<p>It’s been a really rough year. H had some sudden, serious health issues in the spring resulting in major abdominal surgery and a really long complicated recovery. He was out of work for 4 months. He missed D’s college graduation and her move to a new city to begin her new job (I got to move her myself…go me). Also, we had to cancel our 25th anniversary trip to Grand Cayman (the first “us” vacation in about 25 years). </p>
<p>Finally, he’s been feeling better and it feels like our lives might get back to something resembling “normal”. We THOUGHT that the fall would be taken up by a second “reconstructive” surgery, but found out yesterday that wouldn’t happen until January. Disappointing.</p>
<p>I was thinking, instead of being disappointed about the pushback of the surgery, we could schedule a little fun trip (think long weekend), maybe in the beginning of November or December. Here are the parameters:</p>
<p>Pretty, preferably near water (much as we love the beach, I think we’d prefer a lake, for something different)
Warm enough to sit outside and enjoy a cocktail without shivering
H isn’t up to really strenuous activity yet (but 1-2 mile walks okay)
Relaxation is key.
In the eastern US (we live in CT)
Cabin, condo, or hotel is fine. Not picky as long as it’s CLEAN.</p>
<p>We’re not big travelers, and know NOTHING. Mountains? Tennesee? Georgia? What can you suggest?</p>
<p>What about checking the various airlines for “last minute deals” and just picking something off there and go? Usually the post them on Tuesday or Wednesday for travel that coming weekend. Decide you are going to go the weekend of December 7th or whatever and pick whatever looks like the most fun on one of those specials. I know United and I think Delta both have these. I am sure other’s do as well I just have never checked. This week, for example, out of NY you could fly to Charlotte NC for $220 round trip with and hotel specials starting at $45/night.</p>
<p>We did a nice minivac to the Florida Keys last Feb. Although we did the obligatory couple of days at Key West, we actually enjoyed our stay midway through the keys better. We were at a small resort on the water and liked the lower key (oops - no pun intended!) atmosphere. Since we flew in and out of Miami, we were able to sneak a really quick visit to the Everglades in on the way back to the airport.</p>
<p>I love going to the “Low Country” of SC when I need to relax. I love to stay on a marsh where I can watch the tides, see the wildlife and totally unwind. The beach is not far, but a marsh is a completely different environment. You could fly into Hilton Head/Savannah or Charleston. Sounds like a walking tour might not be what you would want, but both Savannah and Charleston have carriage tours. Great restaurants in both. We have stayed at several vrbo.com properties with great success. Not a lake, but I think it is different enough from the ocean.</p>
<p>Oh, so many nice suggestions. The weather in Bermuda and Hilton Head is about 71 degrees for the high in Nov. and about 66 degrees for the high in Dec. I don’t know if that would be a little too cool for you. We love all of the places mentioned. Sanibel might be a good bet, the end of hurricane season, highs in in low 80’s for Nov. and 70’s for Dec. The beaches are beautiful, nice shells, laid back atmosphere, a national wildlife sanctuary, bike and walking trails, cute shops and great dining. We always stayed at Casa Y Bel. A full resort , (but very laid back) with suites, kitchens, screened in balcony. You could fly from Bradley or White Plains to Ft. Meyers. It is about 1/2 hour from the airport. Hope you have a restful trip wherever you decide to go.</p>
<p>Whitepicketfence, do you enjoy the novels set in the low country by Dorothea Benton Frank? I enjoy them but haven’t read all of them, I think at least 10 books are set in South Carolina.</p>
<p>If you try the Fl Keys I would suggest Islamorada. We were there several years ago to get away from the winter blahs. It was just what we needed. We both liked it much more for just relaxing then Key West. If you decide to consider it I would highly recommend where we stayed. Just PM me. Enjoy your holiday!</p>
<p>Onward - In Bermuda we have stayed at Surf Side Beach Club many times. It all depends on what you are looking for - large hotel, small b&b, etc. We always love to see the water from our room, so if that is important, make sure you look into that. Some places that I have researched look so lovely, but do not have the view that we want.</p>
<p>Eddieodessa - I know what you mean about the view. I forgot to put that in the criteria. Water View, preferably with a porch of some sort that we can sit on.</p>
<p>So far I’ve got beach options, Florida Keys, Bermuda, Sanibel (MIL lives south of Myrtle Beach…if we go Low Country we’ll hear "Why don’t you just stay here??? :rolleyes: )</p>
<p>Any lake options anyone?</p>
<p>blueiguana, I’ll PM you for the name of the place you stayed. I’m ALWAYS interested in specific places. It’s so hard to choose by looking online. I get overwhelmed…</p>
<p>I think the problem with “lakes” is that in December, places with a lot of lakes that don’t have alligators are cold-with the lakes probably frozen.</p>
<p>True, SteveMa. Good Point. Although, I guess we wouldn’t care about alligators - no swimming for H since the surgery. (Sitting out by the pool has been bittersweet this summer)</p>
<p>Have I mentioned lately how much I really love the CC community?</p>
<p>Ocean again but what about the area around Ocean City,NJ? There are some wonderful older hotels along the beach that have wide porches to sit on and enjoy the ocean. You can take a leisurely stroll down the boardwalks or through any of the cute little shore towns without it being a major ordeal. I would guess that it’s pretty quiet that time of the year and they may be decked out for Christmas then??</p>