read it early!
Color Your World at These Artistic Enclaves
SNEAK PREVIEW!
When you’re gone for a long weekend, you won’t need to use more than a day or two of your job’s vacation time.
1 | Conserve your PTO
Instead of one 10-day trip to one destination, take three long weekend trips to three different cities.
2 | Travel more often
A short getaway is a great chance to test-drive a new location. If you love it, you can hit the high notes, then return for even longer next time.
3 | Experiment
Fewer nights at a hotel or resort = fewer dollars spent compared to a week or longer away.
4 | Short-trip savings
More than 1,000 two- to six-night stays are now available through RCI Exchange. Here’s why you should plan a trip.
4 Reasons for a Quick Fall Getaway
Take advantage of the long Labor Day weekend to plan a getaway to either side of the country. Stroll through the historic squares and beneath live oaks covered in Spanish moss during a visit to Savannah, Georgia, or relax in the sun-soaked sand and feast on California burritos while in San Diego.
Best Western Savannah Historic District, WorldMark San Diego Balboa Park
Where To Stay
Long Holiday Weekends
You don’t have to fly all the way to Munich to hoist a stein. Plenty of American cities celebrate their German roots with lively concerts, parades, and gallons upon gallons of beer. In Leavenworth, Washington — a Bavarian village look-alike — Oktoberfest fills downtown for three October weekends with traditional music and a bustling street fair. Down in Colorado, test your strength at The Denver Oktoberfest’s stein-holding contest or watch dachshunds race in the Long Dog Derby.
Hilton Garden Inn Denver Downtown, WorldMark Camlin (Seattle)
Where To Stay
Oktoberfest Celebrations
Winemaking regions like California’s Napa Valley and Oregon’s Willamette Valley crackle to life each fall, when wineries begin to harvest their latest crop of grapes. While winemakers are busying themselves in their vineyards, visitors can attend grape-stomping events, expertly curated dinners, and exclusive tastings. Just be sure to book your trip as soon as you can — it’s the most popular time of year to visit these valleys.
WorldMark Wine Country Clear Lake (Napa), The Benson Hotel (Oregon)
Where To Stay
Wine Harvests
Bright yellows. Fiery reds. Vibrant oranges. There’s nothing more quintessentially fall than a drive through the mountains as the foliage reaches its peak colors. In mid- to late-October, wind your way through Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, stopping along the way for a short hike or waterfall vistas. Farther east, motor along the Blue Ridge Parkway outside of Asheville, North Carolina, with an eye out for black bears or elk beneath the striking leaves.
The Wayback (Gatlinburg), Four Points Sheraton Asheville
Where To Stay
Foliage Road Trips
Hours of gridiron action take over each autumn weekend, when football fans plan quick trips around seeing their favorite team on the field. Head to the Windy City to see the Chicago Bears play along the Lake Michigan shore at historical Soldier Field. Or fly into Las Vegas, where you can hit the tables or see a show before watching the Las Vegas Raiders at state-of-the-art Allegiant Stadium.
Club Wyndham Desert Blue (Las Vegas), Sports Illustrated Resorts Chicago
Where To Stay
Football Weekends
where to stay
Explore All Resorts
WRITER Austin Cannon
It only takes a few days away from home to experience some of fall’s most memorable moments — changing leaves, rollicking football weekends, or festive celebrations.
Fall Moments Built for Short Stays
RCI
Exchange
See More here
See Joe walk HGTV host
Ty Pennington through a recent renovation in Branson.
Branson, Missouri
current city
Ault, Colorado
hometown
General Manager, Club Wyndham Branson at The Meadows, Club Wyndham Mountain Vista, WorldMark Branson
profession
Joe Alkire
name
A
Q
Sunglasses! Don’t leave home without them.
What’s the one item you always pack for a vacation?
10/10
Be patient and flexible. Sometimes things don't work out exactly as planned, but allowing stress over minor inconveniences to take away from a vacation you've worked so hard to enjoy isn't worth it.
Comfort, happiness, and great memories come from enjoying the experience, not from expecting perfection. In the end, it will all work out. Don't sweat the small stuff — relax, enjoy the moment, and make the most of your time away.
