I see your point but what if you decide to go to New Orleans or Nashville (for argument's sake) and the cheapest/best/only flight option from where you are is through a Chicago O'Hare or Minneapolis or Denver?

Of course February isn't a great month to travel but I would trust that the best airports (and municipalities for city street clearing) equipped for any bad weather would be these exact places. Just a thought.

But then I'd have to blame you for having a shit vacation if it's as bad as everyone says

I don't want to spend a week trapsing through snow to see a city and I want a direct flight.

Pretty demanding aren't you, now!!!


Jim.

Ah, so either its not as shit as everyone says it is, or else I've got broad shoulders and can take the beating......

You never know till you try....

In the immortal words of the man himself...."So, you've got to ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?". Well, do ya punk?"

Avoid Mardis Gras (around Feb12th)! Ridiculously expensive, busy and just generally not that pleasant IMO.

I love New Orleans and think it's a great place but I'd go outside of Mardi Gras to experience the local music and food (both really good).

If anyone ever needs tips on New Orleans (especially restaurants!), I spend a great deal of time there and know it very well.

Do you think she pouted and stamped her foot on the last bit

Go on then, tell me what wonderful things I could do in Katy for 1 whole week. Other than having a meet-up with fellow Yorkshire folk.

That's me

We need to fly on Feb 15th, so that would be ok. No direct flights though, but the layover is in LA for 1 hour, which I'd consider.

I always put my foot when I have to say things twice

Another for the mix: San Antonio, TX. Probably no direct flights and only good for a few days. But I enjoyed it, albeit years ago now.

February? Well, the only place worth visiting at that time of year is Rochester, NY!

Last year it even got above 0F on a couple of days... Actually, no it didn't, I was thinking of March. Funny how those hybernation months sort of roll into one another.

Loads of museums, great theater district, easy access to some good state parks, historical parks, wide variety of decent restaurants, Johnson Space center, BBQ, Western Bars, huge Rodeo if you're here at the end of Feb, and a few smaller local ones earlier (eg Katy ). And, of course, lots of Brits, though they do tend to be a bit shy and retiring and it can be kinda tricky to entice them out......

Then if you want a change of scenery get in the car and head west-ish to either San Antonio or Austin for a totally different Texas feel (including theme parks that you mentioned). A little bit further west and you hit Dude Ranch country which is totally different again, and can be a good laugh for a few days.

I like San Antonio too. It's pleasant down by the riverwalk. I'd actually recommend not staying on the riverwalk as if you stay at some of the hotels a 5 min walk away (very walkable place in general btw) it's significantly cheaper (also true if you're using rewards points on hotels there).

Plus, there's sea world there and then Schlitterbahn just outside (though would have to check opening seasons for Schlitterbahn).

Agree with New Orleans, and also agree you should go after Mardi Gras!

Another vote for "Red Rock" country. Arizona/Utah. Absolutely beautiful and amazing. Didn't realise that rocks could be so pretty. So much more than just the Grand Canyon.

and the alligators, don't forget the alligators

I noticed nobody mentioned Austin, TX yet...