By Dalia Colon for the CheapTickets Travel Blog
As the NBA season heats up this winter, some basketball fans are ready for a fast break. In the case of these b-ball getaways, traveling is actually a good thing. Here are five dream destinations for basketball fans.
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts: Located in the supposed birthplace of basketball, the Hoop Hall belongs on every fan's bucket list (pun intended). Visitors can honor the more than 300 inductees and bone up on basketball history through interactive displays and memorabilia.
Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio: LeBron James, arguably the best basketball player today, leads the Cavs from this arena known to locals as "The Q." Witness King James ruling in his home court, then make the pilgrimage 40 miles south to Akron for a photo op in front of LeBron's old stomping grounds, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.
Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada: This hotel's Hardwood Suite doesn't come cheap, but for serious ballers, there's no better splurge than this two-story, 10,000-square-foot hoops haven. The suite's larger-than-life amenities include a basketball court, professional locker room, extra-large beds and--why not?--a lounge with a dance floor.
Madison Square Garden in New York, New York: The Knicks may not have the best record in the NBA, but for people-watching there's no better arena than the Garden. A-listers from director Spike Lee to actor Tom Hanks to supermodel Kate Upton have been spotted court side in Celebrity Row.
NBA Experience in Orlando, Florida: NBA City at Universal Orlando CityWalk closed in August 2015, but fans need not cry foul. Just down the road, Walt Disney World is preparing to open the NBA Experience at Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney). The attraction will feature hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, a restaurant, retail store and more.