What’s your No. 1 travel tip?
09/10
I love the islands! If I ever come up missing, the Virgin Islands would be a good place to look.
What’s your favorite vacation destination?
08/10
The Sight & Sound theater is a must-see.
What’s the top activity for owners visiting Branson for the first time?
07/10
Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is about two hours away and is an eclectic destination full of shops and restaurants. It is a beautiful drive down there and absolutely worth the trip.
Where is your favorite day-drive destination?
06/10
Make sure to visit Top of the Rock, do the golf cart tour through the Ozark Mountains and the cave, and then finish it off with dinner at the Osage Restaurant, all right there in one place. The views are incredible overlooking the lake, and when they shoot off the cannon at sunset, you know that you are someplace special.
What are some hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path activities visitors should plan for on their next trip to Branson?
05/10
My family and I really enjoy the lake. Table Rock Lake is just 1 mile from the property, and in the summer, the water is 85 degrees. It is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy life.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Branson?
04/10
Yes! The most popular is Monday night’s Dinner with the Stars show in the Pavilion Theater located right here on the property. We regularly feed and entertain up to 225 guests at a time with this event. On Wednesday mornings, we do a Wild West Breakfast show. For this, we average around 100 people at a time, and the show is full of comedy, magic, and singing. In the summer, we do pool parties, s’mores, karaoke, bucket golf, and an array of other activities designed to keep the family entertained from sunup to sundown.
Are there any regular activities or events held at the resorts?
03/10
The newly added Oasis at The Meadows. It is an elevated hangout experience for owners that includes an outdoor kitchen, outdoor dining area, secluded firepit, and a private gazebo with lounge chairs, a fireplace, and a TV. It is meant to be a space where you can share an afternoon with your family overlooking the pool and feel like a VIP while doing it.
What’s your favorite place on the property?
02/10
Our very friendly staff and their desire to help make your stay here incredible; the on-site activities program and all the diverse offerings and shows; and the beautification projects around the property that include firepits, grilling stations, and the ambient lighting throughout the properties making them especially beautiful at night.
What are the top three features of the resorts?
01/10
Q + A with General Manager, Joe Alkire
INTERVIEW
sunday
saturday
friday
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Crema Coffee Roasters on Hermitage Avenue is locally loved for expertly crafted pour-overs, house-made pastries, and a spacious patio with skyline views. From there, head to Hatch Show Print, one of America's oldest working letterpress print shops. Since 1879, the shop has created iconic posters for country music stars and rock legends. Join a guided tour to learn the letterpress process, hear the presses in action, and create your own keepsake poster. Then browse the Haley Gallery, an art museum whose exhibits change yearly, or visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum next door.
Dive deep into regional and global flavors several blocks away at Assembly Food Hall, where more than 20 vendors serve delicacies such as hot chicken, Vietnamese specialties, and Indian street food. Before departing, explore Marathon Village, a former automobile factory that’s now home to artisan shops, local makers, and tasting rooms for one final glimpse of Nashville beyond Broadway.
morning / Afternoon
Photo Credit: Urban Cowboy Public House
Urban Cowboy Public House
East Nashville takes center stage as evening falls. Those craving wood-fired pizzas, craft cocktails, and a tree-shaded patio strung with twinkle lights can slip into Urban Cowboy Public House, a former carriage house-turned-tavern. The hot honey pizza is a house favorite. After dinner, wander over to The 5 Spot, a neighborhood music venue that showcases local indie, rock, and alt-country artists.
Evening
Lane Motor Museum
Throughout the Murfreesboro Pike area in southeast Nashville, local restaurants reflect the city’s diverse communities. The Horn, a Somali cafe, serves East African specialties, including savory sambusas, and nearby KOSK Restaurant is known for Turkish favorites like lamb shish and mixed-grill kebabs. Continue on to Lane Motor Museum, home to an eclectic collection of microcars, three-wheelers, amphibious and military vehicles, and quirky prototypes. Among the highlights is the infamous 1951 Hoffmann, generally considered one of the worst cars ever made.
