(OT) 3- or 4-day Vacation Spots

[Stone]

Anybody have any good suggestions for a vacation spot for 3 or 4 days? A few items to keep in mind:

(1) I'm going by myself. My girlfriend can't go, so I'm going it alone.

(2) I'll probably be going the middle of April or the first part of May.

(3) I don't want anything too strenuous. The purpose of this short vacation is to get away from the hustle-bustle for a while, and right now I'm basically exhausted.

It can pretty much be anywhere within reason (i.e., doesn't have to be in the U.S.), but keep in mind it's only going to be for a few days and I'll probably save significant trips to Europe, etc. until the gf can go with.

Thanks in advance.

Stone

[jasn]

How about the Grand Canyon? Lots of walkin' and looking, maybe with a brand new set of mini-headphones and CD player?

[edit] I suppose the GC violates Rule #3, but only from a physical, not mental perspective.

[Troy]

Really depends on what your idea of relaxation is.

New Orleans or Vegas if you wanna party. Sun Coast or San Diego or even Hawaii or the carribean if you wanna REALLY relax. A national park like Yosemite or Grand Canyon (or my favorite, Canyonlands and Arches UT) to feed your introspective, medatative side.

Just have fun.

[nobody]

A single man can have a lot of fun in Amsterdam.

In addition to the debauchery, it is actually very peaceful in many regards. First time I went there, the thing that really struck me was how quiet and peaceful it was, although that was after coming from London and during the low tourist season. You may hit the tulip festival these days, not really sure. But we got in from the hustle and bustle of London to a laid back city where about the only noise you heard was the ringing of the bells from all the bikes.

Tons of site seeing. A whole museum of Van Gohs, the national museum with tons of Rembrants and others, a wonderful modern museum, tons of galleries. A lot of more offbeat things to see, sex museum, pot museum, torture museum (actually a really interesting one with torture devices from throughout history displayed) And, they have an incrediblt concert hall that gives free Sunday afternoon concerts, opera and classical stuff.

You can take the train out of the city and relax in the countryside, or even rent a bike to take a long ride if you like that sort of thing. There's a little, quiet tourist attraction where they still make cheese turned by windmills. They actually moved oul houses from all over the country into a central location to recreate an historic town.

Of course, spending New Years eve there was a whole different story. But, a relaxing walk along the canals in a beautiful city could do quite a lot to clear out the cobwebs for me. Ya just gotta be able to either enjoy or overcome the temptations that abound.

Then again, maybe you'd better wait until you can spend more time, lots to do there. Just rent a cabin on a lake somewhere and bring a case of beer and a radio.

[DarrenH]

Since it's only 3 or 4 days, I suggest something close. Travel time can kill a day or two if you're going far.

Like Troy said, go to Vegas.

I had a blast there. Excellent place to either party down and let loose or just relax by the pool with cold one. I love the atmosphere in Vegas. And from Michigan it's just a 4 hour flight.

Great time of year to go Vegas. Not too hot yet.

Man, I need to talk to the wife again.

Darren

PS Have fun in whatever you decide to do.

[Rikki]

Anybody have any good suggestions for a vacation spot for 3 or 4 days? A few items to keep in mind:

(1) I'm going by myself. My girlfriend can't go, so I'm going it alone.

Yep Vegas. Single guy....girlfriend staying home......What happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas ;) (but post details here though)

[tentoze]

Great time of year to go Vegas. Not too hot yet.

That's fer sure today- it's 52 degrees and been raining since last night; supposed to rain through tomorrow night- have any of you ever been in Vegas after even a 1/2" rain? No one knows how to drive here on DRY streets; when they get a little water on them, it's like Crash-Up Derby time. Days like this, there are generally more than 100 wrecks by dark.

:eek:

[Jim Clark]

Gambling bores me. If I lose money I'm so frustrated and angry that I can't relax at all. Judging by the continuing growth rate of Vegas, I'm in the minority on that one.

My preference is always a beach. Even Galveston will do in a pinch. Time doesn't seem to favor a beach jaunt though. If it were me I'd probably think seriously about heading to Chicago. Too bad the Cubs aren't in season yet. Second choice would be Phoenix, especially if you golf. Lot's of great cultural events always going on somewhere nearby plus Sedona is just a short drive. Maybe DBI could show you the sights if he isn't that far away?

Wherever, have a great time.

jc

[ForeverAutumn]

There are some great four day packages to The Bahamas from here. I would assume that you could get a four day package from wherever you are too.

Warm Carribean sun. White sand. Water the most beautiful turquoise that you will ever see. Casinos (if you're so inclined). Golf courses (if you're so inclined). Bars and clubs. You can relax on the beach or by the pool or go out and party, or both! Whatever you decide.

