# Where to short vacation in Western U.S.? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 15, 2018, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-short-vacation-in-western-u-s/821380 "2018-09-15T05:25:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2018, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-short-vacation-in-western-u-s/821380/42 "2018-09-17T21:39:35Z")
> [@SmellMyWort](#): > > I spend an enjoyable 4 days in Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs a while back. OP may as well stop in Aspen for an afternoon. It is a very interesting place to walk around. I always keep an eye out for real estate listing booklets when I’m there or Snowmass. They’re great to thumb through and leave on the breakroom table at work. Never fails to be a conversation starter. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2018, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-short-vacation-in-western-u-s/821380/43 "2018-09-17T23:22:03Z")
> [@ASGuy](#): > > … if you have extra time during the day, you can also visit the Very Large Array (radiotelescope). … If you are in that area, you could also visit (or, better, stay near) [380 acres of metal poles](https://diaart.org/visit/visit/walter-de-maria-the-lightning-field). Probably best to stay there in spring. Hell, I could spend two months exploring that state and still not be satisfied. It is not “new” and it is not “mexico”. ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-short-vacation-in-western-u-s/821380/44 "2018-09-18T00:32:16Z")
> [@eschereal](#): > > Hell, I could spend two months exploring that state and still not be satisfied. It is not “new” and it is not “mexico”. New Mexico waiter: “You want green or red chile with that?” I love New Mexico food. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-short-vacation-in-western-u-s/821380/45 "2018-09-18T00:38:02Z")
> [@Ukulele\_Ike](#): > > New Mexico waiter: “You want green or red chile with that?” > > I love New Mexico food. That is _way_ more words than they use: “green or red?” is typical, and the proper answer is “christmas” (both). ---
**Author:** ![Missy2U](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3bc359/32.png) [@Missy2U](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Missy2U)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-short-vacation-in-western-u-s/821380/46 "2018-09-18T06:33:10Z")
Just finished a book that took place (in part) on Whidbey Island. That sounded like a pretty cool place. Then again, I’ve always wanted to go to Virginia City, NV. I was never cut out to be a travel agent I guess… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-short-vacation-in-western-u-s/821380/47 "2018-09-18T07:50:16Z")
[https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=852323](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=852323) QTM posed this question and the thread above has details of suggestions. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 7:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-short-vacation-in-western-u-s/821380/48 "2018-09-18T07:53:05Z")
Related short vacation thread with recommendations. [https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=857838](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=857838) ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-short-vacation-in-western-u-s/821380/49 "2018-09-18T07:57:26Z")
Another vote for Santa Fe, I really enjoyed walking around there. I also had a good time in Colorado springs, and did some light hiking nearby that was fun. Garden of the gods, I think. Both were places that I felt you could “do” in a day or two, though. I felt like there was more going on in salt lake City, and if you rent a car the hiking possibilities are truly stunning. Although maybe November is too late in the season. I was there fourth of July weekend. But the city was interesting, too. I did the tourist thing with the Mormon church, went to a rehearsal of the Mormon Tabernacle choir, and dida fair amount of people watching. I had a good time in Denver, but at least where I was, it wasn’t much of a walking city. More a boring generic driving grid. It has access to gorgeous scenery, of course. The grand canyon should be on everyone’s bucket list. And I only stopped for lunch in Flagstaff, but I regretted not having more time to knock around. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 8:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-short-vacation-in-western-u-s/821380/50 "2018-09-18T08:25:10Z")
> [@Missy2U](#): > > Then again, I’ve always wanted to go to Virginia City, NV. I was never cut out to be a travel agent I guess… 😉 I’ll be there this weekend, AMA. It’s a small town, you can see it in a day. > [@puzzlegal](#): > > Another vote for Santa Fe, I really enjoyed walking around there. Could go GRRM hunting there. > [@](#): > > I had a good time in Denver, but at least where I was, it wasn’t much of a walking city. More a boring generic driving grid. It has access to gorgeous scenery, of course. That part of Colorado is nice, Denver is… okay. > [@](#): > > The grand canyon should be on everyone’s bucket list. And I only stopped for lunch in Flagstaff, but I regretted not having more time to knock around. Flagstaff and Sedona are nice because they don’t have godawful weather like Phoenix and Tucson. That’s a trip that went from scorching heat at 11 pm to car-stopping hail within 24 hours. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-short-vacation-in-western-u-s/821380/51 "2018-09-18T16:25:58Z")
If you come to Denver hit me up for a beer. I would vote for Yellowstone planning on 3 days there. Bear in mind though that unless you have the national park annual pass you will pay entrance fees for both the Tetons and Yellowstone if driving in from Jackson. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-short-vacation-in-western-u-s/821380/52 "2018-09-18T16:31:07Z")
