Ellington

Holiday playlists stuck on shuffle, and the thought of braving mall madness with its manufactured cheer, can be enough to make you want to fly far, far, away. So go already.

Southern Historian: Natchez
Drive south on the historic Natchez Trace Parkway to take part in the Natchez Christmas Pilgrimage tour of antebellum homes.

Family Festivities: Canton
Visitors to Mississippi's "City of Lights" can take in the illuminated courthouse square during the Victorian Festival's Nighttime Christmas Parade.

A Working Holiday: New Orleans
The holidays are about giving. Join forces with New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity to help re-build homes in the post-Katrina city.

Eco-Trekking: Portland, Ore.
Visitors to the greenest city in America can hang their hats at sustainable hotels and use one of three forms of mass transit to get around town (light rail, streetcar, bus) for free in the city's "Fairless Square."

Ski Extreme: The Cascades/Olympics (British Columbia, Oregon, Washington)
Forget Vale and the Colorado ski-elite. Real thrill-seekers head to the Pacific Northwest to ski the Cascade Range and Olympic Mountains.

Wine Enthusiast's Tour: Willamette Valley, Ore.
The boutique wineries of the Willamette Valley are just as famous for world-class pinot noir as they are for their non-commercialized vibe.

Foodie's Mecca: San Francisco
Discover Slow Food at Chez Panisse, take tea and dim sum in the country's oldest/largest China Town, or day-trip to Yountville to dine at The French Laundry.

American Nostalgia: New York City
Partake of America's most evocative holiday traditions: the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, ice-skating at Rockefeller Center and the holiday window displays on Fifth Ave.

Night Prowlers: Las Vegas
Play your cards right at the Palms and you'll be able to finance dinner at Spago, a Cirque performance, and dancing till dawn at Pure.

Amorous Voyage: Dubrovnik, Croatia
A UNESCO World Heritage city situated on Croatia's southern Adriatic Coast, is known for its magically lit red rooftops, sailing and seafood.