Destination Suggestions for Burned Out Traveler?
Jun 28, 2008, 12:41 am
#16
Join Date: Mar 2006
Programs: COdbaUA 1K, Hilton, Marriott
Posts: 102
Mendocino, California!
Direct flight from PHL to SFO and about a 3 hour beautiful drive north.
Will be cool and comfortable temperature and the sunsets will be awesome.
Rent a vacation home on the ocean - you only have to leave to enjoy the wonderful town. And, it is northern California, so you'll be totally accepted.
Mendocino is guaranteed R&R.
(If the drive out of SFO seems too long, you can always do the Sonoma coast near Jenner.)
Will be cool and comfortable temperature and the sunsets will be awesome.
Rent a vacation home on the ocean - you only have to leave to enjoy the wonderful town. And, it is northern California, so you'll be totally accepted.
Mendocino is guaranteed R&R.
(If the drive out of SFO seems too long, you can always do the Sonoma coast near Jenner.)
Jul 2, 2008, 6:15 am
#17
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Mileage Plus, Skymiles, EleVAte founding member, SPG
Posts: 1,910
I second this as a suggestion. You can be near the ocean, but there's not a lot of temptation to sunbathe as it might be a little cool. A friend rents houses at the Sea Ranch when he's up there. There's lots of options though. Wow, thinking about this, I wanna go myself!
Jul 2, 2008, 7:21 am
#18
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
Maine would be a nice option in summer. You could fly direct on either USAir or WN to Manchester, then its less than one hour to the Maine Border, very easy drive. Also, once you reach the Maine border there is very good outlet shopping you can do along the way.
Another cute town with a big gay population for its size, but not over bearing, is Columbus, OH. Although, I think 2-3 days would be the max for that locale. A second Laguna Beach area and possibly think about MSP for a few days could be nice, again to escape the hot PHL summer.
Another cute town with a big gay population for its size, but not over bearing, is Columbus, OH. Although, I think 2-3 days would be the max for that locale. A second Laguna Beach area and possibly think about MSP for a few days could be nice, again to escape the hot PHL summer.
Jul 5, 2008, 9:55 am
#19
Join Date: May 2003
Location: TLL
Programs: OZ Diamond, BA Gold, Bonvoy Ambassador, HH Gold
Posts: 4,412
Based on your criteria, my mountain hometown of Asheville, NC would seem to fit your needs. There's no nonstop from PHL, but CLT is an easy interstate 2-hour drive.
Cooler weather, mountain-fresh air, do-all or nothing, very gay friendly, increasing number of older gay couples settle here. Not much nightlife in the traditional big-city sense, but good restaurants abound.
Cooler weather, mountain-fresh air, do-all or nothing, very gay friendly, increasing number of older gay couples settle here. Not much nightlife in the traditional big-city sense, but good restaurants abound.
http://www.whitegate.net/
It was within walking distance to downtown and the rooms were really great. Asheville was amazing, I would also highly recommend it.
Jul 5, 2008, 10:52 pm
#20
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: PPSP. Yeah, I'm the bartender at that fancy 5-Star that forgot you said no salt on your freakin' frozen margarita. Listen up people! NO FROZEN DRINKS!
Posts: 2,022
Well, I just posted this in another thread but the Half Moon Bay Ritz-Carlton is fab. Yes I am a bit prejudiced, having opened it a few years ago, but it has really blossomed, I think. A short drive from SFO and within a short drive to lots of things to do. Plus the oddball (and I lived there so please don't flame me) town of Half Moon Bay has some offbeat places to eat and shop. PM me if you need suggestions.
Also, I know this is sort of obvious, but what about Key West? I generally hate the str8 drunk frat boys and sorority girls there but this is off-season and the island is so far out in the water that it is still balmy weather! But can you fly there non-stop?
Also, I know this is sort of obvious, but what about Key West? I generally hate the str8 drunk frat boys and sorority girls there but this is off-season and the island is so far out in the water that it is still balmy weather! But can you fly there non-stop?
Jul 6, 2008, 9:07 pm
#21
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: SYD
Programs: QF Platinum (LTG), OW Emerald, Accor Platinum; Hyatt Explorist.
Posts: 2,165
This totally does not fit your requirments, however, for the benefit of those seeking something really unique and blissful try Muscat, Oman for a true authentic Arabian calm friendly and very safe destination. It's less than an hour flying from the overhyped zoo that is Dubai. I always stay at the Chedi.
Ahhhhh how I wish I was there.
http://www.ghmhotels.com/
CJ
Ahhhhh how I wish I was there.
http://www.ghmhotels.com/
CJ
Jul 7, 2008, 6:40 am
#22
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denmark, SK*G ( EBD), BA (silver), FB (Silver)
Posts: 489
Thanks so much for all of the suggestions! I have been to some of the places suggested and would definitely consider a revisit to any of them. Others are on my "to do" list. Looks like I've got some research to do...will have to see what I can pull together over the next few days in terms of availablity and try to make a decision.
Jul 8, 2008, 2:14 pm
#23
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 284
Rochester! Are you crazy? I'm from that part of the world. No, it is not terrible, but certainly something that I would not drive five minutes to see. If you like Rochester, maybe you would like the empty industrial plants in Buffalo. Or the main street that used to have six department stores, and now can't keep a Wendy's open.
Jul 13, 2008, 12:11 pm
#24
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Australia
Programs: QF, SQ
Posts: 326
fly to Gatwick. Check into a nice hotel here in Brighton. Relax and chill down here on the South Coast. Take in a day of shopping with a trip to the Theatre in London before heading back down to Brighton...
Or - Take a walk along the South Downs with some of Britains most impressive Coastal scenery and cliffs...
Or - Take a walk along the South Downs with some of Britains most impressive Coastal scenery and cliffs...