My work schedule just came out, and I'll have a full week off July 1-July 8. Trying to decide where to go. I think I'll only go for 3-4 days max, most likely by myself as I doubt DH can take the time off.

Here's the scoop, I live in Dallas. I enjoy arts and culture (art museum esp), and good food; not so much hiking or outdoorsy stuff. Definitely not a beach person. I don't mind renting a car to drive.

Since this will be in middle of summer, don't want to go somewhere too hot, esp humid/hot.

In the past 2 years or so, I've visited parts of CA (LA, SF, SD), E Coast (Maine, Boston, NYC, DC, Philadelphia), St Louis, Kansas City.

So here's what I'm thinking - in order of cheap to expensive:

Chicago (how's weather there in July?)
Milwaukee (Does it get humid there?)
Seattle (was there about 9 years ago)
Portland (never been)
Montreal/Quebec City (been there before)
Toronto (also been there before)

Other thoughts (lower on my list):
Savannah or Charleston?
- I guess both places will be humid & hot?
Pittsburgh?
Miami or Fort Lauderdale or Tampa?
Somewhere in New Mexico or Arizona?

Oh, go to Chicago. Yes it will likely be hot & humid (maybe not - who knows) but even if it is, it's worth it. Everything you're looking for, no car required.

BTW, just to clarify things a little:

Chicago - lots of art and architecture
Milwaukee - want to see the art museum by Calatrava
Portland - never been and heard it's nice
Seattle - good food and lots to see?
Pittsburgh - Andy Warhol & Falling Water
Savannah/Charleston - for the southern feel
Quebec City - to get my European fix

I have read and enjoyed your trip reports for some time. Based on those, I would say save Charleston for another time. Go when you can enjoy walking around the city, visiting the old houses and really feeling the Southern pace.

Chicago and Montreal have it all. I would choose between them.

Whereever you go, I look forward to your trip report. They are always so well crafted.

Portland, OR. I can't imagine going to Chicago or Charleston/Savannah that time of the year.

I would go to Portland too.

Montreal/Quebec City. You know it's good there!
Probably some jazz on in Montreal or at least some outdoor music or festival going on as these cities pack in the culture in the short summer.
Beautiful weather.
You could economise on the hotel to save money. Food is good value.

Do a trip report as I'm hoping to get there a little later in July!

Portland or Seattle would be good. A few differences that might influence you. Portland is really easy without a car. You can take MAX from the airport into downtown, then there is either MAX or the streetcar to get around if you don't feel like walking. Portland is really compact though so is easy to walk. Portland has OMSI which has the Body Worlds 3 exhibit which is really good (I saw it yesterday). Seattle has the art museum that just reopened, as well as the fairly new library and Olympic Sculpture Park. Both places will be similar as far as weather. We always say that our summers begin July 5th Both have great 4th of July festivities, both have lots of great restaurants. I would check airfares and hotel and go with the city that has the best prices for your budget.

Pittsburgh! It's such a fabulous city and in addition to the Warhol, there's a great modern art museum/gallery called the Mattress Factory. And the Carnegie Museum and great restaurants, great shopping and great views. And right near Fallingwater (10 mins) is Kentuck Knob, another Frank Lloyd Wright house. Whatever you decide, have fun!!

My first thought was Montreal, before I read your list...but I have always wanted to visit Portland and Seattle.

Being from Dallas also, I loved Chicago last year - our first visit. It's such an amazing contrast to Dallas in terms of a vibrant city with gorgeous Lake Michigan and the river - the architecture is fab from the river. We were there in August, the weather not a problem for me...being used to Dallas; it felt cooler.

OK, here's the tally so far:

Portland - 4
Chicago - 3
Montreal/Quebec City - 2
Seattle - 2
Pittsburgh - 1

No one is pitching for Milwaukee???

Keep your recommendations coming!

P.S. cmcfong- Thanks for your kind words!

Portland, OR. Divide: 1/2 time in the city, use public transport, 1/2 time rent a car and drive around. Don't miss the Multnomah falls.

Actually, I also enjoyed my trip to Pittsburgh. So, can I split my vote for Portland and Pittsburgh instead?

SuCo27- Any idea what weather is like in July in Pittsburgh? I've lived in Philadelphia and the summers are very humid. Is that the case in Pittsburgh too?

rkkwan - Don't recall you've been to Pittsburgy. What did you do there?

What did I do there? Not much. It was like this upcoming LA trip I'm doing. Got good deal on USAirways that time, Priceline (I think) the Westin for one night.

Didn't get a car, so just walk around town, cross the bridges, ride the inclines, look at the baseball park from the outside, visit the Andy Warhol museum.

Milwaukee's Summerfest starts June 28th and goes through July 8th. If you like music, it's a blast.
There will be fireworks at the lakefront on the start day of the festival, and the big show (about 45 minutes) is on July 3rd.
It is less expensive than Chicago (though I love visiting Chicago.)
I find the two weeks around Summerfest some of the most fun times of my life.

There is one of the best zoos in the country, the Calatrava (museum), a great museum with an imax...

Oklahoma City. Close to home, easy on the budget, just opened a new arts museum, and always a tad bit cooler than Dallas.

Northern New Mexico will be warm, but it's a dry heat. Plus it cools off at night. You can fly into Albuquerque and then spend some time here, Santa Fe, Taos, etc.

Lee Ann

I would vote for Montreal or Seattle as they are both great "walking around on your own" cities. I travel with my husband a lot when he attends meetings, putting me alone most days and even some evenings if he's engaged. Both of these cities have been ones I especially enjoyed while being on my own. Its quite easy to walk or take public transport in both. The art and architecture is outstanding and both felt quite comfortable and friendly as a woman on alone. I have dined alone in both day and night and felt at ease. I just can't say the same about Chicago. Chicago was the first "big city" of my youth and I go there often, but its not a city I feel particularly at home in when I'm alone.

Other cities I like when alone are New York and New Orleans.