Christmas mother-daughter road trip in America
November 9, 2013 4:38 PM Subscribe
My mom and I are hoping to get away over Christmas and explore the States a little bit. GIve us good ideas for where to go and what to do?
Me (28) and my mom (late 40s) are hoping to take a trip together over Christmas, but aren't quite sure where to go and what to do. We live in cold Canada and haven't explored the States much, and aren't really sure where to start with trip planning!
We'll be starting in Iowa around Dec. 20th as she has business there. We are hoping to either rent a car and do a road trip or grab a cheap flight to some warm, interesting destination.
We will have 10 - 14 days and a pretty cheap budget.
We're not at all interested in history/museums/monuments, but are very interested in food/nature/festivals/art.
It would be extra fun if we could think of a really novel way to spend Christmas day, or somewhere that would make it feel special, since it will just be the two of us in a strange land.
I know this question is pretty broad but I really have very little knowledge of the States and what it has to offer! Throw your suggestions at us :)
Thanks.
Me (28) and my mom (late 40s) are hoping to take a trip together over Christmas, but aren't quite sure where to go and what to do. We live in cold Canada and haven't explored the States much, and aren't really sure where to start with trip planning!
We'll be starting in Iowa around Dec. 20th as she has business there. We are hoping to either rent a car and do a road trip or grab a cheap flight to some warm, interesting destination.
We will have 10 - 14 days and a pretty cheap budget.
We're not at all interested in history/museums/monuments, but are very interested in food/nature/festivals/art.
It would be extra fun if we could think of a really novel way to spend Christmas day, or somewhere that would make it feel special, since it will just be the two of us in a strange land.
I know this question is pretty broad but I really have very little knowledge of the States and what it has to offer! Throw your suggestions at us :)
Thanks.
On the nature side, that's a great time of year for Death Valley. Lots of really wierd/wonderful nature stuff there (rocks anyway, not so many plants).
Or Arizona. The Page, AZ area has lots of unusual and wonderful things to see -- google Coyote Buttes National Monument, Antelope Caverns, for starters.
Most of Texas will be pretty chilly (by local standards anyway).
posted by bluesky78987 at 5:02 PM on November 9, 2013 [1 favorite]
Or Arizona. The Page, AZ area has lots of unusual and wonderful things to see -- google Coyote Buttes National Monument, Antelope Caverns, for starters.
Most of Texas will be pretty chilly (by local standards anyway).
posted by bluesky78987 at 5:02 PM on November 9, 2013 [1 favorite]
Speaking of Arizona, if you like nature, why don't you go see the Grand Canyon? I bet the lodges are very festively decorated and probably serve a lovely Christmas meal (if they're not all booked already).
posted by Countess Sandwich at 5:16 PM on November 9, 2013
posted by Countess Sandwich at 5:16 PM on November 9, 2013
Christmas in Santa Fe (New Mexico) is super-festive and lovely, with plenty of art galleries and great restaurants, and is set amid incredible natural beauty. (Plus you can take day trips to Taos, etc.) However, it's high desert, so temperature-wise it's still going to be pretty cold.
If you really want to get somewhere warm(-ish), I'd say Southern California or Southern Florida are your best bets.
posted by scody at 5:28 PM on November 9, 2013
If you really want to get somewhere warm(-ish), I'd say Southern California or Southern Florida are your best bets.
posted by scody at 5:28 PM on November 9, 2013
Response by poster: Thanks for the suggestions so far!
I guess I should note that 'warm' to us means anything around 20 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit). Anything over 25 Celsius (77 Fahrenheit) is starting to be too hot.
posted by whalebreath at 5:31 PM on November 9, 2013
I guess I should note that 'warm' to us means anything around 20 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit). Anything over 25 Celsius (77 Fahrenheit) is starting to be too hot.
posted by whalebreath at 5:31 PM on November 9, 2013
Warmest U.S. cities in winter (Miami tops the list, with a normal daily mean high of 21 C)
posted by scody at 5:37 PM on November 9, 2013
posted by scody at 5:37 PM on November 9, 2013
I've always wanted to see Christmas in the American Southwest, especially in New Mexico where there are centuries of tradition for celebrating it - like Las Posadas. That seems like something that would make for a great mother-daughter roadtrip.
posted by Miko at 5:49 PM on November 9, 2013
posted by Miko at 5:49 PM on November 9, 2013
Depending on where you are coming from in Iowa, Chicago may be a relatively short drive, with air hubs to basically everywhere, should you choose not to stay here (which no one would blame you for; we're not known for our toasty winter temps). That said, we might make a nice brief stopover, because of Christkindlmarket, shows in town, ice skating on Michigan Avenue, and, oh yes, the champion Chicago Blackhawks, all of which are downtown or downtown-accessible.
