I live at the eastern end of Lake Ontario, my sister in Anchorage. Do any Fodorites have a suggestion for a 3-4 day get together? We are from Seattle and want to avoid "family" obligations thus we are trying to avoid the Pacific Northwest.

Possible Activities? A museum or 2, a spa treat (under $200), a view to enjoy while we sip on drinks w/ or w/o umbrellas, a fabulous movie house or music venue to be part of an audience, a long walking path, people watching, a city-tour (walking or boat)

How much: With airfare $800-$1200

When: Anytime between July 29-August 15

Thoughts anyone? Grand suggestions?

Thanks!

Chicago in the summer is amazing... lots of water, museums, theatre, spas, shopping with beautiful views, parks and dining... its a major airline hub... seems perfect...

Santa Monica at the Georgian Hotel? http://www.georgianhotel.com/

LA is "spa central" and they have some amazing old movie theaters and great music venues as well.

Nothing wrong w/above suggestion, but I grew up in Chicago and know how brutal the humidity and temps can be during your time frame, which is something to consider.

La Jolla! Wonderful spot.

I met my two sisters in Santa Barbara and it was great. We didn't splurge on the Ritz, but thought the Fess Parker Doubletree was a very good choice.

Walk along the beach from there, rent bikes, walk to the pier for dinner, go to wineries (free shuttle from the Doubletree), visit a spa. Beautiful patio with a fireplace for cocktails.

Even fresh chocolate chip cookies when you check-in!

Well, I wouldn't have thought this before I went, but we really enjoyed Colorado last summer, especially Breckenridge--the people watching, the cute town to walk around in and browse, I'd wished we had more time. (Although my kids aren't big on shopping.) The horseback riding was quite scenic too. Our relatives who live there mentioned in passing that there were other towns (Glenwood Springs??) that are much more spalike than Breckenridge.

I also like the other suggestions in California. I would say, though, that one advantage to Los Angeles over a Colorado town or Santa Barbara is that you don't have a long drive after the airport to your final destination.

How about San Francisco or Santa Fe?

Lee Ann

What Lee Ann said; especially Santa Fe. In summer, it is wonderful. Ten Thousand Waves spa, lots of museums on Museum Hill, Canyon Road for browsing the galleries, great food. Fly to Albuquerque, ABQ, and then it is a straight shot up I 25. Lots of places to stay around the Plaza, VRBO maybe so you can all be together, but have sep. bedrooms. Shidoni Brass Foundry, Saturday Flea Market, Santa Fe Opera, some beautiful hikes, casinos if that's your thing too. Lots of possibilities.

http://www.santafeopera.org

http://www.tenthousandwaves.com/

http://www.tenthousandwaves.com/

http://www.shidoni.com

http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/gui.../overview.html

http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/gui.../overview.html

Deb

I flew directly to Santa Barbara. The airport there is small, and user-friendly. The Fess Parker Doubletree has a free airport shuttle to take you to and from.

I didn't know there were direct flights to Santa Barbara. That's a great point, Peaceout. I tend not to look at the little airports very seriously because I am on a tight budget for travel and they often cost more and/or require a transfer.

Yes, I flew from Denver non-stop to Santa Barbara, on a United Express flight. This was about three years ago.

Another option might be Aspen, Colorado. You could fly there, too. We love Aspen in the summer. Check The Gant condo/hotel for a great value, a few blocks walking to Aspen town. Also a shuttle to/from the airport. It has everything the OP wants, including lots of great outdoor music events.