By: Ashmar Mandou

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but as summer comes to a close we have to make the most of it this Labor Day weekend. There are so many places you can go to enjoy the weather and partake in a few fun activities going on in a city near you. If you have the time to squeeze in one last summer road trip, we have compiled a list of interesting cities for you to visit.

Hocking Hills, Ohio
A weekend getaway in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio is perfect for couples. There are quaint cabins and inns tucked away in the woods throughout this southern Ohio region. The Hocking Hills is Ohio’s natural retreat, attracting people who are looking for a day hike or a quiet weekend. You will want to start in the Hocking Hills State Park near Logan, which has more than 2,300 acres of forestland.

French Lick, Indiana
French Lick, Indiana has become a magnet for resorts and couples getaways, but it also makes for a nice weekend for golfers or girls’ getaway weekends. This town in southern Indiana is known for its hot springs, which is one of the reasons that there are spas and golf courses in the area. If you are looking for a weekend to just relax and decompress then French Lick should be a top option.

Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan
A weekend at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Empire, Michigan is such a memorable getaway. You could spend the entire weekend on the beaches of Lake Michigan and playing on the towering sand dunes. It is one of the most picturesque places in the Midwest. You might want to dedicate a full day at the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The Dune Climb is accessible five miles north of Empire. The full experience is about 3.5 miles of sand dune climbing and descending to get to Lake Michigan.

Cedarburg, Wisconsin
A great weekend destination for both shoppers and history buffs, Cedarburg has a Main Street that’s on the National Register of Historic Places and dozens of limestone buildings housing more than 70 boutiques, chocolate shops and restaurants. Explore the town’s history at the General Store Museum and Kuhefuss House Museum, and admire handiwork at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts.

Bloomington-Normal, Illinois
For theater-lovers, summertime means outdoor Shakespeare. But in downstate Illinois, that takes on a fresh new form. Want improv Shakespeare? Sing-along Shakespeare? Or just a performance of his classics? Starting in June, and running through mid-August, the Illinois Shakespeare Festival in Bloomington-Normal reveals its ode to the Bard. Other draws to the area: Bloomington’s restored 1800s buildings house farm-to-table restaurants, shops and live-music venues. Inside the three-story courthouse, a museum highlights the area’s historical treasures.