Great family vacations for summer?

[ADisneyQueen]

I've been thinking of going to the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area of TN. We've never gone there but it looks like there is a lot to do. And you can rent a 2 bedroom luxury cabin for $200.

 

[Camno's Mama]

WISCONSIN!!! The Dells, the northwoods, staying on a lake...love it! We spend lots of time there in the summer! It has a great summer climate...especially when the rest of us are roasting! Michigan has great spots as well.

 

[dvcbnd]

We're in the opposite situation, we're in NH and want to go where it's warm! We usually don't make it too far in the summer months because my DH gets tied up with work, so Boston (Fenway) and midcoast ME are as far as we usually make it, though this year we'll try attempt to get to Florida and Las Vegas (or Dallas) in early June if at all possible (I think they'll both be too hot though, neither sound too promising at the moment).



By the way, we live in a pretty big "Summer destination region" ourselves, seacoast NH. If anyone's interested, here's some detailed infromation from the point of view of a life-long local. It is a beautiful area, but you have to hit the right places. Portsmouth, the "main attraction" is a great seaside city to visit for the day, Newberryport MA (about 30 minutes away) is very similar and quite clean, both have nice dining.

The best beaches are in ME, avoid Hampton Beach (DIRTY beach town) and Seabrook NH (Nuclear Power Plant) at all costs, the Kennebunk area, which is only about 25 minutes away from Portsmouth, has some gorgeous beaches if you're looking to go somewhere secluded. For a nostalgic little beach town I'd reccomend going to York Beach ME (much cleaner than Hampton NH), it's very close to Portsmouth. The best beach in NH is in Newcastle, just south of Portsmouth. The area off the beach houses the Seacoast Science Museum, it's somewhat new and they have lots for kids to do. The beach itself is also the best place for tide pools, there's lots of horseshoe carbs and sandollars to be found. You can also take ferries from Portsmouth, to the Isles of Shoals, a small group of islands off the coast.

As far as where to stay goes, I'd suggest the Hilton Garden Inn in Portsmouth, which is brand new in the city center, or the Marriott Wentworth by the Sea, in Newcastle, which is a harbor-front big renovated victorian hotel (like the Breakers on a smaller scale). There's lots of small places in Southern ME, the White Barn in is the most luxurious.

I'd avoid all of the theme parks, Canobie Lake isn't safe (and I'll admit it, has a pervert problem ) and York's Wild Kingdom is the most disgusting and unkeeped zoo I've ever been to. If you're looking for thrills, go to Six Flags in MA. There are quite a few historical museums that are great if you're interested. The shopping is okay, MUCH better in Boston, but there are two malls on the smaller side, one more near ME and one more near MA, and Tanger outlets in Kittery ME, right near Portsmouth.

I hope I haven't scared any of you away, it really is a nice area worth visiting. There's a lot of history here, many houses (some you can tour) are from the 1600's. It's a great place to fish, overall there's lots of sea life. If you're in the Boston area, I would definately urge you to come for a few days or even just an afternoon.

We were thinking of visiting the White mountain region this summer. Staying at the Hampton Inn in Littleton and visiting places like Santa's Village & Storyland.
Since I noticed that you're from NH and we've never been there, we would welcome any more useful tips. Thanks!!

Regarding the original post.....I can add another great summer destination to all the terrific ones already mentioned........Lake George, NY.
It's a great family place with so much to offer......historical, theme park, shopping, indoor waterpark, outdoor recreation, lake, beach, boating........

 

[roxannex]

GoofyGal,
Where did you get find the amazing deal on the Punta Cana resort? We've been thinking of going to Punta Cana?

Thanks!

 

[emma'smom]

NYC is hot and smelly in the summer. Pennsylvania Dutch country is a great family vacation. You can visit the Amish and see how they live. There are great restaurants and Hershey and the amusement park are near by. Our favorite of course is the coast of Maine! We got every summer and do WDW ever other Jan to get away from the snow and ice.

I agree about summer not being the best time to visit NYC. However, it is a great place to take children. I've taken dd5 3-4 times year since she was a baby and dd3 made her first trip at 6 weeks to see the St. Patrick's day parade.

Anyway, if you are interested in Amish culture, consider combining a trip to Cedar Point with trip to Holmes County, Ohio. This is the largest Amish population in the U.S. and, in my opinion, a bit less commercialized than the Lancaster area in PA. Hershey Park, though, is a pretty great place for smaller kids (probably better than Cedar Point where the focus is the roller coasters).

We're headed to Hilton Head this summer and then to the Adirondack Mountains in upstate NY.

 

[juliana_sd]

When I was a kid we had a motorhome (orange!!!) and traveled to national parks usually. Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Mammoth/June Lake. We also did an Oregon coast trip once which was beautiful! That was 20 years ago so I imagine they are all a lot more crowded now. We always traveled with two other families and communicated via CB radio. One of the dads would make a tape for each vehicle of "Dr. Demento" songs and we'd all have them memorized after the first few driving days, and sing them around the campfire at night.