Afternoon
Photo Credit: Digital Love for Two Hands
Two Hands
Ease into the day at Two Hands on 8th Avenue South, an Australian-inspired cafe just beyond the bustle of The Gulch neighborhood. The menu leans fresh and flavorful, with favorites like smashed avocado toast and banana walnut bread. Afterward, pose with the What Lifts Your Wings mural, then find your new favorite outfit at shops like Blush Boutique and Kittenish. Noble Park, a pocket-sized urban green space with a small waterfall feature and shaded wooden benches, invites relaxation.
morning
Photo Credit: www.PrintersAlley.com
Printer's Alley
Inside a narrow brick corridor once lined with publishing houses, speakeasies, and gambling clubs, the neon signs and historic facades of Printer’s Alley still evoke the Nashville of yesteryear. For dinner, settle in at Gannons Nashville, a restored Art Deco-style space serving seafood and steakhouse classics, accompanied by live piano most evenings. Afterward, it’s an easy walk to Alley Taps, a low-key music bar that offers a more intimate alternative to Broadway’s honky-tonks.
Evening
Parthenon
It’s a 15-minute drive to Centennial Park, home to the world’s only full-scale replica of the Parthenon. Built for Tennessee's 1897 Centennial Exposition, the landmark houses an art museum and a 42-foot-tall statue of Athena. Explore the galleries, then follow the 1-mile path around Lake Watauga and stop for a photo at the Taylor Swift Bench. For lunch, head to Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint for loaded barbecue nachos and smoked meats that melt in your mouth.
Afternoon
The Butter Milk Ranch
Start the morning in 12South, one of Nashville’s most charming and walkable neighborhoods, where colorful murals, boutiques, and relaxed energy set the tone for the day. Grab a signature iced La La Latte at La La Land, then wander south for the Nashville Looks Good on You mural near Frothy Monkey. Continue to the Flowers Mural and Looking Pretty Music City mural before making your way back up 12th Avenue to The Butter Milk Ranch for all-day brunch, including tomato basil omelets and southern peach waffles.
morning
where to stay
Club Wyndham Nashville
WRITER Erin Gifford
Nashville's honky-tonks and headline music venues draw most first-time visitors, but there’s more to Music City than Lower Broadway. Over three days, this itinerary explores historic alleyways, eclectic museums, neighborhood restaurants, and smaller stages that reveal a different side of Nashville.
Step Off the Beaten Path in Nashville
ITINERARY
Draw What You See
If you really want a mental escape, arrive at your overlook early and bring a pad of paper or sketchbook. Then you can spend as long as you like committing each detail to your pages.
This is the time to listen to the natural world around you — a cooling breeze, chirping birds, a splashing current. Feel the earth beneath you. Watch the light change before your eyes.
Tune Into Your Senses
Twilight means dinnertime for many species, so bring along a pair of binoculars to your sunset spot. When you’ve finished admiring the panoramic view, zoom in along the tree line or water’s edge to see if you can spot any wildlife.
Bring Binocs
It's impossible to bask in nature's majesty if you're distracted by notifications. Snap a couple of photos and videos — you'll want to capture this beautiful sight! — but then put your device away so you can savor every detail.
Stow the Phone
4 Ways to Stay
Present While Dusking
Towering above the Mississippi River, the rocky, wooded cliffs at Mississippi Palisades State Park are the best place to catch a vibrant fall sunset in northwest Illinois. Millennia of erosion carved the park’s dramatic rock formations, including the eagle-shaped Indian Head and the human-like Twin Sisters. To find Twin Sisters, take a short hike along the Pine Trail in the park’s southern section, where blazing autumn foliage colors the landscape. The Sisters create the foreground, with the vast river and setting sun — ideally with a few cotton-candy clouds — in the backdrop. If you’re only making a quick stop, head to one of the roadside overlooks in the park’s midsection, like Ozzie’s Point, Louis’ Point, Oak Point, and Lookout Point. From any of these outlooks, keep an eye out for migrating birds and waterfowl.
