College Reunion Destination

[fishmonger]

So a bunch of buddies and I are going to celebrate 20 years of friendship and are looking for a place to go for 4 days. 10 guys in total, all late 30s, all married with kids, successful jobs, etc. We enjoy, in some order: breweries, sports, excellent food, golf, music and all around good times. Dates for the trip will be late August or early Sept.

8 of the 10 live in New England/NYC, so we want to avoid the Northeast. First idea was New Orleans, but a friend is getting married there in 2021 so that's off the list. Current top idea is Nashville but none of us have ever been. Since it'll only be for 4 days or so the flight time needs to be reasonable from the Northeast - nowhere too far West. Also we'd prefer smaller to medium sized cities so places like Chicago are out.

We aren't exactly swimming in dough, but all do pretty well so budget isn't that much of a concern. Any ideas would be appreciated!

[Jack FFR1846]

You said Nashville, then continued on. Why not go there?

[PoppyA]

Nashville, Grand Rapids, MI, Charlotte, NC, or maybe Louisville, KY- all fun medium size towns.

[Laundry_Service]

Lots of people like Charleston, SC. Good food and fun with generally mild weather. Charleston's airport has quite a bit of flights as well so it shouldn't be too difficult to travel.

[onmyway33]

Asheville, NC seems to tick lots of your boxes. Especially on the food, drink, and (minor league) sports front.

[Watty]

Since it'll only be for 4 days or so the flight time needs to be reasonable from the Northeast - nowhere too far West. Also we'd prefer smaller to medium sized cities so places like Chicago are out.

Travel time often has more to do with how many flight connections you have to make and there will likely be fewer direct flights to a medium size city. There may also be fewer flights to medium size cities so you may need to travel at undesirable times and pay more because there is less competition. Sometimes the best way to get to a medium size city is to fly into a nearby large city then drive several hours to get to the medium size city.

You might want to rethink that.

Dates for the trip will be late August or early Sept.

That is right in hurricane season which would be a factor in selecting some place like Florida. Otherwise Orlando would be an easy location for everyone to get good inexpensive flights to.

What about the city that the college is in?

[Flashes1]

You're going at the last quarter of the MLB season and if you go in early Sept, that's the beginning of college football/NFL. Alternatives to Nashville:

* Cleveland: Indians/Browns, good breweries (although many of their best are in the suburbs) and a great night life. Downtown casino.
* Cincinnati: Reds/Cincy Bearcat football, great downtown breweries (you have to experience Rhinegiest's roof top bar and the historical magnificence of their main beer hall), and fun night life on the river. Downtown casino.
* St. Louis: Cardinals, home of Budweiser and The Arch, good nightlife. Downtown casino.
* Pittsburgh: Pirates stadium is awesome/Steelers/Panther football. Great nightlife and downtown casino.
* Nashville is great for partying - no doubt about it. Titans and Vandy - I'm not a country music fan so that part of it is a turn-off for me.

Edit for dreaded typos

[Mr. Rumples]

Denver: Red Rocks for concerts under the stars, breweries galore, sports goes without saying; gambling if that's anyone's thing at Black Hawk and Central City. Yes it is a beautiful as the pictures make it out to be.

https://www.denver.org/things-to-do/mus ... red-rocks/

[bob60014]

For ease of access and for things to do, Nashville is the obvious choice.

Under the radar but a place that has really transformed itself is Indianapolis. Plenty to of places to do a restaurant or pub crawl downtown or on Mass Av.. There are several good golf courses in the area and a short drive to the north in Carmel. At that time of year and depending on the schedule, a Colts football game may be a possibility.

[Mr. Rumples]

Richmond, VA was named by the NY Times as one of the 52 places to go in 2020. Only 6 other US cities made the list. However, its hot as you know what down this way that time of year.

[22twain]

Lots of people like Charleston, SC. Good food and fun with generally mild weather.

The weather there is likely to be hot and muggy in late August / early September.

I was going to toss out Cleveland as a possibly unlikely-sounding suggestion, but I see Flashes1 beat me to it. I'm surprised he didn't mention the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

[Jimmie]

All this talk about heat and mugginess. These guys are in their thirties and will be sitting around bars and breweries in shorts.

Even if the venues are outdoor patios, it's tolerable. I'd do it and I'm twice that age.

