Spur of the Moment Vacation: The Game...

ejenne87

So, I am looking to take a small vacation next week. I know it is kinda short for planning, but I just now decided to do it. The thing is, I can't make up my mind on where I should go. This is where you all come in...

The stipulations:

It will be just myself and a friend.
I do not like beaches and I would prefer to avoid high humidity.
It has to be in the continental US.
I don't feel like blowing TONS of money, so someplace reasonably affordable.
I wont be traveling to NYC, LA, or any place in Texas (nothing against any of these places)

The first person that recommends the city I decide to visit will get a nice little "Thank You" package from me. I am not sure when this contest will end so keep the suggestions coming. I will decide some time in the next couple of days though, so don't hold out for too long. Also, if you would like, please add a little explanation as to why you recommend a certain city. Thanks in advance for the help!

zeebra

Didnt you just get back from Poland?? And you are ready to head out again?

sightunseen

Dude, come out to Seattle. Nice and cool still and we're surrounded by mountains and the Puget Sound. Good fishing to be had if you're into it. Plus, I live out here and I'll put a cigar and a beer out for you if you have time for a mini-herf.

NYHCx516x

Vegas. No humidity, no beach, tons to do no matter what you are into. Gambling, shows of all kinds, music, magic, dancing (Cirque du Soleil). Muesums, worlds largest salt water shark tank, restaurants, all kinds of fun stuff. can also do on the cheap.

NYHCx516x

Ill toss another one there... Im in Madison WI, but the Wisconsin Dells are fun. Water Parks, as well as tons of other odd ball stuff to do. The Madison trip comes with a tour guide and smoking partner. lol. Good wisconsin dells for the list of stuff to do.

Goldy

Salt Lake City. Ok, now hear me out.

Day 1: Fly into SLC and grab a rental car (SLC is a hub so flights are often cheap). Make sure you hit up the bayou before you leave town, they have hundreds of beers from all over and a good scotch collection too. Drive up to Park City, (20miles) and see the 2002 olympic stuff plus the town of park city. (get to see how the other half lives)

Day 2: Drive down to Zion (4hrs) and pitch a tent or stay in a hotel. Do toursty stuff. On the way down to Zion stop at the Bingham mine, the worlds largest open pit mine that can be seen from space. Its cooler than it sounds. 5 bucks gets you in the door but if you drop my name it might be free.

Day 3: Hike the Narrows (rent the water shoes and hiking pole). The Narrows is a slot canyon with a small river at the bottom that you hike up through. You should be prepared to get wet but since its going to be warm down there it will feel great. http://www.pdphoto.org/PictureDetail.php?mat=pdef&pg=5638

Day 4: Hike Angels landing. its a awesome hike of moderate intensity that can be done in 2hrs each way. Near the top you need to hike on the rock and there are chains pounded into the rock wall to assist your ascent. Kids and grandmas can do it so its not too bad but its an awesome hike. Its kinda dangerious and there is a thought that the might be closing it down in the next 5 years due to safety.

Day 5: drive to Bryce Canyon and wander through the wind swept pillars. http://www.cosmos.com/Common/Images/Destinations/bryce_canyon_park.jpg
After bryce you can head back to SLC

Day 6: Free Day! Explore the mountains or hang out in SLC and go to the outdoor malls. (I could show you where to dig topaz crystals if you had an interest in that.)

Day 7: Fly back

brotheradam

How about one of my favorite places, Nashville, TN !

mrpillow

Rent a cabin in the Colorado rockies and spend a few days relaxing in nature.

undulac

Pennsylvania and check out some tobacco farms. While you're there, you can check out a Phillies game and possibly swing by and meet the Beard.

mrpillow

undulac:

Pennsylvania and check out some tobacco farms. While you're there, you can check out a Phillies game and possibly swing by and meet the Beard.

Or spend a weekend on the Schrute Beet Farm.

Alex Williams

Bozeman Montana. Tons of great restaraunts. Great bars. Great beer. Got skiing and yellowstone and TONS of fishing. All within an hours drive tops. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL scenery and great smoking weather. Also a decent b&m within walking distance of the hotels (as well as all of downtown)

cabinetmaker

Branson Missouri. Cheap, close, lots to do.

cabinetmaker

brotheradam:

How about one of my favorite places, Nashville, TN !

Just remember the bullet proof vest and an AK-47...

Joeyjoe21_8

i vote for South Lake tahoa, CA or Nevada depending on where you want to stay at. Gorgeous weather, gambling, hiking, biking, wind surfing, boating. Casinos always having concerts and various people there(last week was tim Mcgraw).

sirfoster83

Two Harbors, MN... Awesome small town rent a cabin on Lake Superior. Tons of great camping up there as well. Take a trip up to Flintlock Trail, Baptism River, amazing waterfalls and cliffs on the way to the North Shore. A day in Canada for a fine Cuban even and strong beer. GOOD TIMES!

Redtailhawkoz

How About Mum F.U.C.K eygypt! LOL cheap , you can do whatever you want, Knowone can Find you and you can Smoke Cigars till you Turn Green. Im Just Saying! Ive been there its FANTASTIC!

