As the sun begins to set, painting the skyline with warm oranges and pink hues, there is magic in the air. As if drawn to the magic, one by one, the stars show themselves in the night sky, and once again, evening is upon us. For most of us, it signals the end of a workday, and we begin to find peace in the cool air, ready to relax, recharge, reconnect, and take on a new adventure tomorrow.
For Service members, veterans, and their families, IHG® Army Hotels provides a safe and convenient place to enjoy the evenings. Whether you are on vacation, moving to your next duty station on PCS orders, or just need a night to forget about the day, our team is at the ready. With IHG Army Hotels all across the nation, you're always close to comfort and a warm welcome.
When you do find yourself spending time at one of our properties, there is no shortage of things to do when looking to enjoy the evening. Here are a few of our favorite recommendations.
Western Escapes
The western United States is home to some of nature's most breathtaking landscapes, including some of the largest state and national parks, as well as beaches that draw millions of people to them each year. Cities such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco boast thriving nightlife scenes and world-renowned cuisine that exceed the expectations of even the most discerning palates.
Whether you are looking for the rugged beauty of nighttime in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) or to stargaze in the desert, you'll find these evening adventures well worth the trip.
Fort Carson - Colorado Springs, CO: Less than 30 minutes North of our Candlewood Suites Building 7306 property on Fort Carson is the awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods. This park is home to towering red rock formations, some of which reach as high as 300 feet. The park has numerous trails, is a rock climber's paradise, and has plenty of spots for nature lovers and photographers. The park closes at night, but there are plenty of areas just outside the park where the setting sun dances among the sandstone spires, casting gold and crimson reflections as the sun says goodbye to the day and welcomes another night.
Fort Huachuca - Sierra Vista, AZ: For many people who live near cities, light pollution makes it difficult to see much of the nighttime sky. There are places to escape to where some of the darkest skies in the country play host to so many stars you'd think you were in a movie. One of these places is Ramsey Canyon Preserve. Here you can enjoy a peaceful bonfire and some s'mores until the flames die down and all that's left are good memories and an endless starry sky. The preserve is less than 30 minutes south of our Candlewood Suites Building 44420 on Fort Huachuca.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord - Tacoma, WA: For fans of the PNW, if you find yourself in Tacoma, consider staying at our Holiday Inn Express Ranier Inn & Rainier Complex property. About 30 minutes from the hotel lies Owen Beach. This park has plenty to do in the day, but as nighttime comes, you'll be hard pressed to find a better spot to build a bonfire and relax while telling ghost stories, singing songs, and enjoying the cool air off the ocean.
Eastern Escapes
As you venture East, you will no doubt be met with coastal charm, historic landscapes, and lush green forests. The East Coast offers the perfect blend of high-energy cities and peaceful mountain retreats.
West Point – West Point, NY: West Point is where military history and nature combine. Surrounded by the Hudson Highlands, this region is known for its forested mountains and the Hudson River. For guests staying at our IHG Army Hotels Five Star Inn, they are less than three miles from Trophy Point. Sunsets here are amazing. As the sun goes down over the mountains, you'll be treated to a symphony of colors as the light dances off the Hudson River and surrounding vegetation.
Also near the IHG Army Hotels Five Star Inn is Bear Mountain State Park, just 4 miles down the road. The park features playing fields, hiking and biking trails, a zoo, and lots of other amenities. The park itself is open from dawn to dusk, but as the sun is setting, you can find places to enjoy the view and soak up the natural beauty after a long day of recreation and exploration.
Fort Drum - Watertown, NY: Our Candlewood Suites, Building 9090, is nestled at the edge of the Adirondack foothills. The area has a quiet peace to it that refreshes the soul. One of our favorite activities is stargazing. Less than 20 minutes from the hotel, guests can enjoy celestial views from Thompson Park. On clear nights, the park has plenty of open space to view the unobstructed night sky. Watertown, NY, doesn't have much light pollution, so on many nights you can see the entire Milky Way.
Southern Escapes
The warm evenings, slow pace, and natural beauty of the Southern United States are undeniable. When staying at an IHG Army Hotels property, you're never too far away from soaking in the quiet peace of the bayou, building memories with loved ones around the campfire, or strolling down lively city streets lit by lanterns.
Fort Polk - Leesville, LA: Just an hour away from Fort Polk and our Holiday Inn Express Magnolia House & Cypress Inn, is the Kisatchie Bayou. By day, you can paddle through calm waters surrounded by moss-covered cypress trees, and by night, you can watch the fireflies blink as they roam throughout the trees. Enjoy the warmth of a campfire as you eat s'mores and enjoy the cool air to the sounds of frogs and cicadas.
You can also venture into downtown Leesville, where the hearty local dishes mix with lively Cajun music for an experience that is uniquely Southern.
Fort Rucker - Daleville, AL: If you are looking for a romantic spot to enjoy sunsets, look no further than Lake Tholocco, just 20 minutes North. From fishing to kayaking and peaceful walks, the lake is a great place to spend your day. As evening falls, the lake glows with the sun's dying light. There are plenty of benches along the lake, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scene. You’ll find even more relaxation awaiting you in this area while staying at our Holiday Inn Express Building 308 property.
Whether your travels find you in the PNW, exploring the majesty of the Hudson Highlands, or taking in the music of a lively zydeco band, you're never too far from an IHG Army Hotels property. Enjoy the peace, convenience, and safety of our properties as you enjoy evenings with those you love. We look forward to serving you soon.
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