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I have some free time in Houston coming up and I’d like to spend it making day trips to the great outdoors. Closer to Houston is better but anywhere out to a 100 mile radius would be fine. Any suggestions?
posted by Tell Me No Lies around Houston, TX at 8:00 PM - 4 answers

Next May I'm going to be in Illinois/Iowa for a week with not much to do (long story). Are there any cool places that run week long retreats, intensive courses, or just ways to be immersed in something new alongside interesting people for a few days that you'd recommend? [more inside]
posted by Junebug79 around Illinois at 6:33 AM - 7 answers

I'm looking for podcasts about Oregon history, and particularly the little strange bits of history. For example: I like the podcasts from the Montana and Virginia Historical Societys that are recordings of conference speakers talking about very specific things. I like the "Lost Highways" podcast from Colorado. I am NOT looking for two dudes sitting around and talking to each other about beer or what they think about Oregon history, which is most of what I found. Podcasts I would totally listen to would be: history of Japanese-Americans in WW2, particularly those who were inland from the coast // LGBT in the 1970's // how interior Oregon agriculture has changed // Native American history // Shipping // early white settlement failures // wildlife Give me just the podcasts with history facts, well reported.
posted by ITravelMontana around Oregon at 5:36 PM - 4 answers

My wife and I are flying out there this weekend so she can do her final interviews for a job and we can check the area out to see if we would possibly want to live there. Looking for recommendations for good restaurants/shopping/cultural stuff that will make for a fun weekend -- and help us decide if Englewood would be a good home for us. Of course open to nearby cities (Hackensack?) as well. Thanks!
posted by Clustercuss around Englewood, NJ at 12:39 PM - 12 answers

A friend is taking me to see the Nutcracker this weekend, and I'm getting dinner. I'm being indecisive about picking a place and also about how early to make a reservation for a 7:30 show (we will walk/transit to the Keller). I'm looking for something cozy, convivial and in the American/English/traditional range, ideally with good beer or cocktails. No dietary restrictions. Price range is $100ish for the both of us, but flexible. Post-show drinks recommendations also welcome.
posted by momus_window around Portland, OR at 9:28 AM - 7 answers

I know precious little about Key West and the Keys in general. My friends are no help as they haven't been there, either. My spouse and I are attending a sort-of last-minute planned wedding in Key West mid-February 2020 and I know NOTHING about Key West. More specifics inside... [more inside]
posted by bz around Key West, FL at 8:13 PM - 16 answers

Due to travel weirdness I will have a layover day in Cleveland next week. Besides staying at the hotel, where should I do a mostly regular computer-y workday? [more inside]
posted by hijinx around Cleveland, OH at 6:35 PM - 7 answers

We'll be having a short Hawaiian vacation between Christmas and New Years (yay!) We'll be there for five nights; unfortunately, our VRBO rental is for only four. And now, everything seems to be booked up (doh!) Any experience with 'sleeping rough' on Maui? Or how and where to arrange a night's lodging (ideally, near the airport) during the holiday crush, that's not ridiculously overpriced?
posted by Rash around Hawaii at 1:42 PM - 7 answers

I'm trying to take a day trip by car in northern California to get to the mountains tomorrow, on 12/1/19. It looks like the roads are closed to Tahoe and Yosemite and/or winter storms are coming. Where can I go to take a long drive with a beautiful girl? Looking for natural beauty at it's finest. [more inside]
posted by nurgle around California at 9:03 PM - 3 answers

My 19 year old son had knee surgery last week. His medical crew want him to be up and moving, to get better at using crutches and generally for exercise/circulation benefits. He’s also starting to get pretty bored with the same four walls. So, I’m looking for outing ideas in the Seattle area that aren’t too exhausting while upright, or where we can rent or borrow a wheelchair or scooter. [more inside]
posted by Sublimity around Seattle, WA at 7:18 AM - 10 answers

We are a family that only gets to take a trip every couple years (so I have lots of pressure to make it great!). I am planning on taking my family to California in April or June 2020 for 10 days. They've never been and last time I was there I was staying in the back of a '79 Celica. I really want to see the best of California. What would you say we shouldn't miss? [more inside]
posted by beccaj around California at 4:32 PM - 17 answers

I was on a crowed American Airlines flight with a connection through Charlotte airport yesterday. I was in the back of the line, so by the time I was ready to board, overhead compartment space was no longer available, so I and several other passengers were forced to "gate-check" our carry-on luggage. I had two laptop computers with me, so I took one out for the flight, but I left the other in my gate-checked bag. Then, the bag went missing... [more inside]
posted by tealcoffeecup around United States at 1:44 PM - 6 answers

Usually when people ask this type of question it’s because they went through an EZ-Pass lane without a transponder. I did exactly the opposite - I went though a “CASH ONLY” lane with an EZ-Pass. This was at a point where 476 changes from EZ-Pass only to cash and EZ-Pass. What now?
posted by Seeking Direction around Pennsylvania at 12:32 PM - 3 answers

My spouse and I are flying to LAX on Wednesday morning. We'll meet up with family that evening in Long Beach, and are free the whole day. It looks like the trip from LAX->Long Beach will take 90 minutes via public transit. While we're making our way south, are there neighborhoods or spots we could visit that are close to public transit (or a quick rideshare from LAX/Long Beach)? [more inside]
posted by rogerroger around Los Angeles, CA at 4:56 PM - 11 answers

Should a freelancer with little money move and start over in NYC, FL (or other places -- open to suggestions) or stay in Philly, possibly? I'd love to get firsthand advice from individuals in different places, as I've seen I've learned much more about Philly by living here and asking advice. I'm moving very soon and really have no clue about what neighborhoods are affordable and ideal around Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and other cities in other states. [more inside]
posted by dancer4life around Florida at 8:21 AM - 19 answers

I'll be in Denver, late December, for a four day mini vacation. I'm up for ice and snow related activities, good food and drinks. I'm probably staying in the city center area and won't have a car, but could rent one if needed. Thank you for any suggestions you have.
posted by jennstra around Denver, CO at 1:26 PM - 7 answers

I had a great time in Portland last November and am about to return. What's new that wasn't there before? [more inside]
posted by kitty teeth around Portland, OR at 1:20 PM - 5 answers

Headed to LA for a concert at the Forum & wondering if there is a funky, cool, diverse neighborhood to stay in? Was thinking Koreatown or Downtown but not sure how much of a pain it will be to get to the venue (will not have car, will likely Lyft to the show). [more inside]
posted by tinymojo around Los Angeles, CA at 10:23 AM - 8 answers

I'm in need of a car service to take me from JFK Airport to a residence in Gloucester County, NJ (Phila suburbs) around December 17th. I will be traveling alone with my almost 3 year old and 3 month old. I have a car seat for the baby but would need one with the service for the toddler. does anyone have any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by WeekendJen around New Jersey at 7:57 AM - 6 answers

I'm in Chicago at work for the first time ever, and I'm kind of bummed it's so cold and dark and that lots of the usual night tours and such are closed for the winter (because it's so cold and dark). Anything open after 5 you would recommend? [more inside]
posted by clarinet around Chicago, IL at 3:08 PM - 9 answers