4 day getaway
 

My husband and I are not planning anything until Feb. or Mar, but I need something to look forward too. It has been a tough year with family medical problems and work problems. We went on a long vacation in May but I would like to plan a 4-5 day vacation for the winter.

I would like to keep it under $1500. And we have done AC and NYC to death. It is mostly to chill out and relax. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Where do you live?

My favorite long weekend getway on the east coast have been Key West, Orlando and the Bahamas.

The reason I asked where you live was I thought maybe you'd rather drive than fly..not being nosy

For a complete chill-out, Engleside Inn in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island. Reserve an oceanfront efficiency for about $125 a night, bring a pile of books, magazines, knitting, videos, etc. You can walk on the beach or just look at the ocean. On weekends, the restaurant is open for dinner, but you'll have to make other arrangements for the rest of your meals. There are a few spots open on the island but we've been known to microwave pancakes and sausage rather than take the trouble to go out. The room has microwave, refrigerator, coffeemaker, dishes and cutlery. The island will have shut off all but two or three of its traffic lights.
If you like museums and haven't visited them, Longwood Gardens, Winterthur, and the Wyeth museum also make a good weekend jaunt. While both Longwood Gardens and Winterthur may be best enjoyed in warmer months, there's still enough to see and leave plenty of time for chilling and relaxing.

I live in Monmouth County, NJ

My husband and I went to Asheville, NC for four or five days, I think it was, in the late fall. We toured the Biltmore, wandered around the town, and enjoyed their very fine dining. I am pretty sure the cost was under $1500. It was extremely relaxing.

How about a few days up in Boston - easy drive and the last time I went, I used priceline.com and got a four star hotel room right in Back Bay for under $100 a night. That was in the summer for a Red Sox game so you might even do better in the winter. Really, any of the four stars in the Back Bay are nice and everything is so close there you could have quite a relaxing time.

My last suggestion would be a few days up in Montreal or Quebec City. Good luck.