It’s April…Let’s Go Somewhere!

I love traveling in April. It’s the start of the spring shoulder season which means the sun is out, the days are getting longer, and the weather is usually beautiful (if not a little rainy in some parts). Also most places that have closed for the winter are opening up again. However, unlike the summer months, both crowds and prices are still relatively low. If you need some ideas, how about one of these destinations?

Places to Visit in April

Lafayette, Louisiana

Located at the heart of Cajun Country, Lafayette is home to one of America’s most unique and best-preserved cultures. With great dancing, countless live music shows, and good, ole Southern cooking, you’ll have the time of your life here.

Why Go Now? The weather! It’s perfect in the spring– warm, but not oppressively humid. It’s also prime crawfish season. Need I say more?

What to Eat: Those crawfish aren’t going to eat themselves! Visit Dwight’s Restaurant for an excellent crawfish boil.

Where to Mingle: Every April, Lafayette hosts the Festival International de Louisiane, the largest non-ticketed outdoor Francophone festival in the country. Bands from over 20 countries play this popular festival.

Where to Stay: Book at Mrs. Rose’s Bed and Breakfast, where you not only eat crawfish but fish for them yourself.

What to Bring Home: Check Sans Souci Fine Crafts Gallery for something locally made. You can also visit the TABASCO factory to see where this iconic sauce is made and pick up a few bottles for yourself.

Fresh Air Alert! Lafayette’s Lake Martin is home to a swampy ecosystem that supports water birds, native plants, and gators. Grab a kayak and explore! Spring is also nesting season which means you may find some birds with extra colorful plumage to attract their mates.

For more to do, watch our “Lafayette, Louisiana” episode

Coastal Maine

As someone who grew up in New Hampshire, I love Coastal Maine. The ice cream is creamier, the beaches more idyllic, and the locals have a salty-but-heartfelt demeanor. It also has a food scene that goes beyond boiled lobster and popcorn shrimp. However, once school lets out it becomes busy! Even though there’s always room for your blanket on the beach, the time between April to June is a perfect, crowd-free time to go.

Why Go Now? Long walks on the beach (while cozied up in a sweater). Warm locals. Fewer crowds.

Where to Stay: Bar Harbor Inn. It’s been around since 1887 and has a beautiful, panoramic view of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands. Even if you can’t stay, get breakfast or dinner at the Reading Room.

What to Eat: Lobster is the obvious answer, but you’d be a fool to skip Flo’s Hotdogs. It’s been in operation since 1959 and I love them so much I served them at my wedding!

Lighthouse Hopping: You can’t come to Maine and not check out at least a few lighthouses. Coastal Maine is home to 65 of them!

Fresh Air Alert! April means the start of whale watching season while mid-April is when much of Acadia National Park starts opening back up. Regardless of when you go you should still be able to visit Jordan Pond, though Jordan Pond House will still be closed until May.

For more to do, watch our “Coastal Maine” episode

Baltimore, Maryland

When it comes to US cities, I always find Baltimore gets overlooked! It’s an incredible city with a history of resilience and the kind of spirit that’s homegrown over generations. Even today it’s able to face surprising challenges with a certain aplomb. Not to mention, I’d argue this city has as many important historic landmarks as Boston, Philadelphia, or Washington D.C. Truly you’ll come away from a trip here wanting to B-more! 

Why Go Now? Baltimore is actually a lovely, walkable city that is a bit under the radar. There’s tons of history here, and if you go in April, you’ll wedge your trip between spring break and summer, missing prime travel season. Temperatures range around 50-60F, so throw on a light coat and enjoy.

What to Eat: Hello, creole food! Visit Ethel’s Creole Kitchen for the flavors of the bayou and all the goodness it offers, like gumbo and jambalaya. Chefs Ed Bloom and Nick Creamer use the best that Maryland has to serve with a spin on New Orleans classics (think fried Chesapeake oysters served with remoulade). Another awesome place? R. House. Once an auto body shop, it’s now a food hall with a number of innovative stalls.  

Where to Mingle: At the very beginning of April, the local community gathers at Southeast Baltimore’s Patterson Park for The Big Baltimore Kite Festival. During this festival, the sky is filled with vibrant colors and celebrates the broad spectrum of cultures that make up this city! Bring a picnic blanket and a kite to join in on the fun.

Check out local restaurants for picnic specials you can bring to the park.

Where to Stay: The Sagamore Pendry Baltimore is certainly a splurge but puts you in the center of it all– walking distance to historic Fells Point, South Broadway, and right on the river. You can walk everywhere! Think of what you’ll save on Ubers.

