You're the type of couple who finds cruise ships, theme parks and tour groups lack the vibrant culture you seek when traveling. You want to spend your precious vacation time away from the office in a place that is enriching, captivating and rewarding to your souls. Why sit in a beach chair when you can get out there and really experience life, stress-free, in a location where real people are actually living and working to make their community a draw to the rest of the world? Here are some great places to experience a more culturally enriching vacation:

New Orleans

People who love New Orleans truly love it. There is no big city in the U.S. that makes you feel more like you are a part of it all, and the signature culture of The Big Easy is as one of a kind as it is intoxicating.

If you enjoy jazz—real jazz—then you've come to the right place. New Orleans is where it was invented and where it has maintained its blue-collar stylings even though the rest of the world has gone and gotten fancy with the genre of music. Only here can you sit down in an old, small bar and hear jazz played like it was when it all began.

The New Orleans Jazz Museum is a must-visit for educational purposes, while the annual Jazz Fest each April is when the city truly puts on a show. But even if you just want to kick back and hear some amateurs blowing their horns in the park or sit down at one of the many jazz clubs in the city, you will get to experience a piece of classic jazz in the modern day.

Napa

There was a time when all good wine in the United States came from abroad. But no longer do Americans have to consume only French, Italian or Argentine labels. There are world-class wineries throughout northern California, and a vacation to Napa Valley is one of the more relaxing ways to learn more about one of Earth's greatest pleasures.

Take pre-arranged tours of the region or just show up and leisurely enjoy the different vineyards at your own speed. If you're a novice to good wine, you will learn a lot. If you already have a refined palate, you'll only deepen your appreciation for the wonderful whites and full-bodied reds of the region. No matter what, you will have a great time pairing a tall glass with artisanal cheeses in one of the country's most beautiful locations.

When you've had your fill of wine, there is much more to do. There are always great shows playing at the Napa Valley Opera, bike paths to enjoy more of the great outdoors, or cooking classes offered at the nearby Culinary Institute of America.

New York City

The Big Apple is one of the most culturally enriching destination in the United States. There is something for everyone. From the diverse restaurants and unparalleled museums to the sights we all know from movies and the out-of-the-way spots that will make a trip truly memorable, there is a whole lifetime worth of experiences to be had.

One that cannot be missed is the city's world-renowned theater productions. Whether you see a big Broadway show or a small, short-run independent play, booking tickets is easy. Nowhere else in the country has theater like New York, so skipping out on something so unique will have you kicking yourself, feeling like you missed out on a great opportunity.

Jared Wade is an NBA columnist at FanSided; editor at 8 Points, 9 Seconds; contributor at The City Paper Bogota; and a freelance writer elsewhere. Follow him on Twitter @Jared_Wade.