I would look for B&Bs in Bandon, Oregon.

Or, you could fly into San Francisco and road trip your way by B&Bs to Bandon, Oregon.

I think the Lodge at Bandon Dunes is the nicest place.

Malsherbes's husband was there a year or so ago and maybe she can fill you in.

Here is a link:

Egads!

Here is the link:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...t=Bandon+Dunes

Also, beachbum and MizScarlett live in the area.

Portland would be a great place to base yourself out of.

Bandon Chamber: www.Bandon.com

(I'm really not with it today)

Hey GoT--I am here too:)

The only thing about Bandon that time of year is that it might get iffy with the weather, if that bothers you at all.

I have a connection to Bandon, so feel that I should mention it to be fair here. There have been new "cottages" built that are geared toward foursomes that are four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla is the site of the 2008 US Open and the course North and South is gorgeous and it is right on a bluff overlooking the gorgeous Pacific Ocean and La Jolla will be perfect weather and he can get his coastal fix along with Golf and you can hike at the Torrey Pines State Reserve that is right next door and stunning..
Hotels I would suggest are:
The Grande Colonial
thegrandecolonial.com
La Valencia Hotel
lavalencia.com
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
lodgetorreypines.com
Fly into San Diego and it is about 20 minutes North of the Airport..
It is probably one of the prettiest places in the world!

Mosey- Before you choose any of the great places suggested - remember the WEATHER. For instance, on the east coast Sept-Oct is the peak of hurricane season. If one comes through, not too good for golf... or much else LOL. In other areas there are other considerations such as Temperature and Humidity.

Becalm, thank you for your suggestion regarding weather. mms, as for iffy, are you suggesting rainy or cool? We are from Minnesota, we prefer cooler weather and so would have no issues with 50 degrees. Naturally, if it rains that's not the best situation, but that can't be controlled anywhere unless it is particularly rainy there in September. I went to wunderground and it wasn't rainy there last year at that time, but year to year you never know. I realize there is some risk.

Oh, for anyone who doesn't know anything about golf (which is probably only me here on this particular thread) Pebble Beach is going to be difficult for me to ever convince myself to do....better for a "guys" golf trip. The weekend I wanted to go was completely booked in terms of accomodations and since they will only book a day ahead for Pebble Beach for non-guests, I wasn't going to take the chance. I looked at the weekend before, and there was a far from perfect fit, but the room they were offering was $600+ with 2 queen beds. That's it.....no chairs, no nothing....I even asked her two times no chairs?...just 2 queen beds and $450 for golf. I couldn't do it.

Anyway, I decided to make Bandon work. I already set up his tee times because she told me that they were really filling up, and I could cancel 21 days ahead. I will chat with them about their property.

Thank you all so very much. Fodorites are the best! The midwest locations sounded great, but I had a hard time thinking I would tell my husband (being from MN), we are going to Wisconsin or Michigan for your 60th! While I personally would prefer CO golf courses, I wanted to have something that was in the top 100 and scenic and I think Bandon fits the bill. Again, thank you all so much for your contribution, and I will definitely use your ideas in years to come.

Okay, I am going to burst into tears here! I was disappointed with Pebble Beach, but I recovered with Bandon Dunes. I booked tee times at Bandon Dunes, but cannot find accomodations! Bandon Dunes and A Bandon Inn are booked. I have a call into the Lighthouse B&B. I don't know what to do. I realize I may be a bit picky. I want our accomodations to at least be pleasant, not just clean and good location.

mosey--You should be fine since you realize this won't be like San Diego or somewhere:) September is usually very nice, but once October hits all bets are off. It COULD get cold, windy and rainy...but most likely for your dates it won't be too bad. I don't think their spa will be done by then, but I can ask if you like.

