With President’s’ Day right around the corner, experiential travel company, Natural Retreats has a list of destinations & activities to enjoy the long weekend in true POTUS style. From horseback riding and skiing through the National Parks to the relaxing at the oldest spa in America, take your 3-day getaway to embrace some of our previous Presidents favorite pastimes!
1. Soak in the Jefferson Pools at Virginia’s Homestead Preserve
The Homestead Preserve is set in the heart of Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains in Hot Springs, offering everything from wooded seclusion to the stunning panoramas of the National Forest in your backyard.
The Jefferson Pools, also called the Warm Springs Bath House is the perfect place to relax, presidential style. It includes one of the oldest spa structures in America, “The Gentleman’s Pool House” where Thomas Jefferson himself used to go and unwind (sometimes 3 times a day)!
2. Visit Teton Valley (beloved by Teddy Roosevelt) and see the Grand Tetons
On your winter weekend, find miles of groomed, cross-country ski trails, onsite heli-skiing and two best-in-class alpine ski resorts close by to the resort. Honor our “conservationist” president, Theodore Roosevelt, by bundling up and heading out to explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
3. Rent a cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee (Andrew Jackson’s birth state)
Spend your 3-day weekend nestled away in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Fun for travelers of all ages. With fun museums and Dollywood for the kids and moonshine tastings and Tennessee winery tours for the adults..there is something for everyone. Spend a day like our (lucky) 7th President, Andrew Jackson and adventure the mountains on horseback and at night, unwind in front of the fire or on the back patio-jacuzzi.
4. Learn how to fly fish (many presidents’ favorite pastime) with a guided Fly Fishing tour in South Fork, ID
George Washington, Grover Cleveland, Harding and Hoover…Just to name a few of our past Presidents who loved the sport of fishing!
Head out West for the most pristine wilderness and some guided fly fishing trips on the South Fork of The Snake River. This river is one of the most well renowned dry fly fisheries in the United States and home to one of the country’s largest populations of naturally reproducing Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Whether you are interested in chasing trout in the canyon, riding on horseback through the Big Hole Mountains, or hiking on one of the area’s many trails, you’ll find the ultimate adventure at South Fork Lodge and for anyone looking to go the extra authentic mile, check out the River Camp at South Fork!
5. President Ford isn’t the only one who loves some fresh pow! Ski at America’s oldest ski resort in Sun Valley
Take a cue from President Gerald Ford (who at one point was to fast for secret service to keep up with on the slopes)…and take advantage of Sun Valley, Idaho’s 300 days of sunshine with year-round outdoor adventures! Sun Valley is America’s first and oldest ski resort, with some of the best downhill skiing and snowboarding as well as a variety of snow sports.