Small Town Active November Couple Getaway
 

This is my first post (first time on Fodor's actually) so I hope I don't break any rules of which I'm unaware. Thank you ahead of time to anyone who takes the time to respond, we really appreciate it.

My wife and I would like to get away from St. Louis for a few days, up to a week this November. So far our two favorite places that we've visited are Calistoga, CA and Bar Harbor, ME. We enjoy staying close to "downtown" and walking/riding bikes to eat and just "live" in the area. We're not looking for big city locations, but don't want a sleepy B&B town with absolutely nothing to do. We enjoy good food, hiking, kayaking, wine, scenery, etc. Acceptable temps are 50 -70 degree days and as low as 30 at night. I like the idea of the Southwest or California.

I am an extremely diligent researcher and just need a few town/location ideas and can dig from there.

Again, any help is greatly appreciated. Happy travels!

Two places that come to mind are Sedona in Arizona and Santa Fe in New Mexico. Lots of choices in southern California too.

In CA - the Santa Barbara area would fit your bill. Or lots of others including farther north in Carmel/Monterey.

WELCOME!!

Santa Fe should fiii the bill nicely, lots of wonderful things to see and do, and that should be pretty low season. You can rent a casita through VRBO and get a locals view of the town. You won't be able to kayak, but you can do lots of other great things.

Sunny days with azure blue skies and crisp, cool nights with fires in a kiva fireplace and the scent of pinons in the air.

Lots on here to search. Type in Santa Fe in the box.

We've used VRBO multiple times in the past. Can anyone suggest which VRBO Santa Fe area fits our wishes of "downtown" walk to it all? Thanks!

Casas de San Juan
Cielo Grande
El Corazon de Santa Fe
Eldorado
Fort Marcy
Guadalupe
Historic Eastside
La Tierra
La Vereda Compound
Las Campanas
Las Lomas
North Hills
Northeast
Northwest
Pinion Hills
Private Homes
Private Homes, Eastside
Private Homes, Historical Downtown
Pueblo Encantado
Quail Run
Railyard
South Capitol
Southeast
Tesuque
Tesuque Hills
Vista Encantada
West Alameda
Aldea de Santa Fe
Campanilla Compound
Casa Linda
Other Santa Fe Properties

I would guess by the description that "Private Homes, Historical Downtown" would be your best bet. Have a great time!

Fort Marcy, Railyard, Historic Eastside, and Historical Downtown jump out at me.

If you can get specific addresses, it makes it easier to determine.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...fe-casitas.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...uld-you-do.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...uggestions.cfm

Have you ever been to Moab Utah? My DW and I enjoyed ourselves there the first week of November last year.
I'm not sure you will find good kayaking in November anywhere.
My favorite kayaking places are in Central Oregon but it will be too cold by November.
For a summertime trip, Check out Bend or Sunriver Oregon.
Both are bicycle friendly and are along the Deschutes River.

You didn't mention Utah but if you had I'd agree with Tom Fuller, Moab is a really neat place in Nov. Some of the best biking and hiking in the US, great scenery, not crowded in Nov. So I guess now I'm in for Sedona, Santa Fe and Moab ;)

Weather wise, Sedona rises above Santa Fe for outdoor activities (I'm not familiar with Moab). I'm a huge fan of Santa Fe for it's culture and outdoor activities it offers. There are a few trails I'm aware of close to town for light hiking but better hiking in Bandelier and Tent Rocks, both requiring a car for 45+ drive.

Sedona offers a lot of hiking trails that are easy to get to in town that offer spectacular red rock views! A car is required but most are within 5-10 minutes and looking at the average temp of 64 for a high the risk of snow or flurries are less than Santa Fe, which is at 7500 feet.

Both offer beautiful scenery and outdoor activity. If you are looking for more choices in restaurants with museums and galleries, Santa Fe has the upper hand. Only a handful of choices are available in Sedona.

Welcome to Fodors!

I meant that to read 45+ miles regarding distance from Santa Fe to Bandelier & Tent Rocks.

Six of us were very happy with our rental at El Corazon in Santa Fe over the Christmas holidays a few years ago. It's only a couple of easy blocks from the plaza and we walked to most places--shopping, restaurants, museums. (Serious trips to the grocery store, skiing and hiking, and an excursion to a distant restaurant called for us to use the car. Otherwise, we walked everywhere. BTW, there was reserved garage parking for our unit. Probably one or two spaces for every unit.)

We did rent through an agency, not VRBO.

Here is a link to an article you might enjoy about the "10 coolest small towns in America":

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-40652048

Idyllwild California
Ojai, California
Sonoma, California
Coeur D'Alene Idaho

I'd say at this point we've narrowed it down to Idyllwild or Santa Fe.

I grew up going to Idyllwild every summer as a child. I have to respectfully say that I am not all that fond of the town. It's very small and IMHO there isn't much to do. It is a great place to hike or relax in the mtns.

If that appeals to you, I would recommend Lake Arrowhead as an alternative. The problem with Idyllwild is the long drive up the mountain. Driving up to Lake Arrowhead is a much better drive.

In terms of distance Lake Arrowhead is not too far north of Idyllwild. Lake A is a straight shot east from LAX about 1 1/2 hours.

San Luis Obispo. Wine, beach, hiking, nice towns, plenty to do.