I'm looking for suggestions for a 3 day weekend trip for

if beach isn’t a priority, Mexico City

i’m guessing 4 hour flight from Philly. amazing food at michelin-stared restaurants for cheap. and very cool european-style architecture / sightseeing on this side of the atlantic.

Aruba - either the Marriott or Ritz *

Havana. *

Ooh na na *

Well, there goes my day.

That might be the most pernicious earworm of all time.

Baby, i am not from Havana *

Punta Cana

I think American has direct flights and there are a number of very nice resorts. Beautiful beaches and some good golf courses if you are into that.

Bermuda? *

Bahamas, C’mon pretty momma. *

Would be cool there in January. Beautiful Island though. *

Usually cold there in January *

Deep Creek lake *

For 3 days, make sure it's a direct flight

My two suggestions:

1. Grand Cayman -- Beautiful, safe island. Good if she likes all things islandy.
2. Hawks' Cay (Florida Keys) -- Very nice resort. 2 hour drive from Miami airport, which gives you lots of flight options. The resort has everything you would need (although Florida Keys beaches are not big, and this one is not either). You can drive down to Key West one day as well...about an hour of gorgeous driving.

Love the Keys as you noted the drive is spectacular.

It was a bucket list item for my wife and I. This February will be our 13th year as we feel in love with the relaxed pace and old Florida tendencies. We find it's more convenient to fly into Fort Lauderdale as the car rentals in Miami are off premise and manned by incompetent people. The agencies are also in a crappy neighborhood. They'll need to make sure they sign up for a SunPass at the rental agency.

Two words: Turks & Caicos

https://gracebayresorts.com/gracebayclub/

In January I’d stick to the Caribbean

It can get relatively cold in the Bahamas and Turks that time of year.

This is the correct answer

Direct flights, about 3hrs from the NYC area, and some of the best beaches in the world. My favorite spot in the Caribbean.

Interesting. I heard the island is flat and boring.

Does it have scenic natural sites to visit? Historical sites? Indigenous culture? Performing and fine arts scene? What is the cuisine like, a lot of seafood? Might you consider Riviera Maya or Puerto Vallarta?

Admittedly I've never been, but

I have certainly never heard anyone claim Puerto Vallarta is the apex of historical tourism, natural beauty, performing arts, and fine cuisine. And what counts as "indigenous" there?

Does it have to be warm?

Last year we went the other way and went north (Kennebunkport) in January. We loved it.

Had to be pretty desolate up there that time of year no?

My wife and I went in late July after a New Hampshire wedding and had a great time. Made it all the way up to Acadia National Park, but I can't imagine going in the dead of winter.

It’s beautiful and peaceful

Some of the stuff is closed.

Yes

Although she's Norwegian, she hates the cold.