West: Sante Fe, N.M.

• If you are traveling from the West Coast, you can be in the capital of New Mexico in just a few short hours. Fly into Albuquerque International Sunport, then rent a car for the 58-mile drive to Sante Fe.
  
  Book a hotel room near downtown and park your car so you can simply walk to any of the 200 galleries or dozen museums during your weekend getaway, where you will be dazzled by Southwest-style art and wowed by the stucco architecture in this town of about 70,000 people.
  
  In addition to Native American pottery and Mexican paintings, you can find works from all genres. Special events include the Sante Fe International Folk Art Market in July and the prestigious Sante Fe Indian Market each August.
  
  

Midwest: Branson, Mo.

• You can't get more American than country music, and Branson, Mo., serves up more than its fair share. Fly into the new Branson Airport or Springfield-Branson National Airport in Springfield. Branson also is less than a day's drive for travelers from much of the Midwest. Once there, check out the more than 50 live music venues and more than 100 shows. If you need to take a break from the music, there are golf courses, the Ozark Mountains and three beautiful lakes.
  
  Though you'll find a performance or two that you can enjoy at the last minute, it's best to make reservations before you go. You'll find everything from fiddle festivals, concerts by well-known bands and singers and the occasional non-music event such as a car collector meet or a fishing tournament. Prices range from free to see gospel choirs at Branson's Landing to $75 to see headliners at Mansion America.
  
  

East: Appalachian Trail

• While you likely won't be able to hike all 2,100 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail during your weekend trip, you can certainly take several scenic steps.
  
  The trail starts at Baxter State Park near Millinocket, Maine, and continues south to Amicalola Falls State Park near Atlanta, Ga. Enter the trail along the way near such cities as Roanoke, Va., and Harrisburg, Penn., all accessible by air and car.
  
  Once on the trail, you'll find meadows, forests, fields and streams, and deer, elk and the occasional brown bear. Generally, no reservations are needed at camping areas and trail shelters. But fees are required for some parking areas and certain overnight sites.