Help me choose a long weekend getaway trip!

[jmc325]

Hi everyone,

For my birthday my husband told me I can pick a getaway for us! We will be under time constraints since we both have limited time away from work. We're thinking of going in September over labor day weekend, so 3-4 days maximum. We live in Houston, so I'm looking for an easy, non-stop flight. Places I've considered are the Carolinas (I know NOTHING about the area, so I don't have a specific place in mind) or Arizona/ New Mexico. Again, I know that's broad, but I don't even know if that's somewhere worth looking at. We already have trips planned for Portland, San Francisco and NYC for later this year.

Really, I'm just looking for something pretty, with touristy things to do. I want it to be a relaxing trip, so more so sightseeing, shopping, good food... not so much into the bar scene for this trip. I'm completely open to any other recommendations you guys may have. I realize I'm starting to plan early, but I'm excited to getaway and need something to keep me busy at work

[ashap]

Carolinas would be fun - Charleston or Myrtle Beach could be great for a weekend. Even a spa weekend in Arizona would be a great birthday trip.

Other options - New Orleans, Boston, Chicago, Napa (unless you are doing this with SF).

[orangello]

Sedona, AZ! We go every year - gorgeous, lots of hiking and tours available, and nice hotels and spas. It's an easy drive from Phoenix.

[jmc325]

I'm glad you both mentioned Arizona, because the more I think of it the more I'm leaning towards Sedona. Any specific spa recommendations? Also, any must see/ things to do orangello? Finally, how long is the drive from Phoenix to Sedona?

Thank you!!

[orangello]

Mar 29, 2016 14:13:44 GMT -5 jmc325 said:

I'm glad you both mentioned Arizona, because the more I think of it the more I'm leaning towards Sedona. Any specific spa recommendations? Also, any must see/ things to do orangello ? Finally, how long is the drive from Phoenix to Sedona?

Thank you!!

It's about an hour and a half to Sedona - it's mostly through the middle of nowhere so it goes by fast and there's not that much traffic, but there are pretty mountain views along the way.  Not sure of your price range, but if you can swing it, I highly recommend The Enchantment Resort spa.  We always stay on property as well, and they have fantastic hiking in their canyon and the views or the red rocks cannot be beat.  At minimum, head here for sunset cocktails or dinner - food and drinks are delicious, and their outdoor patio has amazing views.

There's also a really nice Hilton and a Kimpton in the area - I think both are in more in town than the Enchantment.

There are a ton of day spas in the area, lots of restaurants and shops, and gorgeous views everywhere.  I also highly recommend driving up into Oak Creek Canyon, and check out the Montezuma Well Monument (Indian dwelling) and the V-Bar-V Heritage site (Indian petroglyphs).  If you're into hiking, Devil's Bridge is fun to check out, and you can scramble around Bell Rock and check out the vortex.

[pbandj]

Santa Fe/Taos is also nice in NM; fly into Albuquerque

North Carolina beaches are nice, but you would have a decent drive from any airport to get to a relaxing beach.

Asheville, NC is a great city, and close to some pretty scenery/hikes.

Savannah, GA

[emilyinchile]

If you live in Houston you have tons of short, direct flights to Central America as well. Are you only interested in domestic?

[Wanderista]

I was also going to say Taos. I've only seen it by flying above in an airplane but it looked gorgeous. It's definitely somewhere I'd like to go. 

Sedona is great but I don't have specific recommendations for it because I went as a kid for several summers to a dude ranch. It is a beautiful region though and I horseback rode and camped around a lot of it.

[jmc325]

Mar 29, 2016 14:53:41 GMT -5 orangello said:

Mar 29, 2016 14:13:44 GMT -5 jmc325 said:

I'm glad you both mentioned Arizona, because the more I think of it the more I'm leaning towards Sedona. Any specific spa recommendations? Also, any must see/ things to do orangello ? Finally, how long is the drive from Phoenix to Sedona?

Thank you!!

It's about an hour and a half to Sedona - it's mostly through the middle of nowhere so it goes by fast and there's not that much traffic, but there are pretty mountain views along the way.  Not sure of your price range, but if you can swing it, I highly recommend The Enchantment Resort spa.  We always stay on property as well, and they have fantastic hiking in their canyon and the views or the red rocks cannot be beat.  At minimum, head here for sunset cocktails or dinner - food and drinks are delicious, and their outdoor patio has amazing views.

There's also a really nice Hilton and a Kimpton in the area - I think both are in more in town than the Enchantment.

There are a ton of day spas in the area, lots of restaurants and shops, and gorgeous views everywhere.  I also highly recommend driving up into Oak Creek Canyon, and check out the Montezuma Well Monument (Indian dwelling) and the V-Bar-V Heritage site (Indian petroglyphs).  If you're into hiking, Devil's Bridge is fun to check out, and you can scramble around Bell Rock and check out the vortex.

Thank you for all the recommendations! I looked at the Enchantment and it's beautiful, definitely will be looking to stay there if we can.

[jmc325]

Mar 30, 2016 13:47:10 GMT -5 emilyinchile said:

If you live in Houston you have tons of short, direct flights to Central America as well. Are you only interested in domestic?

For this trip unfortunately yes... With limited time I don't think we can really enjoy a trip to central america. 

[jmc325]

Mar 30, 2016 13:22:18 GMT -5 pbandj said:

Santa Fe/Taos is also nice in NM; fly into Albuquerque

North Carolina beaches are nice, but you would have a decent drive from any airport to get to a relaxing beach.

Asheville, NC is a great city, and close to some pretty scenery/hikes.

Savannah, GA

All great suggestions, I'll start researching. I've been to Red River (near Taos) but heard that Taos is beautiful. Thanks!

[jmc325]

Thank you to those of you who recommended Sedona. We just got back earlier this week and had an amazing time!! Sedona was absolutely breathtaking. We stayed at the Amara and did a stargazing tour (which was awesome) and the Pink Jeep off roading tour. We also hiked to the top of Bell Rock, that was definitely the highlight of the trip.

I couldn't have had a better time, thanks again!