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Nov 21st, 2007, 03:55 PM
#61
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Come to the Carolinas! It is beautiful in the winter - I was in Ireland this past February and the weather was much better here in Charlotte than in Ireland! So my vote would be for the Carolina coast, perhaps combining Charleston with Savannah.
Tracy
Tracy
Nov 21st, 2007, 04:55 PM
#63
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tcreath.. I've lived in the Carolinas (South and North), and they are pretty. But, I don't think they offer near as much to do for families as Texas (where I live now). I am originally from Chicago, another absolutely fabulous place for families to visit... but not in February! hahaha
San Antonio has the added plus of being close to Austin, and truth be told, you're only three hours from Houston (NASA Space Center is a fun gig) and if Rig is really hankering for that Cajun food, it's only another 2 hours to Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Rig, while Texas is a very large State (if you're driving across it from New Mexico to Louisiana, it is about 12 hours!), Austin+San Antonio+Houston are very much within driving distance of each other. So, not to put your head in overdrive, but you could certainly base in San Antonio and then do a couple day trips to Austin and/or Houston, if you wanted. But, as stated previously, TONS of stuff to keep you occupied in San Antonio alone. Here is link to the Natural Bridge Caverns (the kids would love these!): http://tourtexas.com/caverns/
Plus, Fredericksburg is an hour away. Here is link to info on that and other attractions in the Hill Country: http://www.hill-country-visitor.com/default.asp/city/10
Anyway, I'm sure you can find your own links and websites. I'm done! I hope you pick San Antonio- I know you will have a great time!
San Antonio has the added plus of being close to Austin, and truth be told, you're only three hours from Houston (NASA Space Center is a fun gig) and if Rig is really hankering for that Cajun food, it's only another 2 hours to Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Rig, while Texas is a very large State (if you're driving across it from New Mexico to Louisiana, it is about 12 hours!), Austin+San Antonio+Houston are very much within driving distance of each other. So, not to put your head in overdrive, but you could certainly base in San Antonio and then do a couple day trips to Austin and/or Houston, if you wanted. But, as stated previously, TONS of stuff to keep you occupied in San Antonio alone. Here is link to the Natural Bridge Caverns (the kids would love these!): http://tourtexas.com/caverns/
Plus, Fredericksburg is an hour away. Here is link to info on that and other attractions in the Hill Country: http://www.hill-country-visitor.com/default.asp/city/10
Anyway, I'm sure you can find your own links and websites. I'm done! I hope you pick San Antonio- I know you will have a great time!
Nov 22nd, 2007, 02:44 AM
#66
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Its all good stuff. Cassandra is on the money when she says that I should do my own separate research. Please be assured that I am keeping Mr. Google and his trillion hamsters on treadmills very busy. But the personal contributions are also very valuable. Its not always the number of contributions but the tone and quality that impresses. And even then its not always the full-on Texan style that works but also the under-stated approach of Tracy Reath for Charleston. Both comtributions are excellent. Dilemmas dilemmas.
Just to be clear, at another time I will probably pursue the "road more travelled" and while I think I understand Happytrails point about European hotspots, my aim in using this site has been to try and pick out something unusual - for a change. For example one of my best US experiences to date has been strolling through Central Park and along Broadway in NY. Clichéd but a fantastic experience.
On this occasion, I'm going a different route and value the imput of Fodorites more. You don't need a web forum to follow the crowd!
Thanks again
Tim
Just to be clear, at another time I will probably pursue the "road more travelled" and while I think I understand Happytrails point about European hotspots, my aim in using this site has been to try and pick out something unusual - for a change. For example one of my best US experiences to date has been strolling through Central Park and along Broadway in NY. Clichéd but a fantastic experience.
On this occasion, I'm going a different route and value the imput of Fodorites more. You don't need a web forum to follow the crowd!
Thanks again
Tim
Nov 22nd, 2007, 07:56 AM
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Hi Tim - For some clarity, do you want another cliched but great experience, or are you looking for something truly untouristy? In any case, here are some suggestions:
1) My first thought while reading your post was Charleston, so I would echo that vote. Such a beautiful charming city, definitely a taste of the best parts of America, and should be mild during February. Not sure how old your kids are, though, and how much they would like it.
2) The southwest is beautiful (New Mexico/Arizona) and I think quite different than what you might find in Ireland, at least based on my one visit. However I have only been for a business trip and stayed at one of the larger resorts so it was not a "road less travelled" experience if that is what you are looking for.
3) California is great, and I would vote for that if you had more than a week. Could start in San Diego and drive the coast to San Fran, but not over one week and would definitely double your travel time.
4) Lastly, this would prob require a coat, but I just moved to Switzerland after 6 years in Washington DC which I loved. Your kids would have tons to see and do as well. I think its a great place to do some tourist things that don't have to be completely cliche, like walking by the monuments at night and taking in one or a few of the many many free and great museums. (A small favorite of mine is the Phillips Gallery, and love the Air and Space museum). East coast flight would be short, you could even do a night or two a bit further south in Williamsburg VA (2.5 hours drive) for a historical/quainter experience. Also great golf here, though not nearly the time of year for it. Winter is not peak tourist time in DC so you would avoid the slew of buses that come in the sweltering summer. However, if Tennessee looked good, I am sure this bears little resemblence, so really depends what you are looking for.
