12 unforgettable experience gifts to give across the US this year

During the pandemic, Americans became reacquainted with the country’s boundless beauty through domestic travel, especially outdoor adventures and camping. That exploration doesn’t have to stop in 2023 and the "America the Beautiful" National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass is a great gift for anyone ready to check some geographic marvels off their bucket list. Each $80 pass covers two people and provides entry to more than 2,000 recreation areas managed by The Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Some examples of eligible parks are Arches National Park, Grand Teton and Yellowstone. 

The gift of travel never goes stale and it’s a surefire way to create a lasting memory. Amtrak offers a USA Rail pass for $499, which allows passengers to travel on 10 segments over 30 days. With more than 500 destinations to choose from, travelers can travel slowly and take in all the beautiful scenery America has to offer from coast to coast. Some legs even have observation cars, or sightseer lounges, aboard with glass in every direction for unobstructed views. 

The movie theater experience continues to increase in price so there’s no time like the present to invest in a movie pass. National theater chain AMC’s membership Stubs A-List allows members to watch up to three movies every single week. On Tuesdays, members can purchase tickets for $5 each (be sure to read the fine print as some exclusions like IMAX or other premium formats, apply). Monthly pricing is tiered by state access with access to 34 states beginning at $19.95 and all states at $24.95 (taxes will apply). 

A visit to the long-awaited Academy Museum is a must for movie lovers. Celebrating the history and art of cinema, the Academy Museum opened in the fall of 2021 and features exhibits, programs and the Oscars® Experience, where guests can practice their Academy Award acceptance speech. The museum hosts ongoing screenings and educational and public programming throughout the year. Current exhibitions on view until April 9, 2023, include Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971 focused on the rich contribution by Black people to the film industry beyond the civil rights movement and Isaac Julian: Baltimore, a three-channel installation paying tribute to the late filmmaker Melvin van Peebles.

Listen up, let me tell you a story about how you can catch a performance of the celebrated musical Six. Six had a long journey to Broadway as its debut was interrupted by the pandemic. It finally opened its doors on the Great White Way in the fall of 2021 and now audiences all over the country can experience what this vibrant Tony award-winning historical musical is all about. Its permanent home at the moment is in Boston and through August 2023, tickets are available to hear Henry VIII’s former wives tell their side of the story in multiple cities across America. 

Give the gift of relaxation with a visit to an AIRE ancient bath inspired by the tradition of baths from ancient Roman, Greek and Ottoman civilizations. AIRE sanctuaries, of which there are two in the U.S., are built into historic spaces: the New York location is in a 19th-century former textile factory and Chicago’s location resides in a 100-year-old restored factory. The multi-layered spaces include hot, cold, saltwater and multijet pools, and hot-stone rooms. Whether gifting to a friend, couple, or to yourself, there are several curated experiences to choose from like The Signature Wine Experience and an Ancient Argan Massage. 

Animal lovers can take a pilgrimage to visit Cincinnati Zoo’s famous hippo, Fiona. The entire bloat—including the newest adorable member Fritz, Fiona’s little brother—is available to meet with a special experience called Hangin’ with Hippos. This private tour of Hippo Cove goes behind the scenes with the team and guests will even walk away with one custom canvas painting created by one of these four-footed artists. According to the site, this experience supports the animals in their care and groups like The Uganda Waterways Project which supports the patrols of rivers to prevent the poaching of hippos and other African wildlife.

Active folks looking for something new to try might enjoy bouldering or rock climbing. Movement, a national chain located in seven states, offers climbing, yoga, and fitness options. It provides the option to take a 15 minute tour of the gym. Anyone who does will receive free admission to an introductory climbing class. Other introductory classes for beginners to (literally) learn the ropes, bouldering, and more, are also available.

The works of Vincent Van Gogh have captivated the world over and now Detroit is home to an exhibit on the Dutch painter until January 22, 2023. The Detroit Institute of Arts is celebrating its 100th anniversary as the first United States public gallery to acquire one of his paintings with an exclusive exhibit titled Van Gogh in America, weaving through nine rooms of 74 works exploring the history of the artist’s exposure to the U.S.

Former First Lady and best-selling author Michelle Obama just released another book, The Light We Carry, and is hitting the road to promote it. The first stops so far include Philadelphia, D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles with recognizable names like Oprah Winfrey, David Letterman and Tracee Ellis Ross in conversation with Mrs. Obama. Each guest can walk away with a signed copy of the book for additional purchase. While it’s unclear if more dates will be added for 2023, the book and related merch make a great gift, too.

Not only does Williams-Sonoma offer top-of-the-line cookware and home goods but it also offers affordable in-store cooking classes around the country, often tailored to the season or a holiday. A mixture of virtual and in-person options include an ongoing virtual “Baking School” class series for $20 each or $180 for the whole series, a free, family-friendly Santa cookies class, and a $120 workshop on charcuterie board building for holiday hosting. The store also partners with cookbook authors for in-person events. 

Get a start on “new year, new me” self-care and treat yourself or someone special to a facial. Fifty-minute Heyday facials are customized to each customer's needs. The salons also sell top-of-the-line skincare brands, so a $150-200 gift card can go a long way. Starting at $140 for non-members, each facial begins with a skin analysis with the esthetician. Based on the analysis, a facial could include a combination of blackhead extractions, facial massage, targeted treatments or masks.