Where to go - America's
Discussion
So we have a pal who resides in Florida - we (from UK 2-4 mates dependent on passes ) usually meet him in vegas for a long weekend but still haven't got the urge to return there back after last year and are struggling for inspiration where to go.
Cancun has been suggested as has New Orleans for Mardi Gras.
Cancun strikes me as the US version of Magaluf - perhaps, well my bro went when he was 19...and we are possibly too old for that late 30's to early 40's.
I'm pushing mardi gras, but any other recommendations for a blokes only few days in that area that will involve little more than drinking and associated themes, cannot be florida either, will be October this year or March next.
Had thought of the sea islands, but a bit more family or golf vibe for what we are looking for.
thanks
Cancun has been suggested as has New Orleans for Mardi Gras.
Cancun strikes me as the US version of Magaluf - perhaps, well my bro went when he was 19...and we are possibly too old for that late 30's to early 40's.
I'm pushing mardi gras, but any other recommendations for a blokes only few days in that area that will involve little more than drinking and associated themes, cannot be florida either, will be October this year or March next.
Had thought of the sea islands, but a bit more family or golf vibe for what we are looking for.
thanks
Got back from New Orleans 3 weeks ago. The main strip reminded of Magaluf, majority of the bars were just to get people in, get pissed and get out. Most of the music was so loud it was contaminating the bar across the road where we were sat. I wasn't keen but this is down to the fact we started in Nashville. What a place! All the bars are cool, all the music was brilliant and the atmosphere was safe and friendly, not the feeling we had in New Orleans. The only down side was that it was bloody pricey!
Would thoroughly recommend Nashville for a few days - was there in March and had a bloody fab time!
You don't have to like country music to appreciate it as it's so much more than that - you might even find yourself toe-tapping without realising it
Direct flights from the UK (unlike New Orleans, as far as I am aware), although carriers are limited.
You don't have to like country music to appreciate it as it's so much more than that - you might even find yourself toe-tapping without realising it
Direct flights from the UK (unlike New Orleans, as far as I am aware), although carriers are limited.
Fluffsri said:
Got back from New Orleans 3 weeks ago. The main strip reminded of Magaluf, majority of the bars were just to get people in, get pissed and get out. Most of the music was so loud it was contaminating the bar across the road where we were sat. I wasn't keen but this is down to the fact we started in Nashville. What a place! All the bars are cool, all the music was brilliant and the atmosphere was safe and friendly, not the feeling we had in New Orleans. The only down side was that it was bloody pricey!
Interesting!Sorry to hijack the thread, but me and a few friends are planning our 50th next year and New Orleans was discussed as we did the Vegas thing for our 40th.
We are absolutely not looking for a Magaluf-esq experience! Quiet-ish bars, good beer and something a bit different is all we want, when in Vegas 10 years ago our favourite places were the quirky bars on/off Fremont Street, no interest in big glitzy busy noisy nonsense.
Edited by Electronicpants on Wednesday 28th May 10:19
thanks, and np on the hijack.
Nashville hasn't even been off my radar I'm so unfamiliar with it, but interesting. we are not music fans at all, as much as we dont want a magaluf thing, been there done that too often, it would be nice if a place had that option close by in case in the mood for one night, but was more adult than that albeit also with a option to veg out beside a pool in heat and slowly get pssd. would nashville have resorts/places like that? im completely ignorant. perhaps new orleans doesnt either tbf.
Nashville hasn't even been off my radar I'm so unfamiliar with it, but interesting. we are not music fans at all, as much as we dont want a magaluf thing, been there done that too often, it would be nice if a place had that option close by in case in the mood for one night, but was more adult than that albeit also with a option to veg out beside a pool in heat and slowly get pssd. would nashville have resorts/places like that? im completely ignorant. perhaps new orleans doesnt either tbf.
Regarding New Orleans - been there twice, I'm a big fan.
You can fly there directly.
