I would like to go someplace special for a long weekend between August and January. Does anybody have a very, very special place they would recommend?

Not California, I'm a native!

It's just me and my husband, no kids.

Thanks for any ideas.

I am wondering the same thing. In L.A. -- long for romantic wonderful weekend w/my man, don't have a clue. Think it's possible to do maui in a weekend?

I wouldn't really suggest Maui for a weekend, although I guess in a strict sense it is possible. You Californians longing for green pastures may want to consider Sedona, AZ or Taos, NM. Both are great couples spots with nice resorts/spas, terrific outdoors activities, and splendid fun shopping.

If you want to go a long way from California I suggest Charleston SC -it is one of the world's most beautiful small cities and perfect for a long weekend. Just don't go there in the summertime-gets awfully hot and humid. For something a little closer Sedona seems like a good choice. Also several friends have been raving about the Seatle area-it's on my list of places to go soon.

Have you been to either the Grand Canyon or Lake Tahoe? We have had special weekends at both places.

New Orleans, later in the year. Great time to go is December. Less crowds, better hotel prices. And when we went last December, the wife and I had to go shopping for shorts when the temp hit 80!

New Orleans is very romantic with great restaurants, great nightlife, great architecture and has as close to a European feel to it as you can get in the States.

Grand Canyon in December (but NOT in August).
Denver or Estes Park in the fall.
B&B along the Oregon coast (NOT during a storm!).
Crater Lake Nat Park.
Just about anywhere in Albuquerque, Sante Fe, or Taos.

Drive to Port Angeles (sp?) north of Seattle. Take the ferry to Victoria and stay at the Bedford. We did this on our honeymoon 8 years ago and plan to repeat this in 2 years. In all our travels, and there have been many, this and a trip to Molokai are the two most romantic trips ever. June or July would be nice months to go. We went in June.

I agree with recommendations for Charleston and New Orleans. Both are unique and romantic, with great options for restaurants and accommodations, and would be particularly nice in the fall once the weather cools off a little (October would be perfect).
The coast of Maine is also gorgeous -- Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are wonderful if you haven't been there. (That would be more of an August-October option before it gets too cold; September would be perfect once the crowds are gone).
Key West is a lot of fun too!

I almost forgot. If you aren't limited to the US, you should consider Banff/Lake Louise in Canada -- it's unbelievably gorgeous and your dollar goes a whole lot farther there.

Without a doubt....the Northwest! Weather is wonderful especially in the Fall. I love Portland, Seattle, and the entire Coast line! San Francisco is also a favorite, and not too far from you.

I can't believe no one has mentioned New England. I've been all over the US and Fall in New England is spectacular. There are so many beautiful drives, quaint towns, great beaches, fantastic food, etc.. Boston is a great medium sized city, with alot to do.

Thanks for all your quick responses! Victoria, Charleston and Key west all sound like great ideas. We spent a week in New Orleans last October and loved it. We're going to Providence (a business trip with some pleasure thrown in) later this month.

We are planning an extended train trip across Canada and down New England in the Fall of next year so will be able to catch Lake Louise, Maine and some of the other suggestions later.

Thanks again everyone. Anybody else have some ideas?

How about Santa Fe, New mexico? It is very pretty there, and there are lots of romantic B&Bs and art galleries. If you like spicy food, you'll have a wonderful time.

Don't know if you'd have enough time but I would go to the Canyon de Chelly, Arizona.

If it is between August and October, I would say Maine. Everything is so close and the weather and later the leaf changes are better. Between October and January, I would go to San Antonio and the Hill Country of Texas. SA is a great city with Six Flags & Sea World, river (small) boat ride by the Riverwalk, great restaurants & pubs, mariachi mass at Mission San Jose at noon on Sundays, Alamo, Rivercenter Mall, La Villita (lots of Mexican and German influence). The Hill Country has more German influence and the home of LBJ near Johnson City. Check out www.traveltex.com for more information. SA is also a very romantic place.

What about western and southwestern Colorado? There are some really neat mountain towns, Telluride, Durango, Aspen, Ouray - supposed to be "little switzerland."

I haven't been to all of them myself, but have researched it and wish to someday. There is a narrow gage railroad that runs from Durango to Silverton, CO that is supposed to be excellent.

Aspen has some really nice lodging, and at the time of year you're going, prices may be half. I know rates in Aspen go down drastically after September. You might really enjoy seeing the Aspen trees in Colorado in the fall - mid to late Sept. I believe is best.

As great as New England is, you won't have enough time if you're just coming for a long week end, so I say save this area for another time. If you just stayed in Boston (which is a great city) there would still not be enough time. The flights are too long and there will be a little jet lag to cope with, not to mention retriving luggage at baggage claim, traffic getting to your hotel, and checking into your room. I agree with AZ, because you won't have much travel time from CA and you can really relax in Sedona, Grand Canyon, etc. Have a good time whereever you decide to go!

TEXAS
Texas is a great state especially the San Antonio and Houston areas.
Galveston is nice too.

NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans is a very romantic city especially in the french quarter.

VEGAS, VACATION
Las Vegas is an adult disneyland, need I say more?

INDIANAPOLIS
Indy is a very nice city with great night life and hubby will love the Indy5000.

WASHINGTON D.C
Washington too is very romantic and There are lots of museums and historic sites.

OKLAHOMA
If your a native,
lots of history and great shops and trading posts.
Pow Wow's and all.


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Sedona Arizona
Since you are on the west coast, a lot of time would be lost flying cross country for a long weekend trip. There is enough to inspire, explore and relax with in Sedona.
If you have never been to San Antonio, there is plenty to see and do along the River Walk. Let us know what you decide.