[teCh0010]

Places I've been to for similar trips :

Key West - All around great town. We mix it up with diving, fishing, and hanging out on Duval St.
New Orleans - Great food destination
Memphis - Beale St, NBA, Minor League Baseball all within walking distance of the downtown hotels. Great food town.
Ft. Worth - Good town for music, dining, etc. Close to all that Dallas has to offer from a sports perspective (Arlington is right between host MLB and NFL)
Vail - Too far west for you but great even if you don't ski. We took 20 people snowmobiling for a half day and it was an awesome group outing.
San Antonio - Riverwalk concentrates a lot of bars and restaurants into one nice area with the hotels.
South Beach, Miami - Like it's own little world set off from Miami. Lot's of dining and options to go out and Miami sports is right there across the causeway.

Places I haven't been but I'm thinking about for this type of trip:
Savanna, Asheville

[livesoft]

I would've thought that Las Vegas was the traditional place to go for this.

[Jimmie]

So many good suggestions so far. IMHO, you can't go wrong with almost any city in this great country, particularly if you do some research.

Speaking of that, be sure to research the potential city for any special events that may complicate your visit. For example, I did work in Omaha for several months. Travel to that city during the College World Series was a mess. Restaurants and hotels were packed. Unless you go to the games, it cripples all other venues.

[123]

I would've thought that Las Vegas was the traditional place to go for this.

+1 Thee are easy flights to Las Vegas from pretty much everywhere so going that far "out west" shouldn't be an issue. Of course many people have already been there, but it's always changing with new construction and other changes so It's "new" every 3 to 5 years. Not much reason to drive anywhere once you get there, and driving is a major inconvenience there. Hotel costs are double (or more) on the weekends so being there during the week is more economical and activities are pretty much the same.

[Grt2bOutdoors]

You like beer ---> https://www.oktoberfesttours.travel/oktoberfest-2020/
Munich, Germany

[Doom&Gloom]

Not sure why Nashville is the current #1, but it seems perfectly fine for what you are looking for--particularly if none of you have ever been there.

[Theseus]

You like beer ---> https://www.oktoberfesttours.travel/oktoberfest-2020/
Munich, Germany

I agree with this. Oktoberfest was one of the best and unique experience I had - despite that it was just myself and my buddy. It was after hiking in Bavaria and we decided to spend an evening in Pauliner tent (I highly recommend).

Another option (may be warm) that we have done consistently with college friends is Vegas. It has everything you can think of for most age groups. Good shows, gambling, golf, hoover dam, amazing restaurants, good night clubs etc.

[bluebolt]

Denver: Red Rocks for concerts under the stars, breweries galore, sports goes without saying; gambling if that's anyone's thing at Black Hawk and Central City. Yes it is a beautiful as the pictures make it out to be.

https://www.denver.org/things-to-do/mus ... red-rocks/

Denver is a great choice. Boulder is good, too. Lots of hiking/biking type options as well.

[21&lewis]

I vote for Asheville, NC. Fly into Charlotte. Spend a night in the city and then head west. The weather will (likely) be much nicer than Nashville or the rest of the soupy southeast that time of year.

[Bobby206]

I know it's old and played out to some but VEGAS never disappoints for guy's trips. Las Vegas Knight's hockey is the best live sporting event I have ever been to. Or in summer they have NBA summer league which is fun. If you go spring-summer-fall (basically any time but dead of winter) you have the world's best pool areas with optional pool parties if you want to step it up. In a group of 10 guys a couple guys will likely want to slink off to a strip club and they are world class in Vegas. Hotels are cheaper than Nashville. Airport has non-stops from almost everywhere. To me this is the easiest question of the day!

[llama]

Austin, TX

[Theratking]

I would skip New Orleans in August. It is insanely hot only topped out by the humidity.

Some of the others look pretty good.

Nashville has music or maybe producers row. Great music not all is country western.

[Minty]

I vote for New Orleans even if there will be a repeat. Alternatively, Charleston, Pittsburgh, or Las Vegas

[Watty]

I would've thought that Las Vegas was the traditional place to go for this.

Only in cheesy movies.

With 10 married guys there is a good chance that at least some of the spouses will feel uncomfortable with the reputation that Las Vegas has.

I didn't look it up but I would also suspect that the weather in late August would still be really hot which might make playing golf or other outdoor activities difficult.

[retiredjg]

I vote for Asheville, NC. Fly into Charlotte. Spend a night in the city and then head west. The weather will (likely) be much nicer than Nashville or the rest of the soupy southeast that time of year.

From New England/NYC, you can even fly right into Asheville's regional airport. Several good routes available there and many are daily.

And yes, weather is cooler than most of the SE in August. That does not make it cool.