You can catch an early flight and be eating lunch on the beach.

<sigh> Can I come?

[Troy]

Gambling bores me. If I lose money I'm so frustrated and angry that I can't relax at all. Judging by the continuing growth rate of Vegas, I'm in the minority on that one.

jc

Yeah, just for the record, I'm not a Vegas guy either. Too fake. You can just feel the particleboard and chickenwire under everything there just by looking at it.

And feh on the gambling too. Las Vegas was built on gambling. It took a LOT of losers to make so much elaborate stuff. That people go there seriously thinking they are going to get rich is just completely alien to me.

Still, they got nice pools and you could go see the Blue Man show . . .

[Troy]

That's fer sure today- it's 52 degrees and been raining since last night; supposed to rain through tomorrow night- have any of you ever been in Vegas after even a 1/2" rain? No one knows how to drive here on DRY streets; when they get a little water on them, it's like Crash-Up Derby time. Days like this, there are generally more than 100 wrecks by dark.

:eek:

Yeah, I've been to LV in the monsoon season when you get 3" of rain in 1/2 an hour. Everyone there is from somplace else, someplace where they don't have that very deserty phenomenon.

52 degrees today? That is MOST unusual. I hear it's also snowing in southern UT. Friend of mine is leaving to go camping there tomorrow. Not a happy camper. there, I said it.

[DarrenH]

Yeah, just for the record, I'm not a Vegas guy either. Too fake. You can just feel the particleboard and chickenwire under everything there just by looking at it.

Huh, I never noticed any particle board or chicken wire when I was there.


And feh on the gambling too. Las Vegas was built on gambling. It took a LOT of losers to make so much elaborate stuff. That people go there seriously thinking they are going to get rich is just completely alien to me.

Duh, Ya think. Who said ya had to gamble. And yeah, those who go there thinking they're gonna hit it rich are very disillusioned.


Still, they got nice pools and you could go see the Blue Man show . . .

You got that right. The shows are fantastic. So are the hotels. I loved just walking thru them, especially Caesars Palace, New York New York and the Bellagio. Vegas was awesome. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

Don't hate me Troy.

Darren

[Davey]

Yeah, that's not much travel time. Not sure I have any good suggestions but my avatar might be a good start :)

I'm doing a little trip myself at the end of April down to Tucson to spend a couple days touristing and seeing two of my favorites at the Rialto while there. At first I was thinking of heading up to the Grand Canyon and then catching Wilco in Flagstaff at the recently renovated Orpheum on the way back followed by a day in Sedona, like Jim was talking about, but I flipped a coin and Howe Gelb and Tucson won out. Actually, I haven't been to Tucson in many, many years so wanted to get down there before it gets to be 120°F and this seemed perfect since Wilco is bracketing me by playing in both Flagstaff and Tucson, although Tucson is a few miles closer. I can head up to the Grand Canyon and do some hiking anytime. Or maybe I should buy a ticket for the Flagstaff show and make it a real roadtrip. Hmmmmmmm.......

http://www.rialtotheatre.com/images/2004/042904.jpg

[tentoze]

Yeah, that's not much travel time. Not sure I have any good suggestions but my avatar might be a good start :)

I'm doing a little trip myself at the end of April down to Tucson to spend a couple days touristing and seeing two of my favorites at the Rialto while there. At first I was thinking of heading up to the Grand Canyon and then catching Wilco in Flagstaff at the recently renovated Orpheum on the way back followed by a day in Sedona, like Jim was talking about, but I flipped a coin and Howe Gelb and Tucson won out. Actually, I haven't been to Tucson in many, many years so wanted to get down there before it gets to be 120°F and this seemed perfect since Wilco is bracketing me by playing in both Flagstaff and Tucson, although Tucson is a few miles closer. I can head up to the Grand Canyon and do some hiking anytime. Or maybe I should buy a ticket for the Flagstaff show and make it a real roadtrip. Hmmmmmmm.......

http://www.rialtotheatre.com/images/2004/042904.jpg
Sheesh, that sounds like a helluva show- especially the Howe Gelb part................Flagstaff looked pretty nice from the little I saw of it..........

[skewiff]

I'm going to Chicago for my three day break, I love big cities. It's only four hours away by car or train. Just an amazing place, food , awesome record shops, get to see the new Soldier field,Rembrandt at the museum(not live of course).
Can't wait.
Tony

[Stone]

Thanks for the suggestions. Keep 'em coming. Here are my possibilities so far:

(1) Carribean - maybe the Bahamas just to chill out and take in some rays and nice scenery

(2) Vegas - I haven't been there as an adult. Even though I'm not a huge gambler, I don't mind doing a little, and I'd like to take in the shows/night life.

