Destination suggestions for mother/daughter visit
May 7th, 2007, 09:21 AM
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Destination suggestions for mother/daughter visit
I'm looking for suggestions on a destination where my daughter and I could meet for a 3 day visit some time in July.
She lives in Florida, I live in Toronto, and I was wondering about a sort of halfway point destination ...
Geographically speaking, the Carolinas would be about halfway, but Charlotte seems kind of boring, and we've already been to Charleston...
We'd like to meet in a larger city because the flights to go there are cheaper. (for instance, flights for both us to go to NYC are cheaper than for us to fly in to Charlotte)(and no, NYC wouldn't be the right fit at this time...)
We're interested in a low-key, R&R visit...no museums or big excursions. We'd like a hotel (not a B&B) somewhere in or near a neighbourhood with nice cafes and shops.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Bloom
She lives in Florida, I live in Toronto, and I was wondering about a sort of halfway point destination ...
Geographically speaking, the Carolinas would be about halfway, but Charlotte seems kind of boring, and we've already been to Charleston...
We'd like to meet in a larger city because the flights to go there are cheaper. (for instance, flights for both us to go to NYC are cheaper than for us to fly in to Charlotte)(and no, NYC wouldn't be the right fit at this time...)
We're interested in a low-key, R&R visit...no museums or big excursions. We'd like a hotel (not a B&B) somewhere in or near a neighbourhood with nice cafes and shops.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Bloom
May 7th, 2007, 05:01 PM
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If you're interested in a big city, Philly and NYC may not be exactly halfway, but both have relatively inexpensive flights from both Toronto and Florida. You could also fly into Atlantic City (Jersey shore) or Myrtle Beach, SC if you were looking for something beachier.
May 8th, 2007, 05:19 AM
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starrsville- Where is Asheville? I've never even heard of it so I doubt that there would be cheap flights there! 
mog- What does 'ttt' mean?
karameli- NYC wouldn't be the right fit at this time- there is so much that I want to see and do there and we want more of an R&R holiday...
What would Philly be like to visit? I know nothing about it except that it's the home of cheesesteak sandwiches (hoagies?) and the Philadelphia Flyers (like a true Canuck would)
and as for Myrtle Beach, I always thought of it as a destination more suited to golfers...
ty for your suggestions
mog- What does 'ttt' mean?
karameli- NYC wouldn't be the right fit at this time- there is so much that I want to see and do there and we want more of an R&R holiday...
What would Philly be like to visit? I know nothing about it except that it's the home of cheesesteak sandwiches (hoagies?) and the Philadelphia Flyers (like a true Canuck would)
and as for Myrtle Beach, I always thought of it as a destination more suited to golfers...
ty for your suggestions
May 8th, 2007, 08:17 AM
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Bloom,
Asheville is in western North Carolina. I haven't been there, but I've heard it's a cute, artsy city. The Biltmore Estate is there, and I believe it's close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. They do have a regional airport.
TTT means "to the top" -- mog was just bringing your post up so it would get more action.
Philly is fun if you love museums, history, and/or bars.
And yes, best cheesesteaks ever! You can visit the art museum (from Rocky), Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, and the Franklin Institute (they're running a King Tut exhibit all summer). I know you don't want to do any "big" excursions, but these are all sites where you can just wander leisurely and it's no biggie (IMO, of course) if you miss 'em altogether. There's loads of shopping, cafes, and nightlife in the Old City neighborhood and on South Street. I grew up just outside of Philly and love it!
Myrtle Beach does have a lot of golf courses, but also a lot of big beach resorts where you could just relax. Check your dates first though, because they do have Biker Week sometime during the summer, which would NOT give you much R&R!
One other thought...what about Bermuda? It's a ways off the coast of NC, so it would still be in the middle. That would allow for SERIOUS relaxation.
Asheville is in western North Carolina. I haven't been there, but I've heard it's a cute, artsy city. The Biltmore Estate is there, and I believe it's close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. They do have a regional airport.
TTT means "to the top" -- mog was just bringing your post up so it would get more action.
Philly is fun if you love museums, history, and/or bars.
