I don't know about beaches, but if I had money and could go ANYWHERE. I would be in Boston. The history in that city is tremendous, and it is very close to Salem, and Cape Cod.

If you want to be WARM - go to French Polynesia. It is summer there now and the lagoons and beaches are just like what you see in the movies - virtually empty of people. Great for photography, painting, lounging, getting tan, etc. Just came back (reluctantly). Not terribly expensive (even the air fare is reasonable if you book two months ahead). Exchange rate is not bad either. But, YOU CAN"T BEAT THE LUSH GREENERY, FLOWERS AND THE COLORS OF THE WATER! Besides, you get to go to Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, and more.

Forgot to add: There are fabric shops on Riatea and Tahiti.

I recommend Honeymoon Island, Dunedin, Florida. There are four quilt shops in the area too!

Vacation
 

I love Melbourne Beach, FL. My husband and I bought a townhouse there. We have two children living there. Beautiful beach and not crowded. Easy to get there by flying in to Orlando and driving about an hour.

totally agree with Coopah , St Augustine has so much to offer.The beautiful sunrises on the beach is breath taking. Friendliest people , also. I'm sure you'll feel very welcome everywhere you go.

I am very partial to San Diego for a vacation destination. And if you have the financial ability the Hotel Del Coronado is a wonderful place to stay. It is right on one of the most beautiful beaches. Not to mention that Coronado is a fun place to wander about and all the various attractions of San Diego is just a 15 minute driver over the Coronado Bridge.

I vote Savannah, GA and Tybee Island. Been twice and LOVED it! Lots of history and architure to sketch. Sit along the Savannah river and watch the people and the ships. Love love this area. Ate you going alone? You should be fine!
sandy

My wife & I love the Kittery, Maine area. You can go to Nubble light and enjoy the scenery. There is also the "Marginal Way" that you can walk and end up in an artist colony, that is very cool. There are scattered beaches up and down Hwy 1 that runs along the coastline. Truly an enchanting coastline and ocean frontage.

Thanks for all the recommendations. Hawaii seems to be interesting since beach is really my time. I will plan this trip really. But I will see a GP first, body has not been so well lately and I do not know what's with the GP's that I am nervous about seeing them.