Planning a Vacation

[Guest RandyRon]

In about 5 months, I'll be retiring and am planning on taking a long vacation. From the Mississippi River, west, I've only seen most of it from the air so I am thinking of heading in that direction. Have family in Texas that I want to visit and after that I want to hit the road. I'm not partial to LA (too big)but other than that I have no restrictions.

 

I was thinking of going from Texas to Phoenix and/or Albuquerque and then possibly to Las Vegas.

 

Also like smaller towns, especially if the male atmosphere is nice.

 

Any suggestions?

[Guest zipperzone]

>I was thinking of going from Texas to Phoenix and/or

>Albuquerque and then possibly to Las Vegas.

 

Talk about perfect timing - read today's review (Feb 1) re Arekk in Albuquerque (don't miss his gallery)

 

If that doesn't get you to visit New Mexico,

I don't know what will :-)

[edjames]

Perhaps a detour through Arizona might be in order. I am told that Sedona is a great place to visit. Spectacular scenery. Also, a stopover in Phoenix. Have you cisited the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone? Sounds like a terrific trip and a great opportunity to see the Southwest.

 

ED

[+ deej]

Definitely keep Phoenix on your list.

 

In Phoenix, there's Dick's Cabaret, but it also puts you a daytrip away from the Grand Canyon (which lives up to its name). That whole area (Phoenix, Sedona ...) offers some of the most unique scenery in the country.

 

While you're in the southwest, drop into Palm Springs. It's gay friendly and Joshua Tree National Forest is right near by. That's where high desert meets low desert and you'll see plant life that doesn't exist anywhere else. Truly unique and worth a visit.

 

You can avoid the cities entirely. From the deep south, head up to Marin County and spend a week touring wineries. Just beautiful countryside, although you may be so soused you won't remember it. ;-)

 

But if you're coming anywhere near California, you OWE it to yourself to take a drive up Pacific Coast Highway from about Santa Barbara to Monterrey and on into SF.

 

It's just a great drive.

 

And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

 

I wouldn't put Vegas on the list, although I enjoy Vegas a lot. The only thing there, really, is casinos.

 

What a cool trip to plan, though! Enjoy!

[OneFinger]

>But if you're coming anywhere near California, you OWE it to yourself to take a drive up Pacific Coast Highway from about Santa Barbara to Monterrey and on into SF.

 

That is one of my favorite drives! Have to agree that it should be on the list of places to go. A stop of Hearst Castle should also be included.

 

http://www.magazinusa.com/images_st2/ca/hearst_castle.jpg http://www.sansimeonsbest.com/hearstCastle/hearstCastle.jpg

 

http://www.hearstcastle.com/