Don't know where to go this summer....

[smkiya]

I'm having a difficult time trying to decide what to do or where to go this summer. Last summer I had this same dilemma and thanks to my DIS friends we had a great family vacation in the White Mountains, NH (for under $1000). DH and DD still talk about how much fun we had. DH lost his job in November and decided to go back to school, so we don't have any any limitations on the dates as I am flexible with time off from work. We cannot fly (too expensive), so we have to drive. I was close to booking a cruise, but it too was way too expensive. I really want to go somewhere new and exciting. Some place that is family friendly and budget friendly. I really would've liked to visit Atlantis in the Bahamas, but... I thought maybe Clearwater, FL. It's tropical, and near Disney...

I live an hour from most shore points in NJ, so we aren't beach starved, and we plan to make Wednesdays our beach days. So I guess it doesn't have to be the beach. We plan on doing inexpensive day trips to places within 2 hours drive like Baltimore, NY, Washington, DC so those locations are out. If we lived closer to the midwest we'd love to do National Parks, but we are driving (convince dh that the drive isn't bad and it's worth it, and we're there!)... Our budget is flexible depending on the location, as I can work overtime to make up the difference, but I am big on finding the best value (i.e. cheap). We are a family of 4 (me, dh, dd6, ds2) with a minimum of 5 days maximum of 11 (driving time included). I know this is a big question.... TIA!

 

[deezeealum]

Have you thought about WAshington DC?drivable and almost all the museums are free. Summers in DC are really quiet so you might be able to get a good deal on a hotel. There are some great threads on here right now about DC.

 

[melmar136]

Places that are close enough for you to drive...how about CT or MA?
Being from MA, I know there are a lot of places you can go to, all within a few hours. If you stay outside of Boston, but near a subway (T) stop, the hotels are a lot less expensive, and you don't have to worry about driving into the city. And there is a ton of stuff to do for families. Within an hour of Boston, there is Salem, Gloucester, Rockport area, also very nice, on the coast, with lots of little shops, places to browse, and where the witch trials happened. If you go a little more than an hour to the west, there is Sturbridge Village, which is set up like a town from the 1830s. Or Plimouth Plantation, on the south shore. Just to name a few....

 

[Suz D]

Rent a cabin here in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. It's beautiful, the weather's pretty good in the summer, lots to do and see.

 

[BuzzPrincessMom]

Okay here are my picks and these are all places I have been...

Acadia National Park in Maine - awesome lots of exploring and on the drive up there are some great things to investigae on the way.

PA - Okay you have the Hershey factory, Hershey park, Philly, Amish country

Upstate NY or even Cooperstown area - one place I am wanting to go to is Niagra Falls - I hear there is a fantastic hotel with a huge water park. I think it is on the Canadian side - my BFF went with her family and they also did a safari near there - said it was amazing


My last suggestion - my Sis gave kiddos the books 101 things to experience before your 12, and 101 places to go before your 12. They both have amazing ideas - we are trying to cross some off the list.

 

[HeatherC]

What about Hilton Head Island? We went last summer and loved it so much we are going back for two weeks this year. If you are on a tight budget, the Hilton Head Resort is the best deal on the island. It is an older resort, but has indoor and outdoor pools, great beach access and can be rented very cheaply. You can get a two bedroom condo for under $700 a week including tax and cleaning fees. I don't know anywhere else you can be within walking distance of the beach in a decent place for that price during high season.

The island is great...bike paths all over and very family friendly. Tennis and golf are huge there if you prefer not to do the beach. It is also very close to Savannah and a bit further from Charleston. Great day trips.

And...it is within driving distance. From MA, it takes us about 16 and half hours. You are probably about twelve hours.

Another suggestion would be Vermont. The mountains are gorgeous. Stowe, Vt is particularly beautiful.

Have fun whatever you decide!!

 

[bridget]

Acadia National Parks looks very nice. I would love to go there.

I grew up going to the Adirondacks every summer.

I would also love to go to Niagra Falls!

I think you would love Rocky Mountain National Park, but it would be tons of driving!

 

[smkiya]

What about Hilton Head Island? We went last summer and loved it so much we are going back for two weeks this year. If you are on a tight budget, the Hilton Head Resort is the best deal on the island. It is an older resort, but has indoor and outdoor pools, great beach access and can be rented very cheaply. You can get a two bedroom condo for under $700 a week including tax and cleaning fees. I don't know anywhere else you can be within walking distance of the beach in a decent place for that price during high season.

The island is great...bike paths all over and very family friendly. Tennis and golf are huge there if you prefer not to do the beach. It is also very close to Savannah and a bit further from Charleston. Great day trips.

And...it is within driving distance. From MA, it takes us about 16 and half hours. You are probably about twelve hours.

Another suggestion would be Vermont. The mountains are gorgeous. Stowe, Vt is particularly beautiful.

Have fun whatever you decide!!

I chose Hilton Head Island, and will confirm a contract tomorrow!!! Yes we managed to get a 2 bedroom condo for under $700. Best bang for the buck!!! Thanks everyone!!!