So, what I'm saying here is, if you have to kill a day or two before your flight to the 20°C destination of your choice (because fershure Chicago isn't going to be that warm - 1C is our average for then), don't feel so bad, because we've got your entertainment needs covered.
posted by sldownard at 6:16 PM on November 9, 2013
So, what I'm saying here is, if you have to kill a day or two before your flight to the 20°C destination of your choice (because fershure Chicago isn't going to be that warm - 1C is our average for then), don't feel so bad, because we've got your entertainment needs covered.
posted by sldownard at 6:16 PM on November 9, 2013
After Iowa, go back to Chicago (where I would assume you're flying into) and get to Vegas. Not for gambling. From Vegas you can head up to Death Valley, the Grand Canyon (though it'll be cold), or Southern Utah (Page, as mentioned before...though it's Antelope *Canyon*...you can go to my Flickr, in my user page, for examples). Excepting DV, you'll be dependent upon the weather.
You could also fly into Phoenix, and do Tucson/Saguaro National Park, down to Guadalupe National Park/Carlsbad Caverns, and on to Big Bend National Park. I've done all of those parks at that time of the year and it's wonderful.
posted by notsnot at 7:02 PM on November 9, 2013 [1 favorite]
You could also fly into Phoenix, and do Tucson/Saguaro National Park, down to Guadalupe National Park/Carlsbad Caverns, and on to Big Bend National Park. I've done all of those parks at that time of the year and it's wonderful.
posted by notsnot at 7:02 PM on November 9, 2013 [1 favorite]
Grand Canyon and Page Arizona are at roughly 6-7k feet (about 2000 m) in elevation. At that elevation they are friggin cold that time of year, get regular blizzards and sometimes the roads are closed. The lodges are pretty much shut down and most staff is working in other resorts. It is their off season. The scenery is really beautiful though and there aren't really any crowds. Death Valley is great and it is their peak season that time of year. They are also a LONG way from Iowa, like days of driving long way.
I would go with Notsnot suggestion for the southwest, it is the only time of year that you don't roast outside during the day (nights are going to be COLD though, like winter parka cold-it is usual to have 50+ degree swings in temperature during the winter between night and day). Albuquerque is actually pretty that time of year and Christmas is pretty special all through New Mexico.
posted by bartonlong at 7:57 PM on November 9, 2013 [1 favorite]
I would go with Notsnot suggestion for the southwest, it is the only time of year that you don't roast outside during the day (nights are going to be COLD though, like winter parka cold-it is usual to have 50+ degree swings in temperature during the winter between night and day). Albuquerque is actually pretty that time of year and Christmas is pretty special all through New Mexico.
posted by bartonlong at 7:57 PM on November 9, 2013 [1 favorite]
I bet Christmas in New Orleans would be fun. Could head from there to Texas, Atlanta, or Memphis if you were up for a drive.
posted by lowest east side at 8:50 PM on November 9, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by lowest east side at 8:50 PM on November 9, 2013 [1 favorite]
I also think New Orleans would be fun for Christmas. At least "christmas in new orleans" Google search makes it look like it would be fun. You can fly from Des Moines to New Orleans. At least on Southwest airline you'll have to change planes in Chicago (at Midway airport, not O'hare), but unless you want to visit Chicago too, I wouldn't bother driving there. Chicago will be Canada cold. From New Orleans you could drive along the coast west to Galveston, TX or east to, say, Panama City FL and explore. I suspect the gulf coast east from New Orleans would be more interesting.
You can also fly directly from Des Moines to Las Vegas (at least on Southwest).
posted by sevenless at 9:32 PM on November 9, 2013
You can also fly directly from Des Moines to Las Vegas (at least on Southwest).
posted by sevenless at 9:32 PM on November 9, 2013
My brother and sister-in-law used to live in New Orleans and always said that Christmas was the thing to be there for; the tourists know about Mardi Gras, but New Orleans is busy, beautiful and fun for locals and guests at Christmas. Always sounded great; would probably be another wonderful and warm choice.
posted by Miko at 9:54 PM on November 9, 2013
posted by Miko at 9:54 PM on November 9, 2013
Nthing Death Valley. It's a quick and easy drive from Vegas, so you can do a few days in Vegas, then head to DV for some camping/hiking. There's also a small motel resort there too, if your budget stretches that far. If you can swing an open jaw flight, keep driving on to Los Angeles after (about 6 hours) and see Christmas lights in the palm trees.
Option B: I hear Charleston, South Carolina is great for Xmas, and Southern hospitality can't be beat.
posted by copacetic at 7:33 AM on November 10, 2013
Option B: I hear Charleston, South Carolina is great for Xmas, and Southern hospitality can't be beat.
posted by copacetic at 7:33 AM on November 10, 2013
Given your starting point, amount of time you have to spend and general interests, I'm going to Nth the Southwest.
Do bear in mind that northern Arizona gets snow and ice, so I recommend a CAA (AAA in the States) membership. They can route a trip for you that will provide for save travel.
I'd fly from Iowa to Phoenix (a hub for lots of flights.) Spend a couple days in Phoenix. Then travel south to Sierra Vista. Stop at Casa Grande ruins. America's Stonehenge!
