Hi all,

I will be turning 30 in July, which happens to coincide closely with our 5 year wedding anniversary. In honor of the occasions we are planning a short trip (depending on destination... between 3-5 days) without the baby (who will be staying with Grandma).

We are based in CT, and are a young couple looking for an interesting place to spend a few baby-free days. We like a mix of things to do, are pretty active and don't like to spend too much time "relaxing". Somewhere where we could do some sight-seeing and scenic drives would be great. We also enjoy upscale accomodations and exciting restaurants for enjoying a romantic meal.

Originally my husband tossed around going to Block Island for the weekend, but I was hoping for somewhere with maybe a bit more to do (also, we may be going to Cape Cod in the fall - so looking for something a bit different). I then thought of New Orleans, but then I reconsidered because I'm assuming its hot as heck in the middle of July.

Any great ideas?

Newport, RI, if you don't want to venture too far. We've stayed at the Chanler - very luxurious. Quebec City is also a lot of fun - Chateau Frontenac or Hotel Dominion 1912 are both really nice. We are going to Kiawah Island, SC. The Sanctuary Hotel there comes highly recommended. The island is about 45 mins to Charleston, which has a lot of excellent restaurants. Good luck...

Gosh, everything is hot as heck in July! How about Montreal? Cosmopolitan, manageable size, quite European in feel (like NO), loads of good hotels and restaurants...

What about Key West? Yes it is hot but the trade winds keep it cool and it isn't as hot as the rest of the south.

You could fly into Miami, rent a convertable, and drive to Key West. There isn't a much more scenic drive than that.

Head up to Maine and go to Acadia NP. Plenty of good eats in Bar Harbor, lots of hiking, rent a canoe or kayak, bring a bike, beautiful scenery. Or hit the southern coast of ME.

I vote for either Maine or Montreal. Check out The Keeper's House on Isle au Haut,Maine. We loved it there and felt we really had gotten away.

I am a big fan of Montreal. There is such great food there and lots to see and do. It is like Europe without the euro.We atayed at the Auberge Sans Soucy in the Old Port. It's a small B&B. The owner used to be a fur designer for Christian Dior. He bought this old furrier house and and made it into s small and charming place. He bakes fresh croissants and paain au chocolate every am.

You could combine Montreal and Quebec City. We stayed at Dominion 1912 in Quebec City. It's very nice.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far! Keep them coming!

I am very intrigued by the Maine suggestion. It never even crossed my mind, but I've been hearing for years what a beautiful place it is to visit -- surprised I didn't think of it!

What would the weather be like in Maine in the beginning of July?

Maine & Montreal are both good suggestions. For something different, how about the Finger Lakes or Bermuda.

Maine should be great in July. One of my favorite things about Maine is you have lobster for lunch and then you have it again for dinner. Portland is a great city with lots of interesting places. It is an easy drive up the coast highway to places like Camden and Bar Harbor.

Wow! Great Suggestion of Bermuda - I didn't think of that one either.
I was just starting to look up Maine, but now hmmmmm. I have some thinking to do.
Oooooh....... nonstop flights to Bermuda are only $300 pp. Would it be super hot?

We're going to Niagara Falls, and were advised to combine it with Toronto. Maybe you want to look into it.

I tried to find your other thread on the idea of a road trip and cannot. So here's what I wanted to add to that:
I think the idea of SF and surrounds is a good one and a doable one.

I would spend no less than two nights in SF since you have 5( I assume 2 of those are travel days to and from CT). You can easily drive North to the wine country. I would recommend Healdsburg as I think that gives you more an idea of small wineries than Napa. I also prefer it and the location works for the other points I will suggest. From Healdsburg travel up 101 to Hwy 128 and make your way across to the coast. Among my favorite wineries is Lazy Creek on Hwy 128. You might also consider a stay at the Booneville Inn. Or save time and simply go from SF to Hwy 128. Spend a night.


Then..motor down Hwy 1 along the California coast. Go to Point Reyes National Seashore. Consider two nights at some place like Druids's Hall in Olema. You will have your pick of wonderful hiking trails, you can kayak, you can simply go to the beach and space out. You might also check out: The Olema Inn,Manka's or even the Point Reyes Lodge. For many $$$ you can stay at Nick's Cove in Marshall.

Eat local oysters, organic produce and hang out at places more relaxed than higher churches of fine food. The food will still be great. It will provide you some relaxation.

Give SF a chance to grab you. It's a wonderful city and full of charm. You might consider renting bikes and travelling through Golden Gate Park or even just walk Crissy Field out to Fort Point. You can also walk across the GG Bridge and wander the Headlands.

Bermuda is at the same latitude (or is it longitude) as the NC Coast, so it would likely be hot, but not unbearably so.

Because Bermuda is surrounded by water, it stays a bit cooler.