Late February trip, possibly Santa Fe?

[Kristal]

My mom and I are going away together for a few days in late February, and we're trying to decide where to go. The main reason for the trip is a little break from the cold, harsh winter weather (although the last few weeks have been gorgeous and mild here!!).

We'd like to go somewhere that has an interesting cultural scene (restaurants, museums) or great natural beauty. And of course we'd like a little bit of sunshine and/ or moderate warmth (doesn't have to be summery, but something in the 40s-50s would be nice). Oh, and Arizona, Florida, and Nevada are disqualified because we've either been there recently or will be going there in the spring.

So far, we are thinking San Francisco or Santa Fe. We've been to San Francisco before and absolutely loved it. The restaurants are terrific, there's a ton of stuff to do, and you don't need a car (another huge bonus for us). I'm thinking it will be gray and rainy, but we can deal with that.

We've never been to Santa Fe before and would love to go. I am concerned about the weather, though. I know it's very warm in the summer, but it looks like they have cold and snowy winters. I'm not sure if anyone on the BB lives there or has visited there at that time of year, but any input on the weather would be appreciated (we will be going the last week of February).

Also, If anyone else has any other travel recommendations that would meet our criteria, we'd love to hear them. TIA. :)

[tbb113]

I would go to San Diego over San Francisco in February. Its still on the cool side here (high 50's in the daytime, 40's at night) and you can definetly still hit rain. San Diego should be in the 70's.

I think you are right about Santa Fe. I went there years ago and my ex really liked it (and talked about moving). I asked the locals and was told that yes, they do get snow.

[Robyn1007]

I went to high school in Santa Fe and though you can get some great weather in February I definitely wouldn't count on it. Santa Fe is desert but it's high desert (7500 ft) so they defintely get cold, snowy weather. Looking online, their February average is 49 degrees so maybe that would work for you?

If you do decide to go feel free to PM me and I can give you some hotel and restaurant recommendations.

Robyn

[SueK]

Hey Kristal! I'm headed there the first week of March! :) My sister lives in Albuquerque, so I've made day trips there over the year (it's only an hour away from ABQ). Last time we went was in early March and I had just a windbreaker on. I don't know if that was a fluke, weatherwise, but it happened the last two times I was there.

They have great restaurants and tons of B & Bs. My sister and I are staying at one when we go, and I'm also taking a class at the Santa Fe School of Cooking. The Georgia O'Keefe Museum is there as well. We went there last time we were there, but it was closed that day because of a water main break! :(

You might want to check out Santafe.org to get a better idea of what there is to do there. There is all kinds of outdoor things to do and tons of cultural things - plus shopping! :)

I know Linsley and some others have been there in the past year or two, so maybe they'll be able to give you more input.

[Kristal]

Hey Kristal! I'm headed there the first week of March! :)

Well what are the odds? :D

I'm so glad you have such good things to say about it, Sue. I've heard they have great restaurants, galleries, etc. Plus, it just looks so beautiful! I'm sure you will have a wonderful time at your cooking class. :)

I'm going to talk with my mom some more so we can decide. I can deal with a little cold, but I don't want to trade snow for snow, you know?

Robyn, thanks also for your response. I will be in touch if we do decide on Santa Fe!

Tyra, San Diego was another possibility besides San Fran. I think I like the idea of San Francisco a little better just because the restaurants are so great, and also because 40s-50s sounds entirely reasonable to me that time of year. But of course 70s sound even better....... :cool:

[tbb113]

50's and sun is a great break from Chicago (as one who was brought up there would know). 50's and rain...blech! (as one that has lived here 25 years).

I always said that if I had moved here directly from Chicago, I would have thought the weather was great, but those 4 years in Phoenix (at ASU) changed my definition of good weather. :D

[mst]

If you do go to Sante Fe, check out the Sante Fe School of Cooking. They have great classes, and DH enjoyed it, even though he does not cook at all.

Lots of yummy southwestern food.

[Randi R]

I'm going to Santa Fe in two weeks (work, not fun, but who cares?) It's a great town, and there's a ton of things to do. The weather can be dicey, but high desert, even in the snow is really easy to handle. You'll love it. but if you're worried about the weather, what about San Antonio or Austin? They're always fun.