Where should we go on Vacation?

[amaranth]

So we're taking the plunge and planning a sans-child trip this fall. The timeline is flexible but I'm thinking end of August through September. Where should we go for 2-5 nights?

Current options:
-Maine (see fall colors, hike)
-Niagra Falls & Toronto
-Las Vegas (we aren't gamblers or big drinkers, so this may be lame)
-Something along the Oregon or Seattle coasts?
-New Orleans (although apparently that's hurricane season)
-Other ideas?

[Deleted]

I don't see Vegas as fun if you don't drink or gamble, but if you're into seeing shows that could be fun. Definitely not my first choice. I would definitely avoid New Orleans during hurricane season. Also, I think it would be super hot and humid.

I wouldn't do Toronto just because I don't have a passport, but if you do then that might be fun. H has seen Niagara Falls and said there isn't really much to do other than...see the falls.

For a fall trip I like the idea of one of the coasts. The weather should be pleasant in both the northeast and northwest at that time, and there's plenty to do and see. I think it would be really relaxing. Tasty seafood restaurants, pretty fall leaves, beautiful ocean, quaint bed and breakfasts, lots of shops to explore.

[MrsMB]

Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA would be pretty. Also, renting a cabin in Gatlinburg, TN would be super awesome too! beautiful views over all those fall trees in the mountains.

Out of the list above, I would go see Niagra Falls and Toronto.

Edit: I'm not a huge fan of N'Awlins.....but I do think everyone should do it once. AND those dates aren't anywhere near Mardis Gras....which is good in my opinion. (Not a huge fan of Mardis Gras).

[spankswife]

I love the shows and food in Vegas. They have great pools too for day time.

Maine sounds gorgeous!

SF/Napa would be gorgeous then too. Even if you aren't a big drinker, wine country is so pretty. You could do a hot air balloon ride.

[amaranth]

Oh, I should have specified, I'm trying to visit states I've never been to... hence the random options. spankswife I like the idea of the hot air balloon ride. I recall there being a great one that goes over the grand canyon at dawn.

[spankswife]

Oooh!! And you can raft in the CO river at the bottom! Then you could spend a day or two in Sedona! It's stunning there. We did a pink Jeep tour that was awesome. Hiking would be great too obviously.

[estrellita]

The two places I really want to go on your list are Maine and the PNW area. I've never been to either area and really want to! Vegas could be fun if you have the money for shows and nice restaurants but I'm not a gambler at all so I admit I don't see the appeal as much.

[amaranth]

spankswife that sounds amazing! I think that sounds like a top contender. My husband has never been rafting and I enjoyed it when I went.

estrellita my challenge is knowing more specifically what to do in either of those places. I know they are beautiful, but don't know quite what a trip there would entail.

[spankswife]

If you decide on GC and Sedona let me know! I can give you some recs. the only thing usif you want to stay in the GC park you have to resrve a room asap.

[amaranth]

Jun 9, 2015 13:25:39 GMT -5 spankswife said:

If you decide on GC and Sedona let me know! I can give you some recs. the only thing usif you want to stay in the GC park you have to resrve a room asap.

Where would you recommend staying?

[Deleted]

Niagara Falls is beautiful but the area is super cheesy. We are going there in August and plan on heading to a town a few miles away from the falls called Niagara on the Lake. It's supposed to be really beautiful. Vegas can still be fun if you don't drink or gamble. The pools will still be open and you can see some great shows.

[mac08]

Maine is beautiful! I've been there a few times.  There are a lot of quaint towns there, with cute restaurants and shops, plus beaches- if you go in late August it would still be beach weather.

[luv2rn4fun]

Is August really a great time to go to the Grand Canyon/Sedona? My ILs live at the river and end of August is just horribly hot (like 120ish degrees). Both are beautiful and on our To-Do/See list but not in August. Vegas will be similarly hot but at least you will be hanging out at the pool or inside.

Personally, I would do Oregon coast or Niagara Falls...or SF/Napa...or you can always visit So Cal!

[HoneySpider]

I'd go to Maine!

[katiek]

Well if you come to Niagara Falls, I can tell you all the best places to go! There are a lot of things to do on the Canadian side. The American side is terrible.

Also, we went to New Orleans on our honeymoon and it was wonderful. We really want to go again someday.

[katespade]

Oregon has some great coast options. Plus, you know, there are awesome people in Oregon.

[awick14]

We did the Oregon coast a few years ago and have been wanting to go back soon. Maybe next summer.

[travelbug]

Maine!!!!

I ditto katiek If you do end up going to Niagara Falls/Toronto. I would have lots of suggestions as well! (I also agree the American Side stinks, not even worth it over there haha)

[amaranth]

awick14 and katespade Do you have any basic recommendations for Oregon to help me research? I don't even know what to look up.

luv2rn4fun Good point on August timing in Arizona. If my hubby wants to do that trip we can push it back to October instead.

katiek and travelbug Ditto my question above, what are a few things I can look into for the Niagra/Toronto idea?

[katespade]

amaranth - Definitely! It kind of depends on what you're looking to do while you're there. My favorite places to go are Lincoln City and Newport/Waldport. Astoria and Seaside are also nice, but they're farther north so it may be colder there in September.

If you want to talk details, send me a PM. I'm pretty familiar with the majority of the Oregon coast line.

[katiek]

Okay, this is going to be long and rambley, but I just wanted to throw as much out here as I can. First, are you planning to drive? It's about 9 hours from Chicago to here. If you don't mind driving a bit once you're here, there are lots of things in the area.

Niagara Falls: there's obviously the falls themselves, The Maid of the Mist ( www.maidofthemist.com/ ), Clifton Hill ( www.cliftonhill.com/ ), there's also a waterpark and a butterfly conservatory, among lots of other touristy things

Niagara on the Lake: www.niagaraonthelake.com/ super fancy B&Bs, lots of historic buildings, tonnes of wineries (I can give you our faves if you go!), the Shaw festival, if you're into theatre ( www.shawfest.com/ )

General area: Fort George ( www.friendsoffortgeorge.ca/ ), Queenston Heights for walking ( www.niagaraparks.com/niagara-falls-attractions/queenston-heights.html ), many outlet malls (I can give you details on the best ones if you're interested), there's a food festival in September ( www.niagarafallstourism.com/events/niagara-food-festival/ ), hoseback riding ( www.horseplayniagara.com/ )

Niagara Falls is pretty pricey for hotels. Niagara on the Lake, St Catharines, and Welland are all about 20 minutes away from the Falls, and St Catharines and Welland would have much cheaper hotels, because there's nothing particularly special about them, lol. Niagara on the Lake is more expensive in general, but they have really awesome inns, so it's more special than regular hotels. Let me know if you want more details about hotels or anything, because I probably have opinions about everything

[awick14]

I agree with katespade, the Newport, Lincoln city areas were our favorite. They are so beautiful. DH and I want to go back and have tried planning a few trips but nothing worked out, so far.