I will only add that September and October are absolutely the MOST gorgeous months you can envision on the SC coast. As for hurricanes. Hurricanes happen. Take out insurance. Rain happens (a lot) in Oregon. I am sure it is all beautiful, but don't ditch the SE for hurricanes. Anything is possible.

mosey, I can't help you with accommodations, but I'd keep the tee times, and I'm sure something will come up for you lodging-wise. In the past,I've been in the same "hitting one road-block after another" scenario and something usually works out. Thank you for sharing your golf 60th b'day idea.....'cus I ALSO am saving your ideas for my hubby's milestone b'day in a couple of years. I'm guessing your hubby will LOVE it. Best of luck on the lodging.

Try the Professional Association of Innkeepers International (www.Paii.org) website: http://www.paii.org/InnPlace_Results...nited%20States

And try B&B online: http://www.bbonline.com/

Okay, after spending most of 3 days (including last evening)on this trip and having to rearrange, and rearrange, and reaarange we are going to Fairmont Banff Springs. Bandon, Oregon will be the next surprise trip (it looks spectacular), and I will just get my act together a little sooner in planning. (This has been one heck of a summer with family obligations and illnesses). I couldn't hold off because 1) I have to make arrangements with my sitter for my children and 2) I needed to book a flight, but based on golf and accomdation reservations that were in place versus waiting list.

I was able to get a stay and play package at the Fairmont which includes breakfast, parking, and one round of golf or a 60 minute spa treatment for each night. It certainly fits the bill on scenic and the golf is considered in Golf Digest's Top 100 so.....I think I am covered. Thank you all again! This has been a very helpful discussion and I will definitely act on many of your suggestions in subsequent trips.

Excellent choice!


(sorry I left you out mms!)

Oh the Banff Springs is beautiful!!! I am not a golfer anymore, so have not played there, but we did stay at the hotel and loved it. Be sure to let us know how the trip goes:)

GoT--:)

Great choice! Banff is gorgeous! Before you go, join the President's Club. Call back with your PC# and you may get a free room upgrade at check-in. VERY nice when you can get upgraded to the club level (for no additional cost).

Wow, I'm tired and need to go home this afternoon. I saw the title of this thread and thought it said "Advice for Husband's 60th with golf and secretary".

I thought "wow, this guy is getting a great present from his wife!"

Mosey - don't give up on Pebble Beach. I live in the Pebble Beach/Carmel area and can help.

Did you try to obtain a room at the Lodge and were unable to find one available? If so, did you try the Inn at Spanish Bay or Casa Palmareo? They are in Pebble Beach and part of their resorts: http://www.pebblebeach.com/index.asp. Since your husband is a golfer, you do not want to give up on this area if you don't have to. It will be something he'll talk about forever.

As for our area being second to Maui for scenery. We vacation on Maui every year and can tell you that it is equal, not second to, as a matter of fact, it could even be classified as better. It's a lot cooler than Maui, temperature-wise, also.

OK, I just called the PB resorts for you. You can get a room for Fri and Sun of your trip but no golf times at PB, unless he wants to tee-off at 3:00 but he won't be able to finish. It looks like it won't work here, after all. It's because you want to be here at one of best times weather-wise and of course, we have the best courses in the world. I suggest you plan a trip to Pebble for his 65th and do it a least a year in advance. Good luck with the planning! Have you thought about Banff, by the way?

Oops, never mind. Just read on and discovered you are going to Banff. Excellent choice!

I read the entire talk with great interest. I will be 60 in late October and my wife arranged a golf and wine tour to Oregon from Ohio. She chose Bandon Dune for 3 days after 3 days of Willamette wine region tour. I am really excited about the trip. She did have some trouble to find accomodation in Bandon. But she said there were many private lodgings (rental homes) available if you include Coos Bay area.
I have stayed at Fairmount Banff Springs Hotel and played the golf course. I had a great time there and wonderful scores, although I'm not that great golfer. Due to high altitude, ball flies. Only thing you have to concern is temperature. It was frosted in mid-August. Please check. There are other nicer courses, such as Kananaski, may be better rated than Bannff's. Let me know if you have any question.