My fiance and I are planning to honeymoon in August 2007 and were hoping to get some educated opinions on nice places to go in the US. We're looking for something relaxing (translation, we don't necessarily need to be in downtown NYC) but not completely cut off from the rest of civilizaiton. Our budget is approx. $4,000. Any suggestions?

Cape Cod is a great place to go to relax and during the summer/fall has great teater and lots of things to do. I like the outer cape where the Cape Cod National Seashore is located...from Eastham to Provincetown but if you want a resort you might want to check out the Chatham Bars Inn. Unfortunately it was recently sold and the reviews on the new management are uneven, to say the least. If you want a totally private B+B suite or cottage in a more natural setting,with ocean views, private garden etc., breakfast delivered to your door, then take a look at the Fort Hill Bed and Breakfast in Eastham. It is the only lodging that is actually in the National Seashore and the innkeepers are really nice.

Where will you be departing from? That will be a big factor in price. Somewhere like the Caribbean is in your reach flying out of NYC or Boston for example, bu coming from the west coast it may eat too much of your budget.

Hmmm, Chicago, San Francisco, Napa Valley, Willamette Valley, where to go? It's hard to provide decent recommendations without more information. What constitutes a nice place? Where are you based? What type of cities do you like? What activities do you enjoy?

How about Vermont? "Relaxation" is a way of life around here. Summers are gorgeous and if you stay in Stowe you'll find lots to do, from hiking and biking and canoeing to theatre and amazing dining. Look at http://www.greenmountaininn.com or if you want even further from the beaten track try http://www.willoughvale.com - an Inn on Lake Willoughby, one of the prettiest places in Vermont, in my opinion.
Have fun!