What are some good places to go for a relaxing, romantic vacation (CONUS only)?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 10:04:08 -0400

I'm finally going to get some much needed leave time in July. Instead of running around and visiting friends and family, which in itself is exhausting, we're going to take our first real vacation since getting married 4 years ago. The lead time and process for requesting OCONUS leave is pretty extensive in my command and I'm pretty much missed that deadline so we're definitely staying in the lower 48. We're hoping for something a little off the beaten path. Not a lot of crowds, traffic, noise, etc. A town with some decent restaurants nearby would be nice, but more than anything we want to relax and recharge. Being near a decent hiking area would be a plus, as well.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2018 10:14 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 10:14:14 -0400

Pagosa Springs, Colorado!!!

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Apr 7 at 2018 10:31 AM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 10:31:36 -0400

How's a cabin in Pigeon Forge TN sound?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2018 11:19 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 11:19:04 -0400

Go to REI and get a look at their hiking locations in the area. They offer pre scouted areas and can give you a wealth of info and it's free. Congrats on finishing your school!

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2018 11:33 AM

SP5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 11:33:11 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Bristol TN or VA - plenty of calm activity and music. BTW Congrats on your recent promotion.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Apr 7 at 2018 11:47 AM

Maj Marty Hogan — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 11:47:50 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Black Hills- Custer SD. I like to bring the bike- we ride to a quite place and just sit and look. The wind through the black pines is soothing and you can reset your mind. Actually anywhere I am not at work...there.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2018 1:41 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 13:41:47 -0400

I know you are looking for a destination but I am fond of my backyard and home state. I love florida.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 7 at 2018 2:26 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 14:26:10 -0400

Well, CPT Private RallyPoint Member, for romance and relaxation, my wife and I both would say Carmel-by-the-Sea. It’s quaint, beautiful (many of the buildings were designed by architect, Hugh Comstock) and has many good restaurants, hotels and points of interest. The Carmel Highlands (craggy cliffs and views) and Carmel Valley (a little Napa, if you will) are immediately adjacent. There are many hiking areas also.
To the south is Big Sur, crossing the famous Bixby Bridge to get there. To the north is Monterey and Pebble Beach. As far as we’re concerned, Carmel is hard to beat! CPT Jack Durish

Response by 1SG Dave Carello made Apr 7 at 2018 2:35 PM

1SG Dave Carello — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 14:35:53 -0400

Wolfboro New Hampshire, a quaint, quite town right on Lake Winnipesauke. absolutely breathtaking and relaxing. As a matter of fact any town along the lake is gorgeous and, lots of New England restaurants and tons of antique stores.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 7 at 2018 4:09 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 16:09:38 -0400

I'm sure there are many providers, but near to me is the Western Pleasure Ranch. It's an accommodation, lodge, etc. thing with its own mix of activities. So make a list of activities that interest you and start from there. Also consider an all inclusive rail tour. Several out there too. We looked at a Mississippi paddle boat thing but they are expensive, too many people, and too much city stuff. BTW we're headed out shortly to Dubai, hanging there and getting on a cruise boat and eventually winding up in Barcelona. Hang there too. Good way to kill a month. Love the flexibility in my retirement "job".

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2018 6:35 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 18:35:49 -0400

Have you looked at Branson, MO? I hear lots of good things about it. Or you can do a cruise- don’t need a passport so usually don’t have to go through all the unit OCONUS stuff.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Apr 8 at 2018 10:29 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 22:29:27 -0400

I'd recommend looking in to somewhere in Montana - but i may be biased. The Northwest part of the state has quite a few areas to explore, with varying degrees of population. There's also the area in & around Yellowstone National Park to name a couple places.

Response by CPT Don Kemp made Apr 8 at 2018 11:45 PM

CPT Don Kemp — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 23:45:12 -0400

Key West, FL specifically or Florida Keys in general

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 4 at 2019 12:47 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 12:47:53 -0500

Any place that does not have ANY telephone service can be very relaxing - and peaceful.