Carol

The information I gathered from Fodorites for our trip to Italy in March was invaluable and I am every so grateful. <BR> <BR>Since you are all so well-traveled and so knowledgeable about Italy and Italians, I have a request for advice. <BR> <BR>Our Italian cousins want to come to the U. S. for their honeymoon. Since they were so gracious when we were in Italy, we truly want to help with their plans...but I'm at a loss. <BR> <BR>They have no concept of the size of the U. S. and are asking for our opinions as to where to go. Since we live in New York, NYC is a definite. But where to from there? <BR> <BR>They plan on 2-3 weeks beginning the last week in September. They are fun-loving professionals in their mid-30's, and I would guess that their budget would be moderate. <BR> <BR>Any suggestions would be most welcome and appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Escritora

For my money, the most romantic city in the US is New Orleans. Then again, it's one of the most European (within the French Quarter), so maybe not the best idea! <BR> <BR>Assuming they don't want to add a trans-continental flight to their cross-Atlantic, I'd suggest New England. It'll be fall colors time, and any combination of Bar Harbor (if they're outdoorsy and would enjoy Acadia; otherwise it's a tourist trap), Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket, and perhaps even a day or two in Boston would work well as add-ons to NYC. <BR> <BR>And while they're in NYC, try to get them out to Brooklyn Heights for a Bargemusic concert. The Manhattan at sunset views will take their breath away, even if barge acoustics aren't ideal for chamber music!

Leslie

Unless they want to come out here to beautiful California, I too think the eastern seaboard makes for a nice itinerary: NYC, Boston & Cape Cod/Martha's Vineyard and New England Color + Washington,D.C (perhaps with Williamsburg thrown in), maybe a little relaxation in Virgina Beach or Hilton Head,SC. They could do an open jaw ticket in New York and home from, say, Orlando,FL if they want to do the Disneyworld/Epcot thing (just a matter of taste).

travelman

Nyc sounds good.Get them down to Ft.Laudedale and Miami.Las vegas is a must ,so is San Diego.They will love it. <BR> Travelman

JOdy

I think the Eastern seaboard either North or South from NYC is their best bet. Heading North for the fall colors, but whatever they do make sure they book ahead , it can be unbeliebably crowded at hotels and motels during the foliage season..I KNOW.. Boston, the Cape , Maine seacoast, Vermont are all beautiful but they may run into some places that wil be closing as the season is ending the further up you go. <BR> <BR>I think I'd almost prefer the Southern route. DC, williamsburg, thru VA, along the coast to Charleston SC. A beautiful city, lots to do, Great FOOD, low country, it has it all and would be something completely different than Italy. <BR> <BR>

Sjoerd

For what it is worth: I think 5 days in New York, 3 days in San Francisco followed by a trip by car to Yosemite, Las Vegas (not more than 1 day for a European!) and the Grand Canyon will give them a wonderful trip. Many US airlines will offer reasonable fares from Italy to NYC to San Francisco and back to Italy. (to be bought as one ticket)

Carol

Thank you all for the wonderful suggestions. Can you believe that they are getting married September 22 of 2001 and have not yet made honeymoon plans !!??!! <BR> <BR>My thoughts did include time in NY and then up to New England for the foliage since that's one of MY favorite spots in the autumn. But it is near impossible to get reservations this late. <BR> <BR>Thanks again for the input...I'm ever so grateful. <BR>

Allie

I agree with Sjoerd that San Francisco would be a great choice. It's a great city to visit and has everything one could want. It's beautiful, has many sites, friendly and romantic. The city is relatively clean (as far as big cities go), although it can be a bit pricey (every place in California is). I may be a bit biased, I was born and raised there, but I would highly recommend the city to your cousins.

jcop

And why has no one mentioned Niagra Falls??

Beth

I agree with Jody. I think it would be nice to start off with you in NYC, then spend some time in either Virginia or South Carolina, and finish off with a few days at Disney World! <BR>If they want to venture west, New Mexico would certainly be something different! <BR>

c

ttt

Chrisgirl

Having lived in Utah for the last 14 years, I think there's no place like the southern part of the state if you're looking get outdoors. Capitol Reef, Zion National Park, Canyon Lands, Arches, etc, etc are some of the most amazing, beautiful places on the earth!

richard j vicek

Good evening, Carol <BR>Would have them consider about three <BR>nights in Las Vegas, it is a place that <BR>they will not ever forget. Europeans <BR>and all do find it quite an experience. <BR>Richard of LaGrange Park, Il..

Lisa

Hmmmmm. It's tough to explain to Europeans how large the country is. Having just planned our honeymoon last year, I know our priorities were 1) to see some stuff, 2) not to have too much stuff to see so that we were exhausted at the end, 3) to start the trip with relaxation, 4) to not have to move each day, and 5) to not have to travel more than 3 hours between locations. <BR> <BR>That being said, I agree with the others that NYC is a must-see and then they could go North or South on the Eastern seabord. While New England would be beautiful at that time of the year, it might also be VERY difficult to book this late. The Cape/Martha's Vineyard would likely be cold at the end of Sept and lots might be closed. Ditto Newport. <BR> <BR>I'd suggest they head south. It's an easy 3 hour train ride to DC and lots to see and do there. From there they could go to Williamsburg. They could spend a few days at that great resort in WV (I'll think of the name) if they wanted to unwind. Or, Charleston or the Outer Banks could make a nice change of pace. <BR> <BR>You should know that hotels in NYC are very expensive at that time of year. But there are several new tourist class hotels that are clean and reasonable. habitatny.com is one of them. <BR> <BR>Finally, I know that many foreigners visiting the country are obsessed with seeing Niagara Falls. Having just been there this weekend myself, I can say that it is pretty interesting. We wish we'd stayed overnight, but it isn't more than a weekend. And, at 8 hours or so from NYC, I'm not sure it's worth the effort if your time is limited. <BR> <BR>HTH.

xxx

Allow me to second the Las Vegas/Grand Canyon/Southern Utah suggestions. The happy couple's time in NYC and the eastern seaboard would be very nicely balanced by seeing some places that are very, very different and, IMHO, both much more scenic and romantic. The last thing I'd like to do on my honeymoon is snuggle up to the hordes of pensioners ogling the leaves in New England in October! Besides, New England has little of the wide-open-spaces feel that makes much of the US so different from Europe. I'd suggest a flight from NYC to LV, then hiring a car for a loop to the GC, Monument Valley, and as many of the spectacular national parks in southern Utah as time permits. October is also an excellent time to travel to these areas weatherwise.