Mississippi Palisades State Park
where to stay
Club Wyndham Galena
A little more than an hour northwest of San Antonio, 5,000 acres of former ranch land is now Hill Country State Natural Area, a network of canyons, creek beds, prairie, and slopes. The Texas parkland has 40 miles of trails to explore, but one in particular offers screen saver-worthy transcendence. The 1.2-mile West Peak Overlook Trail is a challenging, steep climb up a hillside, but the reward is an awe-inspiring panorama of the blazing sun lowering behind the sprawling hills. If you’d rather someone else do the trekking, book a sunset horseback ride through the natural area with Bandera Historical Rides. Your steed will clip-clop over the rocky terrain, past oak groves, waving prairie grass, and maybe even a few cacti as you revel in the golden hour glow.
Hill Country State Natural Area
WorldMark Stablewood Springs Resort (Club Pass)
WorldMark New Braunfels (Club Pass)
where to stay
Just outside of Branson, Table Rock Lake snakes through southwest Missouri’s forests and modest mountains, with the lake’s 800 miles of shoreline branching off in almost every direction. After an afternoon spent fishing, watch the setting sun glimmer over the water from your tranquil spot on the beach at the Cape Fair Campground. A stunning fall sunset is just as beautiful on the water too. Find peace aboard Silver Dollar City’s Showboat, where you'll have a front-row seat to nature's fiery finale. Back on land, golfers can time their rounds at the par-3 Top of the Rock Golf Course to end at sunset. The nine-hole course, designed by all-time great Jack Nicklaus, sits high above the lake, affording tremendous views any time of day. But the best sunset view comes at the ninth hole, where the yellow and orange hues contrast perfectly with the darkening blue sky and manicured emerald grass.
Table Rock Lake
where to stay
Club Wyndham Mountain Vista
Club Wyndham Branson at The Meadows
WRITER Austin Cannon
As your vacation day winds down, so should you. The Dutch “dusking” trend embraces that spirit, encouraging travelers to head outside at twilight, leaving devices and stress behind to simply sit and enjoy the setting sun. Here’s where you can disconnect.
3 Incredible Places to Embrace the Dutch Trend of Dusking
Editorial Featurette
where to stay
Club Wyndham La Belle Maison
Club Wyndham Avenue Plaza
This intimate bar in The Celestine is named after Antoine Amédée Peychaud, a Creole apothecary who lived at the hotel. He’s also credited with creating Peychaud’s Bitters, one of the main ingredients in what might be New Orleans’ favorite cocktail: the Sazerac.
It’s easy to feel the history in Peychaud’s, home to a candlelit interior and a courtyard with a charming fountain and lush greenery. It’s a place that invites you to linger over a cocktail (or two) and soak in the elegant atmosphere. The cocktail menu here expertly spotlights the history of the building and the French Quarter while also being plenty inventive. Try the Peychaud's Fizz, made with infused Peychaud's Aperitivo, cucumber, citrus, and soda water. For a truly immersive experience, book a cocktail class at Peychaud’s and learn to make these New Orleans classics yourself.
Absorb Local History (and a Drink) at Peychaud's
Peychaud's
The Celestine
Peychaud's
The Celestine
For a happy hour you’ll never stop bragging about, grab a stool at Carousel Bar & Lounge. The colorful bar rotates slowly, revealing a 360-degree view while you sip on a craft cocktail. (If you’re worried about mixing booze and carnival rides, don’t fret: It only completes one rotation every 15 minutes). Get in the spirit of the French Quarter with a Fleur de Lis — made with gin, St. Germaine, ginger ale, lemon, and cucumber — or a Vieux Carré, a whiskey, cognac, vermouth, and bitters drink that was invented at this very bar. The bar also offers nonalcoholic sips and a curated food menu. Try the blue crab and corn beignets, and thank us later.
Of course, it’s not a New Orleans institution without live music. Most evenings (and weekend afternoons), you can expect live jazz to elevate the already-spirited setting.
Take a Spin Around the Carousel Bar & Lounge
Carousel Bar
Scent is one of the most powerful ties to memory. Buying a fragrance at Hové Parfumeur, the oldest continuous perfume manufacturer in New Orleans, will allow you to instantly be transported back to the city each time you take a whiff.
