Vermont's Green Mountains are the peaks that gave the 14th state its name. Still largely covered by verdant forest, the area is a year- round destination, popular with both skiers and hikers. The Long Trail, a wilderness hiking trail, traverses the state, while drivers set a slower pace on Vermont's scenic roads. Quaint towns, such as Stowe and Montgomery, acres of farmed valleys, apple orchards, covered bridges and speciality stores take visitors back in time, and charming inns await.

Not the sporting type? You’ll still enjoy a trip to Stowe—just plan on hitting the spa instead of the slopes or the golf course. The area’s big ski resorts offer huge spas with pretty much any treatment you can think of—try all of them and pick your favourite!

Sitting only 18 miles South of the US border with Quebec, Plattsburgh was once a major hub in the fur trade with Montreal. The city is made for walking, full of beautiful turn of the century buildings and manicured parks. A River Walk follows the Saranac River as it cuts through town, ending at the shores of Lake Champlain, home to Champy, the American cousin of the Loch Ness Monster. The surrounding area is part of Adirondack Park, America's largest wilderness preserve outside of Alaska.

Montreal, c’est si bon! This French-speaking city is considered the cultural capital of Canada, and is a cosmopolitan celebration of Québécois style. A horse-drawn carriage ride around the cobblestone streets and grand buildings of Vieux-Montréal will give you a taste of European flavour. The Basilique Notre-Dame is a confection of stained glass, and the Plateau Mont-Royal district will delight you with its quaint boutiques and cafés. Dig in to a massive plate of poutine to fuel up for a tour of the epic Olympic Park.

Expert skiers will love Snowbird, which offers some of the steepest and most exhilarating runs in the United States. However, there are also less intimidating slopes for less experienced skiers, and even those who don't ski will enjoy the mountain's breathtaking views.

Hit the casinos, watch big-name entertainment and stay at a themed hotel. Las Vegas? No, but this small gambling town on the banks of the Colorado River offers a taste of Vegas minus the glitz, traffic and high costs. Plus, there's plenty to do here besides gambling. Not only does Laughlin have the Colorado River for boating, swimming, fishing, waterskiing and other sports, it also has gorgeous Lake Mohave offering much of the same on a grander scale. Golfers will enjoy beautiful courses where reasonable green fees stretch their cash. For a taste of the Wild West, head to nearby 100-year-old Oatman, where you can catch a mock gunfight and guzzle beer in an old-time saloon. Hiking, anyone? Grapevine Canyon awaits you, famous for the Indian markings -- some 800 years old -- carved into its boulders. You'll find plenty of gaming houses, with water shuttles running between them 24/7. What Laughlin lacks in Vegas glamour, it makes up for in affordability, scenic beauty and aquatic fun.