Where should we go?

[Storymama]

Jon and I want to take a couple-only trip this year, probably in the late summer or fall. We are not likely to be able to get away for more than 4-5 days (:rolleyes:) so I don't want to spend a lot of that time in transit. It will be to celebrate Jon's 40th birthday (Sept) and our 20th wedding anniversary (Dec.)

- We will be able to afford to fly & rent a car probably anywhere that is within the time frame I mentioned - ie, North America, since further away would really eat into the actual vacation. If it's within 4-5 driving distance, we would probably just drive. I might even have my new (to me) Mini Cooper by then :thumbsup:.

- We both love natural history stuff, as well as local historical things. We would be all over academic lectures about the local area, its geology, etc.

- I can't do a ton of walking, unless I can use a wheelchair for some of it - so no Grand Canyon hikes or anything like that.

- No high altitude, my lungs won't like it. Trust me on this, LOL.

- Jon is not a Lay on the Beach kind of guy.

- He is also not a real patient shopper for things that are (ETA: NOT!) gadgets or outdoor gear or for his Range Rover LOL . . . but he does like a good bookstore, or interesting antiquing.

- Neither of us is really into amusement park type stuff.

- We aren't big drinkers (though Jon likes a good beer, and I'll have a drink with dinner, especially on vacation) . . . and are definitely not night clubbers. Vegas would not be for us.

- We do love fantastic meals, and are pretty adventurous about ethnic food, etc.

- I would love to be able to send him on an adventure for part of one day, while I get to go a local spa. I'm thinking something like parachuting with a guide, or something adrenaline inducing like that. I know that doesn't sound very couple-y, but we are both very independent, and a separate adventure will suit us nicely in the middle of the vacation.

- Even though we've lived everywhere (LOL) - we tend to be bad about visiting local attractions because we end up so damned busy every time, and it has always been very hard for Jon to obtain leave. So don't leave out a suggestion just because you think we lived there once and must have seen it! I still haven't taken the kids up to Plimoth Plantation :rolleyes:!!

Ideas??

[jerzymama]

Jon and I want to take a couple-only trip this year, probably in the late summer or fall. We are not likely to be able to get away for more than 4-5 days (:rolleyes:) so I don't want to spend a lot of that time in transit. It will be to celebrate Jon's 40th birthday (Sept) and our 20th wedding anniversary (Dec.)

- We will be able to afford to fly & rent a car probably anywhere that is within the time frame I mentioned - ie, North America, since further away would really eat into the actual vacation. If it's within 4-5 driving distance, we would probably just drive. I might even have my new (to me) Mini Cooper by then :thumbsup:.

- We both love natural history stuff, as well as local historical things. We would be all over academic lectures about the local area, its geology, etc.

- I can't do a ton of walking, unless I can use a wheelchair for some of it - so no Grand Canyon hikes or anything like that.

- No high altitude, my lungs won't like it. Trust me on this, LOL.

- Jon is not a Lay on the Beach kind of guy.

- Neither of us is really into amusement park type stuff.

- We aren't big drinkers (though Jon likes a good beer, and I'll have a drink with dinner, especially on vacation) . . . and are definitely not night clubbers. Vegas would not be for us.

- We do love fantastic meals, and are pretty adventurous about ethnic food, etc.

- Even though we've lived everywhere (LOL) - we tend to be bad about visiting local attractions because we end up so damned busy every time, and it has always been very hard for Jon to obtain leave. So don't leave out a suggestion just because you think we lived there once and must have seen it! I still haven't taken the kids up to Plimoth Plantation :rolleyes:!!

Ideas??