In the French quarter, Bourbon Street is indeed loud and scuzzy. That said, go to Cafe Beignet and you can have live music with your breakfast. The rest of the quarter is lovely - old buildings, musicians playing in the street, a good vibe. Food-wise, a po'boy is basically a well-filled sandwich, as is a muffaletta. Look for places doing gumbo, jambalaya and etouffe for something different. Beignets are doughnuts heaped with icing sugar.
The live music clubs tend to be up at Frenchman Street, there's plenty to choose from.
Mardi Gras will be RAMMED with people. If you're OK with that, you'll enjoy yourself. If you need some quiet time, look up the WW2 museum or the nearby Civil War museum. When your tum has recovered, the Cochon restaurant is great for lunch or dinner.
For an adventure, plenty of places will offer airboat rides in the Everglades, if you fancy a motorised tea tray wanging past vicious reptiles.
Plenty of modern hotels, but also look up the Monteleone on Royal Street, with its rotating bar.
You can fly there directly.
In the French quarter, Bourbon Street is indeed loud and scuzzy. That said, go to Cafe Beignet and you can have live music with your breakfast. The rest of the quarter is lovely - old buildings, musicians playing in the street, a good vibe. Food-wise, a po'boy is basically a well-filled sandwich, as is a muffaletta. Look for places doing gumbo, jambalaya and etouffe for something different. Beignets are doughnuts heaped with icing sugar.
The live music clubs tend to be up at Frenchman Street, there's plenty to choose from.
Mardi Gras will be RAMMED with people. If you're OK with that, you'll enjoy yourself. If you need some quiet time, look up the WW2 museum or the nearby Civil War museum. When your tum has recovered, the Cochon restaurant is great for lunch or dinner.
For an adventure, plenty of places will offer airboat rides in the Everglades, if you fancy a motorised tea tray wanging past vicious reptiles.
Plenty of modern hotels, but also look up the Monteleone on Royal Street, with its rotating bar.
theplayingmantis said:
thanks, and np on the hijack.
Nashville hasn't even been off my radar I'm so unfamiliar with it, but interesting. we are not music fans at all, as much as we dont want a magaluf thing, been there done that too often, it would be nice if a place had that option close by in case in the mood for one night, but was more adult than that albeit also with a option to veg out beside a pool in heat and slowly get pssd. would nashville have resorts/places like that? im completely ignorant. perhaps new orleans doesnt either tbf.
Not been to Nashville, but was in Tennessee last year, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in the Smoky Mountains. From what I've seen almost everywhere in the US has large resorts with pools, bars, restaurants, golf courses etc. Americans love a resort hotel.Nashville hasn't even been off my radar I'm so unfamiliar with it, but interesting. we are not music fans at all, as much as we dont want a magaluf thing, been there done that too often, it would be nice if a place had that option close by in case in the mood for one night, but was more adult than that albeit also with a option to veg out beside a pool in heat and slowly get pssd. would nashville have resorts/places like that? im completely ignorant. perhaps new orleans doesnt either tbf.
The people there are really friendly, and it's nice chilling out in a rocking chair with some moonshine, listening to a bluegrass band.
Lotusgone said:
Regarding New Orleans - been there twice, I'm a big fan.
You can fly there directly.
In the French quarter, Bourbon Street is indeed loud and scuzzy. That said, go to Cafe Beignet and you can have live music with your breakfast. The rest of the quarter is lovely - old buildings, musicians playing in the street, a good vibe. Food-wise, a po'boy is basically a well-filled sandwich, as is a muffaletta. Look for places doing gumbo, jambalaya and etouffe for something different. Beignets are doughnuts heaped with icing sugar.
The live music clubs tend to be up at Frenchman Street, there's plenty to choose from.
Mardi Gras will be RAMMED with people. If you're OK with that, you'll enjoy yourself. If you need some quiet time, look up the WW2 museum or the nearby Civil War museum. When your tum has recovered, the Cochon restaurant is great for lunch or dinner.