Aww I'm all nostalgic now

That YMCA thing looks like something I will look into for next year!

 

[emma'smom]

Oh...and you can't miss with Cape Cod, MA or Cape May, NJ.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

OH!! you guys are great!! I am loving this! I am going to print all this off and will probably be pm'ing you for more details! My youngest son 8(almost 9) has been wanting to go to Maine since he was almost 7. We did a study on some of the states and that one really stuck with him. I have always wanted to travel up the east coast and NH/Conn./Delaware all of that is fascinating to me. Being from Texas, we can drive for 2 days and STILL be here!!! I love the idea of just driving a few hours and crossing state lines-what a blast! Dh loves the Amish(well, we all do), so that is a consideration. Just keep sending those ideas

 

[Wtinsler]

We are big campers and the best trip so far was Gatlingurg Tennessee! It is so beautiful there. The Aquarium was amazing! The kids loved it. There was the trolly that would pick us up right in front of our campground and take us anywhere in Gatlingurg. I want to go back!

 

[nessz79]

We go to Washington D.C. every other summer. My husband grew up in the area and still has lots of family and friends there. It's great because we don't have to pay for a hotel.

It is crowded, but it's not hot in the early part of summer. We usually go the first 2-3 weeks of June and it's still spring weather with 50s and 60s in the morning and 70s to low 80s in the afternoon.

I think it's crowded just about everywhere in the summer because everyone's taking their vacation. I'm not a world traveler so I could definitely be wrong. We just try to go the major tourist attractions on weekdays and visit family and friends on the weekends.

 

[The Moonk's Mom]

I've been thinking of going to the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area of TN. We've never gone there but it looks like there is a lot to do. And you can rent a 2 bedroom luxury cabin for $200.

I was so going to suggest that area. I love that place! Plus, just over the mountain into NC you can go to Cherokee and to Dillsboro to take the Great Smokey Mountain Railway. In Dillsboro you MUSt eat at the Jarrett House or at the Dillsboro Smokehouse. Lots of great little shops in Dillsboro. Also, not far from there is Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC and there are lots of activities going on there, plays and such. Then you could travel on up to see some of the water falls near Cashiers. (okay, my Dad is from this area and I simplt love it there! I even went to WCU a million years ago!) There are some great camp grounds with cabins in the area and sooo mcuh to do!

 

[heatherj]

We love the Gatlinburg/Smoky Mountains area. Been there 2 times. Its beautiful and sooooo much to do. You can enjoy nature, shop, and Dollywood, etc. We always rent a cabin.

We've been toying with other ideas: Williamsburg, Washington DC, and Grand Canyon.

 

[eh24fan]

We were thinking of visiting the White mountain region this summer. Staying at the Hampton Inn in Littleton and visiting places like Santa's Village & Storyland.
Since I noticed that you're from NH and we've never been there, we would welcome any more useful tips. Thanks!!

Regarding the original post.....I can add another great summer destination to all the terrific ones already mentioned........Lake George, NY.
It's a great family place with so much to offer......historical, theme park, shopping, indoor waterpark, outdoor recreation, lake, beach, boating........

If you go to the White Mtn region, head to North Conway and have breakfast at Peach's!! YUM-O! And go to Zeb's General store for a bit. We were in N. Conway over St. Patty's weekend and had so much fun. I want to go back!

 

[eh24fan]

OH!! you guys are great!! I am loving this! I am going to print all this off and will probably be pm'ing you for more details! My youngest son 8(almost 9) has been wanting to go to Maine since he was almost 7. We did a study on some of the states and that one really stuck with him. I have always wanted to travel up the east coast and NH/Conn./Delaware all of that is fascinating to me. Being from Texas, we can drive for 2 days and STILL be here!!! I love the idea of just driving a few hours and crossing state lines-what a blast! Dh loves the Amish(well, we all do), so that is a consideration. Just keep sending those ideas

Delaware? Why Delaware? LOL I've lived here my entire life and it still baffles me that we are a "destination" for people.

 

[cjstarr]

I've been thinking of going to the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area of TN. We've never gone there but it looks like there is a lot to do. And you can rent a 2 bedroom luxury cabin for $200.

ADisneyQueen your family will the love it.