Redtailhawkoz

Thats Bum F.U.C.K. Egypt for us No Spelling IDIOTS.

wwhwang

I have two suggestions in mind, actually.

First one would be Monterey, California. Close to the Pacific, not too humid, very rarely is it too hot. Museums, lots of food (Mexican, authentic Korean, seafood, gourmet, etc). Aquariums (huge aquarium with lots and lots of marine life). There's a place called Lover's Pointe which is romantic (recommend you don't stay there at late night, though. Lots of young couples). Lots of activities and culture. If you ever need a change of scenery from there, just hop in a car and drive to San Fransico or San Jose.

Second would be Biloxi, Mississippi. Somewhat humid, but there's old culture there, lots of sweet casinos, good seafood, relatively cheap to visit. If you decide to eat at one of the casinos there, I recommend La Carnival de Brasil in the Imperial Palace. It's about 50 bucks per person, but it's all you can eat salad, soup, and exotic meats (like goose, though it probably depends on the season) all brought to your table nonstop by very courteous waiters. Some good bars in the area, also. Especially the Hard Rock Cafe in one of the casinos.
Also, if you get tired of Biloxi, it's just a few hours' drive to New Orleans. Great cajun food and culture.

Edit: If you're in Biloxi or any of the gulf area cities in southern MS, try the tatonut (doughnuts made from potatoes rather than just starch and bread). They're almost always sold out as soon as they're made (fresh every day, too). And it's soooo much better than the Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' Donuts.

TatuajeVI

My house!

Ok, probably not going to happen. But Traverse City Michigan is my suggestion. One of my favorite places on earth. It does have beaches, but not a lot of humidity due to Lake Michigan being just awesome! Great beer, wine tours in the Lelenau peninsula, the Sleeping Bear Dunes are spectacular for hiking, and if you plan the dates just right, you can swing by my parents place on the lake for a night or two and stay with us! (The wife and I will be there with the new baby in the last weekend of June)

Redtailhawkoz

wwhwang:

I have two suggestions in mind, actually.

First one would be Monterey, California. Close to the Pacific, not too humid, very rarely is it too hot. Museums, lots of food (Mexican, authentic Korean, seafood, gourmet, etc). Aquariums (huge aquarium with lots and lots of marine life). There's a place called Lover's Pointe which is romantic (recommend you don't stay there at late night, though. Lots of young couples). Lots of activities and culture. If you ever need a change of scenery from there, just hop in a car and drive to San Fransico or San Jose.

Second would be Biloxi, Mississippi. Somewhat humid, but there's old culture there, lots of sweet casinos, good seafood, relatively cheap to visit. If you decide to eat at one of the casinos there, I recommend La Carnival de Brasil in the Imperial Palace. It's about 50 bucks per person, but it's all you can eat salad, soup, and exotic meats (like goose, though it probably depends on the season) all brought to your table nonstop by very courteous waiters. Some good bars in the area, also. Especially the Hard Rock Cafe in one of the casinos.
Also, if you get tired of Biloxi, it's just a few hours' drive to New Orleans. Great cajun food and culture.

Edit: If you're in Biloxi or any of the gulf area cities in southern MS, try the tatonut (doughnuts made from potatoes rather than just starch and bread). They're almost always sold out as soon as they're made (fresh every day, too). And it's soooo much better than the Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' Donuts.

I was going to Mention Monterey since i go there and hang out on weekends all the time. But it is EXPENSIVE to travel to if you dont have Family or Know where to go and not get caught in the TOURIST TRAP Places... Other than that IT IS the Most AWESOME PLACE on the West Coast to me. Minibreezy lives in that area too! We could have a Good Herf.

The Cank

St.Louis, MO You can come get shot at ! Its a GREAT TIME !

jsnake

Kansas City - Outlaw Cigar. 7200 square feet of AWESOMENESS!!

coachjamie

Savannah, GA

Not too far from home. Tons to do. You can get by with not blowing tons of $$. Great food!

Fourtotheflush

sirfoster83:

Two Harbors, MN... Awesome small town rent a cabin on Lake Superior. Tons of great camping up there as well. Take a trip up to Flintlock Trail, Baptism River, amazing waterfalls and cliffs on the way to the North Shore. A day in Canada for a fine Cuban even and strong beer. GOOD TIMES!

Myrtle Beach, SC
Great Golfing - Great Nightlife

sirfoster83

Fourtotheflush:

sirfoster83:

Two Harbors, MN... Awesome small town rent a cabin on Lake Superior. Tons of great camping up there as well. Take a trip up to Flintlock Trail, Baptism River, amazing waterfalls and cliffs on the way to the North Shore. A day in Canada for a fine Cuban even and strong beer. GOOD TIMES!

Myrtle Beach, SC
Great Golfing - Great Nightlife

Thats a good one

Almost moved there when I was 18

Thank god I found out how INSANE the girl I was gona buy the house with was before I made that mistake!

Jdorais

Goldy:

Salt Lake City. Ok, now hear me out.