Cape May has 3 of the top 10 restaurants in NJ. The bed & breakfasts are to die for and if you want to go one step up - I'd recommend The Congress Hall hotel. It's one of the premier birding capitals in THE WORLD!! (Especially that time of year when migration starts back up again) There are tons of backwaters to canoe & kayak (no walking and you get to see some of the most beautiful landscape on the east coast.) Obviously, there's *beach*, but you could certainly fill your days to completion in 4 or 5 days without spending much time - but it's a nice feature to have. There are at least half a dozen Nature centers (i.e. Wetlands Institute, Cape May Bird Observatory, etc.) with lectures and programs constantly during the summer.

There are two extensive board walks (with tram cars) - one in Ocean City and one in Wildwood and I hate rides and you could also fill your time well w/o doing any of that. Of course, you'd *have* to play mini golf instead.
Also, it is kind of fun to perhaps spend one night in AC - not for the gambling, but for the entertainment. They get the biggest acts, singers, comedians (Lewis Black just sold out a few weeks ago! :( ), shows and there's pretty good shopping and phenomenal restaurants. Everyone should see the Borgata Hotel - if for nothing else than the Chilhuly chandelier in the hotel lobby.

[elizabeth]

Jon and I want to take a couple-only trip this year, probably in the late summer or fall. We are not likely to be able to get away for more than 4-5 days (:rolleyes:) so I don't want to spend a lot of that time in transit. It will be to celebrate Jon's 40th birthday (Sept) and our 20th wedding anniversary (Dec.) ...


Ideas??

http://www.pursuecharlottesville.com/

It has the history, a wine trail, romantic b&bs, high end luxury hotels, a little something for everyone. You can easily see most of the sights in a few days with plenty of rest in between.

[Sarah]

- We both love natural history stuff, as well as local historical things. We would be all over academic lectures about the local area, its geology, etc.

- I can't do a ton of walking, unless I can use a wheelchair for some of it - so no Grand Canyon hikes or anything like that.



Quebec City!

[shannon]

Ottawa. :) It's a national capital, is GORGEOUS in the late summer, and there's a pretty big YAAPS contingent, too.

[azul99]

or Quebec City. I think you'd really enjoy either of these (and you'd each get to do what you want to do, together and apart).

[~PQ]

Charleston fits your bill. Splurge and stay downtown at one of the historic inns/ B&Bs. Charleston is a foodie paradise, there are just some amazing eats downtown. Lots of historical sites. Antique shops. Very romantic. Small downtown area and easy to walk for you, plus you can always cap off with a horsedrawn carriage ride. I'd recommend the fall rather than late summer, for climate reasons. Really if you havn't been Charleston is a lovely city that everyone should visit at least once.

[Sarah]

Charleston fits your bill. Splurge and stay downtown at one of the historic inns/ B&Bs. Charleston is a foodie paradise, there are just some amazing eats downtown. Lots of historical sites. Antique shops. Very romantic. Small downtown area and easy to walk for you, plus you can always cap off with a horsedrawn carriage ride. I'd recommend the fall rather than late summer, for climate reasons. Really if you havn't been Charleston is a lovely city that everyone should visit at least once.


..... dude. I want to go.

[Peggyann]

Yeah, what she said :)

Not that I'm biased or anything :p

~PA~


Charleston fits your bill. Splurge and stay downtown at one of the historic inns/ B&Bs. Charleston is a foodie paradise, there are just some amazing eats downtown. Lots of historical sites. Antique shops. Very romantic. Small downtown area and easy to walk for you, plus you can always cap off with a horsedrawn carriage ride. I'd recommend the fall rather than late summer, for climate reasons. Really if you havn't been Charleston is a lovely city that everyone should visit at least once.

[Jeb]

It's not that far to fly to from the east coast. You can rent a car, drive around for all the sights, and stay at the Blue Lagoon (which is 1/2 from the airport). You can see a lot of Iceland in just one day of driving! Email me if you want to know more. Iceland is my most favorite place in the whole world!

[Storymama]

It was absolutely my first choice (including that resort) but it is going to be out of our budget for this trip. I'm keeping it as a reserve choice in coming years when we have some more freedom, because I know we both would love it!