Dallas or Atlanta in January??
Oct 9th, 2015, 03:49 AM
#1
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Dallas or Atlanta in January??
Hi there,
we have a week to spare after a stay in New York and a cruise out of Miami before returning back to LA and then flying back to Australia.
We have been lucky enough to have been to the USA a number of times and have been to many places already.
We have been to Savannah, Austin, Houston and San Antonio but not Atlanta or Dallas.
We will have about a week in the area but could mix it up and stay a few days in one place and a few days somewhere else. We will hire a car and enjoy getting out and about.
Please let me know which place has the most to see and do at this time. We enjoy eating out, shopping, seeing the sights, learning the history of a place and having a drink somewhere with a nice view.
Thanks in advance
Donna
we have a week to spare after a stay in New York and a cruise out of Miami before returning back to LA and then flying back to Australia.
We have been lucky enough to have been to the USA a number of times and have been to many places already.
We have been to Savannah, Austin, Houston and San Antonio but not Atlanta or Dallas.
We will have about a week in the area but could mix it up and stay a few days in one place and a few days somewhere else. We will hire a car and enjoy getting out and about.
Please let me know which place has the most to see and do at this time. We enjoy eating out, shopping, seeing the sights, learning the history of a place and having a drink somewhere with a nice view.
Thanks in advance
Donna
Oct 9th, 2015, 04:25 AM
#3
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Hi there,
we have been to New Orleans and Memphis before too .
Our options are a little more limited this time as we don't want to have any issues with the weather.
We are looking for a direct flight from Miami prior to returning to LA. Where else do you suggest?
we have been to New Orleans and Memphis before too .
Our options are a little more limited this time as we don't want to have any issues with the weather.
We are looking for a direct flight from Miami prior to returning to LA. Where else do you suggest?
Oct 9th, 2015, 04:27 AM
#4
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Forgot to say the last time we were in the US at this time of year we went to Phoenix and Sedona on the way back to LA. We have also been to Lake Arrowhead and Palm Springs in the winter.
Oct 9th, 2015, 04:29 AM
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Not sure if you can get a direct flight from there to Miami, but Charleston, SC was the first place that came to mind. Great food, nice bars (a few which are rooftop), lots of history, friendly people.
Oct 9th, 2015, 05:40 AM
#6
I would pick Atlanta. Weather-wise, they are pretty much the same. IMO there's far more to see and do in Atlanta. If you rent a car, you'll have even more options within an hour of Atlanta. I'll share a list of ideas later today.
(I've lived in both cities).
(I've lived in both cities).
Oct 9th, 2015, 06:32 AM
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I would never pick Dallas in Jan. (frankly I would not pick Dallas ever really... I lived there for four years - very little to do/see there and Jan is *very hit or miss regarding weather - If you have not been to the PNW I would go there over either of your choices - Seattle, Portland - but my first choice would be San Francisco.
I would go to Atlanta if those are your two choices.
I would go to Atlanta if those are your two choices.
Oct 9th, 2015, 08:01 AM
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Yup- what Momdd said- I live in Dallas- it could be 80 and sunny when you're here, or 20 and sleeting.
Bigger issue is that Dallas CAN NOT handle weather- rain causes huge traffic issues- snow? ice? Forget about it. The city shuts down. Which is great for a New Yorker (me) who can drive in snow, but not great for people visiting/needing to fly.
I know Austin does have more direct flights, and it's more rare to get weather there, but still- could be 40 or could be 80, you just won't know.
Bigger issue is that Dallas CAN NOT handle weather- rain causes huge traffic issues- snow? ice? Forget about it. The city shuts down. Which is great for a New Yorker (me) who can drive in snow, but not great for people visiting/needing to fly.
I know Austin does have more direct flights, and it's more rare to get weather there, but still- could be 40 or could be 80, you just won't know.
Oct 9th, 2015, 08:14 AM
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You need to know that both cities have a sort of winter - not like the north - but you can easily get sone snow or sleet/ice. And if it happens they are totally unprepared to deal with it and even a little bit can wreak havoc on the roads.