And yes, best cheesesteaks ever! You can visit the art museum (from Rocky), Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, and the Franklin Institute (they're running a King Tut exhibit all summer). I know you don't want to do any "big" excursions, but these are all sites where you can just wander leisurely and it's no biggie (IMO, of course) if you miss 'em altogether. There's loads of shopping, cafes, and nightlife in the Old City neighborhood and on South Street. I grew up just outside of Philly and love it!Myrtle Beach does have a lot of golf courses, but also a lot of big beach resorts where you could just relax. Check your dates first though, because they do have Biker Week sometime during the summer, which would NOT give you much R&R!
One other thought...what about Bermuda? It's a ways off the coast of NC, so it would still be in the middle. That would allow for SERIOUS relaxation.
May 8th, 2007, 08:21 AM
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Search for some more info on Asheville, Bloom, I think you might like it...although it will be horribly muggy in July. How about Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, or what's that fancy resort island in, on, Michigan, I think it is?
May 8th, 2007, 08:39 AM
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Asheville? "horribly muggy in July"? Asheville?
Sometimes I wonder if I've actually been to the same places others talk about.
>> Asheville, NC, WNC's largest city, has a mild climate year-round. At an elevation just over 2000', the climate in Asheville is definitely different from surrounding Southeastern cities. Several towns in Western NC are considerably higher than Asheville - up to 5500' at Beech Mountain - so keep this in mind as elevation is one of the prime factors affecting weather.
Summer:
Temperatures are typically in the mid 80's, with only occasionally 90 or above, and scattered afternoon thunderstorms are likely. The cool forests, cold streams, and high mountain elevations offer reprise from the heat on rare occasions when it gets too hot to ride in the valleys. When cold fronts do move through, widespread heavy rain can occur, and influence from tropical systems - rain and wind - is possible toward late summer.<<
http://www.mtbikewnc.com/areainfo/weather.html
Asheville may not have the discount tix you are looking for, but you could drive from Charlotte if you wanted. Greenville SC is an alternate airport. You could also fly to Atlanta and head north into the mountains. Charlottesville VA is nice - but not sure about the airport situation.
Asheville is wonderful! Exactly what you describe. The Biltmore Estate. Grove Park Inn and so many other options.
Sometimes I wonder if I've actually been to the same places others talk about.
>> Asheville, NC, WNC's largest city, has a mild climate year-round. At an elevation just over 2000', the climate in Asheville is definitely different from surrounding Southeastern cities. Several towns in Western NC are considerably higher than Asheville - up to 5500' at Beech Mountain - so keep this in mind as elevation is one of the prime factors affecting weather.
Summer:
Temperatures are typically in the mid 80's, with only occasionally 90 or above, and scattered afternoon thunderstorms are likely. The cool forests, cold streams, and high mountain elevations offer reprise from the heat on rare occasions when it gets too hot to ride in the valleys. When cold fronts do move through, widespread heavy rain can occur, and influence from tropical systems - rain and wind - is possible toward late summer.<<
http://www.mtbikewnc.com/areainfo/weather.html
Asheville may not have the discount tix you are looking for, but you could drive from Charlotte if you wanted. Greenville SC is an alternate airport. You could also fly to Atlanta and head north into the mountains. Charlottesville VA is nice - but not sure about the airport situation.
Asheville is wonderful! Exactly what you describe. The Biltmore Estate. Grove Park Inn and so many other options.
May 8th, 2007, 08:52 AM
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Well, muggy is in the eye of the beholder, I guess--I consider the entire southeast to be horribly muggy in the summer, although please note that I didn't say "hot". Certainly the mountains will be much nicer than points south with lower elevations.
'Kay? ;-)
'Kay? ;-)
May 8th, 2007, 09:31 AM
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Okay for you to have your opinion that "the entire southeast to be horribly muggy in the summer" but not so okay if it's not accurate - and steers folks away.
Have you been to Asheville in July? If, so 'kay. But, it's not how I would describe Asheville. Because of its location, including elevation, but also the transpiration of the surrounding forests, Asheville and other southern mountain locations offer a haven and respite from the "horribly muggy" weather down the road and/or valley.
I bought in a mountain location and was SURE I was going to have to screen in the porch - because I didn't believe it when I was told "no bugs" - and was SURE I was going to have to install at least a window air conditining unit - for "hot, muggy, southern nights". Instead, there's a throw on the back of every chair to chase the chill away on summer nights, there a closet full of sweatshirts, flannel shirts and sweatpants - because guests don't believe me when I tell them it's going to be cold at night. A lot of the time, flannel sheets are on the bed in the summer.
