3 night Vacation Get-A-Way Ideas?

[twobrewers]

My wife and I are looking for a really nice 3 night get-a-way in the US. (We don't have passports - only passport cards that allow us to drive or ship into locations)

 

Can anyone share any really good short vacations they have taken.

 

Our options so far...

Vegas - We've never been. We aren't big on crowds - but it seems like we should try at least once. Not gamblers either. Where to stay what to do?

 

Hawaii - She would love a tropical resort. We founds some really great ones that work into our schedule. But 14 hours of travel each way doesn't seem like a great use of our limited time.

 

Cruise - We have been on and loved our cruise. However, we are kind of having a hard time finding a flight to go with the cruise. With only 3 nights, we would need flights that lines up perfectly.

 

Key West/Sanibel Island - We've been to Sanibel island before. Seems to meet her tropical resort idea. Not sure of any great places to stay.

 

We will be doing this in the VERY near future. So we really are looking for a great idea so we can book something today. Your idea's are greatly appreciated!!

[Patrick425]

My wife and I were just in Vegas last weekend. We really enjoy it there, but it's not for everyone. If you don't gamble it might no be for you, but there is still plenty to see and do. Just walking up and down the strip and exploring all the stores, sights, etc would take a day. It sounds like your wife is looking for something a little more tropical. Vegas does not meet that requirement and if you go on the weekend the pools at the hotels can be very, very crowded.

 

Regardless of where you go, if you are looking for places to stay, I think tripadvisor.com is the best place to get honest reviews on lodging.

[NeedMoreFans]

Don't do Hawaii in 3 nights. By the time you arrive, you think it's 3 AM, and you want to crash. Plus, all flights home are overnight flights, so that eats up one of your nights on your trip.

 

3 nights is a perfect length of time for Vegas. I've been there twice, and am not a big gambler, either. Try to go during the week if you can...it won't be as busy. Go see a show, walk up and down the strip, go to Freemont St, and walk around the casinos. 3 nights will go quick.

 

I also really enjoyed the San Francisco Bay area. We spent a week there, but you can cut that down to 3 nights very easily.

[twobrewers]

Anyone ever done Napa Valley?

[GAME05]

Anyone ever done Napa Valley?

wish i still worked in travel that i could get all the destination information for you. your wife would definitely love Napa. the winery tours are really popular, and you can easily get on guided tours so that you don't have to worry about the drinking. also some of the best restaurants in the country around there.

 

if not Vegas the city, there's a ton of stuff to do nearby. Joshua Tree is about four hours away, Hoover Dam and Red Rocks in Northern Arizona if you like hiking and nature.

 

if you want seclusion, there are a number of bed-and-breakfasts you can get on a number of the Florida keys.

 

is there anything you two have a particular interest in? seclusion, history, nature, theater/shows...?

[JimH5]

3 days is perfect for NYC. . .Holiday shopping, sightseeing, great dining, broadway. No car necessary.

[GAME05]

Montreal is a big party city but also has a lot of differences with the French/European influences to make it different and exciting.

 

if you're willing to rent a car and already thinking about Napa Valley, Highway 1 (i think that's the number) is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the country.

 

another incredible drive is the Blue Ridge Parkway around the Asheville area in North Carolina. it's a bit past the prime of the year, but the trees should still have a good bit of colour on them, and Asheville is an awesome town to hang out in--a LOT like Madison. same vibe, same type of people, Biltmore House, ton of ethnic restaurants, and there's a wine-growing area two hours from there that isn't as scenic as Napa Valley, but has some great wineries. Asheville had a half-inch of snow a couple days ago, so i don't know if you're looking to escape the cold weather for a weekend.

 

Savannah, Georgia is a very beautiful and historic city if you like Civil-War-era architecture and ghost tours.

[chuckiehacks]

I agree on Vegas, but again that's not for everyone. I'd suggest San Francisco. Lots to see, no need for a car and a ton of options for things to see and do. Between Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury, the waterfront, etc. its like visiting a few different cities.

[LouisEly]

This time of year Vegas won't be crowded, so it might be a good time to go. Most pools are closed from November through February. Lots to do there besides gamble, particularly shows. I recommend Ka (Cirque du Solie) at MGM - it's an amazing show. Zumanity is a little more adult-oriented. If you do your homework you will find lots of cover bands that play cheap/free shows. There is an auto museum with some very rare and exotic cars, and there are places where you can rent exotic sports cars by the hour if you want to have a little driving fun. There's always The Gun Store - how many places can you shoot fully automatic weapons, including a SAW? Still warm enough during the day to golf, or go on a helicopter tour. Grand Canyon/Hoover Dam isn't too far from there for a day trip. Pick up a book on Vegas - you'd be surprised how much non-gaming things there are to do.

 

As for south Florida/Keys, the general rule of thumb is Spring = Caribbean, Fall = Pacific. But you might be far enough past hurricane season where you will get good weather and good prices. Just looked at Miami and the highs the next 10 days are low 80s with sunshine. Another place not too far from there is Gulf Shores, Alabama. Might be real cheap to go there now because of the oil spill/disaster.

 

Hawaii will be too far, but Southern CA is a good option. I was back last week and they had a heat spell - it was upper 90s for two days in a row. For some reason though the weather is always nice around Thanksgiving. I'd look into LA or San Diego too.

 

Napa is good - some friends of mine went there this weekend in fact. I'd recommend the Ferrari-Carano winery which actually is not in Napa Valley, it's in Sonoma Valley straight north of San Francisco. You can do SF for a day or two and Sonoma Valley wineries for a day or two.

[valpocrewsader]

New Orleans? Three days seems about right to experience the French Quarter, sample cajun & creole cuisine, do some local sight-seeing, etc. And temperatures are still in the 70s down there.

[I Heart Brewers]

Big thumbs up to the Bay Area in Fall. I live 30 minutes from Napa and you could definitely do a nice 3 day weekend there. We probably head up there 3-4 times a year (2 kids now, makes it hard) just for day trips but there are so many B&Bs as well as spas you could find that accommodate nice long weekends. Obviously there are a ton of great wineries but there are also lots of great restaurants. I would recommend staying in Sonoma as opposed to Napa though. I believe it's a bit cheaper as well. It's far less crowded and much more laid back.

 

Temps are nice this time of year. It was in the 70s today.

[craigharmann]

I'll throw San Antonio in the mix as well. Riverwalk is fun just to hang out and experience culture. There's lot of historical stuff too (obviously the Alamo). Also, there's Sea World, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and lots of other stuff.

[twobrewers]

We booked for Napa Valley.

 

I wish I had gotten the Sonoma idea before booking the hotel in Napa. I've heard from two other sources as well that they enjoyed Sonoma better than Napa. Oh well, I'm sure we will have a great time anyways!