(3) Coachella (http://www.coachella.com/main.html) (near L.A.) - A chance to see many of my favorite bands. Large crowd is a minus, but it sounds pretty cool.

I don't know why, but the Grand Canyon doesn't appeal to me all that much for some reason. Maybe if I were taking my son, but not by myself. I do like to visit Chicago, but I'm 2 1/2 hours away and can pretty much do that any time. Amsterdam is probably not in the cards either, just because I'd waste a day getting there and a day getting back, and I'd want to spend more than 2 or 3 days in that part of the world.

Oh, and you can certainly come if you want, FA. Anyone is welcome to go with. Now, that doesn't mean I'm footing the bill . . .

[newtrix1]

Anybody have any good suggestions for a vacation spot for 3 or 4 days? A few items to keep in mind:

(1) I'm going by myself. My girlfriend can't go, so I'm going it alone.

(2) I'll probably be going the middle of April or the first part of May.

(3) I don't want anything too strenuous. The purpose of this short vacation is to get away from the hustle-bustle for a while, and right now I'm basically exhausted.

It can pretty much be anywhere within reason (i.e., doesn't have to be in the U.S.), but keep in mind it's only going to be for a few days and I'll probably save significant trips to Europe, etc. until the gf can go with.

Thanks in advance.

Stone

addressing your comments above:

1) girfriend not going with you? I bet Gary looks great in a miniskirt and heels!

2) April or middle of May...I think that's the migration season of the Swainsons Hawk. Gary could take you on a wildlife photo-excursion; pet dogs, boxed up live plants...with Gary around, who needs the 'Crock Hunter'???

3) Nothing strenuous; Gary's into mountain biking right? If you can balance on the handle bars (some bungee cord & duct tape might help too) I bet Gary could take you on some nice trails and you wouldn't have to pedal at all! P.S. : don't forget your helmet!

:D

Or you could hit the Florida panhandle, where some of the top rated U.S. beaches are. I wish I had your difficult decision. :)

[tentoze]

(2) Vegas - I haven't been there as an adult. Even though I'm not a huge gambler, I don't mind doing a little, and I'd like to take in the shows/night life.

There are other things to do in the area. A day trip to southern Utah, or Valley of Fire, or Death Valley is pretty easy to do, and kewl if you've never been. If you decide on Vegas, lemme know and I'll provide some more detailed suggestions. Just don't expect much in the way of decent live music unless yr into the Smothers Brothers at one end of the spectrum and Metallica on the other, with nothing in between.

:eek:

[Troy]

Huh, I never noticed any particle board or chicken wire when I was there (Las Vegas).


It's all right there under the surface. It's like a second-rate Disneyland. And Disneyland is hardly what I would call "real".


Duh, Ya think. Who said ya had to gamble. And yeah, those who go there thinking they're gonna hit it rich are very disillusioned.

Fact is, the city is geared towards gambling first and foremost. They may say they have diversified to attract more nongamblers and families, but I see the whole thing as a ruse designed to entice a whole new generation of fast food eating, culturally deprived kids into the world of gambling. LV is ALL about gambling. Everything else is a secondary excuse to get you in the door.

Yeah, you don't have to gamble, but it's impossible to get away from it when you're vacationing there and that puts a stink on the place for me.


You got that right. The shows are fantastic. So are the hotels. I loved just walking thru them, especially Caesars Palace, New York New York and the Bellagio. Vegas was awesome. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

If you want New York or Paris, GO THERE! Don't go to LV to see some plastic BS Eifel Tower. It's like Disney's "World Showcase" at Epcot. Believe me, you are NOT seeing the world. You are seeing an "up with People" version of it. This goes back to my real implication with the chicken wire and particle board comment.


Don't hate me Troy.

I don't hate anybody.

[DarrenH]

Damn Troy, I thought Epcot was fun too!

Anyway, I understand what you're saying. You don't like Vegas and I do. Different strokes I guess.

Never been to Paris. Not even sure I want to go. Now London, yes, been there. Fantastic place to be. NYC also. I got wasted in Studio 54 back when it was still open. Oh, this would've been in 1986 or 87. Stood atop the WTC in 1990. I know, so what.

Darren

PS Received your package today. Thank You. Listening to Garage Band as I type.

[MindGoneHaywire]

Come to NYC. There's a lot to do & see & you can hang w/me & Darius.

As an oddball suggestion, I'd say the Great Smoky Mountains. Gatlinburg, TN, is fun, not nearly as cheesy as Pigeon Forge, and the scenery is drop-dead gorgeous. The park is literally beyond description & Gatlinburg itself is nestled in a gorgeous valley that has an almost Euro/alpine feel (that, and you don't need a car to get around the town). It's inexpensive, fairly nearby, and worth putting up with the nonstop 'attractions' to spend a couple a few days checking out the park.