In Sierra Vista, Stay in a motel, and do a day trip to Nogalas, Mexico. Park your car on the US side (I think there's a parking lot near Basha's grocery store) and walk across. Do NOT take a car into Mexico. The last time I was in Nogalas it was very nice and sedate. I've always liked it there. People go for OTC medications, but you won't need that. We'd also get cheap liquor and vanilla. Don't bother, who knows what it really is. I bought "Cointreau" in a clear, round bottle. I suppose it was fine, as far as orange liqueur goes, but it wasn't "Cointreau" I also got some neat worked tin stuff and a silver concha belt. I still have it and I still like it.
Head back to Sierra Vista and in the morning, take off across I-10 for Carlsbad Caverns. It's an 8 hour drive. Stay in a motel and plan to stay for a day. Check out the caves, they are AWESOME! Then go back in the evening and watch all the bats leave. It's amazing.
Then drive up to Albuquerque, stop off in Roswell if you're inclined. Hang out in Albuquerque and see whatever you like. Then head over on 40, through the Painted Dessert/Petrified Forest. It's amazing, and you've see it in Roadrunner cartoons!
At Flagstaff, hang a right, and head up to the Grand Canyon. Check that out for a day or so. Then head down to Sedona. Check out Red Rock State Park and Slide Rock State Park.
Head south on I 17, back to Phoenix. Stop at Montezuma's Castle, an ancient cliff dwelling. Chill in Phoenix for a day.
Things to do in Phoenix:
Tovrea Castle
Heard Indian Museum
Poncho's Mexican Restaurant on Central and Baseline.
I think this will be a great 10 or 12 day trip. Some windshield time, but in most cases it's pretty and shouldn't be too impacted by weather.
Have a great time and if you want more detailed info (where to stay, etc,) memail me.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 9:36 AM on November 10, 2013
Do bear in mind that northern Arizona gets snow and ice, so I recommend a CAA (AAA in the States) membership. They can route a trip for you that will provide for save travel.
I'd fly from Iowa to Phoenix (a hub for lots of flights.) Spend a couple days in Phoenix. Then travel south to Sierra Vista. Stop at Casa Grande ruins. America's Stonehenge!
In Sierra Vista, Stay in a motel, and do a day trip to Nogalas, Mexico. Park your car on the US side (I think there's a parking lot near Basha's grocery store) and walk across. Do NOT take a car into Mexico. The last time I was in Nogalas it was very nice and sedate. I've always liked it there. People go for OTC medications, but you won't need that. We'd also get cheap liquor and vanilla. Don't bother, who knows what it really is. I bought "Cointreau" in a clear, round bottle. I suppose it was fine, as far as orange liqueur goes, but it wasn't "Cointreau" I also got some neat worked tin stuff and a silver concha belt. I still have it and I still like it.
Head back to Sierra Vista and in the morning, take off across I-10 for Carlsbad Caverns. It's an 8 hour drive. Stay in a motel and plan to stay for a day. Check out the caves, they are AWESOME! Then go back in the evening and watch all the bats leave. It's amazing.
Then drive up to Albuquerque, stop off in Roswell if you're inclined. Hang out in Albuquerque and see whatever you like. Then head over on 40, through the Painted Dessert/Petrified Forest. It's amazing, and you've see it in Roadrunner cartoons!
At Flagstaff, hang a right, and head up to the Grand Canyon. Check that out for a day or so. Then head down to Sedona. Check out Red Rock State Park and Slide Rock State Park.
Head south on I 17, back to Phoenix. Stop at Montezuma's Castle, an ancient cliff dwelling. Chill in Phoenix for a day.
Things to do in Phoenix:
Tovrea Castle
Heard Indian Museum
Poncho's Mexican Restaurant on Central and Baseline.
I think this will be a great 10 or 12 day trip. Some windshield time, but in most cases it's pretty and shouldn't be too impacted by weather.
Have a great time and if you want more detailed info (where to stay, etc,) memail me.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 9:36 AM on November 10, 2013
You could probably do an amazing loop starting in Las Vegas and heading east to the national parks in Southern Utah (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley) then head south into New Mexico to visit Santa Fe (a great place to park for a few days and regroup an eat wonderful food, plus lots of nice little day trips are possible) and Albuquerque, then head back west on 40, stopping off at El Morro National Monument, Petrified Forest, Meteor Crater, Flagstaff (a good place to spend a day or two--see the Lowell Observatory while you're there). After Flagstaff, hit the Grand Canyon, then up to Lake Mead and back to Vegas to fly home.
I bet Santa Fe would be a terrific place to spend Christmas.
posted by elizeh at 11:53 AM on November 10, 2013
I bet Santa Fe would be a terrific place to spend Christmas.
posted by elizeh at 11:53 AM on November 10, 2013
Really, not the Grand Canyon! My daughter and I were there for Xmas a few years back and the temperature was around 4 degrees, with snow everywhere and paths and trails closed because of unsafe ice. Very beautiful but unapproachable and disappointing.
posted by anadem at 12:46 PM on November 10, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by anadem at 12:46 PM on November 10, 2013 [1 favorite]
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posted by whalebreath at 4:57 PM on November 9, 2013