April 2009 Travel destination in US?

Question

I am beginning to plan our 10th anniversary trip. It'll be a suprise to my husband. America has so many beautiful places. Help me with a suggestion on a vacation destination within the continental US (no passports). We are currently in NC. My dream is a cozy little town with some neat "touristy" things to but nothing overwhelming. NYC is NOT what I am looking for. Beautiful, relaxing, and calm are my criteria.
Thanks in advanced for your imput.
p.s. Just an FYI: The suprise thing is okay. He suprised me with out honeymoon. We went to Charleston, SC and it was lovely.

Answer 1

Well I would recommend St. Augustine Florida. It has everything that you just described. Little Bed and Breakfast, small Inns, cozy hotels or nice beach resorts. This is the oldest city in the United States and there are so many wonderful things to see here. Check out the Castillo De San Marco one of the oldest forts in the US. Take a stroll through Old Town and St. George Street it looks just like it did in the 1700’s. Eat at one of the old town restaurants or hit up the Reef and get an ocean view. There is also a wonderful desert bar there, all they server is dessert and drinks really nice. There is also the Alligator Farm, The Colonial Village, St. Augustine Village, Trolley Rides, Ghost Tours and so much more. This place really is romantic and nothing is better than a carriage ride by the bay. Take a dolphin or sunset cruise. Drive up the coast and stop at all the neat little shops or hit up the beach! Most of the beaches are not crowded at all, and are very beautiful and clean. Check out Marineland and go swim with the dolphins or rent some bikes and go for a ride. We go here often and really enjoy it. Not a big city but plenty to do!
http://www.oldcity.com/
http://www.staugustine.com/
http://www.getaway4florida.com/
http://www.ci.st-augustine.fl.us/
http://www.staugustinechamber.com/

I would also suggest Sanibel Island FL. It is one of my favorite spots in the US and a real Gem. This little island has white beaches and blue water. They only have one stop light on the whole thing and the locals really do move to an island pace. There are plenty of romantic places to stay, everything from B&B’s , Cottages, Inns, Condo to Resorts. You can find a wonderful room at any price range. Rent bikes and ride them around the island, shop in the unique island shops, eat at some great places like the Green Flash, Hungry Herron and the Bubble Room. Sanibel is also near Captiva which is a small island right next door. They too have plenty to do and see. Of course if one night you all would like to hit up a larger city just jet on over to Fort Myers it is just a short 15 minute drive over the causeway. In Fort Myers there is a wonderful outlet mall for some cheap shopping, there are also some museums and a zoo. Sanibel is also known for the best shelling in the world, you will find so many beautiful shells here in every color just by strolling on the beach. You will see the locals doing the Sanibel Stoop because everyone has their eyes to the ground.
http://www.sanibelisland.com/
http://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/
http://www.sanibel-captiva.org/islands/index.asp
http://www.sanibelcaptivaonline.com/
http://www.visitflorida.com/page_not_found

You might also be interested in Savannah GA. Gorgeous small town, beautiful city squares and again a lot of nice romantic places to stay. There are so many little clubs to go listen to live music and snuggle with that love one. The River Walk is also a nice place to stroll around, little shops, restaurants and other things to do. There is a wonderful art museum, zoo and gardens here. Take a tour of the city and learn the history, check out some of the historic homes in the area. If you can take a short car trip to the surrounding beaches and soak in some sun. Be sure to stop in Paula Deens Restaurant The Lady and Sons and enjoy some good old southern cooking. It is the best! Get there early because the line is long! I also recommend taking the Midnight In The Garden tour…..you know the movie and book. That is very cool you get to see all the places mentioned in them and sometimes you even run into locals that were featured in it. I like Savannah it really is a nice little town.
http://www.savannah-visit.com/
http://www.savannah.com/index.cfm

If you don’t mind going to the west coast there is always Monterey, Carmel and Pebble Beach. Very beautiful coastal towns here. They are all really close to each other which means there is plenty to do. Monterey has the best aquarium around. Great for all ages, we really love to go there. Check out old town and Canary Row. This is another place that has amazing restaurants, some of the best seafood in the world! Depending on the time of year you go you can see the whales up in the bay which is always neat. You will also want to take the 17 mile drive, just breathtaking!
http://www.monterey.org/
http://www.montereyinfo.org/
http://www.monterey.com/
http://www.pebblebeach.com/page.asp?id=861
http://www.carmelcalifornia.org/
http://www.carmelfun.com/
http://www.carmelbythesea.com/


Well I hope this helps you congrats on your anniversary!

Answer 2

Lake Tahoe California/Nevada. Lake Tahoe is not a specific town, but it is a large lake shared between California and Nevada in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. There are many small towns with a lot to do. Hiking, skiing, see old mining towns, check out the casino's, or just relax in a cabin and enjoy a view of a lake.

Answer 3

We love St Augustine, Florida.

Answer 4

MONTANA IS WONDERFUL. WE HAVE 2 NATIONAL PARKS AND THERE IS A LOT TO SEE & DO...RELAXING !!!!! DEFINATELY BEAUTY AS WE HAVE MOUNTAINS & LAKES !
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK IS NEAR CANADA AND YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK IS A NEAT TOURISTY PLACE ...ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE IN BOZEMAN AREA! I LIVE IN THE CAPITAL AREA AND IT HAS THE BEST OF EVERYTHING ....SMALL TOWN WITH LOTS TO SEE & DO !

Answer 5

Depending on age.. Maybe a trip abroad... here's a few links..