Favourite place in the USA?

[Chewbecca]

We could go anywhere in the US for a few days next November before a trip.

Where would you go / have you been that we might not usually think of?

I’m not especially into shopping but would just like somewhere that’s good to wander around, see sights or museums, eat something good.

I agree that Washington, DC is worth a visit. It's one of my favorite places in the US. And the Virginia countryside is nearby and will be lovely in November.

DC is a bit more manageable than NYC in that it's smaller, if you choose the right hotel you can walk everywhere, it's a bit less expensive, etc. The food scene has really exploded in the last 10 years and you can eat amazingly well, all the museums are free, and there's always a lot going on.

But New York is... New York : ) There's nothing like it.

I would maybe let logistics decide, depending where you're flying in and out from.

@cheapskatemum we loved Sanibel too. Hardly anyone has heard of it.
I'd love to go to Missoula, looks a good mix of small arty city and amazing scenery.

If you're looking into California may I suggest considering the Mendocino Coast and Russian River area. Near redwoods, very seriously good food and much less touristy/overrun. Sonoma Valley on the way back which besides wineries has fabulous mud baths - to quote a friend, "i was that relaxed I couldn't even think".

that should be: much less touristy than Carmel.

Pacific Northwest. Portland and surrounding Oregon are amazing, as is Seattle and Washington state.

@AliceW89

Pacific Northwest. Portland and surrounding Oregon are amazing, as is Seattle and Washington state.

Although just realised you said November. The weather might be a no go for these!

New Orleans is amazing, so much more than the stereotypical Bourbon Street/mardi gras image. History, quirky museums, great food.

Nashville Tennessee

Logistics are a bit complicated so I have decided to make that equal flexible! As long as we are in the US, we can get where we need to be by mid November, we will be fine & I just want to take the opportunity to go somewhere new.
We are limited to BA flights actually so that is restrictive and would prefer to do direct only.
And we will be in this location for my 50th, perhaps I should have said that!
I’m wondering if I need to identify a fabulous restaurant for my 50th and work from there.

Mud baths needs further investigation!

I knew a guy from Nevada and he said that Utah was the most beautiful place he had ever been in the USA. The salt flats look amazing.

Washington DC, so much to do and see. We managed to book a self guided tour of the White House which was fantastic. I would recommend staying in or around Georgetown & there are plenty fabulous restaurants there.

@AliceW89 - yes, I thought "in November? Hell no!" but in spring/summer/autumn it's fantastic.

A possible option is to fly into New York and out of Washington - the train btweeen the two is interesting and frequent. We did two days in each city as a compromise between me and DH for a big birthday.

Skating at the Rockefeller Center is one of the most amazing things - if you go their your first jetlagged morning you'll have the place to yourself as it opens. MoMA, Whitney, Met, Natural History, ther Central Library where Winnie the Pooh is, Chrysler building, Empire State, Staten Island Ferry, Central Park, go see the Rangers play.

The many, many Smithsonian museums, the Presidential memorials (FDR was a favourite), Washington Monument, Korean War Memorial, fantastic food scene etc etc.

Loved Washington DC, great vibe and loads to see/do but you can also cram in lots in a short time if you need to

If you don't mind weather, then go to Chicago. Soooo much to see, great food, great music places, easy to get around on trains and buses.

San Diego.

Philadelphia is also a possibility. Lots of areas for walking, great museums, lots of good restaurants. It would be possible to do a New York-Philadelphia-Washington jaunt by train if you have the time.

@mathanxiety

If you don't mind weather, then go to Chicago. Soooo much to see, great food, great music places, easy to get around on trains and buses.

I agree. I Chicago is a truly great city and one of my favorite cities in North America. It also has some of the friendliest people, but it might be cold in November.

I would say Las Vegas. My favourite place in America (so far!)

Washington DC or Philadelphia.

Washington DC is the best. You can walk from anywhere, free museums, great food. Alexandria, Virginia (round the corner) is fabulous as well. So much history and beautiful scenery. AND if you rent a car you can take a drive down to West Virginia (like nowhere on earth!) and get a spa day in Berkeley. The original spa - not the fancy but oh so great. The most surprising fun day out I had in ages.

Bar harbour
Cape cod

La Joya, but if you haven’t been to NYC...

Southern California is my one true favourite.