Alternate Houzz "road trip" suggestions?

3 years ago

Hi everyone,

We had 40 respondents to our SMdA survey! So there is a good amount of interest. However, the destination is not as convenient as some alternates (albeit, those alternates are not as exotic). I'd like to get some ideas about alternative trips and do a second survey to see if there might be a better fit for the group.

So, any ideas? In addition to location, please suggest a month (since some destinations would be better in spring).

Featured Answer

robo (z6a)

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Asheville would mean me taking a side trip to Dollywood! I could get into that!

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Comments (43)

robo (z6a)
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Some thoughts from my architecture trip list:
- Santa Fe
- Palm Springs
- Chicago
- Charleston
- Savannah
Some thoughts from my botanical trip list:
- Albuquerque
- Portland
- Victoria BC (probably less accessible than Mexico for most)
- Atlanta
- Chicago
- St Louis
I'm a frequent flier to Montreal, it has a great botanical garden, good interior design district and some good architecture.
eld6161
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Asheville

Charleston

Savannah

Yes to staying within the US

ETA, my primary reason for attending is spending time with all of you. It’s okay for me to repeat a place that I have been.
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mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
3 years ago
super; if you can guys, please suggest a month too?
User
3 years ago
I made a few suggestions on the other thread (Santa Fe, Sedona, Santa Barbara, Carmel), but I think I'm going to hold out for SMdA. The more I consider it, the more wonderful it sounds to me.
lyfia
3 years ago
Now this one I'm interested in especially since I've had a bad experience in Mexico and unfortunately it is one according to my Mexican friends that would likely be repeated if I was unlucky so I didn't bother responding to the other one.

Robo and eld I like all of your suggestions, but I'm not particularly picky.

As to time - if in the north I'd say early summer to early fall, and if in the south Mid October through mid March.
gsciencechick
3 years ago
Between May 15 and August 15. Otherwise, I could do something local like Asheville or Charleston if during the school year most likely. It is extremely frowned upon to take time off for personal reasons during the academic year (non conference, non-illness/family). I just don't see travel to Mexico happening for me for various reasons.

I don't want to go anywhere in winter with potential for bad weather in winter.

Charleston

Asheville

Boston

NYC

Chicago

How about Austin or San Antonio?

Santa Fe or ABQ (have never been to NM)

Palm Springs (have friends in Palm Desert, maybe not when it's 100+)

Portland (but that's a long trip, too. Do have some friends there, though, from HS and grad school)
jojoco
3 years ago
Sometime between March and August, there was a post about where we'd all like to travel for a GW GTG. I can't find it, but I remember Asheville and the Greenbrier being on the list.

I'm open to all suggestions. SMdA does sound and look amazing, but it might be a bit far for me for a 3-4 day trip. Especially since my dh won't be joining me.
Annie Deighnaugh
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Yes as I recall, we were looking at Asheville and a visit to Biltmore...haven't been there since 1979. April or May would be nice...so would Sept or Oct.

I like the idea of staying in the US so I don't have to deal with Montezuma's revenge!

Love the idea of going back to NM as well...
Marlene Oliver
3 years ago
Oregon Wine Country. About a 50 minute drive from PDX. About a 40 minute drive to Ken's Artisan Bakery in Portland :-). Lot's of AirBandB's but also the Allison Inn and Spa. (A great place to visit between June and November.)

Los Olivos, CA (near Santa Barbara)

Ojai, CA (also near Santa Barbara)

La Jolla, CA (near Newport and Laguna Beaches)

Asheville would be my first choice.

Marlene 2021 formerly Marlene2007 formerly Lizzie B. (j/k. I gave up my ax decades ago.)
bbstx
3 years ago
New Orleans between Easter and Mother’s Day
robo (z6a)
3 years ago
I'm no good for months since it's winter here I'll go anywhere any time haha.
Sueb20
3 years ago
The worst time for me to plan a trip is from Jan to mid March. All other months are fair game.

Asheville is on my bucket list.

So are Montreal and Quebec City.

Chicago is good for architecture — architectural boat tour, Oak Park too.

NY finger lakes area?

I love Sedona and Santa Fe.

I‘ve been to Carmel once and loved the area.

The Berkshires in the fall is beautiful.
LynnNM
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Santa Fe & Taos: and not just because I live here. Why?

~ Because it's in the U.S.

~ Because it's safe . . . and my DH knows the best docs and medical facilities if, God forbid, anyone needs one! (But, no, he'll be home enjoying our own great scenery while we visit and play-LOL!)

~ We speak English . . . but also Spanish.

~ It LOOKS and FEELS like you could be in another country, because of the architecture, food, language, art, and scenery.

~ Because it's just flat-out gorgeous here!

~ It's an easy in and out via Albuquerque International Airport. And then a straight shot up I-25 one hour to Santa Fe.