If you're going to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area of TN make sure you go to Cades Cove and the Forbidden Cravens. Take a picnic with you on your trip to Cades Cove and plan to go early (at opening) and stay until dark. There will be a lot of wildlife to see early and late so make sure you have a good camera with a good zoom lens not that you want get close to some of the wildlife but there will be times when you will need it. During the middle of the day take time to walk to the old homesteads and take pictures and have lunch at the picnic area. There is also a store you can buy snacks and drinks at. You can also take a carriage ride on most days which is nice. Take patients with you as there are a lot of people that come to see the Cove.
Pigeon Forge there is a lot your family can do with many stores to shop in and shows, restaurants, water parks, go-cart tracks, and Dolly Wood.
Gatlinburg has a lot of shops and restaurants also. They have Ripley’s Aquarium, (we’ve never been) and a lot of other places to visit. Watch out for parking in Gatlinburg as it can cost you $10 and up just to park when you visit. For this reason we will only go one day of our trip to Gatlinburg and this will be in the middle of the week. Also if you like clocks there is a place on the right side of the street going in from Pigeon Forge that has a very large selection of clocks of all kind. It is worth the visit to just walk around the store to see them all and don’t be surprise if you walk away with one. .
I have provided some links to some of the places that you must see while on vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Cades Cove

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cadescove.htm

Clingmans Dome 6’643ft

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/clingmansdome.htm

Newfound Gap 5,046ft

http://www.gsmnp.com/pages/newfound_gap.html
Forbidden Cravens

http://www.forbiddencavern.com/index.html

Here are a few pictures that we took on one of many vacations to the area.

Even though this ball weights tons you can move it as it sits in a small flow of water.

We have been so many times and we never get tired of going there. (And we still may go some time before school starts in the fall) We changed our plans this year because of DS5 Hunter. He looks at the photo album from when we went to WDW in 2001 and keeps asking why he can't find him in any of the pictures. So we are going this year so he will not feel left out any more.
I have provided you a link to Photobucket if you would like to view more of the pictures we have taken while on vacation!
If there is any information we can help you with just send us a PM.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v494/cjstarr/Vacation 2007 Mountains/?start=0

 

[dvcbnd]

If you go to the White Mtn region, head to North Conway and have breakfast at Peach's!! YUM-O! And go to Zeb's General store for a bit. We were in N. Conway over St. Patty's weekend and had so much fun. I want to go back!

Thanks Erin!!!
I really appreciate the info and can't wait to go!!

 

[_queenie_]

We were thinking of visiting the White mountain region this summer. Staying at the Hampton Inn in Littleton and visiting places like Santa's Village & Storyland.
Since I noticed that you're from NH and we've never been there, we would welcome any more useful tips. Thanks!!

To be honest with you I haven't been up around that specific area in a while (by Storyland), but we've always liked North Conway. Horsefeathers restaurant has always been a pretty good place for lunch. Any specific questions? I'll get into way too much useless detail otherwise!


Funny story about the area, last year in North Conway there was a huge fire at a restaurant called Fadangle's. As we drove by (before it was burning) my DH said "Oh, look, that Fandangle's is still there." After we finished lunch (at Horsefeathers), we drove back on the same road, only to find Fandangle's was no longer there, it was burning to the ground! I tried posting some pics but they wouldn't show up.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Delaware? Why Delaware? LOL I've lived here my entire life and it still baffles me that we are a "destination" for people.

Ha!! I don't know! I remember being fascinated with it even as a kid! Just say the word-Delaware. Maybe it's such a colonial/revolutionary era sound to it. Couldn't tell ya! But, why do people want to come to Texas? I always think-"What for?" I guess since all I can see is the heat and humidity it sort of blurs anything else
Really, what is great to do in Delaware?

 

[eh24fan]

To be honest with you I haven't been up around that specific area in a while (by Storyland), but we've always liked North Conway. Horsefeathers restaurant has always been a pretty good place for lunch. Any specific questions? I'll get into way too much useless detail otherwise!


Funny story about the area, last year in North Conway there was a huge fire at a restaurant called Fadangle's. As we drove by (before it was burning) my DH said "Oh, look, that Fandangle's is still there." After we finished lunch (at Horsefeathers), we drove back on the same road, only to find Fandangle's was no longer there, it was burning to the ground! I tried posting some pics but they wouldn't show up.

Oh we had dinner at Horsefeathers our last night there. I had the BEST chicken fingers EVER! For real...I'm a chicken finger lover and those were so dang good.

My mom and stepdad were talking about that restaurant being gone too. They go to Bartlett every year in September, they have a time share at Attitash in Blueberry Village.

OP, if you go to that area, check out Nestlenook Farm. It's gorgeous, at least it is in the winter. It was like something out of Currier and Ives. You can look it up online.

After our 4 days in N. Conway last month, we want to go up in December some year and see everything in it's Christmas decorations, especially Nestlenook Farm.

 

[eh24fan]

Ha!! I don't know! I remember being fascinated with it even as a kid! Just say the word-Delaware. Maybe it's such a colonial/revolutionary era sound to it. Couldn't tell ya! But, why do people want to come to Texas? I always think-"What for?" I guess since all I can see is the heat and humidity it sort of blurs anything else
Really, what is great to do in Delaware?

I don't know! I mean, people come here for the beaches but to me, they are just the beach, nothing special. We love them, but I can't imagine driving hours to get there, people do though. Then we have the NASCAR races in Dover 2 times a year that draw huge crowds. I live in mid to southern Delaware so we are in the middle of it all. Maybe it has something to do with Delaware being centrally located to places like Baltimore, Washington DC, Philly, VA Beach, etc.??