My sister and I want to meet to sort out some family matters. I don't mind flying, but she would prefer to drive. She lives north of Chicago, and I live in South Florida. Any suggestions on a place to meet (not Chicago) where we can talk and also have some pleasant (touristy) distractions? We want to meet at the end of May or beginning of June. Thanks.

St. Louis.

Mike, That's a great city. My daughter went to Wash U so we got to know the area. Great restaurants, great museums, zoo, etc. But, I was hoping to go someplace I haven't been to before. Thanks for your response.

How far is your sister willing to drive? That would probably be your determining factor. What about Minneapolis or Cleveland?

She is willing to drive 10 hrs. or less. OK, I'll ck out Minneapolis and Cleveland. I was actually just looking at Columbus, Ohio because of a suggestion I read on another person's question. Thanks.

Does she insist YOU drive, too?

If you fly even though she's driving, you don't really have to meet exactly in between IL and FL. If she's willing to drive 10 hrs. in any direction, you fly to meet her there - wherever. From Chicago, a 10 hr. radius gets you to Pittsburgh, Toronto, Minneapolis, various places in Tennessee, Penna., and so on -- if you see where I'm going with the idea. Does she insist YOU drive, too?

Memphis might be an idea - Enough sights to keep you distracted for a couple of days and discuss your family business??

No, she's not insisting I drive. She's a little afraid of flying, so I thought I'd save her the stress. The 10 hr. radius thing was exactly what I was thinking. But I don't know what's going on in that area this time of year and I was hoping to go somewhere interesting to counteract the family discussions.

I'll ck out Memphis also. Thanks.

Summer is why they invented the upper Great Lakes.

Head to northern Michigan or Wisconsin. Milwaukee or Madison would be great. Fly into Chicago, have her pick you up, and drive up together.

Upper Great Lakes....very interesting....weather sounds wonderful (it's already boiling hot where I am)!

How about Bayfield WI? Beautiful, restful, fun and short daytrips around. Or maybe duluth MN? Neat little city. Sorry I can't add more info. Had a stroke and can only type one-handed and then hunt-and-peck only.

Columbus would be a fine meeting place, lots to do there, & not so far a drive for her.

I've heard Door County Wisconsin is nice, or how about Mackinac Island, Michigan? The Petoskey/Harbor Springs, MI and Traverse City, Mi areas are beautiful too.

Thanks everyone! Now I have quite a few nice ideas to choose from. I don't think we can go wrong with any of these suggestions.
PS GJLinda: I hope you recover fully from your stroke. A friend of mine did, and she is 90 years old!