My friends and I live in Central Ohio, and have been going to Chicago for long weekends for about seven years. We usually see a play, visit Marilyn Miglin's on Oak Street, shop on Michigan Avenue, see an exhibit at the art museum. <BR><BR>This year, we are driving to Charleston, SC, then on to Savannah, then to Ashville, NC. We are planning to leave on Sunday in late September, and return home on Saturday. We have been friends since grade school.<BR><BR>I would suggest a long weekend in Chicago.<BR><BR>

How about a complete change of culture that's a relatively short distance away? Montreal and Quebec (take the train between the two or just stay in one or the other). You don't need French to get around -- all is bilingual -- but it's a taste of Europe without the distance or the prices.<BR><BR>Otherwise, I second the Charleston-Savannah suggestion. Easy goin' but warm, pretty (height of flower season), good food, and it ain't Minnesota!

How about Victoria, on Vancover Island. It is absolutely beautiful, a little gem of a city. The gardens are lovely . The Impress Hotel offers an Afternoon Tea and there is much to do and see on the Island. You might check out the web site for Vancover Island.

What a fun thread. Among the suggestions so far that seem most appealing are: Chicago, so much to do<BR>Montreal and Quebec, a real other country feel<BR>Reykjevik, how cool is that? Do a search on the europe forum and read about the guy who did the Icelandair mystery trip<BR>Savannah and Charleston and make all the travelers read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil before you go<BR>But unless I read too fast, I haven't seen my personal favorite--the CA wine country taking in Napa and Sonoma. Wonderful scenery, great wine, terrific food and nice relaxing places to stay. <BR><BR>On the otherhand, for a few pennies more in airfare and some advance planning you could do Paris.

My girlfriends and I go on regular trips, too. We have been to New Orleans, Key West, San Francisco and wine country, Boston, Baltimore and Ocean City, MD, Los Angeles and even Wisconsin Dells (most of us are based in the midwest). The best trips were N.O., Boston and S.F./Wine Country, since they have the widest variety of options. These are probably my three favorite cities...you ladies could not go wrong in any of them. Have a great trip!

Personally, I can think of no more satisfying a trip with friends than to a dude ranch out west. A group of us did the same thing you do a few years ago, and we loved Tanque Verde Ranch just south of Tuscon, AZ. Lovely pool, great hoeses, scenery to die for, great food - simply an unforgetable trip. I hope this appeals to you. We were skeptical at first, but oh my, did we have a ball! We left the guys and kids at home and just enjoyed the time to the hilt.