Why not try Vermont?!? Manchester area with the Equinox Resort is heaven (at the hotel, they have everything from the Land Rover driving school to the British school of falconry), and the hiking is amazing. There are lots of little towns to explore, with good shopping (antiques to galleries) and super dining. In the winter - your choice of 3 mountains to ski, cross country skiing everywhere. Only the vineyards are missing - I can direct you to some spectacular restaurants.

Just a question but why just the US and not Europe? Exchange rates are super right now...

Enjoy!

I agree - San Fran and the Napa Valley are probably my favorite in the US. I agree with the Southwest posts especially the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Top notch resorts - Hyatt, Phoenician, Biltmore, Princess and the new Four Seasons. Tons of shopping and great restaurants. Only a short drive from Sedona with all it's art galleries and we did a day trip to the Grand Canyon. One of our favorite places to go.

I agree - San Fran and the Napa Valley are probably my favorite in the US. I agree with the Southwest posts especially the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Top notch resorts - Hyatt, Phoenician, Biltmore, Princess and the new Four Seasons. Tons of shopping and great restaurants. Only a short drive from Sedona with all it's art galleries and we did a day trip to the Grand Canyon. One of our favorite places to go.

Never been to Northern California...Just got back from Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon. I really enjoyed the senery, but Yosemite has too many kids playing. But my two favorite vacations included: 1) Yellowstone and The Grand Tetons 2) Grand Canyon North Rim, Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon South Rim, Sedona, and Tuscon (giant saguaro cactus).

Alaska and Hawai`i.

I have lived in Southern California all my life and therefore do much weekend traveling through its areas, as well as Northern California. And, although I do love it, I would have to say that my #1 spot is Maui. You can find excellent accomodations, secluded beaches, and it cannot be topped for excellent/fresh seafood. Many restaurants in the area are consistently rated in the top restaurants of the U.S. - My personal favorits is Roy's Kahana Bar & Grill, their chocolate souffle is a MUST.

I would have to agree with all the people who wrote and raved about Alberta/Banaff area. We flew to Calgary (from So.CA.) in Oct of last year and drove to Banff, up to Jasper then back down to Glacier Park in Montana. The scenery is just breathtaking...not to be beat anywhere (and I'm a skier whos seen the alps, (swiss, italian and french and of course the CO. rockies) We weren't expecting to much in the way of restaurants and were very pleasantly suprised at how wonderful the food was. The lodging ranges from turn of the century B&B's to large hotels. The wildlife is amazing and lets not forget the Canadian people who are so friendly and made us feel so welcome...and the icing on the cake...a very strong American dollar. I recommend it very highly. You'll be awestruck!

Seattle / Puget Sound Area with a side excursion to Victoria and/or Vancouver BC is something you should consider!

We also love Northern Cal, San Diego and Hawaii - but for incredible natural beauty AND availility of the "finer things" you seem to crave, I think you would be very pleasantly surprised by the Pacific Northwest - especially in the later summer Late (July thru september). Seattle and Bellevue have about any amenity you could want and lot's of culture - but the real beauty and fun is in exploring some of the islands in the Puget Sound (from Bainbridge all the way up to Victoria BC). If you like more romantic and outdoorsy getaways - the Washington and Oregon coast, the Olympic mountains area, Mt Ranier and even the Colombia River Gorge (Ore/Wash border) are also thumbs up...and there are some very nice amenities available in each area.

Happy travels.

Last year i also visited Northern Ca. Also, on the same vacation we went to Arizona, a very beautiful state, especially Sedona. Vegas is also amazing and you can easially spend a day alone touring the hotels. If you're looking for a trip in canada i strongly Recomend Newfoundland, but make sure you have a car because it is best to tour the whole island. I really liked Gross Mourne National Park and St. John's, and if your into whale and puffin watching, WhitlessBay is the best.

Key west! If you like ocean kayaking on the gulf, fishing, snorkeling, watching the sunset, shopping, good eats, nice beaches, active nightlife with people of all ages. Key west has charm.

California!?! I've been all over and my California trip was my LEAST favorite! Oregon is far superior to California, the Canadian Rockies much more stunning, NE more charming, the SW more intriguing! California is expensive and crowded. No doubt it is quite beautiful but what about the above mentioned or Glacier NP or Yellowstone in the winter?

Great reply's! But you can always top a vacation!
New England in the fall is Great! From the mountains to the shore; from the Boston Pops to local theater productions; from the Desert of Maine to the gazillionz of trees and the colorfull fall foliage; from the bustling port cities to the tiny villages of Vermont! Try New England!

Try Utah and National Parks. Have you ever seen the Morman Temple in Salt Lake City? Now that is a site to see. Or the vast reagions of Wyoming. Try the Cities of the Mississippi and the history they hold. The US is a wounder filled land and every vacation is great!

Listen to OUR plans for mid May 2001:
Las Vegas, NV to St. George, UT to see Zion Nat'l. Park (staying at Zion Lodge),and Cedar Breaks Nat'l. Monument/Brian's Head area. Then east to Bryce Canyon Nat'l Park (staying at Bryce Canyon Lodge) also seeing Kodachrome Basin State Park, all in SW Utah. Next south to Grand Canyon-North Rim as we cross into AZ,(staying at the G.C. Lodge). Now we head east to Vermillion Cliffs recreation area/Marble Canyon, and on to Lake Powell to have lunch and a boat excursion and stay at Waheap Lodge & Marina. Now we'll head to Grand Canyon's South Rim dining in the El Tovar Lodge dining room in the park. South to Sedona and finishing up in Laughlin, NV before heading home to Southern CA. Do you think we'll have any fun?

I agree that the coast of Maine would compare favorably. We love the N. CA coast, live close to the Maine coast. Bar Harbor on Mt. Desert Island and Acadia National Park are gorgeous. MANY fine B & B's. The Bar Harbor Inn and Balance Rock Inn are upscale, the latter more formal. Both on the water (Frenchman Bay) and easy walk to town. Camden, Kennebunkport are beautiful. In Kennebunkport there are many fine resorts & other lodgings. The Yachtsman Motor Inn is on the Kennebunk River and is where the secret service and fmr. Pres. Bush park their boats. It looks like a run of the mill motel from the street, but it's quite fine and includes afternoon tea and nice continental breakfast. It's been upgraded and is now so fine that we feel it's too expensive for us for our weekend stays.

New England's coast is varied and beautiful, and with places like Northwest Harbor Maine, Newport RI, Hyannisport Cape Cod, Mystic CT. you won't run out of upscale restaurants and hotels to satisfy your tastes.

Have to agree on Maine. Just came back from a week traveling up the coast. Stayed at the Bar Harbor Inn overlooking Frenchman Bay and it was truly astounding. I live in Fl and am somewhat jaded when it comes to waterfront but this place is absolutely stunning in its beauty.

Robert