Hové Parfumeur, founded in 1931 by Mrs. Alvin Hovey-King and housed in one of the French Quarter’s oldest buildings, offers fragrances for men and women, as well as soaps, body scrubs, and lotions. Many of the products nod to local history. Commemorating the city’s Mardi Gras traditions, Carnaval offers a “light, spring floral bouquet that is as happy and gay as the day for which it is named.” Discover your new signature scent, or get ahead on your holiday gift shopping by perusing the assortment of candles, room sprays, and gifts.
Find Your New Signature Scent at Hové Parfumeur
Hové Parfumeur
Soak in New Orleans’ atmosphere and history over several hours in Jackson Square. On any given day, walk through the square and listen to street performers and watch local artists draw, paint, and share poetry. Keep your mobile history class going by popping into a museum: the Louisiana Purchase was affirmed at The Cabildo and The Presbytère displays permanent exhibits on Hurricane Katrina and Mardi Gras.
After any museum visits, take some time to hunt for some New Orleans-specific keepsakes. The French Market nearby Jackson Square features plenty of shops where you can buy handmade jewelry, designer shoes, and artwork from local creators.
No trip to Jackson Square is complete without a stop by Cafe du Monde. The iconic coffee stand is known for its warm beignets covered in a generous dusting of powdered sugar that pair perfectly with the dark-roasted chicory coffee. If you’re still hungry, stroll across Jackson Square to Café Pontalba, another New Orleans classic serving up Louisiana favorites like red beans and rice, Creole jambalaya, and a famous Bloody Mary to get the party started (or keep it going).
Eat, Drink, and People-Watch in Jackson Square
Jackson Square
Cafe du Monde
Cafe du Monde
Jackson Square
Photo Credit: The Monteleone Hotel
Photo Credits: The Celestine by Rush Jagoe, Peychaud's Courtesy of The Celestine
WRITER Jamie Ballard
There’s no rush to munch on beignets in Jackson Square, or take a spin around a historical rotating cocktail bar. Here’s where to slow down in the French Quarter.
Lose Yourself in New Orleans’ Vibrant French Quarter
Editorial
Feature
where to stay
Club Wyndham Riverside Suites
Club Wyndham La Cascada
San Antonio River Walk
Natural Bridge Caverns
Pearl
The DoSeum
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
This 5-mile-long walkable district featuring the winding San Antonio River lives up to its reputation as a low-effort, high-reward experience. Ducks, bridges, and boats captivate kids, prompting “I spy” games. At the same time, colorful GO RIO barges offer rides with gripping stories of the Alamo City from your captain.
For the kids
About 20 feet below street level, shops, restaurants, hotels, and gardens create a leafy, vibrant promenade for romantic strolls. Catch a show at the Arneson River Theatre, or immerse yourself in art and culture at Museum Reach outdoor gallery. Revel in history aboard GO RIO’s shuttle showcasing the riveting lock and dam system.
For the adults
San Antonio River Walk
San Antonio River Walk
Take the kids on the Discovery Tour and enter a jaw-dropping underground world at Texas’ largest public caverns with fantastical chambers. When kids are ready to change it up, there’s Twisted Trails, a six-story aerial ropes course and zipline adventure, which even includes height-specific variations for the littlest ones.
For the kids
Stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones are wonders that wow grown-ups. Geology enthusiasts will love exploring with the Lantern Tour, which eerily illuminates the caverns and includes white-knuckling cave darkness. Love a physical challenge? Fly high on the elevated ropes and zip course. It’s as enticing for adults as it is for kids — we promise!
For the adults
Natural Bridge Caverns
Natural Bridge Caverns
This 1883 brewery complex has transformed into a lively district with play areas that invite kids to burn off their wiggles. A cooling splash fountain fosters free-form play, and the weekend Farmers Market is a full-sensory experience for kids — with samples and demonstrations from local vendors.
For the kids
The walkable neighborhood rewards mature palates with an award-winning culinary scene — in keeping with the city’s UNESCO gastronomy status. Charming former industrial buildings are alive with bars and restaurants, such as the Pullman Market’s Mezquite, while the Culinary Institute of America’s San Antonio campus offers cooking classes.