> [@SmellMyWort](#): > > I spend an enjoyable 4 days in Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs a while back. Did you go to the Glenwood Springs Adventure Park? ---
**Author:** ![SmellMyWort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-short-vacation-in-western-u-s/821380/53 "2018-09-18T17:20:25Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > Did you go to the Glenwood Springs Adventure Park? Yes, the caves but not the amusement park. Also did the Iron Mountain Hot Springs, some rafting, and hiked up to Hanging Lake. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-short-vacation-in-western-u-s/821380/54 "2018-09-18T17:27:20Z")
You can check the airport to see all the [non-stop flights](https://sacramento.aero/smf/flight-and-travel/nonstop-destinations), and then select from there, maybe based on price. Some of the places suggested in this thread are on the list. A friend’s wife and her friend did a random trip this way and ended up in Spokane, WA for a few days. They are school teachers and had plenty of time over the summer. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-short-vacation-in-western-u-s/821380/55 "2018-09-18T17:40:43Z")
> [@China\_Guy](#): > > Bend Or might be a good candidate if you’re looking for a San Luis Obispo kinda small, kinda quaint, kinda unique kinda place. Probably easier to fly to than Mendacino/Ft Bragg (which I have not been to since the 70’s, so get a different opinion but it’s a pretty long drive from Sacto) > > I don’t know it well but Boise certainly doesn’t give me the charm of San Luis Obispo. Someone else might nominate Spokane??? I “hear” its nice but haven’t been there in decades either. My daughter is going to school in Spokane. There is a nice downtown area with a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and brewpubs. There is a sprawling park around the river area in downtown with a lot of paths among the waterfalls (in spring it is pretty phenomenal). There is also a gondola that takes you above some of the falls. I hear there are a few museums around town, but I have not had a chance to partake. If you are interested in geology and have a car there are a number of interesting sites in the region. It may make a decent destination for a few days at the most, but it is primarily a working town and not a big destination, AFAICT. ---
**Author:** ![Gray\_Ghost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c0e974/32.png) [@Gray\_Ghost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gray_Ghost)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2018, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-short-vacation-in-western-u-s/821380/56 "2018-09-18T18:20:09Z")
> [@Bearflag70](#): > > These sound interesting. History museums and historical ambiance are nice. Art museums are ok but not a huge draw. > > I like visiting Portland, OR and enjoy just wandering around, nice architecture, nice places to walk, a sense of history. I have a great time walking all over downtown, along the river front, just checking things out, and stumbling into local places to eat and enjoy a drink. > > In the evenings, a nice dinner and drinks are wonderful with perhaps some light entertainment such as a local folk musician in a pub. I wouldn’t be looking for concerts or clubbing. > > I’m thinking Denver would be more Portland-esqe but less interestingly quirky than Portland. Santa Fe would be a change of pace… and I love Mexican food. Also, I’m sure there’s plenty of interesting history in Santa Fe. I hadn’t considered local hikes but that might be a bonus. Another draw to Santa Fe is that I can fly into ABQ and take the train to Santa Fe… no pesky driving needed. > > Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk What do you like to do? Mexican food in NM is different that a lot of places. Spicier. I love it, but it can hurt you if you get carried away. Santa Fe has a fantastic sense of history, especially if you go out of town to the Pueblos. Austin is great for live music—like you find slot machines in the oddest places in Nevada, in Austin you find live music in tons of places you wouldn’t expect. Sturgeon’s Law applies, of course. Great beer in Austin. Oooh, and I just thought of this, if you like history museums, one of the best military history museums is a bit of a drive from Austin, the Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg (which is a fun little tourist trap to wander around in itself. And the birthplace of Admiral Nimitz.) Go when they are having one of their living history re-enactments. It’s a blast. Literally. Other than that, I don’t know about the history museums in either Santa Fe/ABQ or Austin, albeit the art museums in Santa Fe are amazing. The Atomic History museum in the Santa Fe area is supposed to be good too. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2018, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-short-vacation-in-western-u-s/821380/57 "2018-09-19T03:09:34Z")
ABQ has a good assortment of good museums. I’ve been to the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, Albuquerque Museum of Art & History, American International Rattlesnake Museum, Unser Racing Museum, Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, and the Tinkertown Museum (a bit farther afield, but a must-see for any fan of roadside attractions). Depending on your level of interest in the subject matter, all of them are very well worth visiting. Santa Fe’s museums are pretty good too, and I’ve already mentioned Meow Wolf. There are some really neat places like Tent Rocks, Bandelier NM, Valles Caldera, Pecos National Historic Park and Las Vegas that are great daytrips. Taos deserves at least an overnight stay to give you time to soak up at least a little of the vibe there. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-short-vacation-in-western-u-s/821380.md?page=2)