This post was originally published as “Brooklyn Travel Guide” by IHG.

The distinct culture, deep-rooted history and magnetic energy of Brooklyn make it one of the most beloved and revered destinations in America. Celebrated around the world for its big-city excitement and unique brand of authenticity, this buzzing New York City borough–the city’s most populous–constantly attracts visitors from around the globe, and you’ll find amazing hotels in Brooklyn to fit your travel needs.

Things to See in Brooklyn 

You should have no problem finding things to do in Brooklyn, an iconic destination that has inspired many of the world’s most famous citizens. As soon as you cross the East River on the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, you’ll immediately know you’ve arrived in one of the world’s great cultural epicenters. This National Historic Landmark connects Brooklyn to Manhattan, and has been heralded in film, television and literature for generations. Visit the 85-acre Brooklyn Bridge Park for great Manhattan skyline views, public art installations, athletic fields and playgrounds for children and adults alike, and even a restored 1920s-era merry-go-round called “Jane’s Carousel.” For local history, see the four-story Brooklyn Historical Society building, where you can peruse archives of photography, newspapers and a large library of research from borough’s past. Other museums and family-friendly places to put on your must-see list include Prospect Park Zoo, New York Transit Museum, Waterfront Museum and Showboat Barge, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and the Coney Island Cyclone historic wooden roller coaster.

Ride an East River Ferry to get off your feet for awhile and see the city from the water. Or, head to Brighton Beach for a day in the sun and the chance to walk along the picturesque boardwalk. Nearby, Russian restaurants and bakeries serve up delicacies you’ll savor to the last bite. More delicious eats can be found on Smith Street, a hotspot for foodies and grumbling stomachs across the city.

Coney Island is another beach destination you won’t want to miss; it’s the widest beach in the area and boasts amusement rides and entertainment that will bring smiles to the young and the young at heart. Hear the soaring chorus of voices at the famous Brooklyn Tabernacle. Stroll the rolling hills of Green-Wood Cemetery, where you’ll find monuments and tombstones of a surprising number of famous figures.

For a full day of outdoor and cultural activity, head to Prospect Park where the Zoo, Museum of Art and Botanical Gardens all offer great ways to spend a few hours. The Brooklyn Museum is the second largest in New York and features artifacts that stretch from ancient Egyptians to modern day, while the Transit Museum, housed in a 1930’s subway station, has interesting displays all its own.

Brooklyn is also a hotspot for new residents of New York City. The neighborhood of Williamsburg has attracted an impressive array of new restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining, and varying in cultural diversity. There are also many bars, lounges and performance venues where you can make unique discoveries to make your visit unforgettable.

Find the Best Hotels in Brooklyn

Your choices for Brooklyn Hotels range from rooms between culturally rich and trending neighborhoods to business-friendly establishments that put you close to downtown Manhattan, and many of the area’s central locations for business and government. You can expect around-the-clock amenities and services at many Brooklyn hotels, including 24-hour restaurants and room service, as well as all-day business center access.

Where to Stay in Brooklyn

Brooklyn Heights, the area’s oldest neighborhood, and downtown Brooklyn are usually preferred locations for business travelers looking to stay near Manhattan. Diverse neighborhoods like Fort Greene offer amazing architecture, reputable cafes, arts, entertainment and cultural experiences that put New York City’s reputation as a cultural melting pot on display.

The neighborhoods of Park Slope and Brooklyn Heights both offer boutiques and cafes, while Cobble Hill is worth walking through for the houses and neighborhood buzz alone. Williamsburg is the city’s creative hub, home to some of the best restaurants and most talented live entertainment. The nightlife here needs no introduction and party-goers won’t have to look far to find a cold drink and a bumping bass line.

How to Get to Brooklyn

The New York City metropolitan area is served by three key airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.  JFK, at just 11 miles distance, is the closest airport to Brooklyn. It offers convenient service to Clinton Hill, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Williamsburg and Bushwick via Air Train, with less than an hour of travel time. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is 16 miles away from central Brooklyn. Taxi or private transportation services are advised to and from LaGuardia, as there is no direct public transportation into Brooklyn. Newark Liberty is 21 miles from Brooklyn, with arrival times usually within an hour using the Air Train, then the Path train or NJ Transit to either Penn Station, the World Trade Center or Manhattan’s 33rd Street. Another option is the Airport Express Bus which goes to subway-connected Manhattan locations like Grand Central Station, Bryant Park and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

This post was first published on Samantha En Route blog on May 21, 2016 by Samantha

Photo by Esther Levy on Trover.com

Huntsville, AL

There are few major attractions in Huntsville, AL, including the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Alabama Constitution Village. Being a low-tourist city means that pricing for accommodation is relatively low year-round. The La Quinta Inn Huntsville Space Center has rates starting at around $50 per night (where guests can enjoy a pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, and free breakfast), while the Huntsville Knights Inn starts at $44 per night and includes free breakfast. Boutique and charming hotels, such as the Embassy Suites Huntsville Hotel & Spa and the Homewood Suites by Hilton Huntsville are also available at around $110 per night.

