Where should I go??
 

I know this may open a Pandora's Box of ideas, but I think that's wonderful!...

My husband and I are looking for somewhere to go for about a week next year, around August. We don't need total budget vacation, but we're not looking for total extravagance, either. Just somewhere we haven't been that would be great to see...

We've traveled to Florida twice in the last three years (Disney) including a cruise, we're going to San Diego for a wedding in May, we've been to Colorado, and we're heading to Europe in a month... We live in St. Louis, so trips to Memphis and Chicago are fairly regular. We don't care if we fly or drive, we just want to see somewhere that we shouldn't miss, that would be totally different than where we've been, and somewhere that's not on all the travel sites. Somewhere that offers a mix of relaxation and activities...

Let me hear about the place you live that you think is wonderful, or the best vacation you've ever had!...

It seems from your list that you haven't spent any time in the desert southwest. Although most sights out there are not what you'd call off-the-beaten-path, I would consider them must-sees. Of course, it will be beastly hot in August...the Pacific Northwest might be a good alternative.

While biased I think the Pacific Northwest sounds like a great idea. The weather is fabulous, warm but rarely hot.

Also the east coast, Maine, Vermont as well as the south - though a bad time of year for that I think.

The northeast is wonderful too. Newport, RI and the coast in conn. Wonderful B&Bs. The South Carolina coast is nice too.

I don't want to sound like I'm complaining since everyone is offering great advice, but if I could get a few more specifics on WHY these places are great -- above and beyond what you can find on other sites...

Thank you!!

Suggestions: (1) Lake Tahoe (2) Durango, CO...can use as a base of operations to see Mesa Verde and take the train into Silverton. Lots to do and appreciate in the 4 corners area. (2) Sedona, AZ (4) Fly into Las Vegas...spend a day there and then drive to Zion and Bryce Canyon NP's for some hiking and beautiful vistas. (5) Fly to Calgary, then drive to Banff NP in Canada. August is a great, though busy, time to visit. The Canadian Rockies are incredible. This was one of my favorite trips ever.
So many other options...

Fly into SFO, and simply start your week in San Fran, for a day ro two. Then drive south along the coast to Carmel and Big Sur, for one night and a day of exploring, and then on south to Santa Barbara for a day and night, then into Malibu and LA for the final two days, and then home via LAX. In Auguts the weather all along this area will be magical. I've done this many times, and never failed to be thrilled for days on end. I bet you'll fall for it too.

Maui - or the Big island of hawaii(or both) - two of the most amazing places on Earth. One of the onlu places you can visit a LIVE volcano. Maui has the largest rainforest in the US

I vote for the East Coast. Fly into NYC and see the Statue of Liberty, ride the Staten Island Ferry, visit Ellis Island, go museum hopping, stuff yourself silly in all those great restaurants... Then I'd head up the way a bit to New England. Stop in Newport, Rhode Island to gawk at the mansions. Take in Providence and see a city that's come a long way in making itself wonderful again. Then head on up to Boston. Walk the Liberty Trail. Stroll in the Back Bay and admire the brownstones. Eat a great Italian meal in the North End and feel like you're almost in Italy. Then, if you're not pooped, take a trip to the seafaring towns of Gloucester and Marblehead. Or see the Salem Witch House. Or visit touristy and fun Rockport.

And we haven't even gotten close to Maine or New Hampshire...

I second the Pacific NorthWest. How about Seattle, San Juan Islands, Victoria, Olympic National Forest (rainforest) Really beautiful! Makes me yearn to be in that area again just talking about it....

OR, SW Colorado - Telluride/Durango/Ouray.