Travel / Vacation thread

[texbender]

Vegas for 4 nights next week.
Race in Sonoma in September, plus ND football games (UM, FSU, maybe USC). Texas coast in October.

 

[NDohio]

Hanging out in Boca Raton for the next 9 days. Hoping to run into Joey Freshwater.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Going to Madison then Milwaukee at the end of the month. Should be lots of beer

 

[koonja]

My wife and I are planning a short 5 day/4 night domestic vacation for our 1 year (October), and are considering the 3 following landing spots. Note, I've not been to any of these, and she's been to only Vegas, and it was for 1 day.

We'll be 32/33 years old at the time, and she'll be 3 months removed from giving birth, for what it's worth. She's a big music fan, but not a complete junky. I don't really care that much for music. I like it, but don't download, go to concerts, etc. Cost considerations are a wash, as I assume each trip will cost about the same (unless I get really drunk in Vegas).

New Orleans
Las Vegas
Nashville

Advice? Considerations?

 

[zelezo vlk]

Nashville is supposed to be nice.

 

[NorthDakota]

I've heard only good things about nashville.

 

[IrishLax]

Yeah everyone loves Nashville. I was recently in New Orleans.... I would say Nashville is strictly better, unless you're looking to get stupid drunk and do all that Bourbon Street nonsense.

Vegas is it's own animal. Tons of fun if you have tons of money, otherwise I would not recommend it.

 

[ACamp1900]

I'm freakin shocked to learn koon is in his 30s.... anyway, can't really go wrong with any of those.

You've never been to Vegas?? Take her there and go a nice show... could add up but tons to do.

 

[Legacy93]

My wife and I are planning a short 5 day/4 night domestic vacation for our 1 year (October), and are considering the 3 following landing spots. Note, I've not been to any of these, and she's been to only Vegas, and it was for 1 day.

We'll be 32/33 years old at the time, and she'll be 3 months removed from giving birth, for what it's worth. She's a big music fan, but not a complete junky. I don't really care that much for music. I like it, but don't download, go to concerts, etc. Cost considerations are a wash, as I assume each trip will cost about the same (unless I get really drunk in Vegas).

New Orleans
Las Vegas
Nashville

Advice? Considerations?

Been to Nashville twice.

Great city, tons of fun (Esp. if you are a country music fan - obviously) and there are quite a few things to do. I think 2-3 days in downtown Nashville is enough to get the flavor of the city. If you go, make sure to explore areas that aren't just Broadway. There are a lot of fun things to do in the Gulch and other areas that you need to drive to. I've also spent a good day or so exploring Opryland and the areas around Nashville. Also, there is a lot of good golf if you're into that kind of thing.

 

[koonja]

Yeah everyone loves Nashville. I was recently in New Orleans.... I would say Nashville is strictly better, unless you're looking to get stupid drunk and do all that Bourbon Street nonsense.

Vegas is it's own animal. Tons of fun if you have tons of money, otherwise I would not recommend it.

I'm freakin shocked to learn koon is in his 30s.... anyway, can't really go wrong with any of those.

You've never been to Vegas?? Take her there and go a nice show... could add up but tons to do.

Been to Nashville twice.

Great city, tons of fun (Esp. if you are a country music fan - obviously) and there are quite a few things to do. I think 2-3 days in downtown Nashville is enough to get the flavor of the city. If you go, make sure to explore areas that aren't just Broadway. There are a lot of fun things to do in the Gulch and other areas that you need to drive to. I've also spent a good day or so exploring Opryland and the areas around Nashville. Also, there is a lot of good golf if you're into that kind of thing.

Unless they take vbucks, I do not fall into the tons of money crowd.

How old did you think I was? Assuming 50's+ given the perception of my vast knowledge. But yeah, 31 and will be 32 at time of trip.

I've always wanted to go to a Vegas magic show. If we do Vegas, I'd definitely like to take her to a show of some sort.

She's a country fan through and through. I'm a hater, and only like old country. Garth Brooks, Diamond Rio, Tracy Bird, Toby Keith, etc. But I'd go along with it for sure.

 

[zelezo vlk]

It's decided, you're going to Nashville koon.

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[Ndaccountant]

Unless they take vbucks, I do not fall into the tons of money crowd.

How old did you think I was? Assuming 50's+ given the perception of my vast knowledge. But yeah, 31 and will be 32 at time of trip.

I've always wanted to go to a Vegas magic show. If we do Vegas, I'd definitely like to take her to a show of some sort.

She's a country fan through and through. I'm a hater, and only like old country. Garth Brooks, Diamond Rio, Tracy Bird, Toby Keith, etc. But I'd go along with it for sure.

Nashville is great and all, but that is a long time to spend around there. If it was only a 2 or 3 day thing, I would say Nashville. But with the 4/5 day thing, I would say Vegas.

 

[koonja]

Nashville is great and all, but that is a long time to spend around there. If it was only a 2 or 3 day thing, I would say Nashville. But with the 4/5 day thing, I would say Vegas.

We can pare it back to ~3 days. This is just our tentative plan.

 

[NDRock]

If you tire of Nashville after a couple of days, you could always head over to east Tennessee (Gatlinburg area). October will be beautiful with the leaves changing. Chattanooga is a couple of hours away and is a fun city. Not sure how much you guys are into the outdoors but there is a lot of fun around Chattanooga such as rock climbing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, etc...

