Where should I go?

[KCMax]

I have a nice problem to have.

I have airline miles I'd like to redeem. I can pretty much go anywhere in the Western part of the U.S. I have to go by December because work gets busy in January and my wife starts classes again.

She'd prefer to go somewhere fairly warm. Places we've already been to out west - San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas. We want to visit a city, not a resort. We want to experience the city, shop, dine, see the touristy frou-frou, see any attractions. What can you recommend about the following cities:

Los Angeles
Denver
San Antonio
Phoenix
Portland - how cold does it get here in December?
Seattle - ditto

[kard]

If you've not yet been to Portland then I'd recommend it over the others.

The average high during December is in the 40's and it's usually pretty wet.  It rarely freezes (ironically, it did this morning).  I'd stay in the city for a few days (3 or so) and use public transit to get around.  Then rent a car and drive out to the coast one day and then go hike some trails in the Columbia River Gorge the next day.

And if you decide to go then let me know--I need someone to bring me some beer back.

[loftguy]

Denver and Portland are my suggestions. 

I travel to a new city each month to study development trends.  These are two of my favorites.  Portland is the champion in social engineering.  Disagree with some of the extreme politics, but they have done an awesome job of growing a livable city.  Really friendly people, good independent restaurants, nice historic hotels, transportation, parks, boutiques, etcccccccc.

Denver is a energetic, vibrant city that has done a lot right.  They are the classic boom/bust city and when they grow they really go.  They have gone a bit over the top for my tastes in installing every chain restaurant and national retailer in the urban environment but that's about my only beef.  Even if the snow is deep, you'll have a ball (and it will be melted off the next day).  Suggest the Brown Palace Hotel.  Maybe the most impressive place for the money I've ever encountered (not cheap though. shop the net for a price of about $150 per night)  Built in 1892, and always kept in operation.  Incredible staff too.

[LenexatoKCMO]

Phoenix

If you are looking to go to the desert I would recommend Tucson over Phoenix.  Tucson has a lot more to do as a tourist even though it is a smaller city.  I used to get down through both of those cities quite a bit.  Neither Tucson or Phoenix are exactly paragons of vibrant urban environments so you might as well go the one with more interesting tourist crap

[KC0KEK]

I recommend Portland or Seattle because for some reason, those cities are more expensive to fly to from KC. So by flying there, you can get more bang for your miles than if you were flying someplace cheap, such as Chicago. Plus Portland and Seattle are kick-ass cities.

[nota]

Santa Fe?

[ddw334umkc]

I say you should head back to San Diego and enjoy that good 70-80 degree December weather.  Import some good, cheap tequila from TJ, and then head to Qualcomm to watch the Chargers get their heads beat in by the Chiefs!

[warwickland]

PDX

Denver is pretty brown in winter (or all the time), if not mild (though not really much milder or sunnier than quite sunny kc like they like to brag  ). a high of 44 in december for denver vs a high of 42 in december for kc...denver exaggerates its mild winters while kc doesnt make a peep.

[ralfonso]

oh just go to Portland already.

/thread

[KCMax]

It looks we're going to Portland, but we're going to wait til the summer! Thanks all!

[Paintfumes]

you should go to Brazil and check back with us about the transit ( lightrail ) system. I hear its great.

[bbqboy]

Cool. The Rose Festival goes on the whole month of June.
    http://www.rosefestival.org/

[kard]

And the Elephant Garlic festival is in August!

http://www.funstinks.com/

[KCMax]

Mmmmm.....elephant garlic.

[bahua]

And the Elephant Garlic festival is in August!

http://www.funstinks.com/

The premiere garlic festival is in Gilroy, CA. Anything is a cheap, pathetic imitation.

[kard]

It's garlic.  It doesn't matter where the festival is--it's going to be awesome.

Try this:  replace the word "garlic" with "beer."  See?  Still a good time!

[KCMax]

I hope they have a kissing booth.

[bahua]

I have quite a knack lately, for accidentally omitting important words from things I type. Words like "else."

[Slappy the Wang]

If you value your life, stay away from St. Louis!!!  With a near 100% violent crime rate, you might end up with VD or a broken back as a memento.

[bbqboy]

http://www.oregonbrewfest.com/  -next years model
Bahua, the Gilroy festival is too big for it's own good. sorta like the Royal Cue Contest.
Besides, Elephant Garlic is different stuff than that "California" Garlic.