I am a regular reader of this forum and used to be a frequent traveler, but for personal reasons we haven't traveled much in the last few years. We have been to DC, where we used to live, several times to visit friends and sightsee; we went to NYC for a wedding; and to Amelia Island for a long weekend. (A return to NYC is never out of the question.)

Now we are free to travel again, and while I am planning a more ambitious trip for later in the year, I have my eye on Labor Day weekend. But where to go? Now that the floodgates are open, we are paralyzed by choice

So: we live in Tampa; want to be gone no longer than Fri-Mon, so long travel times, like flying to Hawaii, are out. Because of the longer trip in the works, don't want to spend a fortune, but there is no fixed budget. I am thinking hotel no more than $250 per night, max. We could drive, or fly, as long as airfare isn't too pricy.

No theme parks; shopping not a high priority; pool not desired; city or country equally OK, beach or mountains or desert, all are OK.

Thanks for taking the time to consider this! I look forward to hearing ideas.

Without knowing where you have been to in the past I will throw out Charleston, SC, NewbE.

NewbE, you should come visit Boston of course! You should be able to get a decent hotel due to no business travelers. Weather should be beautiful here.

boston would be a super choice, also Portland, ME and Newport, RI would be good escapes. You might consider Bermuda for a long weekend. How about the Keys? enjoy yourself.

If you select Boston, try Priceline bidding for a four star in Back Bay.

The Keys are on my wish list but it's too far for me to get to for a weekend especially as the airfare is expensive from Boston.
Bermuda sounds lovely
Boston will be besieged by returning college students with families in tow right around then.

Where are you going for your more ambitious trip? I'd pick somewhere entirely different for this short break.

We're off to Vermont that weekend... see you there?

To get away from the heat, Asheville or Brevard NC.

I have to agree with Asheville! I know there are good flights into Tricities from tampa on allegiant (very restrictive dates though). We love Grove Park Inn - the spa is fabulous!

New Mexico? It's hot, though, unless you head up into the mountains.

Lee Ann

Philadelphia?

After August 15 Allegiant Airlines has flights to/from Branson MO on Fridays and Mondays from Tampa. http://www.allegiantair.com/
They have deals that include shows, hotels and rental cars that you can include with your airfare.
Any interest in the music scene in Branson?

Such good ideas, thank you!

Charleston is definite possibility.

So are Boston, Newport and Portland, ME, although we'd like to do a longer New England trip so might save these for then. Although the idea of cooler temps is tempting...

New Mexico is one of our favorite places to visit, and we'd brave the heat; but I think the flight times would be too long for a three day weekend.

The Keys will be even hotter than Tampa, lol! But they're a definite maybe.

We were just in Philly, albeit very briefly; and no, Branson isn't our musical cup of tea. As for Asheville, I am in the minority of people who are not in love with it; a friend lives nearby, I have visited, she adores it, and I am happy for her.

Vermont, hmmm. I know nothing about Vermont, but it sounds good. What are you up to there, sassy_cat?

(The more ambitious trip will be to Oregon.)

Thank you again, and we still don't know what to do, so more ideas are always welcome.

Stowe Vt might be the ticket - lovely mountain area, nice bike path along a stream, nearby Ben and Jerry's. The Trapp Family Lodge is very nice - though its been a long while since we stayed.

Or maybe Montreal - if that is not too long of a flight?

Personally, I'm headed to Kennebunkport for some kayaking.

Hi Newbe,

We're heading to Manchester, Vermont and stay at the Equinox. This trip is a little R&R after moving my son into an apartment for his junior year.
Manchester is about a 3-4 hour drive from home. We plan on a little hiking to some nearby waterfalls and visiting a swimming hole. I'm sure the water will be cold but my DD will take the plunge anyway.
We might do Mt. Equinox skyline drive, we might try the spa, swim in the pool or just eat, drink, relax and recharge our batteries
www.equinoxresort.com

I've never been to Oregon but hope to make it to Crater Lake NP someday!

Oh, I almost forgot the highlight of our weekend is an introductory falconry lesson with a hawk!

First, a tool to help with the thinking/planning:
http://nsflight.com/Data/TPA.html

Niagara Falls, Ontario is good match for such a short trip, and the weather will be nice. It's a 30 minute drive from the Buffalo, NY airport.

Other ideas with similar non-stop flight times and good for a 2-3 night stay:
San Juan PR or Chicago