Summer is winding down in Fayetteville as back-to-school shopping begins and pumpkin spice drinks return to coffee shop menus, but the season isn’t over yet.
There’s still time to plan a last-minute summer weekend getaway through Labor Day.
Need some inspiration? Here’s a look at big-city destinations with budget-friendly flights at about $300 or less. Prices shown as listed on Google Flights at the time of writing for round-trip tickets from Fayetteville Regional Airport.
West Palm Beach, Florida
This South Florida destination boasts perfect weather for a relaxing beach day, a sunset cruise, a fishing adventure or a round of 18 holes on one of the coastal city’s pristine golf courses. West Palm Beach also offers shopping, dining, entertainment and the world-renowned Norton Museum of Art.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Destination: West Palm Beach, Florida
Price: $220
Dates: Aug. 22-Aug. 26
New York, New York
Craving a New York slice? Get your fill with a weekend jaunt to the Big Apple. Tour the Statue of Liberty, take a food tour around Chinatown and Little Italy, kayak at Brooklyn Bridge Park, and peruse countless attractions, restaurants, bars and shows in the five boroughs.
Destination: New York, New York
Price: $246
Dates: Aug. 23-26
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston’s landmarks like the Freedom Trail, The Paul Revere House and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum tell the story of our nation’s history. Sports fans can catch a game or take a tour at Fenway Park baseball stadium, the home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912.
Destination: Boston, Massachusetts
Price: $262
Dates: Aug. 23-Aug. 26
Cincinnati, Ohio
If you're looking for some Midwestern charm, consider a trip to Cincinnati. Take a riverboat cruise along the Ohio River, cheer on the home team at the Great American Ball Park, chow down on a Cincinnati-style chili dog and check out the Queen City’s many museums.
Price: $263
Dates: Aug. 29-Sept. 1
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City may be best known for its barbecue, slow-smoked meats served with a thick sauce made from brown sugar, molasses and tomatoes, but the city also offers over 200 fountains and a rich history of jazz music.
Related:Barbecue buffs swarm this ex-firefighter's Fayetteville food truck wherever it goes
Destination: Kansas City, Missouri
Price: $272
Dates: Aug. 29 – Sept. 1
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans highlights include Creole and Cajun food, historic French and Spanish architecture and nightlife along Bourbon Street. Cool off as you stroll through the city with a frozen daiquiri to-go.
Taste New Orleans in Fayetteville:Po' boys and boudin are served at this Fayetteville food truck
Destination: New Orleans, Louisiana
Price: $277
Dates: Aug. 22-26
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh landmarks pay homage to the city’s dominant role in the U.S. steel industry. Located on the Allegheny Plateau west of the Appalachian Mountains, The Steel City's food scene offers hearty fair like potato-filled dumplings known as pierogies, and sandwiches piled high with meat, cheese, slaw and fries.
Destination: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Price: $290
Dates: Aug. 29 – Sept. 1
Las Vegas, Nevada
Live it up in Las Vegas with dining, nightlife, entertainment and casinos. Or take a short drive from the city to one of the many surrounding points of interest, like the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park.
Destination: Las Vegas, Nevada
Price: $302
Dates: Aug. 22-Aug. 26
Chicago, Illinois
Take a trip to Chicago for shopping, sightseeing, art, entertainment and dining. As you explore The Windy City's many attractions, you may want to treat yourself to a Chicago-style hot dog or Italian beef sandwich.
Destination: Chicago, Illinois
Price: $306
Dates: Aug. 31-Sept. 2
Food, dining and culture reporter Taylor Shook can be reached at [email protected].