[stoptothink]

I would've thought that Las Vegas was the traditional place to go for this.

Only in cheesy movies.

With 10 married guys there is a good chance that at least some of the spouses will feel uncomfortable with the reputation that Las Vegas has.

If I were to get together with my 10 best guys friends (mid-late 30's) for a destination hang out, the two places mentioned here most (Vegas and New Orleans) would probably be the first two cities we'd agree we did not want to go. Obviously, different strokes for different folks.

[texasdiver]

Golf? Medium size city? I'd look at San Antonio except for the August thing. Bazillions of destination golf hotel resorts there plus an interesting downtown area to explore for breweries and restaurants. Of course all the south and southeast will be hot in August.

The other alternative that might be better would be someplace on the Florida Coast. The sea breezes will moderate the temperature. Some place like Sarasota.

Since it is August, another option would be to go the other direction and visit Canada. For example: https://www.novascotia.com/explore/road ... golf-trail

[Ready3Retire]

Another vote for Nashville! In addition to golf and a great nightlife, there are a number of distilleries that offer free tours that are not too far away from Nashville.

[teCh0010]

Golf? Medium size city? I'd look at San Antonio except for the August thing. Bazillions of destination golf hotel resorts there plus an interesting downtown area to explore for breweries and restaurants. Of course all the south and southeast will be hot in August.

The other alternative that might be better would be someplace on the Florida Coast. The sea breezes will moderate the temperature. Some place like Sarasota.

Since it is August, another option would be to go the other direction and visit Canada. For example: https://www.novascotia.com/explore/road ... golf-trail

JW Marriott Hill Country at TPC is nice. It's actually a good family spot with the great lazy river. The wife and kids can pool while you golf, then everyone has dinner over at the 19th hole. Duck fat truffle oil fries there are one of my favorite things.

[jbmitt]

Another vote for Cincinnati. Lots of downtown breweries, bars, restaurants, athletics. Very much a gem that flies under the radar.

[biscuits]

Since it is August, another option would be to go the other direction and visit Canada. For example: https://www.novascotia.com/explore/road ... golf-trail

Seconding the Nova Scotia suggestion: yes, it's in the NE, but not the NE US. Check out Cabot Links, in Inverness, Cape Breton:

https://www.cabotlinks.com

Non-stop flights to Halifax from Boston, Newark, Philly, and other northeastern cities. 3.5 hours by car or shuttle to Inverness, a small coastal town. The Cabot resort has gorgeous, but pricey accommodations. You guys might really enjoy staying at the Glenora Distillery, about 15 minutes south of the golf course, where you can drink their own single malt scotch, and enjoy local Cape Breton fiddle music.

https://www.glenoradistillery.com

There's a new brewery in Inverness:

https://route19brewing.com

Another great music venue, the Red Shoe Pub, is another 15 minutes south in the little town of Mabou.

https://www.redshoepub.com

Weather could be rainy or foggy, but it will likely be much cooler than that in Nashville.

Charter a fishing boat for a day:

https://www.rankintunacharters.com

And the USD/CAD exchange rate is in your favor.

[Goal33]

I would've thought that Las Vegas was the traditional place to go for this.

This was going to be my suggestion.

Another idea is that you guys can all meet up at the boglehead conference

[lifeisinmirrors]

Milwaukee for breweries large and small, and everything else you mentioned. Very walkable as all the neighborhoods you'd want to visit (except for golf) are in the same area.

I'm not sure why everyone is suggesting places in the South in August.

[22twain]

Asheville, NC seems to tick lots of your boxes. Especially on the food, drink, and (minor league) sports front.

Also golf. Years ago, when everyone in my department played golf, we did a couple of our annual spring "golf retreats" in western NC, once based out of nearby Hendersonville, and once based near Mt. Mitchell.

[OnceARunner]

Asheville or Nashville for sure.

I've done guys trips in both locations and they were a blast. Nashville has so many great bars and restaurants and live music everywhere. (Also, it's important to note that Nashville is so much more than just Broadway St. Lots of under the radar great stuff off the beaten path).

If y'all like beer and brewery's, it's pretty hard to beat Asheville. I think they have more breweries per square mile than any city in the nation. The place is swimming is awesome beer from tons of small breweries.

[Flyer24]

An off-topic/unnecessary comment and follow up responses have been removed. Please stick with the OP question.

[Dottie57]

Asheville or Nashville for sure.