For an adventure, plenty of places will offer airboat rides in the Everglades, if you fancy a motorised tea tray wanging past vicious reptiles.
Plenty of modern hotels, but also look up the Monteleone on Royal Street, with its rotating bar.
I stand corrected - I could only ever find non-direct flights on the dates I was looking. You can fly there directly.
In the French quarter, Bourbon Street is indeed loud and scuzzy. That said, go to Cafe Beignet and you can have live music with your breakfast. The rest of the quarter is lovely - old buildings, musicians playing in the street, a good vibe. Food-wise, a po'boy is basically a well-filled sandwich, as is a muffaletta. Look for places doing gumbo, jambalaya and etouffe for something different. Beignets are doughnuts heaped with icing sugar.
The live music clubs tend to be up at Frenchman Street, there's plenty to choose from.
Mardi Gras will be RAMMED with people. If you're OK with that, you'll enjoy yourself. If you need some quiet time, look up the WW2 museum or the nearby Civil War museum. When your tum has recovered, the Cochon restaurant is great for lunch or dinner.
For an adventure, plenty of places will offer airboat rides in the Everglades, if you fancy a motorised tea tray wanging past vicious reptiles.
Plenty of modern hotels, but also look up the Monteleone on Royal Street, with its rotating bar.
I’ve been to New Orleans at least half a dozen times, Nashville 3. New Orleans can be cheaper depending on where you stay and it’s got more character. Bourbon street is f
king awful, walk up it once and then get the hell out of there. Frenchmen is better. Bywater has some cool bars etc. Nashville is clean but it’s the place for stag and hen dos now and it’s consequently very expensive. I love both cities but they centre very much around music. If you’re looking for somewhere resorty then I wouldn’t consider either to be the right spot. Plenty of resorty type places along the gulf coast that would probably fit the bill although most will feel like magaluf.
king awful, walk up it once and then get the hell out of there. Frenchmen is better. Bywater has some cool bars etc. Nashville is clean but it’s the place for stag and hen dos now and it’s consequently very expensive. I love both cities but they centre very much around music. If you’re looking for somewhere resorty then I wouldn’t consider either to be the right spot. Plenty of resorty type places along the gulf coast that would probably fit the bill although most will feel like magaluf.Lotusgone said:
Regarding New Orleans - been there twice, I'm a big fan.
You can fly there directly.
In the French quarter, Bourbon Street is indeed loud and scuzzy. That said, go to Cafe Beignet and you can have live music with your breakfast. The rest of the quarter is lovely - old buildings, musicians playing in the street, a good vibe. Food-wise, a po'boy is basically a well-filled sandwich, as is a muffaletta. Look for places doing gumbo, jambalaya and etouffe for something different. Beignets are doughnuts heaped with icing sugar.
The live music clubs tend to be up at Frenchman Street, there's plenty to choose from.
Mardi Gras will be RAMMED with people. If you're OK with that, you'll enjoy yourself. If you need some quiet time, look up the WW2 museum or the nearby Civil War museum. When your tum has recovered, the Cochon restaurant is great for lunch or dinner.
For an adventure, plenty of places will offer airboat rides in the Everglades, if you fancy a motorised tea tray wanging past vicious reptiles.
Plenty of modern hotels, but also look up the Monteleone on Royal Street, with its rotating bar.
You have put this better than me LOL. We did enjoy the garden district, the rest of the French quarter, the WW2 museum is brilliant! We did go on the Natchez paddle steamer which was a lovely experience. We spent 5 days in NO and ran out of things to do. We spent 4 days in Nashville and missed so much, overall we would go back to Nashville but not New orleans. Of course everybody is different and will like different things.You can fly there directly.
