I will. Thank, Mme.

From your list I say Austin.

I'm not sure why everyone's recommending California, Oregon, etc. since you specifically said you don't want to come that far west??? :-)

Suze, the OP said "probably", not definitely, and it was my impression that forums are for ideas. And I think CA is a good idea. Simple enough.

hey I *love* California, it's one of my favorite states.

Havng grown up in Texas (Dallas) I'll chime in...I've not met a single person yet who did NOT like Austin. Most people who need a break from Dallas tend to drift south to Austin for the rolling green hills, culture and general change of atmosphere. There's nightlife, good living, shopping, and not far from outdoor activities. I'm not sure about kayaking (seems to me to be more of a river sport where you want some challenge; kayaking on a lake may not be the same, but then again, I don't kayak :p) I really like the friendly & neighborly attitudes of folks in Texas/South, which is something that gets taken for granted when you leave.

I have lived in, or have family living in, so many of the places that have been named. Here are my .02 worth:
Asheville will meet the needs of a person who wants to live on the east coast, who is a northern Calif/Portland, OR, Seattle type personality. Climate is cooler than a lot of the southeast (maybe a few snows some winters that don't last long). Gorgeous mountains with lots of outdoor activities.
Charleston is (IMO) the most unique city in America. Plus, you will have plenty of opportunity to kayak there with access to the intra-coastal waterway (Wilmington, NC would give you the same). If you are a gardening enthusiast, Charleston's climate would allow you to grow some citrus.