Your Questions Answered – Grown-ups Budget Getaway

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Rita of North Carolina left this question in the comments section on one of my posts a couple weeks ago:

I have a little bit of a problem. My husband and I are going on vacation in September for a week to California. But our anniversary is in November, and we would like to take just a short getaway for a few days. I cannot think of of anywhere to go! I would love to visit a small town with shopping, museums, lots of sights and good food. Since it will be cold in November in North Carolina, we’d like to somewhere a bit warmer. Our California trip is costing a pretty penny, so this one will have to be on a budget. We will either travel by train or bus or fly; we will kill each other if we drive.

Whew! A small town, sort-of warm, on a budget, with museums and shops, by train, bus or plane… a tall order perhaps?

Now, I’m not real familiar with where Amtrak goes in the Southeast U.S., but my first thoughts were to suggest you get yourselves as south as possible for some balmy November temperatures. Perhaps to Orlando (big city, I know), where it’s not all about Mickey Mouse all the time! If you stay in a condo in Kissimmee, you can save some dough, but be close enough to Orlando to visit its under-appreciated art museums, national forest and perhaps even take in the ballet or symphony concert.

Or, enjoy some adult fun at Disney World, such as Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba or a celebratory dinner at elegant Victoria & Albert’s. Again, if you go cheap on condo reservations outside of Orlando, you can save some pennies to spend on entertainment and activities.

I wrote about some romantic destinations in Florida here, such as Jacksonville and Clearwater. Or head on down to Daytona Beach for some fun in the sun.

I spent some time in Dahlonega, Georgia, last spring, and found it utterly charming. It’s got some great shops lining its historic town square, plus the fascinating Gold Museum right in town. Stay at the Forrest Hills Mountain Resort for a true romantic getaway, since it caters to couples. This friendly town is just an hour from Atlanta and in the hills, so I’m not sure exactly how warm it will be in November, but I would highly recommend a stay in the area — it’s scenic and full of things to do, including hiking in the Chattahoochee National Forest and visiting the local vineyards.

Another southeast U.S. city I’d like to visit, and might work for you, Rita, is Savannah, Georgia. I don’t know much about it, but it’s on my list!

Mamas? Readers? Got some more ideas for Rita? Just leave your comments at the end of this post — you’ll not only help Rita out with some suggestions, but our readers will be entered into our random Boycott the Staycation prize giveaways. I’m glad to hear, Rita, that you’re not settling for staying home to celebrate your anniversary!

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July 7, 2008 | Filed Under Budget Travel, Romantic Getaways 

Comments

3 Responses to “Your Questions Answered – Grown-ups Budget Getaway”

  1. DesertMama says:
    July 7, 2008 at

    I want to go to Savannah, too! I think it would be a blast to go to New Orleans via Amtrak. I also love Pensacola, Florida. The Southeast has so many wonderful destinations. Another one of my favorite areas in Florida is Jacksonville and I love, love St. Augustine. Amelia Island is supposed to be nice as well. Please let us know what you decide.

  2. Keith says:
    July 7, 2008 at

    What about those inter-city buses?

    A lot of people have said they had an at best unpleasant, at worst frightening experience riding on them.

    But, the host on a recent TV travel show rode on one in Florida and was singing their praises. Is it different in different parts of the country, or did the fact he had a camera crew with him insulate him from the worst of it?

  3. CajunMama says:
    July 8, 2008 at

    I took the Greyhound Bud from Pensacola to BTR one summer as a teenager. Some weird guy stole my pillow while I went to the restroom.

    It depends on where you take the bus. In Hawaii, the bus was fine and it is what many people use to get around. Here in BTR, I wouldn’t DREAM of getting on the bus.

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