dining and entertainment. Shop local boutiques for the perfect crafty souvenir to take home to family and friends. Then, head to the famous Ole Red Gatlinburg to take in some live music. The venue features a variety of performers from local musicians to some of today’s top country stars.
The Smoky Mountains offer not only stunning views, but beauty and culture at every turn.
Where to stay:
Club Wyndham Great Smokies Lodge
Club Wyndham Lake Marion
Club Wyndham Nashville
Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Glade
Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Mountains
Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Sapphire Valley
Club Wyndham Smoky Mountains
Club Wyndham Villas at Fairfield
Foxhunt at Sapphire Valley
Exquisite Estes Park, CO
Known as the base camp for Rocky Mountain National Park, the mountain village of Estes Park offers mountain flare plus history, art, and food. Perfectly balanced for those seeking outdoor activities and a touch of culture in a single vacation.
First up, visit the MacGregor Ranch Museum. It provides a glimpse into the town’s history, including the area’s early settlers and cattle-ranching heritage. The museum itself is located on a working ranch and offers a unique view of the culture and history of Estes Park.
Then, unwind with local sips – whether you are a wine enthusiast or a beer buff, Estes Park offers something for all taste buds. For wine lovers, Snowy Peaks Winery has a variety of wines made from Colorado grown grapes. The winery tasting room offers samples of award-winning, handcrafted wines along with wines from some of Colorado’s best boutique wineries. And for the beer drinkers, take in the views from the scenic overlook at Estes Park Brewery. With twelve fresh, hand-crafted beers, games, and a beer garden, it is sure to be a winning stop for the whole group to enjoy.
After all the exploring, you will need to fuel up on delicious food from one of the many locally owned restaurants. Estes Park offers one-of-a-kind dining experiences like tasting local game at Hunters Chop House. This family-owned steakhouse offers old-fashioned mountain fare – and a one-of-a kind experience sure to create lasting memories.
Where to stay:
WorldMark Estes Park
WorldMark Rocky Mountain Preserve
Transcendent Tucson, AZ
The draw of the Grand Canyon may bring you to AZ, but the unique experiences around Tucson are not to be missed. There is no shortage of arts, culture, and entertainment in this stunning location. The city is bustling with creatives inspired by the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. It is rich with the blend of many cultures making the city an aesthetic unlike any other.
Heavy in the performing arts scene, Tucson offers experiences from symphonies to contemporary theaters and traditional dance. There are a variety of shows to choose from that will leave you feeling inspired and appreciative of the creative expression going on in the city.
Did you know Tuson is also an official World Festival and Event City? So, be sure to research events ahead of time to plan your stay around some of the most diverse events in the country. From art and music festivals to concerts and sporting events – there is something for everyone!
Where to stay:
WorldMark Rancho Vistoso
Club Wyndham Rancho Vistoso
Club Wyndham Starr Pass Golf Suites
Creative Canmore-Banff, BC
Canada is a must for taking in natural beauty and mountain views. Home to Canada’s first national park, Banff National Park, is a visual wonder of Rocky Mountain peaks and captivating glacial lakes. Beyond the natural beauty, there is another kind of beauty around every corner in surrounding town, Canmore.
The town offers a main street full of shops, art, and local charm. As you stroll down Main Street, you quite literally cannot miss the famous “big head” sculpture that was created by artist Al Henderson. Fun fact, Henderson was inspired by Canmore’s name, which means Big Head. The sculpture brings art right onto the sidewalk, making it easy to enjoy and connects you with the history of the town in a unique way.
Banff is another favorite town among locals and visitors alike. Also located near Banff National Park, Banff is known for its excellent skiing and offers vibrant après ski festivities and nightlife. There are a variety of places to enjoy a drink, play pool or dance to live music. If you are looking for a taste of local flavors, consider a stop in The Park Distillery, a popular local spot serving up handmade spirits and campfire cuisine – sounds like a pretty perfect way to wrap up a National Park vacation!
Where to stay:
WorldMark Canmore-Banff
