Forgotten Vacation Spots

Destinations that were hot and happening only a decade ago have since gone lackadaisical, hanging on to the reminiscence of their grandeur days. But what rooted the flux in the fad? Read on to find out why the hotspots on a traveler's former bucket list fell out and whether or not they should have been forgotten! Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Most people are familiar with Fort Lauderdale's scandalous Spring Break reputation, especially ayone who's ever seen the 1960 film Where the Boys Are!This coastal revelry haven ruled the coastal party scene from the 1940s to the 1980s with its sunny weather, gold-sand beaches, cheap hotels and a vibrant nightlife scene. Fort Lauderdale's infamy as Spring Break Central started to decline a few decades prior, when the seaside wickedness came to a shrieking arrest back in the mid 1980s. All because an attempt to clean up the city's reputation was made! Revellers turned to other, more tolerant towns like Cancun, Mexico and South Padre Island, Tex. Spring Break made Fort Lauderdale famous, but its recent revamps have made it luxurious. Now that its wild ways have been tamed, Fort Lauderdale makes for an ideal (and family-friendly) beach getaway. Lake Placid, New York

This snug village snuggled among the peaks of the Adirondack Mountains has been the winter sports mecca of upstate New York for years, but once upon a time, this tiny town captured the attention of sports fans across the world! The 1980 games truly solidified Lake Placid's place in Olympic history: It was here at Lake Placid that the U.S. men's ice hockey team crushed the profoundly preferential Soviets 4-3. The win, which has since been christened the "Miracle on Ice," enthused a invigorated sense of partisanship amid Cold War tensions. And as the drone of the 1980 Winter Olympics wore off it took Lake Placid's popularity as a wintertime getaway along! Skiers soon turned their attention westward towards Aspen, Coloumbia, and Lake Tahoe, California. Lake Placid persists to hold fast to its Olympic history, offering visitors the option to ski, skate and sled on the former Olympic facilities. With local shops, family-owned restaurants and romantic ski lodges encased in Lincoln-log architecture, this idyllic town looks just the way it did back in the 80s. Lake Placid radiates an antediluvian lure found only in the Adirondacks. Acapulco, Mexico

Hot and very popular in the 1950s, Acapulco was the place to go. Mexico's west coast fascinated the hippest of the hip with its blond beaches and swanky repute. It was here that Frank Sinatra enjoyed oceanfront martinis, Elizabeth Taylor got married and Elvis filmed Fun in Acapulco. The year-round warm weather constantly engrossed sun-seekers, but it was Acapulco's flourishing nightlife that fixed the interest of travelers around the world. Only here could you dine at midnight before dancing till dawn. This was where you came to see and be seen. Acapulco lost its luster ss the 20th century set in. More modern resorts were popping up along Mexico's east coast in places like Cancun and Cozumel, drawing interest away from the Pacific and toward the calmer turquoise waters of the Gulf. Frommer's contrasts Acapulco to "a diva -- a little past her prime, perhaps overly made up, but still capable of captivating an audience." As for the glitz, Acapulco still tries to live up to its momentous repute, but evils with trash, drugs and prostitution distorted this once-beloved hangout from enchanting to grungy. Pismo Beach, California

Many a Bugs Bunny escapade began with an anticipated trip to Pismo Beach, but a missed left turn at Albuquerque always hexed debacle. But what caught Bugs' eye in the first place? While the warm weather and hushed shorelines were undeniably perquisites, this Looney Tune was after some seafood. This small seaside town -- located about 200 miles north of Los Angeles -- earned America's love during the 1950s, '60s and '70s with its chowders, clam sauces and everything in between. But before Bugs lost his way, Pismo Beach acted as a safe haven for partiers during the 1920s. The town's saloons and brothels were other major tourist draw. Pismo welcomed so many tourists that its two hotels -- the Pismo Beach Hotel and the El Pismo Inn -- had to erect tents to accommodate them. While it may not be as hopping as it was in the 1920s or as trustworthy as it was in the '50s, Pismo Beach still has plenty to offer. This comfy Californian town features a excellent shoreline, lush golf courses and abundant opportunities to surf, boat and fish. Add on the promise of at least one gorgeous clam bake, and you'll see why Bugs Bunny was so unwavering to visit.