Help me escape the dreadful heat of Summer in Dallas....

If you're up to trying Spanish tapas in Asheville, you may want to try "Curate". The chef is Katie Button and she trained under Ferran Adria at El Bulli in Catalonia. We haven't eaten there yet, but we will on our next trip. It is getting rave reviews. Here's the website, http://www.curatetapasbar.com/

We also recommend "The Marketplace" for a nice dinner. It has incredible steaks and such... http://www.marketplace-restaurant.com/

Murray and JDarg have also told me of good places in the past... One is a must, Early Girl Eatery for breakfast or lunch. And Tupelo Honey is a fave of many.

We came home last night to over 90 degree temps after being in Montana the past week and driving around on snowy roads.Beautiful place to visit.

Boone had my vote! My kids were born there and we miss it terribly. The Cone Mansion on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a pretty spot to hang out. We would often drive up to Grayson Highlands to hike. Louisiana Purchase was our favorite restaurant but it has been years and I don't know if it is still around.
Asheville will have more to offer in the shopping, dining, arts department. It's a pretty cosmopolitan place
All I know is that in 15 years I did not once have A/C and there were only a few days a year that were just miserable from the heat.

I know I'm spelling this very wrong since I'm spelling it by phonics and I think it's actually an Indian name but Mackinaw Island Michigan is a very popular summer stop and my folks really liked it and found the area quite beautiful. No cars on island which is pretty cool! famous for fudge which is even better!!!!!

You're close- it's Mackinac. And that whole region has some real gems. Start out in Traverse City, and spend a day at Sleeping Bear Dunes (the sand dunes down here are utterly wimpy in comparison) then work your way along the Lake Michigan shoreline through Charlevoix and Petoskey, picking up some local wine along the way. Then a night or two on Mackinac Island- splurge on the Grand Hotel just because there aren't many of those majestic old school summer resorts left, and it ends up being a unique experience.

Get back to the mainland, and head toward Pictured Rocks NL for the more rugged outdoorsy stuff- the lakeshore is gorgeous cliffs and sand dunes on Lake Superior, while there are what seem to be dozens of waterfalls just a short drive or hike further inland. Make a stop at Taquemenon Falls for more waterfalls, maybe the shipwreck museum in Paradise, and then hop the border at Sault Ste. Marie for the Agawa Canyon train tour.

The Great Lakes in the summer are an awesome place, both in terms of natural beauty and interesting little towns ranging from modest to extravagant. (Bay View near Petoskey is what Seaside wants to be when it grows up, and you generally don't buy a proper Lake Charlevoix cottage, you inherit it.) And generally very pleasant summer weather because of the moderating lake breezes.

Daaaaaaang Beachmouse. You could write a travel book!!!:clap:

There are some places that are just really easy to write about.

Well, it sure made me wanna go there. Nice job.

MK, you won't be disappointed with any of the 3. I'm only 10 miles down the mountain (in the poor section) from Highlands. Love, love that town! Great restaurants & shopping. Same with Asheville & Blowing Rock. Make sure to stop at Mt. Mitchell & bring a jacket. It's very cool at that elevation. Enjoy all the mountains have to offer!

Lake Tahoe, CA is awfully nice this time of year 😀

Lake Tahoe, CA is awfully nice this time of year 😀

You little sneak! :wub: I will let you settle in before I wind up at your door. You do know I am a gambler, right? :misskitty: