8 Fun Locations You Might Not Have Considered

Almost every traveler that calls me about travel nursing says they want to go to California, Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, or New York City.  Sure, there are plenty of opportunities in these locations and there are definitely a lot of fun things to do while on assignment there, but don’t overlook those communities that you may not hear as much about, or that don’t immediately come to mind.   Here is my list of the top 8 fun locations that you might not have considered before but should definitely be on your radar screen!


1. Albuquerque, New Mexico – Albuquerque, while not the State’s capital city, is New Mexico’s most well known city.  It is a destination like no other where you can experience the authentic Southwest: from the city’s culture, to its cuisine and architecture, to the local jewelry and pottery sold at local markets, the cultural influences of the Native Americans are a part of everyday life. With 310 days of sunshine a year, you will have plenty of opportunities to revel in the great outdoors. Visit one of the area’s 14 golf courses, take a hot-air balloon ride, go mountain biking in the Sandia Mountains, hike among dormant volcanoes, horseback ride along the Rio Grande or stroll through Old Town.  During the winter months, New Mexico's world-renowned ski resorts in Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire and Red River are located within a one- to three-hour drive of Albuquerque.  New Mexico, known as the Land of Enchantment, has so much to offer travelers on assignment here. 

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2. Boise, Idaho – Boise, Idaho offers the culture and entertainment of a large urban area in a place that feels a little like everyone’s hometown.  It is one of America’s most livable and likable cities and features 25 miles of river front greenbelt and a river flowing through the center of the city.  Downtown Boise is alive with events and entertainment, including Alive After Five on Wednesday evenings, the Downtown Public Market on Saturday mornings and First Thursday.  Boise also offers plenty of outdoor adventure, including mountain biking in Boise's foothills, floating the Boise River, or whitewater rafting on the Payette River, just 45 minutes north of the city.  In the winter, enjoy nordic skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing at Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area.  If you prefer to just sit back and watch the adventure, then visit Les Bois Park for both thoroughbred and quarter horse racing.  The city also offers many fascinating museums including the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, the Idaho Black History Museum, and the World Center for Birds of Prey.   The word is getting out about Boise…come experience it for yourself! 
    
3. Charlottesville, Virginia – Charlottesville, located in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has been named the #1 Small City in the South.  It offers a captivating blend of colorful history, distinctive architecture, Southern hospitality and small city sophistication. No trip to Charlottesville is complete without a visit to the city’s many historical gems, including Monticello, the grounds of the University of Virginia, Ash Lawn-Highland, Historic Court Square and Michie Tavern.  The areas many lakes and rivers offer the perfect setting for sailing, swimming, fishing, kayaking, or tubing, while the beautiful parks are perfect for picnics and relaxation!  Charlottesville also offers charming boutiques and antique shops, firs-rate museums, and distinguished wineries.  And the location couldn’t be more perfect for those weekend getaways!  Richmond is just over an hour away, Virginia Beach is 2.5 hours, and Washington, DC is 3 hours. 
    
4. Houston, Texas – This international city prides itself on being "The City of Firsts" and has a lot to offer as the nation’s 4th largest city.  Sports fans will enjoy the numerous professional sports teams that call Houston home, including the Texans (NFL), Astros (NL), Rockets (NBA), Dynamo (MLS), and Aeros (NHL). History buffs will enjoy visiting San Jacinto Battleground, where Texas gained independence from Mexico in 1836 when General Sam Houston defeated General Santa Ana.  No trip to Houston is complete without a visit to Johnson Space Center where you can experience an out-of-this-world journey into space with a behind the scenes tour of NASA.  And that’s not it; Houston is also home to the Houston Zoo, the Downtown Aquarium, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, and the world renowned Houston Rodeo held every March.  And before you leave for your next assignment, catch a Carnival Cruise out of nearby Galveston for some much needed R&R! 
    
5. Little Rock, Arkansas – Little Rock is a historic city with lovely neighborhoods, fine museums and scenic parks. Take a tour of the oldest surviving Capitol building west of the Mississippi, and be sure to visit the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park, which includes the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. If you are looking for nightlife, you will enjoy the live music scene ranging from acoustic, techno, alternative, piano bars, rock, jazz, and country, Little Rock offers something for everyone. You will also enjoy the live theater, symphony, ballet, and Shakespearean festivals. If you prefer to be outdoors, take a stroll or bike ride along the Big Dam Bridge, the world’s longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge.
    
6. Madison, Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin is located in the southeastern part of the state, just an hour and a half outside of Milwaukee and Rockford, Illinois. This capitol city is urban with a University town feel and is well-known for its low unemployment rates, year-round music festivals, and lively culture.  On those days when you prefer to stay indoors, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, taking in a performance by the Madison Symphony Orchestra, or tour the World Famous Mustard Museum with more than 5,000 mustards from all over the world.   You will have plenty of outdoor options too, including the Henry Vilas Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, Cave of the Mounts National Landmark, the Dane County Farmers Market, and an abundance of outdoor recreation ranging from fishing, biking, golf, hiking, and kayaking.  Once winter comes, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing at nearby Cascade Mountain. 
    
7. Olympia, Washington – Olympia is Washington State’s capital city and is surrounded by water on almost all sides.  Outdoor enthusiast will enjoy the many opportunities around Olympia to bike, hike, swim, fish, and even ATV at Capital Forest located in the Black Hills. Olympia was instrumental in the 90’s grunge rock scene (Kurt Cobain is said to have written the majority of Nervana’s most famous album, “Nevermind” in Olympia) and this “cool vibe” is still present today.  With a growing performing and visual arts scene, no matter what art form moves you, you will find it in Olympia.  Even the many coffee houses look more like museums than shops.  Olympia is conveniently located just 30 miles outside Tacoma and 64 miles outside Seattle. 
    
8. Seattle, Washington – Seattle offers something for everyone! Sports fans will enjoy the city's three professional teams: the SuperSonics basketball team, Mariners baseball team, and Seahawks football team. If you are an outdoor adventurer, the region offers an unmatched wealth of activities, including mountaineering on Mount Rainer, whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, scuba diving, and fishing. No trip to Seattle is complete without a trip to the top of the Space Needle for panoramic views of Seattle, and a walk through Pike Place Market where you may be able to catch a flying fish!  If you are looking for a long weekend Getaway, drive north 2.5 hours and cross the border into Vancouver, Canada, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics. 

Alison Hruska is a Travel Nurse Recruiter for Clinical One.  Visit Clinical One at www.clinicalone.com for the hottest travel nursing jobs.