Any ideas where 5 midwestern sisters could take a vacation? Nothing in a "spa atmosphere" or just lounging on a beach. (although we do love the ocean) We considered Maine or Boston but not sure we could do it justice in 5 days.

How about Newport, RI?

Easily reachable from flights into Boston or Hartford, CT. Nice shops, restaurants, mansion tours nearby, close enough for a night at Mohegan Sun or day at Mystic Seaport, and plenty of lodging options.

What are your interests?

That's where it gets complicated...a sun worshipper, a historian and museum freak, a boater, a mountain explorer and one that just loves to party. And lots of laughter

Well, the mountain explorer may be a little left out, but Newport RI really sounds perfect for the rest of the bunch!
Beach areas & a coastal walk, historic mansions galore , a marina and interesting low-key yacht restoration school/museum, and plenty of restaurants and bars.

Newport takes my vote. Can also take a ride to providence, great places to dine and catch the water fires.

Do you mean 5 nights at your destination? I think that Boston would be fine, if that is what you mean. You can do as little or as much as you want. Boston is a very "flexible" destination as so much is walkable. No long stretches of time getting from place to place b/c it is so compact.

Hi, i would definatley recommend Los Angeles Vicinity,CA. Me and my two sisters went there in March this year and we absouloutley loved it! You have the beaches, bars,hiking to the Santa Barbara mountains...theres sooOO much to do!and the people are all really friendly! i think you will absoulotely love it! Although you only have five days, i would say you would need around 2 weeks like we did to do it complete justice. If youre on a budget then why not try a last minute deal? we booked online with calculatemytrip and we got a great deal! Hope you have a good holiday where ever you decide to go! Have fun!

Charleston S.C. would be a good idea. Great restaurants, historic homes, nearby beaches, kayaking, beautiful mansions to explore.... a wonderful, small city. Very, very historic, easy -walking...and fun bars!

I think 5 days is more than enough time for Boston.

Five days in Newport, RI, is a bit long to me, unless you're also going to Providence and other areas of Rhode Island.

We went to Boston last September and loved it; 5 days is about the right amount of time to spend there. We went whale watching, toured museums, did the Freedom Trail and Public Garden, did a Duck Tour, saw Shear Madness, and ate lots of great, fresh seafood and Italian food in the North End. I think you guys would love it.

Thank you all for the ideas. Rhode Island sounds perfect.

I would like to suggest the central PA area. We have the Amish, the great Susquehanna river, several wineries, breweries and great hotels. We have Adamstown, the antique capital of the world. The town of Intercourse with tons of small quaint shops. Tons of hiking trails and small backroads. We have several very good theaters. We are an hour away from Philly for Major shopping. You can take a ride in an Amish Buggy in the morning, eat great food and one of our fabulous independent restaurants and enjoy partying at our local dance clubs well into the night.