To celebrate our 20th anniversary, dh and I would like to get away. But since we've already done our big vacation this year to Italy, time and money are a factor. Thus, we're considering a 4-day weekend trip to somewhere that's a non-stop flight from Richmond: Chicago, Boston, Minneapolis, and Toronto are the likely candidates right now. We don't want to go south, and dh doesn't want to go to NY.

We don't want to rent a car, so are looking for somewhere relatively easy to get from the airport to the city center, then of course, sites that are walkable/on mass transit from hotels in the city center.

Interests are pretty typical tourist stuff, but not necessarily art museums; we're more of historical-sites people. Good shopping is a plus. Dh will go just about anywhere as long as he can get good food, but that doesn't translate into fancy (we're definitely not foodies).

Given those parameters, and the fact we know little about the ease of such a trip for the cities mentioned, what recommendations can you give us? Thanks!

What about Montreal for a romantic choice?

I was thinking Montreal as well but I'm not sure where you can get from Richmond direct. I would guess your options would be limited.

Boston!

Very historic, great walking city, wonderful restaurants.

I love Chicago too, but Boston seems more historic and romantic to me. I have only been to Toronto briefly (and in the winter) but it seemed nice. I've never been to MN.

Montreal isn't a direct flight, plus it's too close to the in-laws in northern Vermont - we'd be expected to "stop in" - heaven forbid!

Direct flight choices are: Toronto, Boston, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Minneapolis, Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Memphis. And I guess we'd consider Atlanta.

Since we're normally road-trippers, my biggest question is the ease of getting to somewhere from the airport without spending an arm and a leg, and then having things be centralized for getting around. From what I've read thus far, Chicago and Boston seem to fit the bill, but I'm not sure about other cities.

When? Where haven't you been? Why not south? Chicago, Boston and Toronto are all great.

Boston has great access from the airport and you would be better off without a car.

Chicago is one of my favorite cities in the world -- it is so easy to get around without a car, so much to see and do (and eat) for 4 days. The train from the airports is easy (either O'hare or Midway). I'm sure Boston fits the bill, too, but Chicago is where I'd go. Do a search for posts by exiledprincess -- she's posted many a Chicago itinerary on here.

Oh, I should add, we're less "art museum" than "architecture and historical sites" people, too. We have, however, been the Art Institute in Chicago and it is awesome.

We spent 4 days in Boston in 2006 (also there in '72 and '92). Hotels in Boston are very expensive. We were fortunate to find one reasonable on the outskirts within walking distance of the subway. Driving in Boston is difficult, even for cab drivers (at least the one we had). Rented a car one day to go to Plymouth and then to JFK museum. Really like Boston! - Freedom Trail, Ducks tour, neighborhoods, etc. Need a whole day for JFK museum. Purchased a "Go Boston" card and used it as much as possible.

What time of year are we talking?

Are you too close to Washington, DC? We just did a long weekend there and had a great time. It is also about as convenient to the airport as you can get.

I lived in Boston for 20 years so I'm a huge fan. Lots to do there for a long weekend, especially in the summer.

See my reply to: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35004775

Thanks for the suggestions. It will be in September, probably early Sept. I've been to Boston (though not in many years), dh hasn't. He's leaning toward Boston, I'm leaning toward Chicago, based mainly on info gleaned here and the fact I've not been to Chicago (nor has he).

sumi - yes, we're close to DC and go up there several times a year, so it's not among our choices for this "special occasion" getaway - in fact, we just spent last weekend there.

dmlove- I've heard good things about the Art Institute, and would definitely go there. We're not "anti-art" (lol), it's just not a reason to choose a destination.

Off to do some searches!

Assuming Richmond is Richmond, VA, I give a big shot out for Chicago. We went there for my 40th birthday in 2004 (Labor day weekend) and had a wonderful time and great, great food and met great people.

The people in Chicago don't have the attitude of New Yorkers or the arrogance of Bostonians. Very nice people.

No car necessary. We stayed at the Intercontinental on Michigan Ave and it was a great place...and walked most everywhere (we did take a cab to Greektown).

It was truly one of the best trips we have taken.

For the length of time you have, I would choose Chicago. You can probably do Boston in a long weekend + I believe Chicago has more to offer, on nearly all fronts except for historical.

Well, would choose Chicago as well, and not because New Yorkers have an attitude and Bostonions are arrogant--that is one hell of a generalization Janet, but not worth more of my pent up NY energy and attitude to comment.

Chicago is known as the city within a park, and it certainly is. Absolutely beautiful. Just the whole feel of the city will put you in a good mood. And do spend time in the parks--especially on a cool, crisp September day!

bugs...

Just speaking from my own experience in all three cities. NYers (and god knows it's even more apparant in various message board forums) believe the world centers around NYC. And Bostonians look at you like you are mentally deficient if you have a southern accents.

In Chicago, the people were complete gracious, welcoming and had a spirit of inclusivenss rather than exclusion.

I went to Chicago April 2007. Found a deal for the Intercontinental Hotel -- outstanding. A car is not necessary. If you go, don't miss the architecture tours or the 'gangster' tour. There are lots of boat tours as well.

Check various websites; you might find a deal.

I want to put in a vote for Toronto. T.O. is sooo easy to get around, what with the subway right there.If you stay downtown, there are alot of things within walking distance. I've never flwon into T.O., but I'm sure it's easy to get to downtown from the airport. Everytime we go, we find something new to do. They also have alot of theater, broadway type shows there. We are not foodies either, but you can find whatever you want in T.O. We alsways stay at the Courtyard Marriott on Yonge Street, which is very close to everyrthing and a nice hotel.

Or, you could save the hassle of air travel and just drive to the Meander Inn (between Orange and Culpeper VA). Then stay at an historic B&B, eat amazing food paired with Virginia wines and then take a cooking class! Close enough to explore Jefferson country.
DH and I went there for 30th and really enjoyed it.
See blog shots at: http://meanderinn.blogspot.com/

Annapolis Md is also lovely. You could take a shuttle (unless hotel would fetch you) from BWI.
(sorry but computer is printing the blog spot twice). TD