Sorry - but I have been to both cities several times on business (would never go voluntarily, esp in winter) and to me both resemble abandoned cities in end of the earth movies. The downtowns are essentially deserted, there is no street life and just IMHO not much to do. (I have seen people touting these cities and the "major sights" seem to be nothing you would walk around the block for - but I'm spoiled living in a city with a million activities and many lively neighborhoods.)
Sorry - but I have been to both cities several times on business (would never go voluntarily, esp in winter) and to me both resemble abandoned cities in end of the earth movies. The downtowns are essentially deserted, there is no street life and just IMHO not much to do. (I have seen people touting these cities and the "major sights" seem to be nothing you would walk around the block for - but I'm spoiled living in a city with a million activities and many lively neighborhoods.)
Oct 9th, 2015, 10:35 AM
#10
"...but I have been to both cities several times on business (would never go voluntarily, esp in winter) and to me both resemble abandoned cities in end of the earth movies. The downtowns are essentially deserted, there is no street life and just IMHO not much to do"
Reminds me of staying in the financial districts of NYC and San Francisco through the years.
But the great news about Atlanta is, head just a bit north on Peachtree Street and you'll find a vibrant Midtown with lots of great restaurants, fabulous park, wonderful High museum and beautiful botanical garden with wonderful winter events. Definitely stay in Midtown.
Visit downtown during the day, to see the largest aquarium in the world, the brand new Civil and Human Rights museum and ride the new streetcar over from downtown to the MLK Jr. Historic Site. If interested, also visit the Carter Center.
The Book of Mormon will be playing at the gorgeous, historic Fox Theater in January.
Much more to see and do in Atlanta. As promised, I'll add more later.
Reminds me of staying in the financial districts of NYC and San Francisco through the years.
But the great news about Atlanta is, head just a bit north on Peachtree Street and you'll find a vibrant Midtown with lots of great restaurants, fabulous park, wonderful High museum and beautiful botanical garden with wonderful winter events. Definitely stay in Midtown.
Visit downtown during the day, to see the largest aquarium in the world, the brand new Civil and Human Rights museum and ride the new streetcar over from downtown to the MLK Jr. Historic Site. If interested, also visit the Carter Center.
The Book of Mormon will be playing at the gorgeous, historic Fox Theater in January.
Much more to see and do in Atlanta. As promised, I'll add more later.
Oct 9th, 2015, 12:48 PM
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Hi everyone,
thanks so much for your ideas and suggestions. We have been so lucky to have many trip to the US and have been to many of the places you suggested already ( we just did Portland, Seattle, Milwaukee, Chicago, Door County and Green Bay ) this last trip in July after an Alaskan cruise. We have been to San Fran, Vegas, San Diego, Charleston etc too and were just looking for somewhere new to go. We love the US and don't mind going back to places we have been to ( Have done this many times ) but were just looking at direct flights from Miami. ( We were tossing up going again to Mexico, the Keys area again or one of the Caribbean islands ( but have done this before too )
( I am a primary school teacher and often tack leave on to my holiday break so lucky to get away so often! )
I am taking Dallas off the list but perhaps Atlanta may still be an option. ( Thanks stars for your ideas on this )
Thanks so much for all of your help with this.
thanks so much for your ideas and suggestions. We have been so lucky to have many trip to the US and have been to many of the places you suggested already ( we just did Portland, Seattle, Milwaukee, Chicago, Door County and Green Bay ) this last trip in July after an Alaskan cruise. We have been to San Fran, Vegas, San Diego, Charleston etc too and were just looking for somewhere new to go. We love the US and don't mind going back to places we have been to ( Have done this many times ) but were just looking at direct flights from Miami. ( We were tossing up going again to Mexico, the Keys area again or one of the Caribbean islands ( but have done this before too )
( I am a primary school teacher and often tack leave on to my holiday break so lucky to get away so often! )
I am taking Dallas off the list but perhaps Atlanta may still be an option. ( Thanks stars for your ideas on this )
Thanks so much for all of your help with this.
Oct 9th, 2015, 12:51 PM
#12
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We do not want to have weather / snow issues ( In saying that we have left plenty of days before we fly out of New York to Miami in between our cruise departure )
The cruises we have done in the past have all left from Fort Lauderdale so maybe we will have to see about flying out of that airport?
The cruises we have done in the past have all left from Fort Lauderdale so maybe we will have to see about flying out of that airport?