For the adults
Pearl
Pearl
Experimental, experiential learning is at the heart of The DoSeum, 90,000 square feet of mesmerizing interactive features for kids, playfully bolstering STEM, creativity, and imaginative learning through sensory-driven experiences. Spy Academy teaches problem-solving while Little Town immerses kids in small businesses and communities where they can roleplay.
For the kids
Nearby, Brackenridge Park is a soothing oasis, home to the Japanese Tea Garden with koi ponds and water features. Perfect for unhurried conversations and strolls beneath tree canopies, the lush green space follows the winding San Antonio River. Pause on a bench for some people-watching or snag a table at Jingu House, a lunch spot at the Japanese Tea Garden.
Photo Credit: The DoSeum
For the adults
The DoSeum
The DoSeum
This 200-acre mega park with more than 50 rides, live entertainment, and water park Hurricane Harbor will entertain energetic youngsters all day. Older kids will be drawn to the nail-biting coaster Iron Rattler and the Bahama Blaster slide, while little rodeo riders will giggle on Bucking Broncos.
For the kids
Thrill-seeking adults may find the array of adrenaline-fueled rides satisfying, but others will gravitate toward the relaxing White Water Canyon. Quench your thirst at Cocktails on the Corner, home of tasty margaritas. Catch your breath in a shady area to admire — and photograph — the park’s dramatic quarry setting, built into towering limestone walls.
For the adults
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
WRITER Kathryn Streeter
Nestled along its namesake river, San Antonio unleashes exceptionally memorable times for all ages, with history, food, nature, and kid-friendly fun. Ready to discover a multigenerational destination gem?
A Playcation in
San Antonio, Texas
FEATURE
where to stay
Club Wyndham La Cascada
Club Wyndham Riverside Suites
Let morning unfold slowly over a breakfast torta at La Panaderia Bakery and Café on East Houston Street. Then get oriented with a 35-minute Go Rio narrated boat cruise, drifting along the San Antonio River past stone bridges, cypress trees, and the iconic colorful River Walk umbrellas. As the boat rounds each bend, landmarks like
La Villita (an artist village with shops and galleries) and the Briscoe Western Art Museum come into view.
Back on land, take a short walk to The Alamo and tour the Shrine of Texas Liberty, site of the pivotal 1836 battle. Outside, the grounds come alive as reenactors in period dress fire muskets, explain frontier tools, and recount moments from the Texas Revolution.
For lunch, claim a riverside table at Casa Rio beneath those same colorful umbrellas for Tex-Mex classics and margaritas. Afterward, wander Historic Market Square, where locally owned shops and artisan stalls brim with pottery, paintings, leather goods, and jewelry. Round out the day in the Pearl — Midtown neighborhood. Browse Pullman Market, a 40,000-square-foot food hall, then settle in for dinner at Fife & Farro for wood-fired pizzas or Mezquite for Sonoran-style meats.
San Antonio
where to stay
Club Wyndham Austin
Photo Credit: Damon Chamberlain and Jonathan Lipking
Ease into the day at Eggman in Zilker for New York-style breakfast sandwiches that come hot, wrapped, and ready for whatever comes next. Grab a pastel-color picnic table or take yours to go and wander into the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum. Shaded paths wind through lush greenery, with more than 50 sculptures tucked among the trees. Inside, rotating exhibits feature the works of American sculptor Charles Umlauf and his contemporaries.
Lean into whimsy aboard the Zilker Eagle Mini Train for a 15-minute loop that features children’s playgrounds, tunnels, and skyline views. When hunger calls, follow the smoky scent to The Green Mesquite BBQ & More for tender brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. Cool off at
Barton Springs Pool, a spring-fed oasis that sits around 70 degrees year-round. Don’t forget water shoes and a towel. The outdoor exhibit, Splash! Into the Edwards Aquifer, is part of the Beverly Sheffield Education Center and dives into the history and ecology of the springs.
As the sun dips, cross the river for Corner Restaurant, which brings Texas-inspired favorites to the table, like tuna tostadas, skillet cornbread, and luxardo orange and hibiscus margs. Then there’s live music in downtown’s Red River Cultural District. Think Mohawk for indie rock and punk or hit up Swan Dive for alternative bands and dance parties.
