Where Should I Go (in North America)?
Mar 7, 2014, 3:24 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
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Posts: 93
Where Should I Go (in North America)?
I'd like to plan a five-night trip somewhere in the US or Canada for my girlfriend and I. We're from the LA area, and would prefer to get out of California.
I really enjoy "smaller-feeling" places with lots of low-key shops, restaurants, bars, and the like. For instance, I liked the Byward Market in Ottawa quite a bit, which probably isn't a common destination. I try and avoid places with too much traffic or commotion, like the touristy parts of SF and LA.
Can anyone make a recommendation? I wonder if somewhere on the southern East Coast (the Carolinas, Virginia, etc) might have a good option? We're planning on doing the trip in June or July.
Thanks for any help!
I really enjoy "smaller-feeling" places with lots of low-key shops, restaurants, bars, and the like. For instance, I liked the Byward Market in Ottawa quite a bit, which probably isn't a common destination. I try and avoid places with too much traffic or commotion, like the touristy parts of SF and LA.
Can anyone make a recommendation? I wonder if somewhere on the southern East Coast (the Carolinas, Virginia, etc) might have a good option? We're planning on doing the trip in June or July.
Thanks for any help!
Mar 7, 2014, 3:41 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 10
Some of the small Colorado ski towns are nice during that time. Especially if you like active vacations. Lots to do outdoors. I LOVE all the Southern Utah spots. (Moab, Zion, etc)
Or if you want East Coast---how about Charleston, SC? Great food, different culture, beautiful buildings, ocean, etc.
Or if you want East Coast---how about Charleston, SC? Great food, different culture, beautiful buildings, ocean, etc.
Mar 7, 2014, 5:02 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: BKK
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Posts: 2,395
Depending how small you want, ski towns are usually a great option in the off season (as mentioned up thread).
We once visited Yellowstone in June and spent quite a bit of time in the surrounding towns. Weather was still a bit iffy, but lots of variety between towns in terms of size, culture, etc., and most importantly, still early enough for low numbers of tourists.
Boise doesn't pop up on many peoples radar, but I found it a charming small city. Likewise for Austin.
Nashville ticks your boxes, and usually not too hot yet in June. Several daily nonstop flights from LAX, too.
Also, I know you said you wanted to get out of Cali, but it's a great time of year to do a leisurely road trip through the gold country. A long string of small, walkable towns along route 49.
We once visited Yellowstone in June and spent quite a bit of time in the surrounding towns. Weather was still a bit iffy, but lots of variety between towns in terms of size, culture, etc., and most importantly, still early enough for low numbers of tourists.
Boise doesn't pop up on many peoples radar, but I found it a charming small city. Likewise for Austin.
Nashville ticks your boxes, and usually not too hot yet in June. Several daily nonstop flights from LAX, too.
Also, I know you said you wanted to get out of Cali, but it's a great time of year to do a leisurely road trip through the gold country. A long string of small, walkable towns along route 49.
Mar 7, 2014, 5:16 pm
#9
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Mar 7, 2014, 6:00 pm
#10
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Join Date: Oct 2006
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I guess I struggle a bit with the thought of Ottawa....
My stays in Montreal have been at midrange properties which had decent reviews. Nothing great enough for me to go out of my way to recommend.
My stays in Montreal have been at midrange properties which had decent reviews. Nothing great enough for me to go out of my way to recommend.
Mar 7, 2014, 6:11 pm
#11
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central Mass
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Posts: 4,829
I would probably switch it up myself. Downtown Ottawa is cool, but not very big. Would probably struggle to stay entertained for 3 days. More to do in Montreal.
Maybe try something like Denver, which is a pretty cool city. Are you lookig for place you can ditch the car or something for driving around? Maybe try Providence, RI. If you get bored there, it is easy to spend a day in Boston. Boston would be good but a little more active. Theres also Minneapolis and Milwaukee.
Maybe try something like Denver, which is a pretty cool city. Are you lookig for place you can ditch the car or something for driving around? Maybe try Providence, RI. If you get bored there, it is easy to spend a day in Boston. Boston would be good but a little more active. Theres also Minneapolis and Milwaukee.
Mar 7, 2014, 9:06 pm
#12
formerly known as Tad's Broiled Steaks
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,412
I really enjoy "smaller-feeling" places with lots of low-key shops, restaurants, bars, and the like. For instance, I liked the Byward Market in Ottawa quite a bit, which probably isn't a common destination. I try and avoid places with too much traffic or commotion, like the touristy parts of SF and LA.
Thanks for any help!
Mar 8, 2014, 6:51 am
#14
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: UA Million Miler
Posts: 1,358
The south in July? Too humid. I live in D.C. and that's bad enough. I'd go for Cape Ann, in the Salem to Rockport area of Massachusetts. Could also do small towns in Maine on the coast south of Portland + Portland itself.
Connecticut is not known as a major tourist destination, but actually has some interesting places.
Annapolis-Baltimore, Maryland.
Connecticut is not known as a major tourist destination, but actually has some interesting places.
Annapolis-Baltimore, Maryland.
Mar 8, 2014, 7:42 am
#15
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Charleston, SC. Perfect 4-5 day trip. Lived there for five years...after extensive world travel, still my favorite city in North America.
Conde Nast named it the top US city for a reason.
If you end up going there, PM me for recommendations.
EDIT: too hot in SC in July.
Go to Asheville, NC. Rent a car, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. Beautiful...one of America's most beautiful spots. Tons of low key but high brow restaurants. Best chocolate shop I've seen outside of Europe (French Broad). Best Spanish food in the country (Curate). Amazing place!!
Conde Nast named it the top US city for a reason.
If you end up going there, PM me for recommendations.
EDIT: too hot in SC in July.
Go to Asheville, NC. Rent a car, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. Beautiful...one of America's most beautiful spots. Tons of low key but high brow restaurants. Best chocolate shop I've seen outside of Europe (French Broad). Best Spanish food in the country (Curate). Amazing place!!