My husband and I are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary in late Sept. We're looking for a cheap trip--1 week. We love natural sights, wine, few people and nice dinners. We're not big travelers. Prefer relaxing itineraries. We're self-employeed, so I'm talking pretty cheap.
Thanks. RC

Not knowing where you live, I'd still suggest the San Francisco area. Travel leisurely up or down the coast. Take in the sights of San Francisco. Might even slip over to Yosemite (186 miles). See Muir Woods National Monument across the Golden Gate Bridge on Rt. 1 (redwoods). Then, the Napa Valley for the wineries. Tell us where you live, please.

We live in Washington, DC.

You might want to consider a trip to Ashville, North Carolina. There are a number of B&B's that are very charming. Visit the Biltmore Estate, browse through local artist galleries and enjoy wonderful food. It would be a pretty drive from DC to these NC mountains. Spend a day at Grandfather Mountain while you are there. Call their visitors bureau for more info!

I own a condo in Cape May, NJ that I rent out through web site http://www.vrbo.com/vrbo/1245.htm. They have other listings in your area as well. Cape May is beautiful in September, most of the crowds have left.

I'd suggest the Brandywine Valley of PA.
This is about 30 miles southwest of Philadelphia. Area attractions:

-Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square)
-Chadds Ford Winery (Chadds Ford)
-Several excellent restaurants of all ethnic flavors
-Beautiful countryside for outdoor activities
-Winterthur Museum & Gardens
-Brandywine River Museum w/Wyeth paintings (Chadds Ford)
-You can go as cheap as you choose


Have fun, whatever you do. E-mail me if you have further questions.

I agree with Jud (reply #2) -- go to San Francisco, even if you DO live in D.C.

Besides all the things he suggests, the City, the Napa Valley, you may be able to travel at a discount, as well. Southwest Airlines is running a special that lets you fly roundtrip anywhere within its system until August for $198 or less. You just have to book by April 27.

So celebrate early!

Thanks for the suggestions. SF is great. We were there on our 10th anniversary. Looking for new ground. RC

I'm not sure if this will qualify as cheap, but how about Bar Harbor Maine? Its really beautiful in September after most of the crowds have gone. I would try to rent a condo, or cottage with a view somewhere for a week. You can hike a little, or bike a little. There are some nice restaurants. Or you can just hang out and enjoy the views.

There are some lovely B&Bs around Charlottesville, VA. We spent a long weekend in Orange, VA. The countryside is rich (as apparently are many of the residents!). You can tour wineries, visit Monticello, UVA, other historic places.

I don't know that this is cheap either but how about Arizona? I'm thinking about the northeast area around Canyon de Chelly. Sedona is nice too.

I'll still take another section of California. But, then, have you been to . . .
Pacific Northwest--Seattle or Portland?
New Orleans (and a tour on the Mississippi?
Southern Florida and to Key West?
Yellowstone or Glacier National Parks?
Albuquerque and Taos, New Mexico?
Oh, so many places in the U.S.

Share with us where you finally go.

How about the North Carolina shore, with Wilminton, Beaufort, Edenton and the Outer Banks? You'll find much natural beauty and a lot of Old Southern charm.