~ And then, about a 90 minute drop-dead gorgeous drive (via the High Road) to Taos.

~ Great Food, and we locals know the best and our favs: In Santa Fe, mine would be Geronimo, Harry's Roadhouse, The Shed, Jambo, Tomasita's, etc. In Taos: Byzantium, Lambert's, Antonio's, Etc., Etc.

~ YOU CAN DRINK THE WATER! And, the Margaritas (LOL)

~ Santa Fe Museums: the Georgia O'Keefe Museum; Museum of International Folk Art; Rancho de Las Golandrinas, Etc, Etc..

`~ More amazing things to do and experience: Meow Wolf Santa Fe; SF Opera House; Canyon Road with it's art galleries and my favorite restaurant, Geronimo's; the Santa Fe Ski Basin to hike and take the chair lift; the famous Loretto Chapel and , of course, Santa Fe Plaza. Flamenco dancing!

~ And in Taos, to do and experience: Taos Plaza, Taos Pueblo; the D.H. Lawrence Ranch; the Mable Dodge Lujan House; the Kit Carson Park & Museum (lots of outdoor art shows happen there); the wonderful R.C. Gorman Gallery; the Millicent Rogers Museum; Blumenschein House and Museum (love it!); the Earthship Center; Etc., Etc.

~ AND, the breathtaking Rio Grande Gorge, the High Road to Taos; Chimayo and the gorgeous, historic Santuario de Chimayo. There's a wonderful restaurant there, too, that we love.

Whew! And that's only my favorites!
rubyclaire
3 years ago
Charleston or Savannah - Jan - April, Oct-Nov

Asheville - Oct - Nov or April-June

Sedona or Santa Fe - spring, fall

Berkshires - never been but intriguing

NY Fingerlakes - ditto

Sea Island, GA - I'm going soon so it's on my mind.

Open to just about anywhere!
bbstx
3 years ago
ABQ to Santa Fe: We can take the Turquoise Trail and drop in on the world’s biggest biker bar. They have good burgers, too!
User
3 years ago
Asheville is a great place and we could visit the mother of all custom homes, Biltmore. There is no terrible time to go... gorgeous in fall, decorated around Thanksgiving for Christmas, pretty but cool in spring and not impossibly hot in summer. I have close family in Montreat and both my nephews were boarding students at Asheville School. I grew up going there for summers. It’s def not as exotic as SMA but I never tire of it.

I’m up for any of the other destinations as well.
LynnNM
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Yes, Bbstx! Madrid (pronounced, if you’re from New Mexico, as MAD-rid). Where Tim Allen, John Travolta, William Macy, Martin Lawrence, Marisa Tomei and Ray Liotta filmed the fun movie “Wild Hogs”.

Jakabedy, Ida, and Tish, chime in and add more positives for New Mexico!
texanjana
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
My top three are the ones on the list that I have not visited:

Palm Springs (not in the summer)

Charleston (not in the summer)

Portland (would love to go when the gardens are in bloom)

We are going to Asheville in April-cannot wait to see Biltmore.
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I'm completely on board with Asheville because it's an hour and a half away from me! And completely worth visiting. Very beautiful and a lot to do particularly if you consider all the outdoor activities.

We should stay at the Grove Park inn
Ded tired
3 years ago
Wow, this so much more tempting than Mexico. Spring or fall are best for me. I am not a hot weather girl and January, February are iffy due to weather. My neighbor’s mom is trapped here (Philadelphia) because of Midwest weather. I have family in CA so I could combine a visit with them but I’ve been to La Jolla a dozen times so I’m not real interested in going there. Asheville, Savannah, Charleston sound ideal. Thanks for getting this ball rolling, Mtn. Would be great to see you and the NYC gang again. Maybe I can get LuvRGolden out of lurkdom, too. She went to the CA gtg.
gardener123
3 years ago
I think I would join along if we stayed stateside. All the suggested destinations are very doable!
LynnNM
3 years ago
How far is Asheville from a major airport? I’ve heard it’s quite beautiful, and we have some of DH’s family in North Carolina. We could take our RV there!
isitdoneyet
3 years ago
I would still like to go to SMdA so count me in for that. I will go anywhere anytime so I'm up for a second trip/destination. Just no where in California as I live here. 🤣
User
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Hmmm ... Asheville has hiking, so maybe! (Although I still remain most intrigued by SMdA.)

