Five sisters would like to go away together. Most live in the NY area. We aren't into gambling, so no Vegas. We only have time off for 3-4 days.Spas or short cruises maybe?We range in age 35-52 and just want to have fun!This will be a surprise 50th for one of us. Suggestions?

How about New Orleans? Fun fun fun and lots of nonstop options from New York. Warm but not too hot in September.

You don't have to be a gambler to love Vegas, we go every year for the sun and fun pool parties, but another option is Sunny SoCal: Santa Barbara, San Diego or the OC beaches.

How about Lake Placid, NY?
September is an ideal time to vist Adirondack Mountains. For spa experience stay at Mirror Lake Inn
It is only five hours drive from New York City and there is so much to do or you may do nothing. The choice is yours.

I've gone on September weekends with friends from high school. Since we live in New England we started off close to home. (This year we go to New Orleans.) I don't get to Boston so going there is a treat for me. On Friday afternoon we have visited the Kennedy Library. Sat take a Duck Boat Tour, explore the Quincy Market and get discount tickets for a show at the kiosk, lunch in the North End. etc. Sunday visit to the butterfly place.
Another favorite was Montreal when we splurged on a flight. Great restaurants, shopping and things to do. I still remember visiting the botanical gardens on Saturday and watching several bridals parties having their pictures taken.
Mostly we want to spend time together since we have little contact during the rest of the year. Washington DC was another special trip when a relative who lived there acted as our guide. Instead of the usual museums we explored other areas and took a boat ride on one of the canals. She knew the best restaurants! Sunday brunch included all you could drink mimosas.
Where you go depends on your tastes. We like to keep busy so we prefer a place that has evening activities. A spa visit was voted down.

Given that you all live in the NY area, you might want to think about the Hamptons. The weather in September will still be really nice and places like Gurney's can offer the spa treatments you're looking for.

The restaurants are still open as are the beaches. In addition, a trip up to the winderies of the North Fork can be fun. (Just make sure one of you falls on the sword and is the designated driver.)

If you don't mind staying on the North Fork, the Greenporter Hotel and Spa was recently redone and is a good spot for 3 or 4 days.

How about a windjammer cruise out of Mystic CT?

Or Newport RI to tour the mansions?

Or the Equinox in Manchester VT?

Here are some of my favorite girls' trips:

Mount Tremblant in Canada. The spa is fantastic and the packages can't be beat!

San Antonio, Texas. Great trip for a few days and lots to see and eat.

Amelia Island, FL. Spa there is very nice and it'll still be warm in Sept.

Like the New Orleans suggestion too.

Have fun!

New Orleans is great, but it will stick be hot and sticky in September. Late fall and winter are really better options. I haven't been to Montreal, but it sounds like a fabulous place to go. You are fortunate in that you have many areas to choose from in a fairly small area. (I am from Texas.)

Sorry, will STILL be hot and sticky...

Hi Zeldafitz,

Can you define "fun" for us? I get the no-gambling preference, but what would you think of as fun? And what's the budget? That will drive the itinerary.

BTW, your 49 year old friend is very lucky to have pals like you.

What about a B&B in Vermont or New Hampshire, or the Red Lion Inn in the Berkshires? You can also look at spafinder.com for spas in the area.

I'm not sure if you mentioned what month, but Key West is great and a lot of fun. I think someone mentioned Newport, RI. That also is very happening.

First, Congrats on making the time to get away! My girlfriends and I who live in 4 different states started doing annual trips last year and I can't tell you how fantastic it is just being with people you've known forever, no matter what the setting

That being said, we took the 3-day Royal Carribean Bahama cruise from Miami (lots of cheap flights into Ft. Lauderdale from the East Coast) and had a blast. Not very luxurious, but fun and reasonable. We also went to Key West and had lots of fun. However, since it will still be hurricane season in that part of the world in Sept, those places may be kind of risky.

I'm not sure what your priorities are (warm weather, beaches, spas), but here are my suggestions:

Martha's Vineyard is nice in September after all the tourists have gone. Keep in mind, though, that some places may close down after Labor day. Not too warm, but you may still have some "Indian Summer" days.

September is the absolutely best time to visit the Southern California Coast, IMHO. Virtually perfect weather every day. Kind of a long flight for a 3-4 day weekend, though. Jet Blue has great rates from NY to Long Beach.

Arizona is also beautiful for different kind of vacation. Sedona is beautiful with the red rocks and scenery. The Phoenix/Scottsdale area is a spa lovers paradise and still warm in September.

I also second the suggestions regarding Newport, RI and New Orleans. Two very different areas, but great places to walk around.

I know wherever you choose, you will have a great time.

Consider Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario. Lovely small town with great restaurants and shops. You could rent rooms in a B&B or rent an entire cottage. Also there is the Shaw Festival Theatre and many wineries.
I have always wanted to gather my best girlfriends and spend a week end there shopping, laughing, and sipping wine.
Check it out - I don't think you can go wrong.
Diane P

My sister and I also do a yearly trip, and I agree with the New Orleans idea! 3 nights is a good taste of the city.
Not just for partying - can take a a cajun cooking class, go to antique shops on Royal St. (I think that's the area), trolley to look at the houses, colleges, etc. in the Garden District (We went in April, so don't know about the heat in the fall).
I don't recommend at least trying one Hurricane at Pat O'Brien's - Potent, but delicious!

Thanks all,
Great suggestions. One of my sisters lives in RI, the rest in NY metro. We are thinking about a short cruise on Carnival. I like the New Orleans idea. I'll do some
persuading! Appreciate your input.