Are the sons in the same college to support each other?
Where would you be traveling from?
Interests? Style of travel? Budget considering 3 sons in college?

Hawaii!!

but if you tell us where you are starting from that also helps so we can make more appropriate suggestions. Do you care what kind of weather? And are you hoping for a more urban experience, more tropical, etc.

All three kids (2 boys & the youngest a daughter) are going to different colleges & in different directions (location wise). We would be traveling from Chicago and flying from there - no road trip! We do like to sight see via road once we have arrived at the location but we would fly to our destination. The budget is not wide open but we have saved back enough to not be too limited. Our ideal temp. is 70's. We love to experience authentic food where ever we travel - this is something we truly enjoy together & savor each bite. We are not fans of snow, but neither are we fans of 90 temp. We thought of Hawaii but don't want to get trapped in a "tourist" culture and be disappointed. We've thought of Ireland, Scottland, Italy (different area's this time), Hawaii, St. Thomas or another island. Somewhere with a pretty/breath-taking view, wonderful food, ability to walk & sight-see or ride bikes & sight-see. We've thought of staying in the States but don't have any good ideas within that location either. Thank you for every thought & idea - it is greatly appreciated!

How about some of the Western National Parks?
The possibilities are endless even here in the US.
Another thought: The Amtrak "City of New Orleans" leaves Chicago every night at 8PM. It arrives in Memphis about 6:30AM.
The fare to Memphis is $99 per adult. Walk around Memphis and maybe see Graceland before you rent the car.
From Memphis, You can drive east to Nashville or even the Great Smokey MT. NP.
You could also drive west to go see Little Rock and the Clinton Presidential library.

tomfuller, while that does sound like a good idea/trip, because we have seen so much of the US already I think that is why we have not come up with a good option to keep us in the States. My husband is a marathon runner & his running has taken us to so many states & sights from one end to the other with many in-between. I think to stay in the States there would have to be a draw to the accomidations.

We will also be empty nesters when our youngest of four goes off to college this fall. First, let me say that Hawaii is my favorite place to go and it does not have to be touristy. Each island is different. All the islands will offer you beautiful weather, beaches and a relaxed pace. If you were to go to Honolulu and Waikiki, it is likely you would have more of the experience you are thinking as touristy. You could consider instead going to one of the other islands. Without going in depth: Maui is my favorite and is in no way as built up as Oahu, but has good restaurants, etc. Kauai is more rural. The Big Island is very interesting with lava deposits and has all the different climate areas. Again, if you do not want a touristy experience, then take care where you stay on any of the islands. To me, Hawaii is ideal and can be a different vacation for each person depending what you like to do. For me, it is the place I go to completely relax, yet if you like to be active there are lots of things to do and opportunities for different types of activity.

On a mainland note: Have you ever been to the Finger Lakes area of New York? You could fly into Rochester (or one of the smaller cities nearby). This is an area with a lot of wineries, so if that is something you would enjoy... There is also beautiful Watkins Glen State Park with lots of waterfalls. Boat rides are available on Seneca Lake. We were there in September 2010 with another couple and had a great time!

Key West? I've only been there once for part of a day. My daughter honeymooned there and they loved it. There is opportunity for biking and kayaking.

Good luck deciding!

MNMaui, Thank you for all those wonderful ideas & information. I've spent the past 3 hours searching for a place to go & just checked back in & found your reply. I'll turn in for the night & check your suggestions tomorrow. THANK YOU!! On a side note, it's nice to hear from someone else taking their last, of 4, to college. Best wishes to you!

Thank you for the best wishes!

Another suggestion to check out tomorrow: Anna Maria Island in Florida. Stay at the Harrington House B&B (or they also rent more private little houses, often for the same price as their main house rooms). I love the breakfasts they serve and especially their banana bread. Yum! The main inn is right on the beach which is a very deep, long, white sandy beach. They have kayaks, etc. On the island you can rent bicycles and there is a free trolley service.

I'll be curious to see what you decide to do! We are talking about going to Seattle with another couple to check out wineries, etc. I like Seattle, but get the sense you are looking for something warmer/brighter! And, we'll be visiting our third child while he is in London for the fall semester. I've never been there and am really looking forward to it!

My kids are both Iraq War veterans. They are both going to college on the New GI Bill.
Although I have been in all 48 contiguous states, I keep finding new places to go.
Let us know when you come to a decision on where to go.

I do like the idea of Anna Maria Island. We love to find places to bike and enjoy staying and B&B's as well. I'll be sure to check back in & let you know where & how it went.

I like Anna Marie Island OK (I live in FL), but I'm thinking...September, Italy, grape harvest, festivals. Wow!

<We thought of Hawaii but don't want to get trapped in a "tourist" culture and be disappointed.>

Hawaiian islands most certainly would not necessaruily leave you "trapped in a tuorist culture". Just depends on which island you go to, where you stay, what you choose to do. Your impression is mistaken.

I agree with the suggestion to go to Hawaii. Especially the Big Island, which feels more authentic and less touristy IMHO. But Kauai is awesome, too. And Molokai. And. . ..

even Oahu and Maui (imo) if you stay away from a few very specific tourist areas.

Oh what a great thread. My husband & I will be empty nesters too!!! Our youngest heads off to Montreal (we live in Toronto) and are looking for a place anywhere in the world for early November. We were looking at Turkey (always wanted to visit), however, don't like that neighbouring Syria is in the midst of civil unrest. We've been 4 times to Costa Rica and have thought about Hawaii, however would love something abit more exotic and not so expensive. I wish we could get away in Sept as November isnt the best time to go weather wise. Sweetjen, let us know how it turns out!

I wish people would quit saying how "expensive" Hawaii is. Depends what you do when you are there, but I have had many wonderful low budget vacations there.

We have given ourselves a deadline of this week to make our decision. Right now Venice is near the top of our list. We were there two years ago and fell in love with Venice. Getting lost, wandering around the streets, the food, the people, it was all so wonderful. When we were there we stayed 5 nights in an appartment & 2 nights in the Hotel Sant'Elena; a great hotel and quiet location. We had set a budget for this trip that is making an 8 or 9 night stay in Venice difficult, but we are having a hard time walking away from what we know. Venice would prove to be a distraction from the emotions we'll be feeling and the exploring in Venice is endless with beauty.