So, paint with a broad brush and tell others that Asheville will be "horribly muggy" on the basis that it is part of "the entire southeast".
IMO Asheville may meet Bloom's descriptions - but now may not consider it because she's been told it "horribly muggy".
BTW, I do love Cape Cod as well as the coast of Maine in summer - but those are a bit further north than I think the OP is looking for.
Have you been to Asheville in July? If, so 'kay. But, it's not how I would describe Asheville. Because of its location, including elevation, but also the transpiration of the surrounding forests, Asheville and other southern mountain locations offer a haven and respite from the "horribly muggy" weather down the road and/or valley.
I bought in a mountain location and was SURE I was going to have to screen in the porch - because I didn't believe it when I was told "no bugs" - and was SURE I was going to have to install at least a window air conditining unit - for "hot, muggy, southern nights". Instead, there's a throw on the back of every chair to chase the chill away on summer nights, there a closet full of sweatshirts, flannel shirts and sweatpants - because guests don't believe me when I tell them it's going to be cold at night. A lot of the time, flannel sheets are on the bed in the summer.
So, paint with a broad brush and tell others that Asheville will be "horribly muggy" on the basis that it is part of "the entire southeast".
IMO Asheville may meet Bloom's descriptions - but now may not consider it because she's been told it "horribly muggy".
BTW, I do love Cape Cod as well as the coast of Maine in summer - but those are a bit further north than I think the OP is looking for.
May 8th, 2007, 09:39 AM
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Asheville's relative humidity in the mornings in July is 95%; in the afternoons, 62%. Average for the year is 90%.
That's higher than Tampa's, btw.
http://www.cityrating.com/cityhumidi...City=Asheville
Just because you need a blanket doesn't mean it's not muggy--that's the difference between heat and humidity, which can make cool air feel even cooler.
That's higher than Tampa's, btw.
http://www.cityrating.com/cityhumidi...City=Asheville
Just because you need a blanket doesn't mean it's not muggy--that's the difference between heat and humidity, which can make cool air feel even cooler.
May 8th, 2007, 09:45 AM
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NewbE, if you have been to Asheville in July and consider it muggy, then say so.
You can throw stats around all day long and can make them mean anything you want them to mean. Wonder what transpiration of forests surrounding Asheville means? Hmmm.... What is the definition of transpiration? Hmmm.... plants putting moisture in the area perhaps? And, that means 95% humidity automatically feels the same as 95% in Charleston or Atlanta or other SE locations? I think not, but heck, that's only based on personal experience.
I'm stopping. Asheville is "horribly muggy" because NewbE considers the "entire southeast" to be horribly wrong. OP please disregard my personal experience and go with NewbE and the stats.
Good luck finding a location that meets your needs and have a great get-together with your daughter. (Search on this board if you want to read more great things about Asheville if you are at all interested). Safe travels.
You can throw stats around all day long and can make them mean anything you want them to mean. Wonder what transpiration of forests surrounding Asheville means? Hmmm.... What is the definition of transpiration? Hmmm.... plants putting moisture in the area perhaps? And, that means 95% humidity automatically feels the same as 95% in Charleston or Atlanta or other SE locations? I think not, but heck, that's only based on personal experience.
I'm stopping. Asheville is "horribly muggy" because NewbE considers the "entire southeast" to be horribly wrong. OP please disregard my personal experience and go with NewbE and the stats.
Good luck finding a location that meets your needs and have a great get-together with your daughter. (Search on this board if you want to read more great things about Asheville if you are at all interested). Safe travels.
May 8th, 2007, 09:56 AM
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karameli, I'm kind of partial to hot and muggy myself. Certainly, I prefer it to cold and windy, and here in PA they do seem to be my two choices (although it is lovely today.)
Philadelphia has some great restaurants too, Bloom. Come on down!
Philadelphia has some great restaurants too, Bloom. Come on down!
May 8th, 2007, 10:33 AM
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The funny thing is, I actually think Asheville would be a great choice for the OP--I just thought it would be fair warning to say that it will, of course, be muggy. Given that the OP's daughter lives in Florida, I hardly think this will come as news, anyway. One comment, all this tsuris...
