Two Aussies in the US...long weekend...where?

[Febs]

Hi all,

Looking for something a bit out of the ordinary here, having exhausted some of the typical options...

Going to be in the US (mid-west) for 3 weeks in May, and found out a good mate of mine will be in Austin while I'm in Dallas. In our younger days we used to take crazy weekend trips to Melbourne, so would like to do re-live this over the May weekend.

Considered Vegas, but given it's a long weekend the flights are either $$$ (paid flights) or at ridiculous times (award flights), and I'm assuming accommodation would be difficult to come across too.

Considered NYC but he's spending a few weeks there before Austin.

Miami was another option...Award flights are useless, but paid flights can be done for around $330USD on AA, which isn't tooo bad I guess.

Any other suggestions? Basically somewhere for a few Aussies to enjoy some sights and nightlife, preferably somewhere not too far from the mid-west?

(Chicago is out as I'll be there the weekend before for a birthday, and Memphis is out as I'll be spending a week there).

Appreciate any advice.

Cheers,
- Febs.

PS: Mexico could be a good option, but preferably not MEX. TIJ seems pretty expensive too, and not sure MTY could keep us busy for 3 days...

 

[winetraveller]

Miami, South Beach specifically, is great fun, plenty of REALLY cool bars, and hole in the wall clubs. Start off with drinks at the Raleigh (for star spotting) and then on to the Shore Club and dinner at Nobu, but make a reservation.

There are lots of other options, the Delano is great, the beds by the pool can be reserved, but you need to spend $500 plus on a bottle of Champagne or spirits to reserve the bed.

New York is, well it's New York. If you do go to either I can suggest plenty of other spots.

 

[Keith009]

LA mate - it's what life ought tobe like...

No one uses generic shampoo in lA!!!!!( or drinks warm mielk )

 

[superchris]

I spent a weekend in Intercourse , Pennsylvania a few years back but was disappointed.

 

[NM]

How about New Orleans. Not too far from Dallas or Austin.

 

[Febs]

Thanks guys. New Orleans was somewhere my mate mentioned...but I'm a bit iffy. Heard it still hasn't really recovered.

QF009 - Good suggestion, but I did far too many trips to LA last year I'm afraid. Lots to see and do, but the city itself is a massive sh*thole IMO. Hollywood gets old quickly, and once you've walked around the usual tourist spots, there's not a lot else unless you feel like a long drive (i.e. PCH, San Jose, Tijuana etc...). Napa could be a goer (missed out on our road trip last year) but SFO flights are expensive and we're looking for somewhere a bit more exciting.

superchris -

My mate actually sent me an e-mail today with an interesting suggestion...San Jose, Costa Rica! Not sure of the VISA situation, but flights are reasonable (can get a good award flight there, paid flight back, direct to/from DFW), and it looks like a big place. Plus, apparently they have massive dinosaurs roaming around....so how can we lose?

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[Keith009]

QF009 - Good suggestion, but I did far too many trips to LA last year I'm afraid. Lots to see and do, but the city itself is a massive sh*thole IMO. Hollywood gets old quickly, and once you've walked around the usual tourist spots, there's not a lot else unless you feel like a long drive (i.e. PCH, San Jose, Tijuana etc...). Napa could be a goer (missed out on our road trip last year) but SFO flights are expensive and we're looking for somewhere a bit more exciting.
.

Unless you're in WeHo, Hollywood's like the bad end of Chapel St with the tackiest of inhabitants. I'd say something rude and draw an analogy to people in SF but I won't. Apart from Rodeo Dr I stayed away from all the touristy areas last time. The fashion sense's great in LA, beautiful people, great A-list parties, lots of bling and glamour, trendy restaurants and (wait for it) nice shopping.... can't think of what else I'd want out of a holiday. Helps if you know people who could pull strings to get you into stuff, or rely on a good concierge.

I miss the place.

Have you ever thought about venturing to Mexico? Tijuana or Cancun are great. A bit 3rd world but also rockin'. Just stay close to where expats and tourists hang out like in Asia and you'd be right.

 

[NM]

Thanks guys. New Orleans was somewhere my mate mentioned...but I'm a bit iffy. Heard it still hasn't really recovered.

Then why not be a part of the recovery!

 

[Keith009]

Oh yes New Orleans too.

You couldn't even tell that they had a hurricane if you just stay in the French Quarter. Bourbon St is fun, great live bands. The buildings all seem rather last century old style and dingy though, but perhaps that's why it's called the French Quarter.

Or you could do a Katrina destruction tour which takes you around the bits of the city which are still cough. For me it was an attraction in itself, YMMV.

 

[reg]

For something different try Havana, Cuba for the weekend. AA or other otpions out of DFW after lunch Fri through CUN will get you there in time for a night out 10.45PM. Cuban passport stamp solutions are out there.

 

[alect]

My mate actually sent me an e-mail today with an interesting suggestion...San Jose, Costa Rica! Not sure of the VISA situation, but flights are reasonable (can get a good award flight there, paid flight back, direct to/from DFW), and it looks like a big place. Plus, apparently they have massive dinosaurs roaming around....so how can we lose?

Cheers,
- Febs.

I loved Costa Rica, though San Jose is nothing to write home about. Visit Costa Rica for the country not the capital! Each coast has its own character, and the rainforests and volcano were memorable (sitting in a natural hot spring at night watching the lava flow down the side of Ariel...priceless!). Only downside if limited on time - you don't get anywhere in Costa Rica quickly....