 

[IrishLion]

As a member of The Poors from the midwest, I support the idea of a 2/3 nights in Nashville and then 1/2 nights in Gatlinburg.

Party hard in Nashville, then make the easy drive and spend a night or two in the mountains recovering. Rent a small cabin with a nice view and a hot tub, and mellow out before heading back to real life.

 

[Ndaccountant]

As a member of The Poors from the midwest, I support the idea of a 2/3 nights in Nashville and then 1/2 nights in Gatlinburg.

Party hard in Nashville, then make the easy drive and spend a night or two in the mountains recovering. Rent a small cabin with a nice view and a hot tub, and mellow out before heading back to real life.

Gatlinburg cabin is a good idea. Never gone in the fall though. Assume that is prime season?

 

[zelezo vlk]

As a member of The Poors from the midwest, I support the idea of a 2/3 nights in Nashville and then 1/2 nights in Gatlinburg.

Party hard in Nashville, then make the easy drive and spend a night or two in the mountains recovering. Rent a small cabin with a nice view and a hot tub, and mellow out before heading back to real life.

Poors represent, Texas chapter here

 

[IrishLion]

Gatlinburg cabin is a good idea. Never gone in the fall though. Assume that is prime season?

Absolutely. I'm partial to cool-to-cold weather, so Fall in the mountains is nice. Warm enough to get out during the day and explore/hike, but nice and crisp at night and in the morning.

And of course the leaves are changing and all that other beautiful nature stuff.

 

[IrishLion]

Poors represent, Texas chapter here

Ha, Gatlinburg was our yearly family vacation for a while when I was young.

It's nice but cheap for a big family, especially if you're hiking and just taking in the sites during the day and then spending money on go-karts and arcades in Pigeon Forge at night.

And you can stop and do your clothes shopping for the year at the outlets on your way out!

 

[NDShark]

Nashville is a lot of fun. There's a lot to do off of Broadway now too in terms of restaurants / breweries. I also took a day trip from there to the Jack Daniels distillery and back via Franklin and would recommend that trip as well. If you're really interested in driving, Knoxville is a fun town too, but that's a good drive. Haven't been to NO in a while, but had a good time in college during Mardi Gras....so maybe I wouldn't recommend that now. As lax mentioned, Vegas is its own animal -- not cheap, tiring, constant visual stimulus, but also can be a lot of fun. You can also drive to Zion / Bryce / Valley of Fire and some other Nat'l parks easily from there.

 

[koonja]

I appreciate all of the input. Sounds like NO is out for us at this time. Vegas is in play but I do like how many of you are pulling for Nashville. Seems like it's the right choice.

 

[calvegas04]

depends on how much fun you want to have

 

[Irish YJ]

IMO 5 days is too long for Vegas unless you really love to gamble, or are a junkie for shows.

Probably too long for NO as well. It is a great place if you want to drink so much you throw up, see boobs, and not get harassed by cops. One good thing about NO, is it's very close to Biloxi (if you like gambling), and Gulf Shores (and other beaches) if you like to sand between your toes.

Nashville is great if you like country music. I've probably been to Nashville 25+ times and it is one of my favorite towns (but I'm a huge country music fan). A cabin in the mountains (like Gburg) would be great to split time at in TN like the others have said. Or you could go West to Memphis and hang on Beale (great eats and music in Memphis).

 

[dshans]

New Orleans
Las Vegas
Nashville

Advice? Considerations?

I've never been to Vegas and may have passed through Nashville on my way to or from somewhere else, so Nawlins gets my vote.

I've been there many, many times for the Jazz and Heritage Festival. The weather should be tolerable in October.

If you do go, get your asses out of The Quarter and get a taste.

Pasquale Manale, Frankie and Johnny's, Camellia Grill for breakfast, and Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar are my recommendations for food. Take your pick on music venues.

Stroll to Lafayette Square, Cafe Du Monde, and the riverfront for a little R&R.

 

[Valpodoc85]

wife went to school at Vanderbilt. Nashville is a good town. Don't wear your Irish garb, they wouldn't let me into bars with an ND ID. Music is great. There was a bluegrass place called Wind in the Willows.....outstanding. The Bluebird is a must see/hear/eat as well. Also The Station Inn, more bluegrass

 

[greyhammer90]

I'm from Middle Tennessee so I'm biased, Nashville is a fun town but I'd definitely do NO if you can swing it. Nashville is insanely expensive to stay in right now and has nothing I wouldn't consider far and above any major metropolitan city if you're not really into country music. I'm not a big Vegas guy but I love New Orleans.

 

[ACamp1900]

Another thing to consider, you want to check Vegas offbefore your kids know what they’re looking at.... not sure if NO or Nashville have that dynamic.

 

[notredomer23]

headed to Vegas, Playa Del Carmen, and Panama in the next 5 months for bachelor parties... humble brag. Any recommendations for Panama? We will be in Panama City for 2 days and Boca del Toros for 2 days

 

[zelezo vlk]

Who's been to Madison before? Anything I should do other than take a dump on Camp Randall?

 

[NorthDakota]

Who's been to Madison before? Anything I should do other than take a dump on Camp Randall?

Eat a lot of taco bell. Dump as much as you can. Never spent time in Madison but Wisconsin people suck.