Oct 9th, 2015, 12:57 PM
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I am with those who cannot promote Dallas or Atlanta as a destination for Australian tourists. I suggest you return to one of the places in Arizona or California that you enjoyed on a previous trip.
Alternatively, each winter we like to spend a week in Tuscon and SE Arizona. Attractions there include Sabino Canyon, Mt. Lemmon, Saguaro National Park, Tuscon Mountain Park, Gates Pass, Arizona-Sonora Desert (Outdoor) Museum, Old Tucson, Mission San Xavier del Bac, Madera Canyon, Tumacacori National Historical Park, Nogales, Scenic Highways 82 and 83, Tombstone, Bisbee, and Chiricahua National Monument.
Tucson weather is mild in January--an average high of about 65 F.
HTtY
Alternatively, each winter we like to spend a week in Tuscon and SE Arizona. Attractions there include Sabino Canyon, Mt. Lemmon, Saguaro National Park, Tuscon Mountain Park, Gates Pass, Arizona-Sonora Desert (Outdoor) Museum, Old Tucson, Mission San Xavier del Bac, Madera Canyon, Tumacacori National Historical Park, Nogales, Scenic Highways 82 and 83, Tombstone, Bisbee, and Chiricahua National Monument.
Tucson weather is mild in January--an average high of about 65 F.
HTtY
Oct 9th, 2015, 01:26 PM
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Tucson is a great suggestion! It's not much like Phoenix or Sedona, which the OP has seen.
I don't find Atlanta or Dallas interesting in good weather, and definitely not in January. Of course there are things to do in both cities to pass the time, but as a deliberate destination they are not recommended. By me, that is!
I don't find Atlanta or Dallas interesting in good weather, and definitely not in January. Of course there are things to do in both cities to pass the time, but as a deliberate destination they are not recommended. By me, that is!
Oct 10th, 2015, 07:55 PM
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Magpies,
It seems you have been a lot of places in the southern US that would avoid weather problems. Only place I can add that I don't yet see on your extensive list is Saint Augustine FL ("Oldest City" in USA). I quite enjoyed my trip there combined with nearby Jacksonville last year. Saint Augustine showed me a different side of Florida-- the town has a fascinating history, an attractive waterfront and lively compact pedestrian zones. Other attractions in/nearby this so-called First Coast region such as Amelia Island might appeal to you.
Have fun deciding! Daniel
It seems you have been a lot of places in the southern US that would avoid weather problems. Only place I can add that I don't yet see on your extensive list is Saint Augustine FL ("Oldest City" in USA). I quite enjoyed my trip there combined with nearby Jacksonville last year. Saint Augustine showed me a different side of Florida-- the town has a fascinating history, an attractive waterfront and lively compact pedestrian zones. Other attractions in/nearby this so-called First Coast region such as Amelia Island might appeal to you.
Have fun deciding! Daniel
Oct 10th, 2015, 11:24 PM
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Hi Daniel,
Saint Augustine and Jacksonville could also be an option if we decide to stay put in Florida before flying back to LA. ( We enjoyed Sanibel / Captiva Naples, Sarasota and Orlando in the past but have not been to the places you suggested.
Thanks so much for your input. We will check it out.
Saint Augustine and Jacksonville could also be an option if we decide to stay put in Florida before flying back to LA. ( We enjoyed Sanibel / Captiva Naples, Sarasota and Orlando in the past but have not been to the places you suggested.
Thanks so much for your input. We will check it out.
Oct 11th, 2015, 04:33 AM
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I would have suggested Charleston also. Head up the highway to Asheville and then get a flight out of Charlotte.
I guess my question if you have been to Charleston before, for how long.
Atlanta and Dallas--don't really bother. ;o)
I guess my question if you have been to Charleston before, for how long.
Atlanta and Dallas--don't really bother. ;o)
Oct 12th, 2015, 02:56 AM
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I dont mind Dallas, but like any big city you need time to find the vibe....but you could fly there and then go to San Antonio. Food is an interesting experience and you could go see the Alamo and perhaps make a side trip to Corpus Christi and/or Galveston. Atlanta has an increasingly vibrant downtown, but I just dont know if January is a good time to go.
