Ideas for a 4-5 day trip fairly close to NE Ohio?

[mrudman]

Looking for a vacation idea for this summer. Would like it to be around 5-6 hours from Northeast Ohio. And looking to stay for between 4-5 days (probably Sunday-Thursday).

Would rather it not be Chicago since we were there just a couple years ago. Niagara Falls is a maybe.. we've been there a few years ago, but might like to go back. But looking for a place maybe I don't know about that might have some fun things to do for both adults and kids.

Casinos are out since we'd have kids with us.. don't really care for sporting events.. not big museum people.. do like the outdoors.

Any thoughts on places we could visit?

Thanks!

 

[EricBowser]

I'm in Pittsburgh, so here are a few that I've already done

Salt Fork State Park - I think we went here in 2008
http://www.saltforkstateparklodge.com

Gettysburg - Went last year
http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/

Poconos - looking at doing this maybe this summer
http://www.woodloch.com/

Erie - I assume, you've done this already.

 

[kathy884]

Maybe Toronto?? -- It's been a long time since we've been there, but it was a great mix between a US and European city // felt a little exotic to us, yet comfortable. It's a beautiful city, about five hours to get to Toronto from Cleveland.

If you do Niagara Falls, I'd personally keep the time there short -- The falls are lovely and an icon that I'm sure your kids would like to see, but the area IMHO is kind of a tourist trap, and it's easy to spend a fortune there with kids $20 for this, $30 for that, $20 for this, and on and on.

 

[georgina]

I know people who go to Deep Creek Lake in Maryland for summer weekends. I'm not sure what all they do but I think fishing, swimming and biking are some of the activities. There is a state park nearby also.

 

[TwoMisfits]

Columbus, Ohio and the Origins Game Fair in June (if you all like games)...a combo trip that includes the game convention highlights with the city highlights would be lots of fun.

 

[teller80]

Hocking Hills is nice, there are lots of hikes & waterfalls. Plus horseback riding, ziplining and canoeing. It's a little bit of a drive from there, but The Wilds is fun - I thought it was like Kilimanjaro Safari's at Animal Kingdom. You could also go to Columbus for a day or two while you're down there.

 

[POOHsie]

I second Toronto. It's an amazing place, and it's unlike US cities you may know. Friendly people, easy transportation, lots to see and do. It'll be memorable for a long time after.

 

[Kies99]

I'm in Pittsburgh, so here are a few that I've already done

Salt Fork State Park - I think we went here in 2008
http://www.saltforkstateparklodge.com

I'm in Pittsburgh as well and I'll second Salt Fork. If you're into the outdoors, this is a nice state park with a lodge. A little dated but nice and clean and has a nice pool and outdoor activities.

You might also try something like Oglebay Resort in Wheeling WV (www.oglebay-resort.com). Has decent golf and a nice little zoo.

 

[Marionnette]

Looking for a vacation idea for this summer. Would like it to be around 5-6 hours from Northeast Ohio. And looking to stay for between 4-5 days (probably Sunday-Thursday).

Would rather it not be Chicago since we were there just a couple years ago. Niagara Falls is a maybe.. we've been there a few years ago, but might like to go back. But looking for a place maybe I don't know about that might have some fun things to do for both adults and kids.

Casinos are out since we'd have kids with us.. don't really care for sporting events.. not big museum people.. do like the outdoors.

Any thoughts on places we could visit?

Thanks!

I haven't stayed there, but I have heard good things about Oglebay Resort in West Virginia (near Wheeling). It looks like they have lots of fun outdoor activities during the summer and something for all ages. We considered staying there for a family reunion a few years back but ultimately chose a different location. I still get their email newsletter and they offer some nice packages. They're on our short list for the next reunion.

 

[mrudman]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!! I'll definitely have to do some research on a lot of these places. Salt Fork will be out though, cause I've visited there at least yearly since I was a kid, . I love that place!

 

[cjnix29]

Western Michigan!!!!! How close are you wanting? Grand Rapids is about 4.5 hours from the west side of Cleveland. We love it! Sand dunes, beautiful beaches, quaint towns. If you wanted to go a bit further, you could head up to the Travers City area, but if not, the Holland/Saugatuck area is beautiful! Plenty of places to stay. Can't say enough good things! We used to live there, and I would go back in a heart beat!!!!!!!!

 

[kydisneyfans]

Come to KY.
You can visit the Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge areas, the KY Horse Park is just north of Lexington, Lake Cumberland and Cumberland Falls are nice areas. Berea is a throwback craft type town. There are many horse farm tours in the Lexington area, Toyota tours in Georgetown, the Louisville slugger museum is in Louisville, along with a decent kids museum. Others may chime in.

We used to live in Canton and it is 5 hours on average from Canton to Georgetown(just north of Lexington). Most of the suggestions above are an hour or less from us(Cumberland Falls closer to 1 1/2 hrs).

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Well, there's lots to see on the North-Coast of Ohio. Cedar Point. Put-in-Bay (AKA South Bass Island). Kelly's Island. Port Clinton.