Austin
where to stay
WorldMark New Braunfels (Club Pass)
WorldMark Stablewood Springs Resort (Club Pass)
WorldMark Marble Falls (Club Pass)
Fredericksburg blends old-world ancestral heritage with a laid-back wine scene. Start at Old German Bakery & Restaurant, where light and fluffy German pancakes set the tone. One block over, the Pioneer Museum Fredericksburg invites you to explore the town’s German roots through historic artifacts and photographs. From there, Main Street beckons with more than 150 shops and galleries. Duck into Felt Boutique for custom hats and Flying Cow for small-batch skin care.
A short drive east leads to Wildseed Farms, where 200 acres of wildflowers, including vibrant summer bloomers like cosmos, zinnias, and sunflowers, create a colorful backdrop. Stretch your legs on short walking trails, then settle in at Brewbonnet Biergarten for a sandwich, maybe cranberry pecan chicken salad or classic pimento cheese sandwich.
Spend the afternoon exploring the bold, earthy wines of Texas Hill Country. Follow US-290, better known as Wine Road 290, where expansive vineyards stretch across the rolling landscape. Stop at
Safari Winery or Alexander Vineyards for relaxed tastings on outdoor patios, then return to town for pours at Signor Vineyards or Pontotoc Vineyard, both known for producing wines with Texas-grown grapes. As the day winds down, Der Lindenbaum delivers a satisfying finale with bratwurst, sauerkraut, and a cold beer.
Fredericksburg
WRITER Karla Walsh
Savor bold flavors, explore scenic landscapes, and dive into rich history in Central Texas. Here, every adventure is shaped by place, culture, and local charm.
Pick Your Perfect Day in Central Texas
Highlight
After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the city rebuilt itself rapidly and remarkably. New building codes called for fire-resistant materials like stone, brick, and steel. Pioneering architects and engineers collaborated on some of the world’s first skyscrapers — the construction boom helped launch the career of Frank Lloyd Wright. Railroads, industry, and trade spurred investment and drew workers. Within just a few decades, Chicago had grown larger, wealthier, and more modern than before the fire.
The Great Chicago Fire Heralds the City’s Rebirth
After Illinois and Missouri achieved statehood (in 1818 and 1821, respectively), the two became commerce hubs. Both bordered the Mississippi River, which carried agricultural and manufactured goods to distant markets. Chicago, on the Great Lakes and connected to the Mississippi via canal, moved grain, meat, and timber. St. Louis, at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, shipped furs, cotton, tobacco, alcohol, and iron. Railroads later strengthened the two states’ links to global buyers.
Illinois and Missouri Become Commercial Hubs
Wanting the U.S. to own the key port of New Orleans, President Thomas Jefferson had diplomats negotiate a deal to buy it from France in 1803. Needing quick cash for his struggling country, Napoleon Bonaparte surprisingly offered the entire Louisiana Territory — 828,000 square miles — for $15 million (about 3 cents per acre). The deal roughly doubled the size of the U.S., opening up vast areas west of the Mississippi River for exploration, settlement, and trade.
The Louisiana Purchase Powers U.S. Expansion
Like gumbo, New Orleans jazz bubbled up in the late 1800s from musical ingredients that had been simmering in the city’s melting pot of cultures — African, Caribbean, European, and American. Local Black musicians stirred blues, brass-band music, ragtime, and spirituals into a new improvisational style, with cornetist Charles “Buddy” Bolden getting credit for forming the first jazz band in 1895. Trumpeter Louis Armstrong, a New Orleans native, later became the global face of jazz.
Jazz Takes Root in New Orleans
It was 18 minutes that changed the world: In 1836, Texans led by Gen. Sam Houston quickly defeated Mexican Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s army at the Battle of San Jacinto, securing independence for the Republic of Texas and paving the way for U.S. annexation and statehood. After the ensuing Mexican-American War, Mexico ceded more than 525,000 acres of land to the U.S. in present day Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming.
Texas Wins Independence from Mexico
WRITER Gary Thompson
As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, note these milestones that shaped the country’s midsection, including a Texas political revolution and a Louisiana musical evolution.
Regional Milestones
checking in
Enter the 2026 Photo Contest
ENTER TODAY
Submit your favorite Club Wyndham vacation photo and you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of four quarterly prizes or a travel-inspired, grand-prize package.
WorldMark West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone, MT
Resort
Jorge H. | Temecula, CA | Owner since 1999
Name
Summer Photo Contest Winner
Yellowstone
Results
SCAMBUSTERS
DRIVE-TO DESTINATIONS
CHARITABLE GIFT
Learn More
When it comes to protecting your ownership, a little skepticism goes a long way. Please know that Club Wyndham or Travel + Leisure Co. will never call you and offer to help you exit or sell your timeshare ownership. If someone unexpectedly calls or emails you claiming to want to help you sell your ownership, it is a scam and you should end communications with them immediately.
Contact your club with any questions about your ownership, exit, and beyond. They will help you find a solution that works for you. You can also check out the Coalition for Responsible Exit for more information on protecting yourself from exit scams.
Steer Clear of Exit Scams
SCAMBUSTERS
Hit the Road
The travel fun doesn’t have to start right when you reach your destination. The drive before is the perfect chance to set the tone with the right tunes. Club Wyndham has you covered with a “Soundtrack to Somewhere” playlist to fit every car’s vibe, whether you want to rock out on the road or enjoy a calm cruise on the highway.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack up the car, grab your favorite snacks, and get ready to make the best (and probably loudest) vacation memories.
Cue the Road Trip Tunes
DRIVE-TO DESTINATIONS
Start Giving Back
Looking for a unique way to spread holiday cheer this season? Give back to our brave troops with the gift of vacation. You can donate your Club Wyndham points to Vacations for Vets, a charity run by In Honor of Our Troops (IHOOT) Foundation Inc, through the Charitable Gift Program.
Here’s some more jolly good news — there are no minimum points required to gift. You can donate up to the number of points owned, including points associated with Bonus contracts. Just make sure your points have at least three months of remaining usage at the time of giving.
Gift Trips to Our Troops
CHARITABLE GIFT
SCAMBUSTERS
DRIVE-TO DESTINATIONS
CHARITABLE GIFT
Stay Connected with Your Club!
OWNER GROUP
Club News
owner info
America's heartland is full of character. In this issue, our America 250 journey takes us to the center of the country. We'll play our way through Central Texas, explore the vibrant streets of New Orleans' French Quarter, and embrace the Dutch-inspired trend of “dusking.” Along the way, we'll uncover the defining moments that shaped this region and reveal unexpected sides of destinations that deserve a spot on your travel radar.
About the Issue
Issue Features
Club News
Summer Photo Contest Winner 2026
Regional Milestones
Pick Your Perfect Day in Central Texas
A Playcation in San Antonio, Texas
Lose Yourself in New Orleans’ Vibrant French Quarter
3 Incredible Places to Embrace the Dutch Trend of Dusking
Step Off the Beaten Path in Nashville
Q+A with General Manager, Joe Alkire
RCI Exchange
SNEAK PREVIEW! Winter Issue
MASTHEAD
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Kylee Krizmanic
PROJECT EDITORS Allison Vancura, Austin Cannon
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Maddy Lickteig, Ruby Pierce
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jamie Ballard, Erin Gifford, Kathryn Streeter, Gary Thompson, Karla Walsh
COPY EDITOR Diane Penningroth
TRAVEL + LEISURE VACATIONS EDITORIAL TEAM Anna Reinert, Karen Johnson, Bailey Williams
Destinations Editor
501 W. Church St.,
Orlando, FL 32805
WorldMarkbyWyndham.com
ClubWyndham.com
MargaritavilleVacationClub.com
ShellVacationsClub.com
Destinations is produced quarterly for WorldMark, Margaritaville Vacation Club, and Club Wyndham owners, and semiannually for Shell Vacations Club members.
©2026 Wyndham Resort Development Corporation; Wyndham Vacation Resorts, Inc; Shell Vacations Club, LP.
All rights reserved.
Email Us
MASTHEAD
Plains & Waterways
scroll down for more!
Fall issue 2026