I love Santa Fe and Taos and so many other NM destinations, and you're probably going to think I'm a real buttinsky for saying this, but I just don't know that I want to experience those places with anyone but my nearest and dearest. It is such a special place to me, filled with fonder-than-fond memories, and I think I may have to hold NM selfishly close to my heart and continue to go there with my family. That said, if it's what the group chooses, I absolutely understand and encourage you all to enjoy every moment. It is truly the Land of Enchantment.
nekotish
3 years ago
I haven't chimed in yet as I have two cancelled, major trips to rebook before I can think of another. I'm just surprised that so many consider Mexico unsafe or assume that they will get ill if they go there. Before Covid, DH and I went to Mexico every winter for a couple of weeks and we have traveled there as a family numerous times. Never had a scary moment, and we did some off the beaten path traveling to be sure. The only illness we ever experienced was when my husband got pneumonia, which we assume he contracted on the plane ride down. One call to the front desk of our hotel and within 15 minutes, an ER doctor and two paramedics from the local hospital were in our room with portable oxygen, ECG and medication. When I saw them out, there was another fellow standing there with a stretcher at the ready. DH was diagnosed and treated quickly all for the princely sum of about $120.00 CDN. Just sharing my experience as I think Mexico unjustly gets a bad rap. We only drink bottled water there which is common and inexpensive.
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
3 years ago
Nekotish, I totally agree. I have a similar story about my Mom breaking her arm when we were in Portugal. It makes me wonder what stories travelers from other countries have about the US. What happens when they need medical care here?
User
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
The only time I've ever felt poorly in Mexico (aside from over-imbibing, which was of course my own stupid fault) was when I had a lapse in judgment and ate a shaved ice "sno-cone" from a street vendor in Zihuatanejo. That was a mistake that forced me to stay close to the hotel room for the next 24 hours, but certainly not life-threatening. DH and I have traveled to Mexico many times for two weeks at a time, much like Nekotish, and never once felt unsafe. The real "danger" in so many places comes from the possibility of twisting an ankle on cobblestones or uneven pavement while walking around town.

I love the Mexican people, and always found them genuinely gracious. I am sure this would be especially evident in a popular travel destination such as SMdA. And one of the reasons that so many expats choose to live in such places is due to excellent and affordable health care.
OutsidePlaying
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I could definitely do Asheville or NM again. If we did either I could probably talk DH into going along either before or after, especially Asheville since we have been wanting to visit again and since we can drive there. We have Abq and Santa Fe on our re-visit list too, so if it goes either way I am still in.

Honestly I have been to almost every place mentioned, but for many it has been a while. I have no issues going back to most, except CA for now.
lyfia
3 years ago
Travelers in the US are fine as long as they go to an ER. Then you get a bill. I think most countries encourage travel insurance for visiting the US which covers medical care. Of course they can negotiate a bill as well for cash anywhere else.

I had to take my sister while she was visiting and got a hairline fracture, thankfully she had travel insurance, but we had to go to an ER.

I think my best experience was in Paris when I had to go to the ER there and later they sent me a bill that was about the equivalent of $90 that I could pay online. The only language to pay online was in French which I do not speak, but Google Translate to the rescue.
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
3 years ago
The nearest airport to Asheville is Asheville (AVL) Airport which is 11.6 miles away. Other nearby airports include Greenville/Spartanburg (GSP) (52.9 miles), Knoxville (TYS) (82.3 miles), Charlotte (CLT) (94.9 miles) and Greensboro/High Point (GSO) (151.5 miles
maddielee
3 years ago
I can recommend staying at the Grove Park Inn if Asheville is chosen.

https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park
Annie Deighnaugh
3 years ago
Hmmm....if we did NM, I might be able to convince DH to come along as we never got to the southern portion of the state and I still want to see Carlsbad caverns.
salonva
3 years ago
I have been a spectator on the travel.gettogether threads. I am interested for sure, but have some degree of hesitancy and am not sure I would be able to so count me in as a sure maybe.

Regarding the US cities, I agree with eld that I have been to most of them, and loved them, and would be happy returning. (Asheville, Savannah, Charleston, etc). Just not sure of things coming together, so I will sit and pay attention and if I can join I would love to do so.

I think it's a great idea, and thank you Mtn for taking this idea steps further.
eld6161
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I hope you do!

Mtn, our fearless leader, gets things done!
eld6161
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Bumble, the good thing about Asheville is that even if you can’t get a direct flight, once you land , you don’t have to add an hour or two to the destination.
User
3 years ago
So ... what's there to do in Asheville? I can Google, but I want to hear suggestions from you all here.
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
3 years ago
Hi all,

In the next few days I will try to boil this down and create a follow-up survey to add in these choices.

I will probably end up suggesting a month paired with each destination. For example, not sure I'd agree these is not a bad time to go to Biltmore... we were there in bitter cold rain, pretty much closing off the grounds, and then the roads became icy on the way over the mountain to nearby Lake Lure. I never got to see what the fuss was about Asheville, but I am guessing that is a place to see in strolling weather? And that was spring break!

