# Spots to relax in The West (US) **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 8, 2012, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382 "2012-12-08T01:48:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2012, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/1 "2012-12-08T01:48:06Z")
I’m trying to come up a good spot in the West that is easily accessible by air travel from Sacramento and a good to just chill for a simple solo weekend getaway. Things that interest me: History Old Towns Downtowns Walkable Scenic Relax w a coffee and/or whiskey Maybe a little reading No hustle & bustle NOT running around trying to soak in an entire region in a day. Exclusions: California - Already know what’s here Portland Seattle, Spokane Phoenix, Tucson Reno, Vegas Super expensive airfare Anything east of CO Some candidates: Boise? Flagstaff? Denver (but see hustle & bustle)? Santa Fe? Tips? Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![JackieLikesVariety](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackielikesvariety/32/296_2.png) [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2012, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/2 "2012-12-08T02:45:55Z")
> [@Bearflag70](#): > > I’m trying to come up a good spot in the West that is easily accessible by air travel from Sacramento and a good to just chill for a simple solo weekend getaway. > > Things that interest me: > > History > Old Towns > Downtowns > Walkable > Scenic > Relax w a coffee and/or whiskey > Maybe a little reading > No hustle & bustle > > NOT running around trying to soak in an entire region in a day. > > Exclusions: > California - Already know what’s here > Portland > Seattle, Spokane > Phoenix, Tucson > Reno, Vegas > Super expensive airfare > Anything east of CO > > Some candidates: > Boise? > Flagstaff? > Denver (but see hustle & bustle)? > Santa Fe? > > Tips? > > Thanks! fly to Denver and then rent a car and drive up in the mountains? ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2012, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/3 "2012-12-08T02:50:42Z")
We didn’t get to spend much time in Flagstaff, AZ, but we did spend the night there. Ate at a great brewpub and bought some of their beer. It seems like a really cool town. I would go back and visit. ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2012, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/4 "2012-12-08T04:28:12Z")
Is downtown Denver anything close to the traffic of San Francisco? If Denver is about as busy as Portland, then Denver may be a good place. ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2012, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/5 "2012-12-08T05:10:57Z")
I think Santa Fe could be a good choice. It’s touristy, but with a lot of substance to back it up. Good choice of attractions, restaurants, scenic drives, etc. Not conspicuously cheap. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2012, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/6 "2012-12-08T06:30:21Z")
When? If now, it’s winter. Weather can change fast. ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2012, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/7 "2012-12-08T08:07:46Z")
Spring most likely ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2012, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/8 "2012-12-08T13:49:18Z")
I agree with Santa Fe. You’ll have to fly into Albuquerque as I recall, as Santa Fe – at least back when I lived in Albuquerque – was the only state capital without a commerical airport. I think there is a small one for puddle-jumper flights, but I’d rent a car in Albuquerque if I were you. Santa Fe is an hour north on the interstate, but I used to like taking the old highway. Then Taos and Los Alamos are easy drives from Santa Fe, but really Santa Fe good for the weekend all on its own. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2012, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/9 "2012-12-08T14:55:56Z")
My vote is Santa Fe as well. I must say that just a weekend anywhere, if you are dealing with air travel is more work than it’s worth. But, hey, whatever floats your boat. Speaking of boats… I think it would be very fun to fly to San Diego and take an introductory sailing lesson. Myself I’d like to make a week of it and may be doing it in the next few years. ---
**Author:** ![GreasyJack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/df705f/32.png) [@GreasyJack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreasyJack)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2012, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/10 "2012-12-08T17:36:28Z")
Denver isn’t crazy busy by California standards, but I don’t think the downtown area meets most of your criteria. It’s perfectly nice, but not particularly interesting. Ditto but more so on both counts with Boise. For what you’re describing, I’d actually pick Salt Lake City over either of those two cities-- the city itself is pretty hip (so, yes, you can get a decent cup of Joe and booze) but traffic and hustle n’ bustle are minimal. The downtown area is very walkable and _I’ve_ always found the Mormon sites interesting at least. The city itself is in a very scenic area and there’s lots of potential quick day trips if you get a car. I personally find Santa Fe too touristy, but my tolerance is kind of low and I don’t think I’ve ever gone there prepared to spend enough to really enjoy it. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2012, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/11 "2012-12-08T18:02:56Z")
