I might be going to America in August...but where should I go?

[Claire]

Two friends who live in Minneapolis, respectively Laredo and I want to meet up and travel somewhere in America. The question is where to? I'd be flying all the way from Sweden, and the price of an airplane ticket is pretty much the same range all over America.

Where would be cool places to go? And hopefully living expenses won't be too high...

We've thought about Las Vegas and New York, but NY might be a bit too expensive living wise. Other ideas? I'd be keen to try the west coast...

[kekoa]

los angeles. no doubt

[Curtis N]

Well the closest "big" city to Minneapolis is Chicago. It's less than seven hours drive.

And you simply must let us know when you'll be there, so the Chicago area POTN regulars can swarm on you!

[HailttRedskins]

Washington D.C. You've got a lot of monuments here, along with the WWII memorial which is probably one of the most beautiful things ever.

[Jon]

Isn't Minneapolis a hub for NorthWest? Not that I want to seem to be recommending NorthWest, but direct's better than changing and clearing Customs half-way through.

[timbernet]

Isn't Minneapolis a hub for NorthWest? Not that I want to seem to be recommending NorthWest, but direct's better than changing and clearing Customs half-way through.

Correct, it is a hub for NWA.

[flipstyle72]

What are you guys into/interests? The U.S. has a large variety to share...also, take into considerations weather and which time of year you want to travel.

How long will the trip be? Plan on doing some driving to various states or just want to pick one location and explore it thoroughly?

The Touristy places I've been to that I'd recommend:

In Caliornia - San Diego or San Fran.
Florida - Miami/Ft. Lauderdale is nice... Or north to Orlando which has Disney!
TN Smokey Mountains - BEAUTIFUL and peaceful. Quite family oriented. Rent a cabin in Gatlinburg!
Missouri - Branson area... kinda like Vegas without Casinos. many shows..but most if it is geared toward the family and Senior citizen fair.

Oh, can't forget my home town - New Orleans, Louisiana. Rich history and architecture, night life has PLENTY to offer (always find a bar or dance club open 24hrs). And we can use the tourist support since Katrina! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Katrina)

It's a shame, but i've probably done more travel outside of the U.S.

Give us a little more info and I'm sure we can better make recommendations for your trip.

Either way...it'll be a nice experience.

[Claire]

Los Angeles and Washington are definitely contenders in my eyes. We all got friends in Washington as well actually. Los Angeles would be cool.... What about San Fransisco?

[flipstyle72]

Los Angeles and Washington are definitely contenders in my eyes. We all got friends in Washington as well actually. Los Angeles would be cool.... What about San Fransisco?


Not to discredit Los Angeles, It has some very nice qualities....it's just "I" preferred San Diego or San Fran.

[cdifoto]

Rural Pennsylvania. Hubba hubba. *wink wink nudge nudge* [bad joey tribiani voice] How YOU doin'?

[Mike McCusker]

san Francisco definetly, Washington D.C. in August??? That will be a buster...

[NYC2BGI]

Try NYC but just don't stay in Manhattan. Manhattan is one of the most expensive places to stay in the world.

[Claire]

Hm, not sure what we're after. Something affordable! haha We're all pretty adventurous in the sense that we enjoy exploring all the touristy stuff, as well as "off the beaten trail". I think we're city people, but we'd also enjoy the occasional excursion to some nice scenic place.

Trip would be in August. Not sure when in August though.

Geesh, America is waaaay too big. I'd just like to go for a month and do a darn roadtrip to see a little bit more.

[timbernet]

Hm, not sure what we're after. Something affordable! haha We're all pretty adventurous in the sense that we enjoy exploring all the touristy stuff, as well as "off the beaten trail". I think we're city people, but we'd also enjoy the occasional excursion to some nice scenic place.

Trip would be in August. Not sure when in August though.

Geesh, America is waaaay too big. I'd just like to go for a month and do a darn roadtrip to see a little bit more.

August plays a big part, and really rules out Vegas... Vegas in August == Hell...

Come on up to Ore/Washington :-D Plenty of your friends to meet there!

[Claire]

Rural Pennsylvania. Hubba hubba. *wink wink nudge nudge* [bad joey tribiani voice] How YOU doin'?

LOL My female friend is married I'm afraid, my male friend doesn't lick that side of the stamp...and I'm not sure if my boyfriend would like me to spend quality time with a man who shoots porn... ;)

[BigBlueDodge]

August is going to be pretty warm in most of the southern United States. I would suggest staying to the northern parts the US. The Pacific Northwest is gorgeous during August. You can go to Seattle, visit locally, and then take a day ride up to Vancouver, BC (say hello to Cosworth while your up there). Plus, Seattle is a port city for alot of Alaskan Cruises if you want to get away.

If you're willing to bear the heat, Grand Canyon would be a nice site. You could always consider Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Teton's national parks. Also, Florida has alot to offer, but again August in the US is alot different than August in Sweden

For cities, you could visit "Kalifornia", and stick to the larger ones San Franscico, San Diego, etc. I wouldn't suggest Los Angeles.

[flipstyle72]

Hm, not sure what we're after. Something affordable! haha We're all pretty adventurous in the sense that we enjoy exploring all the touristy stuff, as well as "off the beaten trail". I think we're city people, but we'd also enjoy the occasional excursion to some nice scenic place.

Trip would be in August. Not sure when in August though.

Geesh, America is waaaay too big. I'd just like to go for a month and do a darn roadtrip to see a little bit more.


If you can't stand heat and humidity, then STAY AWAY FROM NEW ORLEANS in August....lol. It's deadly. I remember landing in Arizona once and the pilot said the temp. was 107. We were like...OMG...then someone next to me said they lived both places N.O. and Phoenix and would take the 100+ Arizona heat over 80degree New Orleans any day. I guess the humidity really does make a difference....lol.

[gymell]

August is a great time to visit Minneapolis. We have the Mall of America, and there's even a huge IKEA store right next to it so you'll feel right at home. ;)

[timbernet]

August is a great time to visit Minneapolis. We have the Mall of America, and there's even a huge IKEA store right next to it so you'll feel right at home. ;)

Heh, and a good time to take photos of the state bird... the mosquito :-D

[Claire]

August is a great time to visit Minneapolis. We have the Mall of America, and there's even a huge IKEA store right next to it so you'll feel right at home. ;)

Ha Ha I have actually been in Minneapolis for a few day's visit when my friend got married. I did go to Mall of America the last day I was there, but I skipped IKEA.... ;)

[gymell]

I went to IKEA once, that was enough for me!

As for other places, others have mentioned NYC and DC, but if you're interested in historical things Boston is good too. For the west coast San Francisco is nice, and not brutally hot like some other places, maybe Seattle would be another option as well. If you want to catch something in the middle, someone mentioned Chicago which would be a possibility.

[Killjoy]

August is probably not the best time to visit the Eastern Seaboard, nor the Southeast either. it's not just the heat, but the humidity. Imagine having taken a shower and getting dressed to go out. As soon as you walk out the door of your hotel, you are so moist with persperation that your clothes are all sticking to you.

I am not exaggerating. I lived it. I was born in Boston and lived there for a while.
I now live in California. The San Francisco Bay Area to be a tad more specific since this one state is huge.

Everyone will claim that their state is the one you should visit if you only have limited time. But let me offer my two cents. Northern California has some of the nicest things to see at any time of the year.
You can visit San Francisco, Berkeley, Santa Cruz, Monterey and Carmel, Sonoma and Mendocino for the coast.
If you want mountains, you can find bigger ones, but you can't find prettier than Yosemite. You don't have to drive that far for mountains either. We have Mount Diablo and Mount Tamalpias within a 30-40 minute drive of SF.

If you want beautiful foliage, you will be right before the crush season for Napa Valley. All of the vineyards should be full of color. We also have a few lakes around the Bay Area if you are looking for that type of recreation.

Most of the things I mentioned are within a couple of hours drive of San Francisco (with the exception of Yosemite, being closer to a four hour drive).

Now the hard part for you. Trying to decide where you want to visit. I don't think there is a wrong choice of where to see. :)

[gymell]

If you can't stand heat and humidity, then STAY AWAY FROM NEW ORLEANS in August....lol. It's deadly. I remember landing in Arizona once and the pilot said the temp. was 107. We were like...OMG...then someone next to me said they lived both places N.O. and Phoenix and would take the 100+ Arizona heat over 80degree New Orleans any day. I guess the humidity really does make a difference....lol.

