If you’re into eating locally and supporting sustainable agriculture, go to Ashville—and eat, eat, eat. This town of less than 100,000 people has 17 farmers’ markets, and the local restaurant scene is all about taking advantage of the seasonal produce sold there. And don’t miss the area’s microbreweries.

Greenville, South Carolina, is a welcoming place to shop, dine, see historic homes and watch minor-league sports. The city is also home to significant art collections and a vibrant performing-arts scene. Families can enjoy child-friendly activities such as searching for nine bronze mice scattered around the city, visiting the Greenville Zoo, relaxing in the many outdoor spaces and enjoying numerous annual festivals. State parks and Revolutionary and Civil War sites are a short drive away.

For scenic beauty, tranquility and times of refreshing, you can’t beat the mountains of North Carolina. Beech Mountain is all this and more. Whether staying in Beech Mountain during summer or winter, this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains has much to offer for outdoor recreation. Beech Mountain -- elevation 5,506 feet with an average yearly snowfall that often exceeds 100 inches – has been called “The Snow Capital of the Southeast.” When you’re ready to venture out into the beautiful white, sun-drenched snow, take advantage of the many skiing, snowboarding and ice skating offerings up here. If you prefer warmer weather, Beech Mountain has plenty of summer activities, too. Here you can find plenty of rafting, fishing, and mountain bike opportunities to fulfil your summer holiday dreams. When you and your kids are ready to head out and explore the Beech Mountain area, there are plenty of great places to visit. You won’t want to miss Grandfather Mountain — the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or Tweetsie Railroad, Western North Carolina’s historic wild-west family theme park. You are also close to the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers 439 scenic miles of breathtaking mountain beauty.

Brazil's former capital is renowned for its African-influenced cuisine, music and architecture. Known as "the Capital of Joy," because of its exuberant week-long Carnaval celebrations, Salvador brims with contemporary music and art amid architecture that has gone untouched since the 17th century.