In the French quarter, Bourbon Street is indeed loud and scuzzy. That said, go to Cafe Beignet and you can have live music with your breakfast. The rest of the quarter is lovely - old buildings, musicians playing in the street, a good vibe. Food-wise, a po'boy is basically a well-filled sandwich, as is a muffaletta. Look for places doing gumbo, jambalaya and etouffe for something different. Beignets are doughnuts heaped with icing sugar.
The live music clubs tend to be up at Frenchman Street, there's plenty to choose from.
Mardi Gras will be RAMMED with people. If you're OK with that, you'll enjoy yourself. If you need some quiet time, look up the WW2 museum or the nearby Civil War museum. When your tum has recovered, the Cochon restaurant is great for lunch or dinner.
For an adventure, plenty of places will offer airboat rides in the Everglades, if you fancy a motorised tea tray wanging past vicious reptiles.
Plenty of modern hotels, but also look up the Monteleone on Royal Street, with its rotating bar.
Charleston SC 21 year resident here. It’s a lovely little city with lots of history. Great bar and restaurant scene. But pricey. 4 hrs to the mountains. BMW factory in Spartanburg I think still does tours. October is hurricane season but the weather is generally great then with humidity falling off. March is a bit ‘meh’. Less peak visitor time.
Let me know if you have other questions. Happy to help.
Let me know if you have other questions. Happy to help.
Thanks all. I think so e of the suggestions are too adult for the needs!
The goal of the holiday is slowly getting drunk catching up with mates, beside a pool in some heat, during the day time, out for high quality food in the evening and potential for lounges/clubs...well maybe bars with music more than clubs unless there cheese, as well as the option of evenings of utter drunken debauchery with litre cocktails in plastic glasses albeit given our age a mixed age crowd hence no magaluf only type places....and in the Americas.
No sight seeing, driving, anything most would consider a holiday for. This is a philistine holiday.
The goal of the holiday is slowly getting drunk catching up with mates, beside a pool in some heat, during the day time, out for high quality food in the evening and potential for lounges/clubs...well maybe bars with music more than clubs unless there cheese, as well as the option of evenings of utter drunken debauchery with litre cocktails in plastic glasses albeit given our age a mixed age crowd hence no magaluf only type places....and in the Americas.
No sight seeing, driving, anything most would consider a holiday for. This is a philistine holiday.
Edited by theplayingmantis on Wednesday 28th May 18:53
theplayingmantis said:
Thanks all. I think so e of the suggestions are too adult for the needs!
The goal of the holiday is slowly getting drunk catching up with mates, beside a pool in some heat, during the day time, out for high quality food in the evening and potential for lounges/clubs...well maybe bars with music more than clubs unless there cheese, as well as the option of evenings of utter drunken debauchery with litre cocktails in plastic glasses albeit given our age a mixed age crowd hence no magaluf only type places....and in the Americas.
No sight seeing, driving, anything most would consider a holiday for. This is a philistine holiday.
Palm Springs or Scottsdale thenThe goal of the holiday is slowly getting drunk catching up with mates, beside a pool in some heat, during the day time, out for high quality food in the evening and potential for lounges/clubs...well maybe bars with music more than clubs unless there cheese, as well as the option of evenings of utter drunken debauchery with litre cocktails in plastic glasses albeit given our age a mixed age crowd hence no magaluf only type places....and in the Americas.
No sight seeing, driving, anything most would consider a holiday for. This is a philistine holiday.
Edited by theplayingmantis on Wednesday 28th May 18:53
Thinking of other places I’ve done lads’ weekends out of Miami - how about Negril, or Key West (last flight out and all that)?
To be honest, when I lived in the Caribbean, lad’s weekends usually meant South Beach or up the coast around Hollywood FL (sometimes you need to get off small islands where everyone knows what everyone is up to)
To be honest, when I lived in the Caribbean, lad’s weekends usually meant South Beach or up the coast around Hollywood FL (sometimes you need to get off small islands where everyone knows what everyone is up to)
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff