I’m a Washington, DC, resident looking to spend a week of vacation in late November somewhere in the United States that will be not be too cold (55 F or above), or leafless, or brown and scrubby (bonus points if there are still green trees or colorful fall foliage at that time of the year).
I’m mostly interested in relaxing in quiet, pretty countryside rather than exploring a city. But enough good art museums, restaurants, and historic sites might tempt me into an urban area.
I’ve done lots of traveling or living in the mid-Atlantic, New England, and the Great Lakes/Midwest. I’m less familiar with the southern half of the country, and most of California is unknown to me.
So where in this great country still has pretty green or autumn vistas in late November without cold temperatures?
If I ignore your urban versus rural criteria, I would say either Charleston, SC or New Orleans. Both of those are world class destinations and meet all your criteria except they are cities (albeit really laid back ones). Other choices are Key West or, if you want to farther away, possibly the Napa Valley in California.
It isn’t that hard to find green places that are warm that time of year during Thanksgiving in the Eastern part of the country. Almost all of Florida and the Gulf Coast qualify and there plenty of pretty spots among them. It really depends on how you weight quiet solitude against urban amenities.
I’m also a Washingtonian, you could go to Arkansas and visit my in-laws. I’ll get you a madmonk28 disguise, don’t worry,you won’t have to speak or get a word in edgewise really, just let the constant stream of chatter wash over you, nod and watch the tv with everyone else.
Pretty much anywhere south of Kentucky should be fine. The Gatlinburg, TN area has plenty of cabins to rent, as does Helen, GA, and Ft. Payne, Alabama. You can get off-season rates on the beach in Pensacola, FL…may also look at Ft. Walton/Destin, and Navarre Beach.
The weather can sometimes be unpredictable in late November, but if it is on the somewhat warm side, then I recommend West Virginia. Perhaps you could stay outside of one of the larger cities, such as Charleston or Morgantown. The air in West Virginia is really, really clear and fresh. Also, parts of Virginia are great too, and since Norfolk is obviously further south than D.C., probably the weather would be warmer there. In addition, San Diego could be a good place to visit, you are almost guaranteed good weather there. Thankfully, DCA now offers non-stop flights to and from L.A., San Diego and San Francisco. I do not fly out of Dulles now, as by the time I get to my gate I am exhausted, as it takes so much time to get to the gate.