<p>JustaMom - Since others are posting links here I’ll go on and post a link to where we stayed in Islamorada since sometimes people look back to these threads at a later date for ideas. We got an excellent deal on either expedia or orbitz, so do shop around. It was so relaxing, not crowded, and we felt so pampered without feeling hovered over if that makes sense. The word cheeca now stands for ‘relaxing’ or ‘zen’ in our house, lol. For example: I had such a wonderful afternoon. It was just so cheeca. :)</p>
<p>SteveMA - you had me at “hold your hand up for someone to bring you a tasty beverage…” But, Marriott looks booked solid through most of November. </p>
<p>Wow, Blueiguana, cheeca looks spectacular. I’m afraid to find out how much it costs. I’ll make sure to check the travel websites.</p>
<p>The specific links are helping so much, everyone. I do tend to get overwhelmed when trying to choose a place. They all look so nice online that I feel better with a “personal” recommendation.</p>
<p>In my late 20’s, I drove through Hot Springs, Arkansas. I had virtually no money then, but could still afford a wonderful day spa there. Wrapped up in towels, steamed, massaged…'twas great! </p>
<p>I’d be curious if today others think Hot Springs is a good weekend destination.</p>
<p>I would fly into the SW Florida airport and consider many of the options already noted - Sanibel is amazing. A bit cheaper is Fort Myers Beach. </p>
<p>I’ve never been there, but here good things about Panama City FL & other beaches on the panhandle.</p>
<p>Florida’s panhandle beaches are beautiful. A big difference between lower Florida and the panhandle is that peak season is winter in south Florida and peak season in the panhandle is summer. It can get cold in the panhandle winter time. The panhandle is known as the Redneck Riviera getting so much of its vacationer business from the south when school is out. If you visit the Florida panhandle in the winter and if you luck out with mild weather you can have a very nice vacation on the cheap. Winter time in south Florida you pay premium, peak season rates.</p>
<p>Hmm. The Panhandle, that’s interesting. H was stationed at Fort Walton Beach right around the time we met, so that would have some meaning as well. Any resort suggestions for that area?</p>
<p>The Water Color Inn Resort is about 10 miles east of Ft. Walton…it’s pricey for the area, but it’s nice! There are a ton of other places to stay on the gulf beach within a short drive of the Panama City Airport. The airport is not the busiest place; but I believe SouthWest and Delta fly in daily.</p>
<p>^^Right. When my S was stationed at Eglin AFB a couple of years ago, he always flew out of the Fort Walton airport to Charlotte - Douglas International airport so I know the major airlines do fly out of FW airport.</p>
<p>Hot Springs, Arkansas (the Ozarks in general) are amazing. paying3tuitions has a good suggestion here. It’s more of a place where you stroll down a quaint street looking at the boutique stores stopping at the sidewalk cafe for a bite to eat. Instead of water, you have the mountains and trees to sit and enjoy from the porch.</p>
<p>So many great ideas, and I appreciate them ALL!! This is about the time when my brain starts to overload and I get all flustered. Usually that results in me throwing up my hands and saying “Oh, forget it”…but I’m determined to NOT fall into that trap! :D</p>
<p>Oh. And, H says, NO to FWB/Fla. Panhandle. Guess he doesn’t want to relive his Air Force days. ;)</p>
<p>Since you mentioned a lake, I’ll suggest the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantation on the shore of Lake Oconee in Georgia. It’s about an hour’s drive from the Atlanta airport and is really lovely. There is a nice walking path, a spa, good restaurants and a great view of the lake. They even do s’mores every evening at the fire pit. We were there recently and really enjoyed it.</p>
<p>What’s kinda tricky here is figuring out a destination that is a short trip from Ct. and is in a warm location around December. To me a short trip means driving distance on one tank of gas. That’s like impossible to do in Dec. from Ct. Maybe just drive down to Atlantic City to get away from it all and stay for a few nights and avoid all the hassles of flying, renting a car, etc.?</p>
<p>Warm in December probably limits you to south Florida or the islands. This past summer my family drove twice to Sarasota for weekends at the beach just to take a break and get away for a few days. We stayed at a nice, next to brand new Holiday Inn across the street from the Sarasota airport. It is a short drive from that hotel to Sarasota’s beautiful Lido Beach, which has plenty of parking spaces–some Florida beaches are super tight for finding parking. Only a couple of blocks from Lido Beach is the compact St. Armands Circle shopping district with its boutique shops, sidewalk cafes, and nice restaurants. There are many terrific places to visit in Florida…it’s hard to go wrong with any vacation in the Sunshine State!</p>
<p>And - when I said WARM, note that I said, just warm enough to sit outside and not shiver. Doesn’t have to be tropical warm. If I have to have a jacket/sweatshirt on, then I’m okay with that…I’d think that would expand the possibilities. As long as I don’t need mittens.</p>
<p>Add to that, that both H and I enjoy roadtrips, we don’t mind a long drive AT ALL…and…now my brain can be even MORE overloaded with options.</p>