Hello. My husband and I would like to fly somewhere (within the US) for a weekend getaway (we live in WI). We don't want to go to Florida, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio or Missouri. We enjoy restaurants, sight-seeing, hiking, and shopping. Please recommend a location! Also, if you have any suggestions for a bed & breakfast in the location, that'd be great. Thanks so much!

Karen

Based on where you reside & requirements (I won't ask why) I would suggest the Carolina Mts. (fly into Asheville or CLT) or NYC.

When?

Oops, sorry. We plan to go at the end of September.

Thanks, Karen

Washington DC makes a great weekend get-away (or longer) and certainly has fantastic restaurants, sight-seeing and shopping. There's even hiking if you take a short drive to Great Falls NP. You probably can find direct flights from Madison or Milwaukee to DC so you can make the most of your weekend.

I like the Asheville idea or Austin, TX. I don't have any B&B suggestions.

Durango Colorado is wonderful in Sept.

We love staying at:

http://appleorchardinn.com

With great hikes, lots of good restaurants, fun shops and Mesa Verde NP is close by, Durango is an excellent getaway.

The weather in Sept. is ideal; it is our favorite time of year in the SW.

Deb

Well, If it's for just a weekend getaway, I don't think you'd want to spend a full day on either end of the trip just travelling. I'd start with where you can get to easily (non-stop flight) from where you are. If you are in the Milwaukee area, I'd look at where Midwest flies. If you are near the Twin Cities or Chicago/Ill border, you have other choices. That way you'll maximize your weekend.

Oh Just a thought - If you are near the IL border, you could fly out of Rockford to Denver. Very easy airport to use (only 5 gates in the whole airport). Check out flyRFD.com

The Rockies would be a great getaway!

The Black Mountain area of North Carolina would be a good fit for you - nice hiking in the area, cute restaurants, little shops and art galleries. The Arbor House is a great B&B there. You're only about 15 miles from the Biltmore Estate too.

Thanks Everyone! I'll definitely check into these!!!

Karen

St. Michael's, MD. There's plenty of fine B & Bs and restaurants to choose from.

Hi Karen,
Here are a couple more suggestions:

Granbury - Cute, quaint town about 45 minutes from Fort Worth. You could fly into DFW. It's a super-easy drive to get to Granbury. Dinner at Stringfellow's would be totally yummy. Staying here www.innonlakegranbury.com is worth the journey.

Little Rock - Even if you're not into politics or a non-Democrat the Clinton library is a must in LR. The river/downtown is being re-developed. We're visiting family there this weekend and I imagine it'll be even better than our last visit. Comfortable stay here: www.rosemontoflittlerock.com Arkansas is green and beautiful, calling itself The Natural State. Don't know specifics on hiking, but this site should be helpful www.arkansas.com/outdoors

Boothbay Harbor, Maine - This part of the U.S. is fantastic in Autumn. Went last September and it was gorgeous and the weather perfect. Not to mention the food! www.mcseagullsonline.com. This B&B was beyond great. Charming, historic, super comfy, and the cookies (homemade daily) were so, very good. www.topsideinn.com

Though I don't have B&B suggestions, I would recommend Santa Fe, NM; definitely Washington, D.C.; and New Orleans. Each has plenty of great restaurants, sight-seeing, and shopping.

Happy traels!