I second Bermuda - such a short flight from here, and for just a few days you should be able to occupy yourselves.

How about S.F./Napa/Sonoma?

DH and I are in the same boat - we have the big trip coming up in the fall, but we wanted to go someplace new to both of us this weekend. We surfed the last minute deal sites and ended up with Austin, TX. We didn't know anything about Austin other than that it was "cool," but now we've done a little research and we're really looking forward to it.

Since you're not averse to a 6-8 hour flight each way, flight (3.5 hours from Logan)plus transfers time(2.5 hours from MoBay to Treasure Beach/South Coast (via private van/driver), Jamaica is 6 hours. See the community Web site
at http://www.treasurebeach.net
Mt.biking, wild dolphins/croc watching,
Pelican Bar in midst of ocean, river cruises, snorkelling and seakayaking,
YS falls waterfalling/tubing -- lots of active choices if you inclined to do more than beachcomb and bliss out...

Fly to Vancouver for a few days. Drive up to Whistler and hike in the mountains. Food in Whistler is best I've had anywhere in except maybe Quebec City and New Orleans. Take a float plane from Vancouver to Victoria and spend several days on Vancouver Island. Drive up to Tofino and stay at the Wickininnish Inn for a night and try out their world class spa. The view from the resort is fantastic.

As I was reading through the OP, first place that came to mind was Quebec City --we went there when we also had limited time and needed a weekend away. Loved that it felt like we were "abroad" but no jetlag. Stayed at the Hotel Dominion 1912 -- lovely boutique hotel, right in the old town and near the waterway.

Vancouver was the second place that came to mind: we stayed there after an Alaska vacation, great hotel (Pan Pacific) overlooking the harbor. Great restaurants, lots of beautiful countryside near by. If you go there, be sure to eat at Vij's (we went twice!)

And of course, Bermuda is also great, and an easy flight from Boston -- but hurricane season could be, um, unpredictable.

Great dilemma to have... ;-)

BostonGal, I would recommend Vancouver but I know it's really alot for 3 days. We did the trip a few years ago and it will take a full day to travel from Boston as we did. However, if you do, you will be amazed at the beauty of the coastline compared to the East Coast.

O.K., that was one suggestion, Quebec City would also be my second choice for a closer destination. Great for walking and eating. Charleston, can't be beat but I think somewhere in your letter you might have mentioned this summer....too hot there.

We must love the same type of travel as we have also done the circle tour in Utah, it's doable Moab, Arches Natil Park, Canyonlands, and then drive to Mesa Verde Nat'l park. One more thought, Colorado Springs, wonderful scenery and then there's the Broadmoor Hotel and if you can't afford to stay there you should have drinks on the patio and maybe dinner. Manitou Springs is a short distance from there and it was a really charming western town to stay in. Let us know what you've decided. Have a safe and healthy trip! >:D<

As another city girl who loves the outdoors, I'd second a Portland-Hood River, OR trip for someplace new. Portland is small but fun... Take the historic Columbia River Highway (Rt. 100) east out of Portland along the Columbia; it's the oldest scenic highway in the country, from the days when auto touring was all the rage. Hood River is a cute town, with lots of activity when I was there, as a hub for windsurfers and also for Mt. Hood. In the other direction from Portland, you could check out Cape Disappointment on the WA side where the Columbia meets the Pacific (and where the Lewis & Clark expedition ended). When I was there, we did a loop from Seattle, and so were able to drive through the Mt. St. Helens park - when there was a lot less volcanic activity than at present!

I also want to mention that friends of mine have enjoyed Austin, TX and Nashville, TN for weekend getaways from NYC...

Boston Gal, this might help. Did the portland/hood river trip in 3 1/2 days in april. and in those 3 1/2 days, we did alot - including hitting cannon beach. Here's the trip report. It's long but we were so happy with our trip, it was a shame to cut anything out!

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...ame=maria%5Fso

You mentioned Niagara Falls, what about the Finger Lakes region? You get scenic beauty with the lakes and gorges, great local wineries to "sample," summer-stock theater and musical events. Oh shopping too, like Stueben Glass and Corning. We loved our Getaway time on Lake Seneca.

Thanks for the additional thoughts, and the trip report maria_so, I'm forwarding to my husband to see what he thinks.

bon100 - thanks for the new destination suggestion, I'll check it out now!

We loved Quebec City as well as many other posters. Plenty of restaurants, bars and a some clubs ( this assures that you won't be "sleepy". Beautiful walled town with cobblestoned streets along the St. Lawrence river. Very European feel without being too far from home. People were very friendly. Highly recommend a boat ride and walking along the boardwalk. The revolving restaurant atop the Lowes Hotel has amazing views. Enjoy.

BostonGal,

Sorry, that link just gives you all the posts I've done in fodors. I had to actually email it to me to get to the right trip report. Anyway, here it is. I'm sure you'll love it there.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34790703

i can't see taking the time for a cross-country flight for only 3 days away.

how 'bout a road trip to New England somewhere? Coast of New Hampshire &/or Maine have some lobster on the beach. Or into the White Mountains. The Berkshires in western Mass? Loads of nice towns in southern Vermont... Brattleboro, Bennington, etc.

Boston Gal ~ I'll second the Portland suggestion to include a visit to the Hood River area -- there's lots of great hiking there and many other outdoor activities, too. Personally I would skip Cannon Beach if I only had 3 days. (We visited all three but had 5 or 6 nights.)