Day 1: Fly into SLC and grab a rental car (SLC is a hub so flights are often cheap). Make sure you hit up the bayou before you leave town, they have hundreds of beers from all over and a good scotch collection too. Drive up to Park City, (20miles) and see the 2002 olympic stuff plus the town of park city. (get to see how the other half lives)

Day 2: Drive down to Zion (4hrs) and pitch a tent or stay in a hotel. Do toursty stuff. On the way down to Zion stop at the Bingham mine, the worlds largest open pit mine that can be seen from space. Its cooler than it sounds. 5 bucks gets you in the door but if you drop my name it might be free.

Day 3: Hike the Narrows (rent the water shoes and hiking pole). The Narrows is a slot canyon with a small river at the bottom that you hike up through. You should be prepared to get wet but since its going to be warm down there it will feel great. http://www.pdphoto.org/PictureDetail.php?mat=pdef&pg=5638

Day 4: Hike Angels landing. its a awesome hike of moderate intensity that can be done in 2hrs each way. Near the top you need to hike on the rock and there are chains pounded into the rock wall to assist your ascent. Kids and grandmas can do it so its not too bad but its an awesome hike. Its kinda dangerious and there is a thought that the might be closing it down in the next 5 years due to safety.

Day 5: drive to Bryce Canyon and wander through the wind swept pillars. http://www.cosmos.com/Common/Images/Destinations/bryce_canyon_park.jpg
After bryce you can head back to SLC

Day 6: Free Day! Explore the mountains or hang out in SLC and go to the outdoor malls. (I could show you where to dig topaz crystals if you had an interest in that.)

Day 7: Fly back

Man that sounds like a great trip! +1

Cigar Sherlock

cabinetmaker:

brotheradam:

How about one of my favorite places, Nashville, TN !

Just remember the bullet proof vest and an AK-47...

I can testify to the fact that nearly 95% of our less than 100 homicides a year are bad guys vs bad guys. Kind of like the 700+ Gang related murders each year in Los Angeles. So that might be 5 good citizens each year being murdered out of 660,000 residents and over 1 million each day who commute into the 526 square mile city. That's not a bad rating. If you end up choosing Nashville, let me know... I can show you some very nice places to smoke and enjoy yourself.

minibeezy

Redtailhawkoz:

wwhwang:

I have two suggestions in mind, actually.

First one would be Monterey, California. Close to the Pacific, not too humid, very rarely is it too hot. Museums, lots of food (Mexican, authentic Korean, seafood, gourmet, etc). Aquariums (huge aquarium with lots and lots of marine life). There's a place called Lover's Pointe which is romantic (recommend you don't stay there at late night, though. Lots of young couples). Lots of activities and culture. If you ever need a change of scenery from there, just hop in a car and drive to San Fransico or San Jose.

Second would be Biloxi, Mississippi. Somewhat humid, but there's old culture there, lots of sweet casinos, good seafood, relatively cheap to visit. If you decide to eat at one of the casinos there, I recommend La Carnival de Brasil in the Imperial Palace. It's about 50 bucks per person, but it's all you can eat salad, soup, and exotic meats (like goose, though it probably depends on the season) all brought to your table nonstop by very courteous waiters. Some good bars in the area, also. Especially the Hard Rock Cafe in one of the casinos.
Also, if you get tired of Biloxi, it's just a few hours' drive to New Orleans. Great cajun food and culture.

Edit: If you're in Biloxi or any of the gulf area cities in southern MS, try the tatonut (doughnuts made from potatoes rather than just starch and bread). They're almost always sold out as soon as they're made (fresh every day, too). And it's soooo much better than the Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' Donuts.

I was going to Mention Monterey since i go there and hang out on weekends all the time. But it is EXPENSIVE to travel to if you dont have Family or Know where to go and not get caught in the TOURIST TRAP Places... Other than that IT IS the Most AWESOME PLACE on the West Coast to me. Minibreezy lives in that area too! We could have a Good Herf.

Plenty to do in and around Monterey; Paso Robles and Carmel for wine tasting, Big Sur and Point Lobos for nature-type stuff, Santa Cruz and San Francisco to the north (in addition to what's already been mentioned). Also a little farther south is San Luis Obisbo and Pismo (Splash Cafe FTW!).

Ozzy's right though, if you don't plan right, it can get expensive quick.

Anywho, what ever you end up doing, have fun. If you end up in the area, let us know.

wwhwang

Bump. Also, if you want cheap seafood that you wanna cook yourself, just go up to the fishermen at the wharfs in Monterey or Biloxi and buy straight from them. My dad used to get shrimp really cheap that way in Biloxi.

Goldy

wwhwang:

Bump. Also, if you want cheap seafood that you wanna cook yourself, just go up to the fishermen at the wharfs in Monterey or Biloxi and buy straight from them. My dad used to get shrimp really cheap that way in Biloxi.

How far does the fishing ban extend down there?

Russ55

Gettysburg national park. Fantastic place to visit. I've only been to North Carolina and Gettysburg once, so I'm not sure of the driving distances. Ccom is in PA, maybe it's close enough to go visit on the way? Anyway, that's my suggestion though it might still be a little humid this time of year.