thebunk

Hey there,

I am really struggling to get inspiration for where to go on vacation this winter. We have done Grand Cayman a few times and while we really like it, we are ready to try something different. When there, we have always stayed at The Turtle Nest Inn which we love because it is a small, quiet inn off the beaten path on the ocean with nice amenities (ie the ability to cook ourselves ...more on this after).

Essentially we are looking for something like turtle nest but in a different locale that has more things to do then just to lay around. Here is some additional info:

Who: My wife (36) and I (38)
Timing: January or February 2015
Length: 5 to 7 nights
Budget (excluding airfare): $3,000
Ideal Temp: 70 to 90F. Basically no snow on the ground and warmer then home
Interests:
- Food: great restaurants but nothing 5 star meaning everything from farmers markets to food trucks to bigger format restaurants with great food and service. We also like the option of being able to grill or cook at the place we are at as well.
- Drink: love good beer, wine and cocktails
- Music: we love music, live and recorded (collect vinyl). Ideally it would be nice to go some place where there is the chance to see some small shows or even smaller, national acts.
- Other: Good coffee, things to do outside, ability to relax pool or ocean side and cook/drink at our location where we are staying if we choose to. Shopping at small shops or boutiques (not malls or outlets). Small galleries nearby would be cool.

Potential Locations: Have thought about Ashville, NC Austin, TX, Florida Keys, etc. Also some place where we can walk from our Lodging to do the things noted above. We also open to stay in two cities if we can drive from one to the other (have thought about doing this with San Antonio and Austin). We are also open to going to carries again but would want to try a different island and one a bit more developed (not looking for a resort though).

Thanks in advance!

Jamie

thebunk

Can anyone help?

thursdaysd

Welcome to Fodors. This board is for general travel tips - things like packing light. If you want to go somewhere in the US, you will get many more replies on the US board. Or are you interested in going further afield? It will be a bit chilly in Asheville in the winter. And if you want to do without a car you will be better off in Europe or Asia or South America.

suze

Try posting on the Destination Forums (hardly anyone reads this "Travel Tips" branch)... post in Mexico, Caribbean, etc.

janisj

See the "Change Forum" pull down menu up top? Click that and then you'll see all the geographic boards (US, Caribbean, Europe, etc )

NewbE

Jamie, this board would be used more if certain hall monitors spent less time driving people away from it and more time using it. It's called TRIP IDEAS FORUM, people.

But you can't fight turkeys, Jamie, so repost on the US board and on the Caribbean board for more answers. Less convenient, but what can you do?

In the meantime, I nix Asheville. I admit, I have never seen the charms of this city; but more to the point, it will not be warm in winter. Austin won't be warm, either, and you will be limited without a car. The Keys are a great idea, IMO. You don't need a car in Key West, but you do need one to get there and to explore other Keys...

Have you considered Belize? Or Mexico? In either Belize or Mexico, you could stay in a coastal area or check out the interior--Oaxaca in Mexico is a lovely colonial city, and you wouldn't need a car to explore it.

See, ladies? TRIP IDEAS that cover more than one geographical area. Miraculous, no?

NewbE

Btw, I've triangled all of you for giving out incorrect information on this board.

janisj

NewBe . . . One can stand on "This is THE place for this sort of question" . . . or . . . one can actually help the OPs by directing them to where 100X more fodorites will see the question.

I prefer to give practical advice - not "This is the way it SHOULD be"

It would be <u>wonderful</u> if thousands of fodorites visited this board . . . but they don't.

NewbE

We must agree to disagree. I am working to draw users to this board by answering questions that are appropriate to its purpose, when I can. A question like this, covering Mexico, the US and the Caribbean, certainly is the perfect kind for it. You are insisting on being part of the problem, as I see it, by waving people away.

I doubt the editors care, but I am tired of seeing a board I like and find useful denigrated.

NewbE

Here's a thought: why not answer the question, AND suggest ALSO posting on the other boards? You're here anyway...

suze

I make suggestions to help people get the information they are seeking. Nothing was "denigrated" just stating facts about this particular forum. Triangle away NewbE.

thursdaysd

"I've triangled all of you for giving out incorrect information on this board." What a waste of time.

What is incorrect about the statement:

"If you want to go somewhere in the US, you will get many more replies on the US board"?

The OP gave no indication that s/he wanted to venture outside the US, but I did ask...

" I am tired of seeing a board I like and find useful denigrated"

No one is denigrating the board. They are providing useful information. And just what do you find useful about it? You have only started one thread here and seem to spend most of your time on the US board. Or the Lounge. Please return there.

suze

If you'll notice NewbE, this post sat *unanswered* for 3 days before the OP topped it hoping for help here.

Thursdaysd, NewbE does not post in the Lounge any more, she quit awhile back, so she now takes it out on the posters in other forums, even though her comments are more appropriate to the Lounge.

thebunk

Well thanks for NewbE helping out and cannot say anything for the rest of you.

Also, this has to be the worst forum layout I have ever seen on the Internet. Between this and the non-helpful boarders, I won't be back.