It’s not just a TikTok trend, it’s an aesthetic, a Travel DMC, if you will. These destinations and hotels in North America highlight that calming, cozy aesthetic, in contrast to the bold, flashy destinations that sometimes get a little more attention. Escape to one of these for days spent holding cups of hot beverages, snapping cute selfies, or enjoying some quiet, quality time in a serene retreat.
Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado
Whether you’re headed to historic Aspen or the charming neighboring resort of Snowmass, the aesthetic starts right at Aspen’s tiny airport, where the tiny terminal opens directly onto the woods and mountains. In Aspen, settle in with campus style Aspen Meadows Ski Resort or discover the fabulous chalet-style rooftop terrace on the mountainside W AspenWrap yourself in cozy blankets provided at a Michelin-starred hotel Bosq and enjoy a soup made from locally harvested forest products, or head to Snowmass and discover the Limelight Hotel with adorable lodge-style rooms overlooking a courtyard, summer and winter outdoor games, steps from the cute Mawa's Kitchen Crepe Shack.
Newport, Rhode Island
Fans of The Golden Age can head to Newport to live their best Team Mrs. Fish lifestyle. A summer vacation spot for the real nouveau riche and old rich of the era, visitors can experience some mansions or enjoy the seaside with a sailing at sunset (corset optional). Want to mix in a little cottagecore? Summer and fall visitors will find plenty of orchards and pick-your-own farms for let yourself be carried away by this atmosphere. If you prefer to relax on a deckchair by the sea, go to The Chanler at Cliff Walk.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Sometimes all you need is a white sweater and a game of golf. Hilton Head IslandIt’s a classic small coastal town, but with luxury accommodations and Southern charm. Take a boat out into the tidal estuaries and spot rare porpoises, bald eagles, or perhaps pick oysters right off the shore for a boat snack. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more low-key than watching from under an umbrella at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa.
The Don Cesar, St. Pete Beach, Florida
What's cuter than a pink hotel? Not only The Don Caesar pink, but it glows on the white sands of St. Pete Beach, with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico beckoning. This vintage 1928 hotel has been a celebrity haven since its early days, and it’s built in that grand yet understated Jazz Age style that’s perfect for living out a Gatsby fantasy (which isn’t hard since author F. Scott Fitzgerald was reportedly a regular guest). Relax in rooms with plush linens and art deco-style flamingo murals.
Sitka, Alaska. (Photo credit: Joni / Adobe Stock)
Sitka, Alaska
Sitka The town may not be as cute as it appears in the movie The Proposal (which was filmed mostly in Maine), but it is cute. Nestled at the base of high forested peaks on the shores of Alaska’s Baranof Island, the small-town charm is everywhere, from the small marina (watch out for bald eagles!) to the cozy cafes, shops selling Russian arts and crafts, and the Instagram-worthy Russian Orthodox church that betrays the town’s first European visitors. Westmark Sitka
for a pleasant view of the harbor and head to the Sitka Pel'meni next door to warm up with a plate of Russian-style dumplings.
Hana, Maui
Hana is at the end of a winding, scenic road and is isolated on the eastern tip of Maui, making it a great place to watch the sunrise (you can fly to Hana if you don't like the winding road). Many visitors come on trips just to experience the road, so the town is at its most quiet in the morning and evening after the crowds have left. Hana-Maui Resort not for the glitz and glamour, but for a taste of The Valley Isle at its most Edenic.
The Rosewood Mansion in Turtle Creek, Dallas, Texas
What's cuter than a real Renaissance-style mansion? The Manoras it’s colloquially known in Dallas, is a destination for fine dining and luxurious stays in what were once the residential spaces of one of the city’s first cotton kings. Today, the spaces are decorated with Old World design aesthetics—think stained-glass arches, marble staircases, and cathedral doors—and there are modern touches like a decadent spa and an Instagram-worthy pool deck.
Cayucos, California
Taking DMC on a trip? Discover Roadtrip on Highway 1 – the designated Scenic Byway section of Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County. In Cayucos, reach the top of the DMC with The Pacific Motel, a renovated and modernized motel with fireplaces and a food truck. Stroll the oceanfront boardwalk for some addictive dishes hazelnut butter cookiesor venture to the beach for a cool morning with a cup of coffee from the garden refuge Luna Coffee Bar.
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, Puerto Rico
There's a discreet beachfront hammock calling your name, and it sits under a large shady tree at Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico. While much of the island is bold and daring, this low-key resort is all about ambiance, with cute poolside cabanas with drapes that wrap around them, sprawling guest rooms, and a spa you’ll want to write home about. The hidden gem? Molido, a coffee bar tucked away by the Reserva pool, serves local Gusto coffee.
Fredericksburg, Texas, welcome sign. (Photo credit: Fotoluminate LLC / Adobe Stock)
Fredericksburg, Texas
Ask anyone in Texas: there's nothing cuter than Fredericksburg. This central Texas town, founded by Germans (the local newspaper was published in German until 1946) long ago, has decided to keep its businesses local by city ordinance. Find jams on The House of Fisheries, A family-owned maker of preserves, jellies and other treats, fall in love with Texas wines at Barelle Vineyardsor take a selfie with a giraffe at Longneck Manor.
Sea Island, Georgia
What could be more understated than willows covered in Spanish moss? These, along with a collection of oaks, have been planted by U.S. presidents and other heads of state, including Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. The Sea Island Cloister graciously appointed rooms and afternoon iced tea, lemonade and cookies, a long walk on the beach or a game of the South's most dressed-up bingo. Guests can even bring their dog's cuteness with the new Elegant dogs accreditation program.
Quebec City, Quebec
Look no further than Quebec City Old Town for the cute ones – it's just down the hill Fairmont Le Château FrontenacStroll through the charming historic French-Canadian style streets, eating croissants at chic restaurants like the riverside rooftop terrace At Muzzy'sor take a stroll on Île d'Orléans and taste the seasonal strawberries and raspberries at François Gosselin Farm or an ice cream cone dipped in chocolate Chocolate Factory of Île d'Orléans.
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