Cities for long weekends?

[scottishduffy]

My husband and I are trying to get ideas for cities which might make good long weekend vacations. I am currently in school and we want to plan a couple of long weekend trips for this fall through next summer.

So far we have tossed around Washingotn D.C, Boston, Philadelhia, Hershey & amish country, Williamsburg, Savannah, Charlotte, Memphis. Yet we don't really know much about the destinations since we are just in the idea stage now. New york and Vegas were both rules out as we want to do those a bit later in life when i am graduated and we have more money.

So, what would you guys recommend as good cities to visit which can be reasonably done in a 4-5 day trip?

Anything on the west coast is ruled out since airfare would be a killer, we currently live in Florida so anything in this state is out of question as well. I look forward to recomendations as Hubby and i are somewhat stumped by all the possibilities!

 

[dejr_8]

Boston or DC

 

[scottishduffy]

We have 2 cities to choose. DC is pretty much a definite for us, we are both huge history buffs. It is the second city we are trying to agree upon at the moment.

 

[chell]

Philadelphia, Hershey & Amish country, Williamsburg, Savannah or Charleston would be my picks. I don't live too far from Charlotte but I don't think there would be enough exciting stuff to do around here for you. There would be more stuff to do in the other places - at least I think so.

All of those sound so exciting!

 

[LuvCuteBoys]

Are you baseball fans? Cooperstown, NY is a really fun place.

You might like Annapolis, MD or Gettysburgh, VA as well since you mentioned that you like history.

 

[dejr_8]

We have 2 cities to choose. DC is pretty much a definite for us, we are both huge history buffs. It is the second city we are trying to agree upon at the moment.

Well then Boston is your second choice. The Freedom trail is a great start. We used to do it every year that we lived in the Boston Area.

If you have never been to Boston then you must go. It is a great city for exploring by walking.

 

[scottishduffy]

It is just so fun for us throwing ideas around! I think the planning and deciding may be just as fun as going. It is great to get ideas from others about fun cities to see. I figured the DIS would be a great place to start with so many people from different areas around.

I have looked into Boston and Freedome and it does sound fun! we also have a friend that lives in Charlotte so that is an option. States in the midwest are an opton as well. Keep the ideas coming. It is tons of fun getting ideas!

 

[Pamlur]

I don't recommend Memphis. Not enough to fill more than a day.

New Orleans would be great, in cooler weather.

 

[scottishduffy]

We have actually been to New Orleans 3 times already. It was a favorite destination in college as we found a great bed and breakfast in the french quarter that was relatively cheap. It was a great city! I am alsmost afraid to see it post-hurricane, it might be a bit to sad to see.

Keep the suggestions coming.


As soon as I graduate school we will most likely plan a trip to California (Anaheim/ LA/ San Francisco). Yet for now we stick to our coast!

 

[TLHB70]

DH and I just returned from Niagara Falls. It is a perfect place for a long weekend visit. It is beautiful, but honestly, three days is all you would need there IMO.
Fly into Buffalo.

 

[scottishduffy]

Shamelessly bumping to get more ideas.


TLH: Ooohh, I had not considered Niagra. Fun!

 

[onelilspark]

Actually, all of Western NY in late summer, EARLY fall is gorgeous country. The Finger Lakes area is full of local wineries and bed & breakfasts, really great for an "escape." I wouldn't head to this area any later than the second week of October, it really turns cold. Check flights into Rochester, Buffalo, & Syracuse. Rent a car and drive around!

If you're big history buffs, Philadelphia and the surrounding area is a great option. Birthplace of our nation!! I grew up there. Valley Forge, Old City, great for exploring on a weekend.

 

[java]

Well you could easily drive to Savannah or Charleston. I love both of those if you have not done that yet.
If you want to really get away why not NYC??? Now that's a trip! You can do museums, shows, just walk around central park. Oh and I love it in the fall.

 

[Ohiodislover]

My pick would be Savannah.

 

[TLHB70]

Shamelessly bumping to get more ideas.


TLH: Ooohh, I had not considered Niagra. Fun!

If you go there, make sure to spend a day at Niagara on the Lake. That was a great place too!

 

[Sandy321]

WEll if you get a great rate you really should consider coming to Chicago!!

The Priceline for hotels make it a great destination (we use betterbidding.com to learn how to priceline in Chicago and other areas!)

you get a city pass and you are within walking distance of the Great Art Institute, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the Planetarium! (The Museum of Science and Industry is quite a bit south, so taxi or bus!) Going up to the Sears Tower is now more interesting with those walk out plexiglass things!

the bus system is really easy to get on with route tripper plans online -

they have lots of Broadway show at reasonable prices (Mary Poppins for instance!)

but I know you are posting for a vacation closer to where you are!! Some day I'd like to do the northeast - DC, Boston, Philadelphia...

 

[librarygal]

If you want to fly and keep costs down Washington is the best choice. Of course, I work in DC so I could be biased. You will only be able to touch the surface in 4-5 days however. Don't come in the summer, much to hot and humid.

 

[scottishduffy]

Chicago would be OK since it is a major airport hub. It would be easy to get direct flights. I am not opposed to anything in the midwest, I just don't want to shoot clear across the country and use several flights.

I saw a picture of the new platforms in the sears tower. It would take a bit of nerve to step out on that.

 

[freckles and boo]

I am also biased, but Chicago is beautiful in the summer. I just trekked up LSD on Saturday for a meeting. I have lived in and around Chicago for 18 years and I still gawk when I come off the Stevenson onto Lake Shore Drive.

 

[GoldieSaysMeep]

If you do Boston, be sure to take a side trip to Salem, MA. Lots to do and see there as far as musuems & history.