My father lives on the coast of Mississippi not that far from New Orleans, I spent many an August there. Avoid the gulf coast at all costs during July and August! I'll take -20F in Minnesota, or 110 in Arizona over that any day!

[GM_of_OLC]

San Francisco is nice.
I went there last summer, (unfortunately about a month pre-DSLR for me).
Lots of different sites and interesting people.

New York would be cool too.
You could go to B&H!!

[saravrose]

Very cool Claire.. I'm leaving home in less than a month to do a cross the country road trip i'll have some great advice for you at the end of which. But, if I were you and wanted to do the West Coast of the states (any particular reason why?).. I'd dip into San Diego, San Francisco with a brief stop off in Vegas and the Grand Canyon.. So far my own trip is looking like i'm going into Utah to see my best bud and then over into Las Vegas to look up another friend, (there's also this casino sign graveyard, *anthony bourdain travel channel*) and this ghost town that's less than an hour out of Vegas, after that a boring six hours to San Diego lots and lots to see and do there.. if you do decide on San Diego let me know I have a fantastic artsy fartsy best friend who would get a total kick out of playing tour guide (he even carries my camera bag for me).. but, if you decide on anything remotely east coast i'll be out there by then and i'm more than happy to travel... Good luck!!

Sari

[Belmondo]

Claire:
If you get to Southern California, make sure you give me a call. I'll drive any reasonable distance to meet with you. We can exchange microwave chicken recipes.

[cosworth]

Try NYC but just don't stay in Manhattan. Manhattan is one of the most expensive places to stay in the world.

Last time I was there it was $150 a night at the Milford Plaza on 8th. Not so bad.

[ayotnoms]

August is very pleasant in San Francisco and along the coast south of San Francisco.
You might even convince Belmondo ...and some of the other moderators Maureen, Skip, and Kevin to meet up somewhere relatively close.

Now, that I think of it, it was last August we all met up at Dwight McCann's house.

Good Times. :)

[timbernet]

August is very pleasant in San Francisco and along the coast south of San Francisco.
You might even convince Belmondo ...and some of the other moderators Maureen, Skip, and Kevin to meet up somewhere relatively close.

Now, that I think of it, it was last August we all met up at Dwight McCann's house.

Good Times. :)

Don't forget Bubba's Diner!

[Claire]

Hm, seems the friend that has tighter with money is more keen on Mexico because it's even lower than the dollar. Hm...

[flipstyle72]

Hm, seems the friend that has tighter with money is more keen on Mexico because it's even lower than the dollar. Hm...

Then I suggest an all inclusive resort on the Pacific side... Los Cabos. I've been to the Gulf side a few times and my sis has been to both and highly recommends the Pacific Peninsula over the Caribbean area.

[Killjoy]

Hm, seems the friend that has tighter with money is more keen on Mexico because it's even lower than the dollar. Hm...


I'll give the East Coast of Mexico a second vote. The Mayan ruins at Chitzen Itza are a must see. They are just a short bus ride out of Cancun. Also, if you get the chance, take a shuttle across to Cozumel. There is some GREAT SCUBA diving there (if you happen to be certified).

If you ARE going to go SCUBA diving, see if the guides will take you to Punte Sur. AKA The Devils Throat.

[RSiewert]

The North Shore in MN is very nice. Lighthouses, Lake superior, waterfalls, wildlife, hiking etc.

[sevillafox]

The North Shore in MN is very nice. Lighthouses, Lake superior, waterfalls, wildlife, hiking etc.

I would second this and suggest making a little trip into WI. I grew up in northern WI and went to lake superior every summer. The apostle islands (http://www.nps.gov/apis/)are beautiful and you can rent a kayak and go out on the lake. There are even some caves around too. And, there aren't many people because there is only 1 island you can get to by ferry. You have to rent a boat or kayak to get to the others. The weather is nice-not too hot. And, if you fly into minneapolis you can fly KLM-they piggyback with Northwest. I think KLM was one of my favorite airlines to fly.

[Tony-S]

The San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado (Weminuche Wilderness Area). Most beautiful place in the US.

[billash3]

Check out San Antonio, Texas. Cool city, big city, lots of history, excellent Tex/Mex, nice climate, close to the Hill Country, not too expensive.....all around great place to visit.

[gardengirl13]

NYC is cheaper on the weekends when the business folk aren't "in town" they try to attract tourists on weekends.