[dld]

OK, Vegas beat to death. My next best 4 day at reasonable cost is San Francisco. Stay at the Tuscan Inn ($149), four blocks off the wharf, two blocks from Bimbos (Rock) and near North Beach, home of the best italian food on the West Coast. Sightsee at Alcatraz (great boat ride) go down to Union Square on a cable car, go a few blocks to the west and try to guess the gender of the hookers on Jones St., Get some Ice Cream at The Doiuble Rainbow. Head out to Union Street, Stop at Left At Albequerque for some killer margaritas and , uhh, nightlife, have a crappy Guiness at a pub on Union, have an Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista Bar on Beach at midnight or go up to Harry Dentons at Sir Francis Drake Hotel for a nightcap. Spend a morning in the Marina, on Chestnut St., strong coffee (from Peets) and killer women to ogle. Feed the swans at the Palace Of Fine Arts with leftover frenchbread from lunch at Lucas Deli. Go across the Golden Gate Bridge and check out Sausalito and Tiburon, good for a day trip. Go to the Napa Valley for a day. Catch off the map wineries on the Siverado Trail. Catch the Giants at Pac Bell Park when they get back from Houston next week. Watch the sun set in the Pacific on the cliffs west of the Presidio. Tall Boy in hand. Coit Tower at sunset on Telegraph Hill. Tall Boy... Day trip down to Monterrey and then Carmel. Lunch at Pebble Beach. Walk out to # 18 and watch a couple of groups finish and fantasize how you could reach it in two... Drive thru Stanford's campus on the way back to the city. Have fun whereever you go. New Orleans ain't half bad either...

[ForeverAutumn]

OK, Vegas beat to death. My next best 4 day at reasonable cost is San Francisco. Stay at the Tuscan Inn ($149), four blocks off the wharf, two blocks from Bimbos (Rock) and near North Beach, home of the best italian food on the West Coast. Sightsee at Alcatraz (great boat ride) go down to Union Square on a cable car, go a few blocks to the west and try to guess the gender of the hookers on Jones St., Get some Ice Cream at The Doiuble Rainbow. Head out to Union Street, Stop at Left At Albequerque for some killer margaritas and , uhh, nightlife, have a crappy Guiness at a pub on Union, have an Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista Bar on Beach at midnight or go up to Harry Dentons at Sir Francis Drake Hotel for a nightcap. Spend a morning in the Marina, on Chestnut St., strong coffee (from Peets) and killer women to ogle. Feed the swans at the Palace Of Fine Arts with leftover frenchbread from lunch at Lucas Deli. Go across the Golden Gate Bridge and check out Sausalito and Tiburon, good for a day trip. Go to the Napa Valley for a day. Catch off the map wineries on the Siverado Trail. Catch the Giants at Pac Bell Park when they get back from Houston next week. Watch the sun set in the Pacific on the cliffs west of the Presidio. Tall Boy in hand. Coit Tower at sunset on Telegraph Hill. Tall Boy... Day trip down to Monterrey and then Carmel. Lunch at Pebble Beach. Walk out to # 18 and watch a couple of groups finish and fantasize how you could reach it in two... Drive thru Stanford's campus on the way back to the city. Have fun whereever you go. New Orleans ain't half bad either...

That sounds like a vacation that you need a vacation to recover from. It does sound like fun though!

[Ex Lion Tamer]

A very nice slice of Europe without the long flight. It's really a great city, lots of quality night-life, incredible women, if that matters, and lots of historical touristy stuff, if that matters. Weather, of course is a crap shoot at this time of year.

But if you just want to lay on a beach, than the Carribean is a no-brainer. I've been to Aruba, Antigua and St. Lucia...liked Aruba best.

Mark

[Mr MidFi]

As much as I like to shill for the city of Chicago, I really don't recommend people come here this time of year. Springtime in Chi-town is a two-week period in early June. Before that is still winter.

Go warm. I like Amelia Island, FL, but I get to stay there free (parents). Hilton Head, Jekyll Island, Kiawah, Pauley's Island...something like that would be good too.

[Dave_G]

Or buy a 3 day supply of drugs and alcohol and stay at home, turn off all the lights, and rent weird movies and watch them.

Or you can buy a 3 day supply of cookies, milk, and ice cream and stay at home and listen to Elvis Costello records real loud.

Or you can go rent a car and just head out till you get to a town you like, get a hotel room, go out to dinner, then chill in your room, then get up the next day and start all over.

Or go to the store and buy a bunch of new cd's and dvd's.

Or hire a girl to act out some of your fantasies with you.

Or go buy some new golf clubs and hit the courses.

Or quickly go to Panama City Beach Florida and sit on the beach and drool and wish you were a teenager again.

Dave