In two weeks I will be able to go off on a Monday-Thursday vacation with my girlfriend and I have no idea where to go. We live in New Jersey. Flying is fine but we don’t want to use up too much time travelling. Outside the US is no good because I have to renew my passport. So if you had those constraints where would you go and why?
I would pick New Orleans. It is the most exotic city on the U.S. mainland and impossible to get bored in. There are plenty of things to do ranging from hedonistic to historical to romantic. It is set up for tourism and fairly inexpensive for what you get. Current weather is in the 70’s which should be a lot better than New Jersey. Stay somewhere in or near the French Quarter and eat, drink, and see historical sites at your leisure.
If you want a Caribbean vacation, you can go to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands without a passport and get all the benefits of ‘foreign’ travel without ever technically leaving the U.S. Travel time to those are still fairly short from the east coast.
Fly into Fort Myers and visit Sanibel Island. You should be able to find cheap airfare from AC or Newark or Philly. It’s expensive to stay on the island, but much cheaper accommodations can be found just across the causeway. Hang out on the beach and go shelling. Ding Darling Preserve on the island should be chock full of all kinds of big, cool birds in December. A day trip to the Everglades is also possible.
You could do the hell out of the Smithsonian/Washington Zoo in that time. Dunno about weather for the zoo, but the museums are awesome…
I second NOLA. Plus, hotel rates M-W nights will be dirt cheap in the Quarter.
Maybe Key West.
Chicago is probably my favorite city to visit in the US. Shows, music, museums, great restaurants, easy public transportation. At least when I was last there a few years ago, there was some fun Christmas stuff to do on Navy Pier (largely free, as I recall). I don’t know what part of New Jersey you’re in, but flying from NYC to Chicago is easy. It might be a little chilly when you’re there, but that’s just a reason to dress in a stylish coat and get close to your sweetie.
(I’ve only been to New Orleans once very briefly, and I desperately want to go back for a real visit. Anybody want to babysit for me?)
Some very good suggestions so far. Keep em coming. 
Both suggestions go on the list. I have been to New Orleans she has not.
I’ll have to look into that. I don’t know that part of the state.
We have both spent a lot of time in DC. I like it quite a bit and will go back but we are looking for something different.
I had not thought of that. I’ll have to see what she thinks.
Chicago is right out. Her soon to be ex-husband’s girlfriend lives there. Too many bad mental connections. She has no interest in going (and she has been there in the past anyway).
FYI we would either fly out of Newark or Philly depending on cheaper airfare. Both are about equal in convenience.
If it were me, this time of year, I would go to Key West.
Yes its sounding good to me.
Vieques, a small island eight miles east of - and part of - Puerto Rico.
Cheap, no passport required, and just quaint/rustic enough to really feel you’ve gotten away. Plus, there is the only Bioluminescent Bay in the United States.
Charleston, SC is lovely this time of year; they do it up for the holidays very nicely, even the boats in the harbor.
I vote for Puerto Rico, if money is no object. It’s probably the closest place that’s guaranteed to be warm this time of year.
Oh yeah. My wife I spent several days there a few years ago. We were there in late February, I think. We had a great time! Very romantic place.
Niagara Falls!
http://www.niagara-usa.com/ 
Of course, there’s always Vegas. Probably some deals to be had on rooms and shows in your timeframe…
Expanding on this a little, what about a solo vacation?
NOTE: I’m rather shy.
Sllllooooowwly I turn…
I usually go to Vegas on Superbowl weekend with guys from work. I would love to go with her sometime but she does not deal well with a lot of cigarette smoke. I’ll get her there someday.
Disneyworld, for a day or two on your way to Key West.