What to Bring Home: The creative spirit is alive and thriving in Charm City. Why not bring a piece of that home? Check out Made in Baltimore, a network showcasing local artists and entrepreneurs.

Fresh Air Alert! The Baltimore Orioles have one of the most underrated ballparks in the nation, and there are roughly a bazillion games every season. Even if you don’t love baseball, Orioles fans are infectious, and there’s nothing as nice as sitting outside with a beer!

For more to do, watch our “Baltimore, Maryland” episode

Charleston, South Carolina

Who doesn’t love Charleston, South Carolina? It’s the epitome of southern charm with the sort of historic beauty that comes with cobblestone streets and buildings almost as old as the country. 

Why Go Now? Sundress in the day, jean jacket at night. More flowers. Fewer crowds. Brunch al fresco. It starts to really heat up come May, so April is the perfect month to come without worrying about sweating.

What to Eat: No shortage of great options– Charleston is truly a gastronomic mecca. But since you’re here, you have to visit Rodney Scott’s BBQ, the only pit master to ever win a James Beard Award.

Where to Stay: Hotel Bennett might be a newer hotel but everything about it was designed to feel historic. Grab afternoon tea at their onsite champagne lounge which was inspired by Faberge jewel boxes. 

Attention Fellow Snoopers! Whenever I see big, beautiful houses, I always wish I could go inside. Say hello to the Festival of Houses and Gardens. From mid-March through mid-April, we regular folks can step inside Charleston’s most opulent homes and gardens.

What to Bring Home: Charleston City Market has been around since 1807 and is an absolute treasure trove of 100% locally made goods. Whatever you do, don’t miss the sweetgrass baskets!

For more to do, watch our “Charleston, South Carolina” episode

Savannah, Georgia

There’s something perpetually romantic about Savannah, Georgia. From dripping Spanish moss to elegant architecture and historic squares, it’s the kind of place where creativity and innovation flourish! Come for a relaxing, slow trip where you can wander the streets, dive into this southern city’s history, and simply enjoy a city dedicated to beauty.

Why Go Now? April in Savannah is simply perfect. The highest the temperature will climb is around 77F and the city is full of music and color!

Where to Eat: Don’t miss the bagels and pizza at Big Bon Bodega. Not only are both favorites with locals, founder Kay Heritage is a big believer in an open-book policy which empowers her employees beyond just working in her shop. Another must? The Wyld Dock Bar for mouthwatering seafood.

Where to Mingle: Check out the Savannah Music Festival. It runs until mid-April and features artists and musical genres from around the globe. Also check out Service Brewing Co’s weekly community events. They have anything from a 5K run to live music, food trucks, and yoga depending on the week.

Souvenirs: Considering Savannah is home to the Girl Scouts, I can’t think of a more fitting souvenir to bring home with you. For something non-edible, check out the joyful illustrations from 18Loves Art. 

Fresh Air Alert! Stroll around the beautiful Forsyth Park or get on the water via one of Savannah’s iconic steamboats. 

See more in our “Savannah, Georgia” episode

Sonoma Valley, CA

With 60 varietals and over 400 wineries, Sonoma Valley is easily one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world. It’s the kind of place you come to slow down and enjoy the subtleties of life you might miss elsewhere. Even if you’re not into wine tastings, the region has so much natural beauty, you’ll find plenty to love. 

Why Go Now? April here means Sonoma County Wine Month! Hosted by the Sonoma County Vintners, most of the 400+ wineries in this region offer special experiences and promotions for guests, so it’s a great time to come and explore. Get their Tasting Pass to get the most bang for your buck. It works for not only wineries but breweries and cideries, and distilleries too.

Where to Eat: For those of you that love cheese, sign-up for a cheese-making class at Achadinha Cheese Company! Now only will you get to see how everything works at their farm, you’ll get to literally roll up your sleeves and get your hands wet. Don’t worry – each class comes with a cheese tasting and lunch!

A Carnivorous Souvenir: Sonoma County might be known for its wine but it’s also home to the largest collection of carnivorous plants in the entire world. You can visit the California Carnivores nursery to see these plants in action and also take some home with you.

Fresh Air Alert! Did you know there’s a safari right in the heart of Sonoma Valley? Yes, you read that right – safari! Safari West is a privately-owned preserve with over 400 acres dedicated to 900 different animals. They focus on conservation and environmental education while taking visitors on a unique adventure.

For more to do, watch our “Sonoma County, California” episode

Are you planning an April trip this year? Let me know below!

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