Destination Recommendations?

[amylevan]

My awesome Dad has decided that he wants to take my brother's and my family on vacation next year (on his dime!). Neither he nor my mom has any interest in researching, so they want me do the research since vacation research is my thing. So of course, I'm coming to the vacation specialists - the Dis.

He was thinking of renting a house or condo somewhere that was big enough for all of us.

He is looking at next summer, so he does not want to go to Disney. (too hot in the summer, and I can't blame him on that one.) He's not really a beach person, although conceded that that might be the easiest choice since the outer banks was the first thing that came to mind.

He said he was maybe thinking of something like a house on a lake, where we could swim, boat, fish, and enjoy the outdoors without melting in summer heat. Of course, he just doesn't know where this lake is located.

My brother and his wife (no kids) are active young adults - like to bike, hike, etc. My husband and I are easy - we just like to travel. We have a DS who will be 4 and a soon-to-be DD who will be about 6 mos. My parents are in their early 60s and are fairly active, but as noted do not like the heat.

Anyone have any suggestions? I'm looking into the Outer Banks, but what about other suggestions? Anyone been to Smuggler's Notch? Lake suggestions? Help!

 

[Missy13d69]

Lake Hope State Park in Ohio is really nice. We go there twice a year. I really like it. They have nice cabins. Fishing, Swimming. Boating. Hiking. Horse back riding.

 

[graceesmom]

If you're trying to avoid the heat and are looking for a possible lake destination, I would look at Lake Lure in NC. It's the one from Dirty Dancing if you're old enough to remember that.

Since it is in the Mountains of NC, you are spared most of the oppressive heat, but it is still warm.

 

[Rylee]

Anywhere in the The Adirondack Mountains in NY! With over 2,000 lakes and ponds, you'll be sure to find somewhere to "swim, boat, fish" and hike.

Lake George, (Bolton Landing area) Lake Placid, or Old Forge, NY. Also, Long Lake and the Blue Mountain area are very beautiful.

Check on VRBO for house and cabin listings.

 

[KristenFNJ]

Lake George, NY. Beautiful, beautiful. Lots of different options for where to stay and lots of activities nearby.

 

[bizzarehippy]

Any place in the Adirondack Mts in NY would be great!!!

 

[Kerrio929]

I definitely recommend the Adirondacks. Anywhere near Old Forge is great with kids. I went there every summer as a kid and loved it. We stayed in Eagle Bay or on 4th Lake.
I would also recommend the Finger Lakes in NY. I grew up there so if you consider it, let me know and I can steer you in the right direction.

 

[JStiffler]

I definitely recommend the Adirondacks. Anywhere near Old Forge is great with kids. I went there every summer as a kid and loved it. We stayed in Eagle Bay or on 4th Lake.
I would also recommend the Finger Lakes in NY. I grew up there so if you consider it, let me know and I can steer you in the right direction.

If you are into Wine Tours, the Finger Lakes region in NY is beautiful and full of wonderful wine trails.

 

[amylevan]

Thanks for the ideas...keep em coming....

My brother actually lives on Seneca Lake - so I'm thinking that he wouldn't really be impressed with a vacation to the finger lakes. But it is beautiful up there.

Will check out Lake George, the Adirondacks in general and Lake Lure.

 

[Marionnette]

My awesome Dad has decided that he wants to take my brother's and my family on vacation next year (on his dime!). Neither he nor my mom has any interest in researching, so they want me do the research since vacation research is my thing. So of course, I'm coming to the vacation specialists - the Dis.

He was thinking of renting a house or condo somewhere that was big enough for all of us.

He is looking at next summer, so he does not want to go to Disney. (too hot in the summer, and I can't blame him on that one.) He's not really a beach person, although conceded that that might be the easiest choice since the outer banks was the first thing that came to mind.

He said he was maybe thinking of something like a house on a lake, where we could swim, boat, fish, and enjoy the outdoors without melting in summer heat. Of course, he just doesn't know where this lake is located.

My brother and his wife (no kids) are active young adults - like to bike, hike, etc. My husband and I are easy - we just like to travel. We have a DS who will be 4 and a soon-to-be DD who will be about 6 mos. My parents are in their early 60s and are fairly active, but as noted do not like the heat.

Anyone have any suggestions? I'm looking into the Outer Banks, but what about other suggestions? Anyone been to Smuggler's Notch? Lake suggestions? Help!

Oglebay in West Virginia. Lots of outdoor activities for all ages. Very family oriented. They have cottages of all sizes and resort rooms. My SIL went there for a conference and raved about it.

 

[CMW0021]

I have 2 suggestions. We did a Michigan road trip this summer. It was absolutely beautiful. We rented a house for 5 days and toured the UP the rest of the trip. Check out sleeping bear sand dunes. So much fun and the scenery is gorgeous. Plenty of spots to swim, fish, bike etc.

2nd thought is to rent a cabin on the smokey mountains. We are doing this next fall. Plenty of nature activities and quality family time.

You could also do deep creek Maryland. Great lake area with plenty of homes to rent. Hope this helps!

 

[Rylee]

Here is some Adirondack Mt. info I originally posted on a thread looking for info on the area around Cooperstown, NY. (Cooperstown... is your Dad a baseball kind of guy by chance?)

Adirondack Mountains -
This vast area, (6 million acres) is breathtakingly beautiful. Whitewater rafting, parasailing, zip-line aerial adventures, hiking, easy tubing river floats, boating, fishing and swimming in crystal clear lakes, etc.
Adirondacks...http://visitadirondacks.com/adironda...dack-park.html

A sampling on different types of accommodations in the area, from small separate cabins, one big house, all inclusive, etc. -
http://www.vrbo.com/199618
http://www.prospectpt.com/index.html
http://www.canoeislandlodge.com/gallery/

Lake Placid, site of the 1980 Winter Olympics.
Tour the Olympic sites.
http://www.lakeplacid.com/do/family-fun/olympic-sites

Saratoga Springs -
The inspiration for the Walt Disney Resort! Sidewalk cafes to fine dining and great shops.
SPAC - Saratoga Performing Arts Center - Summer Home to NYC Ballet, Philadelphia Orchestra, major concerts, etc.
Saratoga Racetrack.
http://www.saratoga.org/visitors/top...ttractions.asp

 

[Rylee]

I just wanted to add...

If you do end up doing a beach vacation, I suggest Maine or Cape Cod for something a little different from Outer Banks.