I lived in San Diego for a year and loved it! Stay by the ocean and you get great breezes and less heat.

i got married on Sept 6 in Vegas, it was 113 outside and soooo hot, but no humidity which helped. Without it when you sweat it's gone, with it you never dry off.

I agree with those who say the pacific northwest. I'd love to visit there some day!

just about every single state has something wonderful to offer. Unless you have tons of time you won't get to see much.

[ajbalazic]

Forget America - come to Canada!!!

[mrgtturbo]

Just a thought on NYC.

I once had to pick up an old Crosley engine from a E-Bay seller whom worked at a fire station just off Broadway. I walked around a little checking that street out, then stopped for a drink... A CAN of diet coke. It cost something like $3-. I really do not know how people can afford to live around there. I can't imagine a hotel anywhere near the city. I jumped back in the car and drove home to Maine... ($1,600- for an engine, and $3- for a can of soda was enough for one day lol). It was a long drive down and back being all the same day. But in saving money from not getting a hotel I feel I was paid good for my efforts.
It is an impressive place though.

I went another time, this time stayed with my GF family in Union City NJ, not far from NYC at all, and things seemed much different in price, (Though crappy appartments were still pulling in $1,300- a month where they lived).

I'd say going there would be fun, and a good experience. However you may wish to book a hotel a bit of a drive away... like say 8 hours or so. LOL

I'm just playing... but do not not plan it to be an inexpensive part of your trip.

[Maureen Souza]

Hmmmmmm. I pick San Fran because then maybe I could meet you at last :)

[Killjoy]

Check out San Antonio, Texas. Cool city, big city, lots of history, excellent Tex/Mex, nice climate, close to the Hill Country, not too expensive.....all around great place to visit.

And don't forget the humidity at that time of the year. Whew!:roll:

[slappy sam]

Just a thought on NYC.

I once had to pick up an old Crosley engine from a E-Bay seller whom worked at a fire station just off Broadway. I walked around a little checking that street out, then stopped for a drink... A CAN of diet coke. It cost something like $3-. I really do not know how people can afford to live around there. I can't imagine a hotel anywhere near the city. I jumped back in the car and drove home to Maine... ($1,600- for an engine, and $3- for a can of soda was enough for one day lol). It was a long drive down and back being all the same day. But in saving money from not getting a hotel I feel I was paid good for my efforts.
It is an impressive place though.

I went another time, this time stayed with my GF family in Union City NJ, not far from NYC at all, and things seemed much different in price, (Though crappy appartments were still pulling in $1,300- a month where they lived).

I'd say going there would be fun, and a good experience. However you may wish to book a hotel a bit of a drive away... like say 8 hours or so. LOL

I'm just playing... but do not not plan it to be an inexpensive part of your trip.
Manhattan isn't a place to live if your into getting stuff cheap. To me it seems like a great place to live if your single, young, making a decent amount of money, work in the city, enjoy nightlife/big cities, and don't mind spending more money to have a better "experience". Its just such a populated area with so much to do. I'd love to live there someday when I get out of college if I could afford it/was working there.

And like cosworth said, you can find hotels in the city for like 150 which isn't too terrible.

[Killjoy]

It's been a month since anyone has posted to this thread.
I am just curious if the OP has made any decisions as to where in this huge country they are going to visit?
Or is Mexico the last word?

Enquiring minds want to know. :)

[Belmondo]

It's been a month since anyone has posted to this thread.
I am just curious if the OP has made any decisions as to where in this huge country they are going to visit?
Or is Mexico the last word?

Enquiring minds want to know. :)Hmmmm. I see you're a reader, just like my wife.

She's going to Minneapolis-St. Paul. Go figure.

Actually, today is her birthday.


Everyone say 'Happy Birthday' to Claire.

Maybe she'll cook you some chicken.

[Killjoy]

Actually, I was checking which threads I had subscribed to, and was deleting all the old ones. However, this thread, I hadn't noticed any closure on. So I thought I would ask.;)

Oh, and Happy Birthday Claire :D

[Claire]

He He Thanks. Well I got tired of my friends never settling on a place and after my friend called to say she's pregnant, I figured I'd go visit her. Decent price, nice to explore the place more as last time was all about the wedding. And I'll meet another friend of her's who I've emailed / chatted with for a few years but never met. Kinda cool.