"I wanted to see if you had any destination recommendations for a girl's trip … outside of Minnesota," the e-mail from a reader said. I've just returned from a fun weekend with women friends in Grand Marais, Minn., so I naturally want to help.

Nashville was the foursome's last destination. They loved it because the music was fantastic, things were within walking distance of their hotel, the atmosphere was casual and there were "a lot of different places to stop in for an adult beverage … or two."

Chicago came to mind. Though it comes off as a family destination — think Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry — it also rocks for an adults-only trip. You could stay put in any of its hip neighborhoods and have a weekend of fun. "Wicker Park is like Minneapolis' Uptown neighborhood on steroids," according to fellow editor Tom Horgen.

Vegas could make another good bet. It's rebounding after the economic downturn, many hotels have elaborate swimming pools worth a day of lounging, and shopping venues have expanded greatly. Plus the abundance of hotel rooms and flights to the city can make it a real bargain.

New Orleans, with its music clubs, French Quarter and natural exuberance, is almost too obvious to mention.

Seattle and Portland have both embraced brewpubs the way they did coffee shops decades ago. Then there is Austin, Texas.

When faced with these last three options, I realized I didn't know enough about them to make strong cases. That's when I realized that I was missing out on some great ideas — namely, yours. Where have you been that you could recommend? Send your suggestions to travel@startribune.com; I'll share them here.

Send your questions or tips to travel editor Kerri Westenberg at travel@startribune.com, and follow her on twitter @kerriwestenberg.