America's Best Summer Getaways 2009

National Park: Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of America’s most visited park, head out on the perfect Smokies trip, venturing deep inside on foot with the help of area hiking clubs, which are leading special guided treks throughout the year (see greatsmokies75th.com for the schedule). The best area lodging is Blackberry Farm (doubles from $995, including meals). For a fraction of the cost—and a similarly bucolic setting—head to the Great Value Butterfly Gap Retreat (doubles from $195), five architecturally unique guesthouses. At the Foothills Milling Company (dinner for two $75), a short drive away, chef Bart Vaughan does comfort food with a Southern flair: hikers fill up on braised short ribs served over cheese grits.

—Matt Hendrickson