American City with Soul
 

Forgive me for this rant, but, here it goes...<BR>I'm up here in Alberta suffering through the worst spring in my lifetime (age 37). It's early May, windy, minus 5C, snowing and not a bud to be seen on the trees. By now the leaves are usually starting to grow and life usually follows the typical spring redemption, but this year...nada! I just read in the paper this morning that this cold weather is expected to last through May, perhaps a first in recorded history. Basically: I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!<BR>So I need to get outta here. Can anybody tell which warmer American city is a place that caters to your 'soul' if you get my drift? Not a stripmall laden place full of fastfood outlets (Phoenix is out) but somewhere that takes you in and makes you feel alive, has a seductive atmosphere, good food and friendly people. New Orleans? Sante Fe? Somewhere in California?<BR>Thank you so much

Sounds like Charletston SC or even Savannah Georgia.<BR>southern living,much more gentle atmosphere,obviously warmer climate,great food,still enough going on that you won't scream from boredom and the ocean is nearby!<BR>Hope this helps a little!

Funny, the first place that comes to mind reading your post "takes you in, makes you feel alive, has a seductive atmosphere, good food"...is Montreal. I checked Environment Canada and it's around +18C there right now, if you want to get away tout de suite (without changing $). "Friendly"? I lived there 5 years and found Montrealers are reserved on the street, but in a social setting can be very friendly. <BR><BR>But certainly winters there are long too if you're thinking more long term...<BR>I think New Orleans in the US best describes what you're looking for, although I've never been. New York City also pops to mind.

I'm thinkinig Key West FL. It's so relaxed and laid back and has so many good food options... yes there are some tacky T-shirt shops and in some senses it's a bit touristy but everytime I go I leave feeling totally relaxed, rejuvenated and looking forward to a return visit (and I am originally from Syracuse NY tha is known for its long cold and depressing winters - I can relate!).

New Orleans.

SAN JOSE, of course!

Chicago in the summer. Don't forget about visiting during our Jazz festival and Blues Festival. <BR>

Iggy,<BR>I assume you want to leave now. If you get get to Hawaii, I like the other suggestions of Key West or any of the smaller areas of Florida. Beautiful beaches, good food, gardens. <BR> Southern California is warming -up, in the low seventies, but as an escapee from winter, I think you want a more tropical clime. OR you could go to the desert...cool at night, but nice and warm during the day.Korakia Pension ( a Moorish fantasy in Palm Springs) comes to mind.<BR><BR>Hope you get out of the cold. I hate it.<BR><BR>M.<BR>

Should be" If you CAN'T get to Hawaii"