As far as SantaFe, I think I've been 5 times now. I (clearly) like it but can't imagine what I'd do a 6th time, unless w DH to see the opera (but that would be Jul/Aug which is prob when most of us have family vacations). Moreover, from my POV, flying to ABQ and then driving and hour to Santa Fe is not materially different than flying to SMdA and driving an hour to the city. YMMV, literally!
sable64
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
If the group is considering staying within the States - you cannot go wrong with Sedona, Az. Its setting is stunning, set against the red rocks and hills at the entrance to Oak Creek Canyon. There are all kinds of opportunities for hiking, from easy to strenuous, horseback riding, swimming, and jeep tours across the rocks, and star-gazing. It's actually impossible to describe the loveliness of this place in words alone; even pictures barely suffice. Check YouTube for a selection of videos (sorry, am not good at making links work).

There are plenty of places to stay - motels, hotels, spas, and resorts; something for everyone. We always stayed at Sky Ranch Lodge, a spacious motel set atop the central mesa which bisects the town, with, of course, views TDF. At twilight I would take a glass of wine and sit on the little patio outside our room and watch the stars appear and the lights come on in the town below. Just heaven!

Within Sedona itself are an array of restaurants, and shops and galleries to satisfy the most dedicated shopper, and our home is proof of this! If you love Southwestern art, especially that reflecting the native American heritage, this is a great place. Sedona is in fact highly conscious of its native origins; there are guides and tours and rangers to help with understanding everything.

Sedona is also considered to be a source of spirituality, a vortex for the concentrated power of spiritual energy, and there are places and groups to explore this, also. A few years ago DH and I were in a coffee shop in Port Angeles, WA, preparing to ferry across to Vancouver Island. I was wearing a favorite necklace (from Sedona), tiny black bears carved from obsidian, with teensy turquoise eyes. A woman stopped me, touched the necklace, and exclaimed, "Sedona! You have been there! Have you felt the vortex?"

It really is a very special place! Highly, highly recommended!
DLM2000-GW
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Ida I'm 30 minutes south of Asheville. The area is known for all the nature/hiking of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a thriving (pre-covid) art scene in every town but Asheville is the epicenter, the Biltmore Estate, breweries and wineries (I'm not a beer drinker at all but the Sierra Nevada campus is amazing, well worth a lunch and tour), the Blue Ridge Parkway, (the Folk Art Center is a wonderful stop) waterfalls around every corner, the Grove Park Inn, Great Smokey Mountains Railroad, electric bike tours (makes it possible to crank up those hills!), the Arboretum, Bullington Gardens and on and on.

OH! and I forgot to mention food! Check out Chez Panni, Katie Button's restaurants, Buxton Hall, Shine and Postero in Hendersonville...and on and on.
Camden England
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
The plans are for 2022 right?
Tina Marie
3 years ago
Another spectator here (so far). We have trips that were put off due to covid that we will be rescheduling once we can travel. So, I am not sure I would make a GTG. Would depend on those trips, timing, etc. If I were to come, the Mr. would come with me, although whether or not he would participate or not remains to be seen. LOL We would more than likely plan a trip around the GTG and go on from there. The place, and what there is to do there would really not be of major concern to me (of course I would not want to go somewhere awful!), the main thing would be the GTG! I am within 2 hours of Asheville, we go there fairly often. There is lots to do there and several little towns nearby that are fun. It is a beautiful area. KSWL, I LOVE Montreat. We almost always drive through there when we are in the area. I probably would not be interested in going to Biltmore as I have been there, done that, so many times. I do agree though, it is something to see in every season and they cannot be outdone for Christmas. @DLM2000-GW we love Hendersonville and used to enjoy the antique shops there but seems many have closed. :( You are also within an easy drive of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, etc. which is almost my backyard. LOL Charleston you all know I love and we go there usually yearly. There is much to be done and much in the area. People could stay in Charleston or on one of the nearby islands (which we prefer). It's an easy drive back into Charleston. There are other cities nearby (Summerville comes to mind) and for those who wanted to extend their travel time, you could drive down the coast to Savannah. Or you could choose @hhireno's vacation home area (Hilton Head) and be within an easy day trip to Charleston or Savannah. These areas I would definitely do in April/May or October, even November. September will still be pretty warm. You have a little more lee-way with Asheville, it being a mountain area.
maire_cate
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
What nice suggestions, I'd be interested in any of them. Some are new, several I have visited but that wouldn't stop me from returning. NM holds a special interest since I spent many summer vacations staying with my Mother's family but that was decades ago. I still have cousins there and it would be an opportunity to extend a trip and visit them.

The 2 trips to Europe that I had planned pre-Covid with a girlfriend were fully refunded and she's reluctant to make new arrangements until she's confident that it's safe again. So my calendar is definitely open.
mtnrdredux_gw thanked maire_cate

Alternate Houzz "road trip" suggestions?

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