If you have any questions I would be happy to help - my home state of Pennsylvania is definitely too cold in Feb to make your cut
1) My first thought while reading your post was Charleston, so I would echo that vote. Such a beautiful charming city, definitely a taste of the best parts of America, and should be mild during February. Not sure how old your kids are, though, and how much they would like it.
2) The southwest is beautiful (New Mexico/Arizona) and I think quite different than what you might find in Ireland, at least based on my one visit. However I have only been for a business trip and stayed at one of the larger resorts so it was not a "road less travelled" experience if that is what you are looking for.
3) California is great, and I would vote for that if you had more than a week. Could start in San Diego and drive the coast to San Fran, but not over one week and would definitely double your travel time.
4) Lastly, this would prob require a coat, but I just moved to Switzerland after 6 years in Washington DC which I loved. Your kids would have tons to see and do as well. I think its a great place to do some tourist things that don't have to be completely cliche, like walking by the monuments at night and taking in one or a few of the many many free and great museums. (A small favorite of mine is the Phillips Gallery, and love the Air and Space museum). East coast flight would be short, you could even do a night or two a bit further south in Williamsburg VA (2.5 hours drive) for a historical/quainter experience. Also great golf here, though not nearly the time of year for it. Winter is not peak tourist time in DC so you would avoid the slew of buses that come in the sweltering summer. However, if Tennessee looked good, I am sure this bears little resemblence, so really depends what you are looking for.
If you have any questions I would be happy to help - my home state of Pennsylvania is definitely too cold in Feb to make your cut
Nov 22nd, 2007, 09:51 AM
#69
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Rigaramas requirerment for warmth elimates all but the southern states (west to east coast). He (she?) doesn't want, or has already done, Disney World, but has two young kids interests to consider. He wants a lively bar scene, interesting regional food and activites that will appeal to the adults and kids. There are tons of vacation posibilites all over the states, but taking into consideration his parameters for this trip I stand behind my recomendation for the San Antonio, Austin area. One more thing you may want to end your vacation at the San Marcos outlet mall where considering the exchange rate the shoppers in your group could go crazy.
Nov 22nd, 2007, 12:41 PM
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Thanks everyone. I think most people have got the picture and I have received a lot of valuable advice.
As a minor afterthought I asked my wife what she thought and she plumped for Charleston!!!
Separately I have been researching access to the favoured airports and find Fort Myers cropping up more frequently than San Antonio for direct flights from Europe. I reckon it is better to have the long and lagging flight to our final destination coupled with a short flight to a European hub. (Incidentally I popped a query to San Antonio Tourism asking how their visitors reach Yoorp most directly but have had no reply yet).
Charleston Int'l Airport does not appear to have any direct international flights. If I was Alanis Morrisette, I might say this was ironic.
Given the glowing reviews for both centres in Tx and Fla, our choice may ultimately come down to something as mundane as ease of access. Hope not though!
Tim
As a minor afterthought I asked my wife what she thought and she plumped for Charleston!!!
Separately I have been researching access to the favoured airports and find Fort Myers cropping up more frequently than San Antonio for direct flights from Europe. I reckon it is better to have the long and lagging flight to our final destination coupled with a short flight to a European hub. (Incidentally I popped a query to San Antonio Tourism asking how their visitors reach Yoorp most directly but have had no reply yet).
Charleston Int'l Airport does not appear to have any direct international flights. If I was Alanis Morrisette, I might say this was ironic.
Given the glowing reviews for both centres in Tx and Fla, our choice may ultimately come down to something as mundane as ease of access. Hope not though!
Tim
Nov 22nd, 2007, 01:07 PM
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sarge, your probably right but I'm not the best judge as I'm not a huge Texas fan. My family and I lived in Houston for several years when I was younger, and I've visited Texas several times since then. I guess I just prefer the mountains (although too cold in February) and the beach proximity here in Charlotte, especially coming from my hometown of St. Louis. I think that both Charleston and Savannah are lovely and would make a great vacation! I'm sure Texas is nice as well, although my choice would be NC/SC in a heartbeat! But in the end it's not for me to decide.
Tracy
Tracy
Nov 22nd, 2007, 01:11 PM
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Rigarama, not sure how you feel about driving but if Charleston is a place you want to visit you would probably have to look into surrounding airports as there aren't many flights into the small Charleston airport. Charlotte is about 3 hours from Charleston. Jacksonville, FL is about three hours as well, and if you flew into Jacksonville you could combine Charleston with Savannah, which you would drive through anyhow. Driving on the other side of the road may seem daunting, but we've done it twice (once in England, once in Ireland) and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
Regardless of where you choose to visit, I commend you for getting away from the NY/East Coast/Las Vegas/CA path! Happy planning!!