I've done guys trips in both locations and they were a blast. Nashville has so many great bars and restaurants and live music everywhere. (Also, it's important to note that Nashville is so much more than just Broadway St. Lots of under the radar great stuff off the beaten path).

If y'all like beer and brewery's, it's pretty hard to beat Asheville. I think they have more breweries per square mile than any city in the nation. The place is swimming is awesome beer from tons of small breweries.

Asheville is beautiful and has the famous Biltmore Hotel.

[3504PIR]

Asheville or Nashville for sure.

I've done guys trips in both locations and they were a blast. Nashville has so many great bars and restaurants and live music everywhere. (Also, it's important to note that Nashville is so much more than just Broadway St. Lots of under the radar great stuff off the beaten path).

If y'all like beer and brewery's, it's pretty hard to beat Asheville. I think they have more breweries per square mile than any city in the nation. The place is swimming is awesome beer from tons of small breweries.

Asheville is beautiful and has the famous Biltmore Hotel.

You mean Biltmore Estate? The Biltmore Hotel is in Florida and for golf and food would be a solid idea.

[Dottie57]

Asheville or Nashville for sure.

I've done guys trips in both locations and they were a blast. Nashville has so many great bars and restaurants and live music everywhere. (Also, it's important to note that Nashville is so much more than just Broadway St. Lots of under the radar great stuff off the beaten path).

If y'all like beer and brewery's, it's pretty hard to beat Asheville. I think they have more breweries per square mile than any city in the nation. The place is swimming is awesome beer from tons of small breweries.

Asheville is beautiful and has the famous Biltmore Hotel.

You mean Biltmore Estate? The Biltmore Hotel is in Florida and for golf and food would be a solid idea.

Dang. I thought it was a hotel.

[MidwestMike]

Lake Tahoe. And if you could move the dates up the celebrity golf tournament is FANtastic.

[Old Sage(brush)]

Montreal. Perfect for this can’t believe it’s not on the list.

[detroitbabu]

Traverse City, Michigan

[gwe67]

If most are from New England, then probably Patriots fans. They will play at Kansas City in 2020 although the date is not yet set. That might be a nice road trip if the timing works out.

[texasdiver]

If most are from New England, then probably Patriots fans. They will play at Kansas City in 2020 although the date is not yet set. That might be a nice road trip if the timing works out.

There are probably a lot of places where the red sox will be playing that summer.

On 8/8/2020 they will be playing a double header in Tampa Bay
8/25 - 8/27 they have a 3-game series in Chicago
8/29-8/30 they will be in Detroit.

[ThankYouJack]

I've had the chance to go to most of the places on mentioned and I think they'd all be a blast. I'm not a golfer so not sure how the courses are, but would lean towards Nashville, Asheville or Montreal. When I went to Nashville there was a World Beer Festival so you could try to time the trip with something like that. I would just make sure it's easy to get to for everyone and I'm sure a great time will be had.

[teCh0010]

Asheville or Nashville for sure.

I've done guys trips in both locations and they were a blast. Nashville has so many great bars and restaurants and live music everywhere. (Also, it's important to note that Nashville is so much more than just Broadway St. Lots of under the radar great stuff off the beaten path).

If y'all like beer and brewery's, it's pretty hard to beat Asheville. I think they have more breweries per square mile than any city in the nation. The place is swimming is awesome beer from tons of small breweries.

Asheville is beautiful and has the famous Biltmore Hotel.

You mean Biltmore Estate? The Biltmore Hotel is in Florida and for golf and food would be a solid idea.

Dang. I thought it was a hotel.

They have the Inn at Biltmore on the property, it is very nice.

[Dottie57]

Asheville or Nashville for sure.

I've done guys trips in both locations and they were a blast. Nashville has so many great bars and restaurants and live music everywhere. (Also, it's important to note that Nashville is so much more than just Broadway St. Lots of under the radar great stuff off the beaten path).

If y'all like beer and brewery's, it's pretty hard to beat Asheville. I think they have more breweries per square mile than any city in the nation. The place is swimming is awesome beer from tons of small breweries.

Thanks for info. I want to visit Asheville sometime. Staying there might be fun.

Asheville is beautiful and has the famous Biltmore Hotel.

You mean Biltmore Estate? The Biltmore Hotel is in Florida and for golf and food would be a solid idea.

Dang. I thought it was a hotel.

They have the Inn at Biltmore on the property, it is very nice.

[SurfCityBill]

Maybe I missed it but surely Las Vegas. Golf, beer, football (this year), you can rent race cars for use on a track, gambling of course, and the most important thing.....What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!.