Hotel Maison de Ville in New Orleans

The Hotel Maison de Ville is located in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Built in 1783, the three-story building was at one time home to Tennessee Williams. My room had antique and period furnishings and a full-size canopy bed topped with a voodoo doll.

Day Trip by Rail: Jefferson City, Missouri

Looking for a quick holiday getaway? Consider a day trip via Amtrak to Jefferson City, Mo. When you don’t have time for a long train ride and a lengthy vacation, a day trip by rail offers the chance to escape and indulge your wanderlust while enjoying a holiday getaway. And Jefferson City offers small town charm, history, nature, and Midwest values—a great place to explore on a day trip by rail.