Tracy
Regardless of where you choose to visit, I commend you for getting away from the NY/East Coast/Las Vegas/CA path! Happy planning!!
Tracy
Nov 23rd, 2007, 06:32 AM
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Charleston isn't a bad drive from Charlotte (lots of direct flights) but your best bet would be to either fly into NYC and get a direct flight to Myrtle Beach and drive to Charleston.
Spirit, Continental, MB Direct Air, and US Airways all have direct flights from either Newark or LGA and the flight time is about an hour.
Downtown Charleston is a little over an hour by car from the Myrtle Beach airport.
Charleston is far and above the other cities that have been mentioned. While San Antonio, St. Augustine, and Savannah are lovely, they just aren't as nice as Charleston nor do they have the shopping, dining and attractions.
There is a reason Charleston always is on the top ten lists of best US cities to visit.
Spirit, Continental, MB Direct Air, and US Airways all have direct flights from either Newark or LGA and the flight time is about an hour.
Downtown Charleston is a little over an hour by car from the Myrtle Beach airport.
Charleston is far and above the other cities that have been mentioned. While San Antonio, St. Augustine, and Savannah are lovely, they just aren't as nice as Charleston nor do they have the shopping, dining and attractions.
There is a reason Charleston always is on the top ten lists of best US cities to visit.
Nov 23rd, 2007, 07:52 AM
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Charleston's toward the top of the same lists that include Orlando and Las Vegas. There's no absolute about "the best" except for best for the purposes of the individual traveler.
Glad you like Charleston. Happy for you. Others like other places, and just because something's on a list, doesn't mean anything except a lot of people have done something AND a chamber of commerce has been vigorous.
Glad you like Charleston. Happy for you. Others like other places, and just because something's on a list, doesn't mean anything except a lot of people have done something AND a chamber of commerce has been vigorous.
Nov 23rd, 2007, 12:58 PM
#77
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OK folks, I think its time to close this thread.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed information, advice and opinion.
I am amazed how interested and helpful people can be. I am also very impressed at the quality of tourism possibilities available at a fairly dead time of the year.
After a lot of humming, hawing and general tooth-sucking, we have decided to try and make an itinerary beginning at Fort Myers Airport and staying fairly local - Naples/Sanibel etc.
It just edged out San Antonio by virtue of scale and versatility. I reckon when we have a bit more time, maybe even in the Autumn (sorry Fall), we will reach Texas and base ourselves in SA with a view to taking in some of the nearby cities also.
If we get ambitious this time, we may take a trip as far as Charleston although the 500+ miles is a lot by Irish standards.
And if things go wrong (i.e. kids can't take any more atmosphere, culture or relaxation), we can always head for Orlando/Kissimmee.
So thanks again for all your help and, as it says in the title - We're open to offers!
Tim
Thanks to everyone who has contributed information, advice and opinion.
I am amazed how interested and helpful people can be. I am also very impressed at the quality of tourism possibilities available at a fairly dead time of the year.
After a lot of humming, hawing and general tooth-sucking, we have decided to try and make an itinerary beginning at Fort Myers Airport and staying fairly local - Naples/Sanibel etc.
It just edged out San Antonio by virtue of scale and versatility. I reckon when we have a bit more time, maybe even in the Autumn (sorry Fall), we will reach Texas and base ourselves in SA with a view to taking in some of the nearby cities also.
If we get ambitious this time, we may take a trip as far as Charleston although the 500+ miles is a lot by Irish standards.
And if things go wrong (i.e. kids can't take any more atmosphere, culture or relaxation), we can always head for Orlando/Kissimmee.
So thanks again for all your help and, as it says in the title - We're open to offers!
Tim
Dec 9th, 2007, 02:14 PM
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Rigarama,
I should have posted this earlier, but have you considered flying into Houston Intercontinental instead of San Antonio. I think you'd find more flights directly from Europe to Houston than to Ft. Myers.
The reason I state this is because it seemed that you really wanted to go to San Antonio, but direct flights were the only reason for avoiding San Antonio. You may want to reconsider, if you haven't already booked your flights to Ft. Myers.
Otherwise, enjoy your stay in Florida. Ft. Myers is not really off the beaten path, but the weather will be wonderful and the beaches great.
I should have posted this earlier, but have you considered flying into Houston Intercontinental instead of San Antonio. I think you'd find more flights directly from Europe to Houston than to Ft. Myers.
The reason I state this is because it seemed that you really wanted to go to San Antonio, but direct flights were the only reason for avoiding San Antonio. You may want to reconsider, if you haven't already booked your flights to Ft. Myers.
Otherwise, enjoy your stay in Florida. Ft. Myers is not really off the beaten path, but the weather will be wonderful and the beaches great.
Dec 9th, 2007, 03:36 PM
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If you find yourselves bored and want to take a trip, like to Kissimmee, I can also recommend Cocoa Beach. It's a simple beach town, nothing glitzy, but with nice beaches and sometimes surfers to watch. Some decent family-type restaurants at the pier there.
Enjoy the US of A!
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Enjoy the US of A!
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