Anywhere in the Continental US

My mom wants to take a trip with me to somewhere in the Continental US. I get to choose when and where. Any ideas?

Sunny beaches and physical activities are out, my mom is undergoing treatment for cancer.

I'll gladly take recommendations, but please understand if I don't post much. It's a difficult trip for me to plan.

I live in New England, so I would like somewhere outside of that area.

I'm so very sorry about your mom.

Have you considered Santa Fe, NM? It popped to mind as a calm, relaxing, and very beautiful place.

I'm so sorry, sweetie.

When my mother was undergoing cancer treatment, we went to NYC together and had a really nice time. We stayed in a gorgeous hotel, had some lovely meals out and saw some great shows. Everyone was very accommodating to her and she didn't find things difficult at all.

LOL ... I realise that's about as close to the opposite of Sevan's suggestion as you can get! I guess it depends on what sort of thing your mother is interested in. Mine lived in NYC for a while back in the '50s, so it was nice for her to revisit Greenwich Village and all of her old haunts.

contiental doesnt mean alaska or hawaii ,maybe like a spa? i hope ur mom is ok...

I like Chary's idea.  There are so many different kinds of things to do in New York, so you'll have a wide variety of options depending on what you and your mom are interested in or feel up to.

Although, if it were me, I'd probably go to Yellowstone or Yosemite.  And, again, there are a lot of options of things to do that don't involve a lot of activity.

I'm so sorry about your Mom, Belita.

What about the California coast. You could fly to San Francisco and rent a car and drive a bit down the coast. There are small coastal towns like Monterey and Carmel that would be enjoyable without a lot of walking. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is really great, too.

Thanks for the ideas so far.

I think I have known for years that continental US means no Alaska and Hawaii...

I'm thinking somewhere west of the Mississippi.

I want to stall planning this trip, but I know can't.

Might I put in a plug for the Northwest?  It's stunning, you shouldn't have any trouble with overheating, and there's loads to see and do.  The islands are lovely for just relaxing, and Seattle is the nicest city of my acquaintance (and I know and have lived in a few).  Any time of year is good.  So sorry to hear your family is going through this rough time. 

Thanks for the ideas so far.

I think I have known for years that continental US means no Alaska and Hawaii...

I'm thinking somewhere west of the Mississippi.

I want to stall planning this trip, but I know can't.

Belita, I'm so very sorry for what you're going through. My own mother just told me on Friday that they've found a lump in her breast and she is having surgery this Wednesday, then starting her radiation. This is her second battle with cancer and I'm trying to stay positive.

As for ideas about where to visit west of the Mississippi...being a California girl, I must put my state up for a visit. San Francisco is incredibly beautiful, exciting and close to wonderful areas. I live only 20 minutes out of the Napa Valley wine country, and there is a wonderful town there called Calistoga that is really lovely and relaxing...excellent food, spas, wine, and scenery.

http://gocalifornia.about.com/cs/napasonoma/a/calistoga.htm

Another amazing place in my state is the lovely area around San Luis Obispo. It is only a few hours north of LA and around 4 hours south of SF. If you start in SF, the whole drive down the coast is wonderful, but this area is fabulous. Lovely weather, shops, beach, food.... Morro Bay, Pismo Beach and Santa Barbara isn't too far away either.

http://www.visitslo.com/

No matter where you choose, I hope you and your mom have a wonderful time.

I'd recommend San Francisco, Seattle or Portland. 

I am sorry to hear about your mom.  I also agree on San Francisco and New York City ideas.  Or Niagra Falls-upstate NY. Or someplace random, like South Dakota, the Black Hills, see Mt. Rushmore and there are other relaxing things up that way. 

South Dakota was really nice. 

I am going to throw Montana in as a suggestion.  Fly into Missoula, and then take a leisurely drive up north and visit Glacier National Park, which is absolutely spectacular.  On the drive up to Glacier, spend a night or two at Flathead Lake.

How about the Grand Canyon? There's plenty to see and do that wouldn't involve a lot of activity.

I'd throw in San Diego for the CA suggestions. Balboa Park (lots of museums) and the zoo are fantastic.

Santa Fe is lovely and interesting, but it's at a high altitude, which might be a bit rough.

Pennsylvania might not be so exciting for you, but I can recommend the most fantastic B&B if you're interested.

Hugs to you.

If you consider the Grand Canyon I would also highly recommend Zion National Park in Utah and Bryce Canyon.  The scenery is beautiful and at Zion there are a several very easy walks.

Hope your mom is ok.