Tuscaloosa, AL

Off the beaten track and not one of the more famous southern cities that draw travelers, Tuscaloosa, AL still has plenty to offer tourists with its up-and-coming feel in the form of live music, events, museums, and more. Many cheaper accommodations also exist, such as Home-Town Suites Tuscaloosa for around $54 per night, Days Inn Suites for around $58 per night, and even the Hampton Tuscaloosa East for around $94 per night. Since Tuscaloosa is becoming a bigger tourist city in the summer, it’s recommended to visit after the peak season to avoid any crowds.

Hot Springs Village, AR

Jacuzzi-goers will love a weekend getaway to Hot Springs Village, AR, where tourists can take in the city’s natural hot springs on Bathhouse Row or even enjoy it pumped directly to their hotel. To continue basking in the outdoors, fishing and boating are also popular activities in the area. Many accommodations are more than budget-friendly, including the Economy Inn Hot Springs at $43 per night, the Shamrock Motel at $58 per night, the Best Western Winners Circle Inn at around $77 per night, and even AirBnB accommodations at $100 per night or less for a simple room.

Little Rock, AR

Being one of the northernmost southern cities means that Little Rock, AR will have a mild climate year-round, perfect for touring. Most tourists visit in the fall to see the autumn colors. Cheap accommodations are abundant in the city, including the Rodeway Inn and Suites, the La Quinta Inn Little Rock West Medical Center, the Comfort Inn West, and the Courtyard Inn Little Rock West, which have rates from $50-$80 per night. Airbnb rooms average $83 per night and can even go down to $20 for a simple overnight spot.

Pompano Beach, FL

Fly directly into Fort Lauderdale from many US destinations and rent a car to the lesser-known Pompano Beach, FL. With great beaches and Florida sunshine but less popular than its more famous neighboring cities, beach-goers can often find a great deal to stay within a budget. The Budget Lodge runs for about $100 and the Executive Economy Lodge typically is about $80 per night. Airbnb rentals average about $50 per night or less, while higher-end properties are still on the less expensive side at around $200 or less, such as at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort and Spa.

We’ve been conditioned to love summer and dread fall since we were kids, eagerly awaiting the end of the school and dreading the next semester’s beginning. But fall comes with a lot to like, from football season to a little nip in the air to the breathtaking colors of changing leaves, which transform trees into works of art.

That makes fall the perfect time for a getaway. One of the best ways to see the colors in all their glory is take a ride smack dab in the middle of them, which is why we’ve rounded up some of the best routes for enjoying fall foliage via car. They span both coasts and offer equally stunning views for travelers across the country.

Maroon Creek Road

Aspen might conjure up images of snowboarding, but the Colorado town was actually named after a tree — so it shouldn’t be too surprising that it’s one of the most popular foliage driving routes. Before snow season kicks into gear, Aspen and all its trees are beautiful, relaxing, and scenic.

The most popular route to enjoy their changing colors is Maroon Creek Road, as visitors can get a glimpse of the lovely Maroon Bells while taking it the trees’ scenic fall colors. Travelers simply have to book a hotel in Aspen, such as the four-star Limelight Hotel Aspen, then drive 10 miles or so southwest via Highway 82.

One thing to note: The route is so popular that a drive is restricted from the summer months to October 4. During the day, the route to the Maroon Bells can only be access by public bus, but visitors can take their own car after-hours for a small fee. Giant mountains, fall foliage and fields of wildflowers will undoubtedly make both the drive and fee worth it, though.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Our second route may sound similar because it also features mountains and fall foliage, though it’s all the way across the country. The Blue Ridge Parkway is labeled as “America’s Favorite Drive” and it’s easy to understand why. The drive spans two states, 496 miles, and 26 tunnels, and drivers are surrounded by nature’s glory the whole way.

Countless hotels are scattered along the Blue Ridge Parkway and offer spectacular views of the mountains, trees and other attractions like lakes from their windows. The Blue Ridge Parkway has numerous entrances in Asheville, North Carolina, and visitors can enter the Parkway at US 25, US 70, US 74, or NC 191. A lot of great hotels are available along each, such as the Quality Inn & Suites Biltmore East, which is situated right off of US 70.

Plan to make the drive in mid to late October for the best fall foliage sightings, and be aware of the fact that leaves begin changing at higher locations first, so the scenery may vary throughout the route.

Green Mountain National Forest

Travelers can also find amazing foliage throughout New England. While there are a variety of routes to choose from, one of the most beautiful is in the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont. This destination also boasts the unbeatable combination of mountain, wildlife, and beautiful trees. It’s also home to six different scenic driving route: Two in the north zone and two in the south zone.

The Trailside Inn is located nearby, right off Route 100. The highway runs north to south through nearly the entire state, including along almost the entire eastern side of the Green Mountain National Forest.

This post was posted by thehipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on Oct. 20th.