As I live within a mile of the beach, would prefer the mountains. Stowe, Vermont is a nice, clean and friendly town in the States with Cabot Cheese factory & Ben & Jerrys nearby, but would actually prefer Banff, Canada. Years ago I was watching Merv Griffin show and he had clips of Banff stating that was his favorite place on earth. My husband and I decided to go and actually went up there 7 times, visiting during all 4 seasons and loved it. The ride from Banff to Jasper thru the ice fields is spectacular. I have traveled throughout Europe & Asia and still consider western Canada to have the most spectacular scenery.