May 8th, 2007, 10:42 AM
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Guess what I learned from that source of stats. If, relative humidity truly means "muggy", then Asheville, NC is THE MUGGIEST PLACE IN JULY IN ALL OF THE USA!!! Wow! And, based on yearly stats, only Eugene, OR and Olympia, WA are "muggier" than Asheville, NC. Double wow! Who knew!?!?! OR and WA are "muggier" than Asheville, NC.
Of course, if relative humidity means the amount of moisture in the air, and if the nice cool moisture from plants from the forests could contribute to the pleasant conditions I've experienced in Asheville in July.
So, based on the stats and NewbE's interpretation of the stats, the following cities will be LESS "muggy" than Asheville.
Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Ft. Myers - (someone should really tell all the Floridians who have bought summer and second homes to escape "the heat and humidity" they've made a BIG mistake. Asheville it more "muggy" than Florida in July.
DC, New Orleans, New York City, Dallas and Houston - who knew!?! All of those cities are less muggy than Asheville NC. I've spent horribly humid July days in each of those cities and would guess that Asheville would have offered a nice cool respite on that given day. I was wrong (according to the stats).
What an amazing thing to learn. Asheville NC is THE muggiest location in July in all of the USA! (according to the cited stats). I think I'll call some friends who live there. I don't think they know that either.
Of course, if relative humidity means the amount of moisture in the air, and if the nice cool moisture from plants from the forests could contribute to the pleasant conditions I've experienced in Asheville in July.
So, based on the stats and NewbE's interpretation of the stats, the following cities will be LESS "muggy" than Asheville.
Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Ft. Myers - (someone should really tell all the Floridians who have bought summer and second homes to escape "the heat and humidity" they've made a BIG mistake. Asheville it more "muggy" than Florida in July.
DC, New Orleans, New York City, Dallas and Houston - who knew!?! All of those cities are less muggy than Asheville NC. I've spent horribly humid July days in each of those cities and would guess that Asheville would have offered a nice cool respite on that given day. I was wrong (according to the stats).
What an amazing thing to learn. Asheville NC is THE muggiest location in July in all of the USA! (according to the cited stats). I think I'll call some friends who live there. I don't think they know that either.
May 8th, 2007, 12:06 PM
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Maybe so...but I'm just happy that my post is getting this kind of attention
Ty for your comments and insight...I was pondering things this morning, BEFORE seeing the debate about what constitutes mugginess...and even though my darling daughter said that July would be a good time to meet, I'm going to suggest that we meet in September instead. She wanted to escape the heat in Florida, but to me, hot is hot (I'm not gonna mention the M word here...)and we'll be wanting to escape the heat (and the crowds) no matter which place we decide on.
I like that Asheville sounds artsy, as one poster put it, but I really would like to keep things simple in terms of taking a cab from a larger airport to our hotel. But ty for your suggestion, Starrsville.
Ty Mog for ttt'ing my post!
Karameli- I like your description of Philly...but even better, I really like your suggestion of Bermuda- good thinking! However, if we're going to reschedule things for September, I'm worried about hurricanes.
Ty for your comments and insight...I was pondering things this morning, BEFORE seeing the debate about what constitutes mugginess
...and even though my darling daughter said that July would be a good time to meet, I'm going to suggest that we meet in September instead. She wanted to escape the heat in Florida, but to me, hot is hot (I'm not gonna mention the M word here...)and we'll be wanting to escape the heat (and the crowds) no matter which place we decide on.I like that Asheville sounds artsy, as one poster put it, but I really would like to keep things simple in terms of taking a cab from a larger airport to our hotel. But ty for your suggestion, Starrsville.
Ty Mog for ttt'ing my post!
Karameli- I like your description of Philly...but even better, I really like your suggestion of Bermuda- good thinking! However, if we're going to reschedule things for September, I'm worried about hurricanes.
May 8th, 2007, 12:16 PM
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Good luck finding what you are looking for. Depending on the airlines available to you, Colorado may be a good option - in both July and in September.
Half of the neighbors on my lane are from Florida and spend the summers in the mountains. No air conditioning needed. I won't use that other word
Half of the neighbors on my lane are from Florida and spend the summers in the mountains. No air conditioning needed. I won't use that other word
