Press The Pause Button

Written by Tarék | March 17, 2026

Press the pause button on your day-to-day. Book a trip. Go somewhere both relaxing and adventurous. Don’t wait. Who knows what this world will become in another year? Spring is in three days. We already know that life doesn’t wait for us. The time is now. Plan a road trip, take a bus, hop a train. View new sites. Go somewhere your eyes have never seen. Allow yourself to learn new things while you travel. Perhaps you will consider a location on this list I’ve created.

Top Forward Friendly Destinations

• Atlanta, GA ~ Atlanta Caribbean Carnival. This year will mark the celebration of 39 years. Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026 in Rodney Cook Sr. Park on Vine Street NW. It will feature festival, music, and concerts. Also, during the same weekend, Atlanta Jazz Festival. Saturday, May 23 – Monday, May 25 in Piedmont Park on 1320 Monroe Drive NE
• Miami, Florida ~ The Best of the Best Music Festival. This year it will occur on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Museum Park. It will feature reggae and dancehall icons.
• Charleston, SC ~ Best known for its Gullah Geechee culture, there are historic African American churches, and a vibrant arts community. All throughout the city features an abundance of history, including the American Theater on 446 King Street.
• Washington, DC ~ The National Museum of African American History and Culture located on 1400 Constitution Avenue NW.
• New Orleans, LA ~ Essence Festival of Culture. This year’s festivities will be held on July 3 – July 5, 2026 in the Caesars Superdome. Which includes daytime programs offered in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. You should expect concerts all through the superdome. As well as, meet-n-greets, live interviews, seminars, etc., all within the convention center.

• Hampton Beach, NH ~ With just under 1.5 miles of sandy beach along the Atlantic Ocean, Hampton Beach makes for a great place for rest and relaxation. There, you will enjoy the New Hampshire Marine Memorial, the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, Hampton Beach Seafood Festival, the Hampton Beach Sand Sculpture Competition and the Tuck Museum. On the 4th of July, of course there are fireworks, as well as fireworks every Wednesday during the summer at 9:30pm. I recommend staying at Tides Motel. Tell them I sent you.
• Memphis, Tennessee ~ the National Civil Rights Museum (established in 1991 at the once Lorraine Motel), Stax Museum of American Soul Music at 926 E. McLemore Avenue. You may also find interest in Beale Street’s live music scene.
• Chillicothe, OH ~ Founded in 1796, it serves as the county seat of Ross County. Located 45 miles south of Columbus. Known for its 19th century theater and opera house and hosting a number of summer fairs. This small city packs a lot of history and culture. This town has ties to the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. If you find yourself here, be sure and grab lunch at Old Canal Smoke House on 94 E Water Street.
• Huntington Beach, CA ~ With 9.5 miles of sandy beach, it’s an ideal location for relaxing and surfing since it is the “Surf City USA”. Quite sure you will enjoy Pacific City for shopping and dining at the beachfront shopping center, check out the Huntington Beach Art Center, stroll along the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, and end your day near a beach bonfire while enjoying a beautiful sunset. For sure a blend of adventure and relaxation.
• Northampton, MA ~ The indie music scene rules this city. Smith College Museum of Art, The Iron Horse Music Hall, The Parlor Room. The venues just listed offer a wide range of musical talents. As for outdoor activities, the Smith College Botanic Garden which possess 6,600 plant species and amazing landscapes, Norwottuck Rail Trail a 10-mi biking/walking/jogging path. Also, there are a slew of shops and dining places. While there you’ll have to check out Raven Used Books. Fun Fact: the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic was created here.

Okay. Go on. Get to booking.