Hipmunk Hotels: Avoid the Summer Heat in Bar Harbor, Albany, Stamford, Reading, and Portsmouth

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Avoid the summer heat and crowds by taking a getaway to the Northeastern region of the United States. This area provides a wealth of warm summer activities without the scorching temperatures of the Southeast U.S. These five cities are great locations for tourists looking to have fun and enjoy themselves without the crazy heat.

Have a Side of Lobster With an Outdoor Adventure in Bar Harbor, Maine

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Image via Patrik Neckman on Flickr

Bar Harbor, Maine, is no longer a summer retreat for the rich and famous. The massive mansions and Bar Harbor hotels, such as the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel, stand as a reminder of its colorful past. Today, this city is the gateway to Acadia National Park, which is a relaxing and nature-filled place to visit that is full of hiking trails, kayaking areas, and wildlife. The city provides a base to explore the park with restaurants and hotels. It’s known for its seafood, and many of the oceanfront restaurants specialize in Maine lobster dishes. The city’s harbor provides kayaking and whale watching opportunities year-round.

Take in the Culture of Upstate New York in Albany, New York

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Image via David on Flickr

Albany, New York, is often overshadowed by New York City, even though it shouldn’t be. After all, Albany is the capital city of the state of New York. It’s the home of one of the oldest state capital buildings, which was built to impress during the age of Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and Carnegie. It’s also home to the New York State Executive Mansion, which has housed 31 New York governors, including President Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Stay near the heart of the city to explore all the sights, especially at one of the many hotels in Albany, like the CrestHill Suites Albany.

Escape From New York City by Visiting Stamford, New York

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Image via Doug Kerr on Flickr

A couple of hours away from New York City is a small town hidden in the Catskill mountain range of Upstate New York. Stamford, New York, is a great place to take a break from the city, especially at one of the many Stamford hotels. One such hotel that can offer a relaxing stay is The Catskills B & B. The city is near the Catskill Scenic Trail, which is great for hiking, biking, or horseback riding and meanders through the surrounding valleys. While there, take a tour of the nearby Catskill Mountain waterfalls or drive over to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame in the nearby Copperstown.

Visit a Monopoly Town With Reading, Pennsylvania

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Image via Brad Clinesmith on Flickr

Reading, Pennsylvania, is best known for being the home of the Reading Railroad, which is also the name of a railroad in the game Monopoly. The city is located near both Harrisburg and Philadelphia, and it makes a great base to explore either city. For the pretzel fan, Reading is known as the “Pretzel City” and is home to many different types of pretzel bakeries. There are several Reading hotels and great guest houses to enjoy the city sights from, like at the Stirling Guest Hotel.

Tour the History of the Seaside Port in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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Image via Doug Kerron Flickr

Founded in the early 1630s, the seaside port of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, played an important role in the development of the British American colonies and later the eastern seaboard of the U.S. The area is full of Portsmouth hotels and historic buildings from the grand age of ships and shipbuilding. In fact, enjoy a stay in the historic Portsmouth Hotel. After taking in some history, be sure to do some tax-free shopping in the city.

Which one of these cities do you want to visit next to get out of the heat?