Whe I was in California, we would go into the city or the beach or the mountains or something. I am itching for a quick little getaway for us all. Ideas in Continental U.S. only, please.

my personal favorites:

Vegas - people laugh but its actually a very relaxing trip for me usually. always stay at Green Valley Ranch (or Red Rock occasionally), both of which are off Strip, helps with the ambiance. always try and get a round of golf in, eat nice meals, naps are a given, etc...

Palm Springs - same reasons as above except no gambling really... i know i could at some of the Indian casino's, but i dont

Santa Barbara / Santa Ynez / Ojai / Morro Bay - very relaxing up there, esp. Morro Bay

whenever i want to get away, those are usually the 1st 3 i consider before deciding on something else

Although quite far from you and almost a stretch on the continental US criteria.... Key West is hands down our favorite weekend retreat!

Then again, we're able to get there by car which makes a world of difference (and is arguably the most beautiful drive in America).

I hesitate to say anything as I wear pointy-toed shoes on occasion and I know how you feel about that

For a weekend we typically chose places that are a couple hours drive away because I feel like so much time gets sucked away by air travel. We're all about food and/or looking at architecture or art. Laugh all you like but Milwaukee is a nice weekend away from Chicago. It lacks pretense and has a good art museum and some good places to eat. Iowa City is an old standby for us, partly for nostalgia and partly because we like a couple of restaurants there.

If I were to fly I would choose Charleston or Savannah. The weather would be nice and it's a good weekend trip.

If I were on the west coast I'd opt for someplace like Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo. Boulder is very pretty and eclectic.

I loathe Vegas with an absolute passion.

Charleston and Savannah are beautiful areas!

Lake Tahoe....

I envy those of you who live in locales with diverse options for weekend trips: ie: the city, the mountains, the beach, the forests, etc...

In South Florida, everything that is within weekend driving distance is pretty much the same: tropical. Yes, you have Key West, Naples, Miami, Sanibel, etc, but they all pretty much revolve around sun, sand and surf. No mountains or vast forests down here.

Don't get me wrong, week-ending in the Keys or the Bahamas is nice, but after a while you long for something different.

quote:

Originally posted by Dom'n'Vin'sDad:
Lake Tahoe....

Gaper

Our current hit list includes Chicago, Santa Fe and Austin. We have also enjoyed Palm Springs many many times in February.

It is about time for us to plan a long weekend trip!

I love your first three choices, wine+art.

Very good point, Rothko. I grew up a northerner, so I have definitely NOT had my fill of living in the tropics (and wouldn't leave FL right now for anything), but it is a very valid point you make about the vacation options around here. Everything is tropics, beach, and more tropics and beach. heh.

Fortunately for my wife and I that is THE exact type of climate and life we like most, so it's a win-win for us. Heck, we even vacation to Aruba once a year! LOL.

But I hadn't really thought of that concept before, Rothko, and it is a very good point. If you aren't willing to travel by air, your options are definitely limited around here.

Now, being able to get to the Bahamas by BOAT (3 hour ferry) is a pretty neat perk, and one we take advantage of yearly!

Tahoe is a 3 hour drive east and Napa/ Sonoma a 3 hour drive West...easy answers. Actually going to Calistoga next Wed/ Thurs. It's good to live in No Cal!

The Inn at Blackberry Farm outside Knoxville, TN.

North coast of Oregon--Astoria, Cannon Beach, Garibaldi, Netarts, Tillamook (my folks live here).
Also like to head up to Vancouver, BC once in a while. I know that's not continental US, but it's close.
Occasionally we'll even go to Leavenworth, WA. A little, faux-Bavarian town in the Cascade mountains. Great beer and shops.

OTTnMIA,

We used to have a fast ferry up here which got over to Grand Bahama in an hour and a half.

I also neglected to mention Disney World. I think we are lucky having that so close by; you can take the kids there for a weekend a couple times a year. Some families save up for years before they go and visit. Plus, there is so much to do there, you need multiple visits to really enjoy. And even for the adults, there are lots of nice places: great restaurants and wine cellars abound at some of the resorts in Disney World.

quote:

Originally posted by Een:
I love your first three choices, wine+art.

And just what is wrong with Palm Springs in February?

My wonderful bride and I will make it to your beautiful city again this year. We will confirm your schedule for dinner before we book anything.

Santa Barbara or Laguna Beach. If we have a little more time, it's Carmel/Monterey. Catalina can be a kick during the right time of year.

Nice ideas. My past: wine country - my present: Desert Southwest, make narrowing down a place a little more difficult than it used to be.

I love the Oregon Coast, but the weather is abysmal this time of year and although my wife and I would love to sit by a fire on a stormy night, the kids will be a little left out.

San Antonio is a good possibility. The other suggestions - Milwaukee, other places in the Midwest and Northeast - I'm too much of a sissy for the weather that may come this time of year.

Key West is a hoot.

Thanks for stirring my imagination. I feel the need to get away for some pampering.

quote:

Originally posted by cdr:


San Antonio is a good possibility.

Hurry cdr before it gets too hot!

San Antonio in the fall can be very nice.

If I were to go on vacation I would want to go somewhere with nice rivers, not rapids, but rivers, where I could do some fishing, kayaking and swimming. It would be nice if there was a good place to eat but I would not be too concerned about that. Not everything needs to revolve around food and wine. I think Montanna would be nice.

First choice: Shenandoah Valley

Second choice: Bucks County, PA (New Hope area)

quote:

Originally posted by Darlene:
Santa Barbara or Laguna Beach. If we have a little more time, it's Carmel/Monterey. Catalina can be a kick during the right time of year.

i agree with all of those if you are in that area.

lately for us it's been the hudson valley here in new york and newport, rhode island.

quote:

Originally posted by Rothko:
OTTnMIA,


I also neglected to mention Disney World. I And even for the adults, there are lots of nice places: great restaurants and wine cellars abound at some of the resorts in Disney World.

Rothko
what restaurants and wine cellars do you recommend in Disney? I've been to The Capital Grill and another pretty decent chop house that I can not remember the name now. I'd like to try something else.
Thanks

Victoria and Alberts (Grand Floridian resort) is very nice, albeit very expensive. Adults only, pris fix menu with a wine pairing, outstanding service, and a very deep wine list. California Grill, on top of the Contemporary hotel, is very good. So is Artist's Pointe at the Wilderness Lodge; they have a nice pris fix menu with a wine pairing as well. Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge has the largest selection of South African wines in the U.S.

Inside the parks, your best bet for food and wine is in France, at Epcot. The upstairs bistro is less rowdy than the downstairs restaurant, and I think the food is better. The wine list, while not extensive, is acceptable; obviously it is predominantly French.

I remember reading about that high speed Cat, Rothko, but never rode it. My wife and I take the Discovery, it is a small pseudo-cruiseship. Takes a while longer (sounds like double) but they serve you dinner, drinks, have a casino on board, etc... so we enjoy the ride.