[Sedona, AZ.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedona,_Arizona) In CO, I’d check out [Crested Butte.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crested_Butte,_Colorado) ---
**Author:** ![InternetLegend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/internetlegend/32/13154_2.png) [@InternetLegend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InternetLegend)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2012, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/12 "2012-12-09T07:05:23Z")
Hey! Albuquerque has an Old Town, too, and it’s not unreasonably bustley! We’re a little warmer than Santa Fe, which can be kind of chilly in early spring. Admittedly, “walkable” is a stretch, but if you plan your stay around the Downtown/Old Town area, you could do all right. We have a very nice library downtown, and a pedestrian mall that’s pretty nice. Oh, all right. We also now have the [Rail Runner](http://www.nmrailrunner.com/), which is easily accessible to the airport and is a very relaxing and scenic way to get to and from Santa Fe. Which is also very relaxing, scenic, and walkable. And expensive, so don’t forget that Albuquerque can also be attractive. ---
**Author:** ![Lamar\_Mundane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2012, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/13 "2012-12-09T07:28:48Z")
> [@Bearflag70](#): > > Is downtown Denver anything close to the traffic of San Francisco? If Denver is about as busy as Portland, then Denver may be a good place. It’s nothing like San Francisco, but there is a lot of construction going on right now. I’d say Boulder or Ft. Collins are a better fit for your criteria, they are both very walkable and scenic with great restaurants and tons of coffee shops and places to relax. You can get a shuttle from DIA to both cities. Boulder has the U of Colorado, which has a bunch of museums with a ton of historical artifacts. The University is right on the edge of downtown so walking from one to the other is easy, except for the altitude. I assume CSU in Ft. Collins is similar, but I can’t say for sure. Durango or Telluride in Southwestern Colorado would fit the bill, but they are not easy to get to nor cheap. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2012, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/14 "2012-12-09T10:46:54Z")
> [@InternetLegend](#): > > Oh, all right. We also now have the [Rail Runner](http://www.nmrailrunner.com/), which is easily accessible to the airport and is a very relaxing and scenic way to get to and from Santa Fe. Damn! I wish they’d had that back when _I_ lived in Albuquerque. ---
**Author:** ![Hanna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b3f665/32.png) [@Hanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hanna)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2012, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/15 "2012-12-09T14:31:32Z")
Sedona, AZ Manitou Springs, CO ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2012, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/16 "2012-12-10T01:22:04Z")
Ok that train bumped Santa Fe up on the list. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2012, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/17 "2012-12-10T03:05:39Z")
> [@Bearflag70](#): > > Ok that train bumped Santa Fe up on the list. Santa Fe has been overly touristy literally for decades. But the thing is there’s a real sense of history there, and a lot of gems amid all the tourist glitch. You won’t be sorry you went. One of my favorite restaurants is right by the train station – Tomasita’s. Love their Chile Rellenos and margaritas. Not too expensive either. There’s a short YouTube video by the owner [here](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wrp1s9lwwE). And the plaza is only about six blocks away, IIRC. ---
**Author:** ![Rhodes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhodes/32/273_2.png) [@Rhodes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhodes)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2012, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/18 "2012-12-10T03:45:21Z")
> [@Bearflag70](#): > > I’m trying to come up a good spot in the West that is easily accessible by air travel from Sacramento and a good to just chill for a simple solo weekend getaway. > > Things that interest me: > > History > Old Towns > Downtowns > Walkable > Scenic > Relax w a coffee and/or whiskey > Maybe a little reading > No hustle & bustle Park City! Fly in to SLC. It’s a nice drive. Maybe rent a jeep. ---
**Author:** ![Enginerd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/bcef8e/32.png) [@Enginerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enginerd)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2012, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/19 "2012-12-10T03:48:00Z")
Is Hood River part of the Portland exclusion? It’s a beautiful little town that fits a lot of your other criteria. ---
**Author:** ![Bearflag70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2012, 7:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spots-to-relax-in-the-west-us/643382/20 "2012-12-10T07:33:39Z")
Hood River is not excluded and looks appealing.