Sarasota to Glenwood Springs train

A culturally-rich alternative to the nearby theme parks of Orlando, Sarasota's Gulf Coast location is hard to resist. It became the winter base for many well-to-do families in the early twentieth century, during which time much of the town developed a subtle Italian feel.

Not only is the climate similar to what you might experience in southern Italy, but many of Sarasota's buildings were constructed to resemble the country's renaissance masterworks too. A good example is the Ringling family's Ca' d'Zan Venetian-style mansion.

The Ringlings made their money from circuses before giving their name to the much-celebrated John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. It contains 21 galleries of European paintings, archaeological artifacts, and American art totaling 10,000 objects.

With weather so fine, you'll probably be looking with more than half an eye at Sarasota's numerous excellent resorts and beaches, many of which lie on a group of keys within the city limits. Bonus: our research ranked Sarasota as the #3 cheapest Spring Break destination, so you can soak up the sun on the cheap.

Arriving in Sarasota is equally easy thanks to its Cattleman Transfer Centre and Fruitville Road bus stations. Between them, travelers can connect by bus everywhere from Tampa to Tucson. Amtrak also operates a Thruway bus service from the defunct Sarasota rail station to Tampa for onward connections by train on the Silver Service. This service runs between Miami and New York City via Washington, D.C.

Colorado is packed with incredible destinations, and Glenwood Springs is no exception. In the Rocky Mountains between Vail and Aspen, the White River National Forest surrounds Glenwood Springs and makes the resort city a mecca for outdoor adventures. The highlight of Glenwood Springs is its world-famous hot springs like the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Relax in the largest hot springs pool in the world at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, open year-round for soothing soaks in the naturally warm mineral water.

Hiking opportunities abound in the area, and Hanging Lake is one of the more spectacular trails, leading to a clear, green lake in the middle of a mountain. Beyond the abundant natural attractions, Glenwood Springs offers family fun at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, complete with cave tours and a roller coaster. Glenwood Springs is one of the best places for hand-crafted beers in Colorado, and you'll find plenty of hip breweries and bars in the visitor-friendly downtown.

Whether you travel into Glenwood Springs by train or bus, you'll likely experience the majestic Glenwood Canyon. Interstate 70 and Amtrak's California Zephyr both traverse the bottom of this rugged canyon along the Colorado River. The California Zephyr offers train travel to Glenwood Springs from San Francisco, Chicago, and numerous cities in between. In addition, Jefferson Lines provides intercity bus service from many cities in the Midwest.