Since Gypsy With a Day Job is created for people who have to work full time jobs to make a living and maintain a household, weekend getaways is one of our big focuses. We and our readers need a lot of options for places to go and things to do in a 2 or 3 day weekend, and be back at work on Monday morning.
Weekend getaways can come in a lot of forms, from great camping site with a load of outdoor activities, to fabulous cities with enough attractions and entertainment to make it a worthwhile escape from the humdrum of work life.
We feature one story each month that is specifically designated as a weekend destination, with just the right amount of things to see and do in that 2 or 3 day time frame. Those places and stories will all be listed under this category, so you can find them immediately when you are looking for somewhere that is just a hop and a skip away, with plenty to do.
If you are looking for a getaway a little less traveled yet filled with enough fun and interesting sites to keep everyone in your group entertained, we recommend Rochester, New York. While not exactly a hidden gem, it isn’t being touted by every influencer either. A weekend in Rochester, New York has something for everyone, […]
South Carolina often gets overshadowed as a southern travel destination, being nestled in a small corner between two domestic traveler powerhouse states. Wedged in as it may be, South Carolina offers all kinds of intriguing wonders, from its slice of the Atlantic Coast and sliver of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Piedmont, the Lowlands, and
This post was updated on September 1st, 2024. San Francisco is a dream destination for many travelers, with its stunning seaside location, and iconic landmarks and attractions. It is a city that can fill weeks and still leave more to discover. But sometimes, our schedules don’t allow for that. Sometimes a whirlwind weekend in San
Panama City, Florida, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Panama City Beach, offers a unique blend of Old Florida charm, rich history, and vibrant local culture. The two are very different. Panama City retains its traditional old Florida appeal and offers more than theme parks and tee shirt shops. It’s real. Unlike the crowded
As a Midwesterner, and particularly an Illinoisan, I have always found it strange how often people overlook St. Louis in favor of bigger surrounding cities. Where are you going for the weekend? Chicago, Indianapolis, Memphis, Kansas City… They are all fabulous cities, but there are as many things to do in St. Louis, it is
This post was updated on May 21st, 2025. Just an hour’s drive from New Orleans lies Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, a quaint coastal town that’s recently been named one of the coolest coastal towns in America by USA Today. With its rich history, thriving cultural scene, and stunning natural beauty, it is the perfect
This post was updated on May 18th, 2025. Nestled in the rolling hills of northwest Illinois, Galena is a charming city known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, vibrant downtown, and rich history. Sometimes referred to as the “city that time forgot,” entering the flood gates truly feels like entering another century. A weekend in Galena
This post was updated on May 26th, 2025. If you reside in the Midwest US, you might already know about Frankenmuth, Michigan, but then again, it might still be a hidden gem for you. Hailing from Illinois, just two states away, I had never come across its name until it was recommended as a weekend
This post was updated on May 18th, 2025. The Shoals consist of the towns of Florence, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and Muscle Shoals, Alabama. While it’s likely that you’re familiar with Muscle Shoals, the other cities may not be familiar. But when people refer to the things to do in Muscle Shoals, they almost always encompass all
This post was updated on May 18th, 2025. Every once in a while, it is nice to have a real getaway, one to a quieter place, without crowds or tourists. Sometimes that is hard to find, when also hoping to find nice scenery, good food, and plenty of calming but engaging things to do. When
This post was updated on May 26th, 2025. The city of Chattanooga, Tennessee became a household name in 1941 when the Glenn Miller Orchestra song The Chattanooga Choo Choo went to number one on the pop music charts, and remained there for 9 straight weeks. Chattanooga became a household name, but the city never became a
This post was updated on June 22nd, 2024. “Not on my bucket list” was the response received when asking my husband to come along with me for a weekend in Little Rock, to attend a conference. He had no intention of spending 1 day in Little Rock, let alone 3 days in Little Rock! So,
This post was updated on May 6th, 2022. Lake Charles, Louisiana is a kind of “No Man’s Land.” It’s not part of the plantation South or the old West, but it has features of both. It was a favorite stomping ground for pirate, Jean Lafitte. Surrounding small cities like Iowa and Sulphur are usually
This post was updated on July 14th, 2024. Coastal Mississippi is a slip of land located between two large neighbors. To the east we have Mobile, AL and to the west we have New Orleans, LA. Many times, people looking for a beautiful area to visit overlook us. I’m here to tell you, it is
This post was updated on July 25th, 2024. Founded in 1819, Memphis has certainly had its ups and downs, but through it all, its rich history and culture has left a definitive mark on the American landscape. In recent years it has gained popularity as a destination, because of this history and the abundance of
This post was updated on May 17th, 2022. Chicago is more than hot dogs, deep dish pizza and bitterly cold winters. It’s a city of mesmerizing architecture that’s best seen on a boat cruise and has a pace that’s less intimidating than other major cities in the United States. There are so many thins to
This post was updated on July 23rd, 2024. Whoa, cowboy, ready to reel in a bit of the Wild West 21st century style? Historic Golden, Colorado, offers much in the way of soft or hard adventure to quickly fill three full days. So, perhaps you’ve never heard of Golden. A lot of people haven’t, as
This post was updated on September 5th, 2024. Santa Cruz in California is no doubt one of the best summer towns in the USA. With the cool sea breeze, rainless summer months, and home to one of the best old school amusement parks, there are so many amazing things to do in Santa Cruz, which
The USA is filled with awesome food cities, but Austin, Texas give them all a run for their money. Boasting delicious traditional Texas BBQ, inventive modern cuisine, and some of the best tacos you can find stateside, Austin has so much to offer. Put all of that alongside a city filled with friendly and
Bar Harbor is one of the loveliest towns in the state of Maine on the Northeast coast of the USA. I’m Karen Worrall, creator of travel site Cruise Ship Karen and I’ve visited Bar Harbor over 40 times over the past 13 years, and am still enamored with its charm every time. I highly
