Mother-daughter Road Trip on the Cheap?

[TinkOhio]

Our DD will be starting highschool this August. With all of the sports, clubs, and events that she will be participating in, I've come to the conclusion that this might be the last opportunity in a while that we can enjoy a driving getaway. We have been to WDW many times, and she has been all over Ohio. I would like to show her some of the neat places down the East Coast.

We have plans to stop and see family in Wilmington, NC. I would also like stop at the Outer Banks, Charleston, and Savannah. Could you recommend clean, safe, lodging options that we might spend a night or two in at those places? I haven't been to the Outer Banks in over 20 years, and we've never been to Charleston or Savannah. Any suggestions on budget-minded must-see attractions and dining options in those areas?

Also, I see several routes for our trip. For those of you in Ohio who have driven to the Outer Banks, what route did you choose? And must-see stops along the way?

Please help us plan this getaway. I would really love to expose her to new places and create some memories before she's grown and in college.

TIA for any avice!

 

[Aurora D]

My daughter(17 yrs.) and I did a road trip to Charleston about 2 years ago. We LOVED it there! So much history, a beautiful and clean town(can't really call it a city-it was sooo quaint). We stayed just outside and over the bridge for about $100 a night at a Sleep Inn. It was safe, clean and included a daily hot/cold breakfast. One night we went to an improv comedy show( not sure if there's an age limit). For $5 we never laughed so hard....We also used Restaurant.com for dinner gift certificates. Spent an afternoon at the beach-free. Visited a reenactment at a plantation. Window shopped and went to the market. Good times! Would love to go back someday!

 

[TinkOhio]

Thanks so much for the feedback. I only plan on staying at each location for a day or two. Will this be too little time to see Charleston?

Thanks again!

 

[HM]

I would not do the Outer Banks on the same trip as Charleston and Savannah. Way too out of the way for you. Pick another beach that's closer to your line of travel. I'd choose a NC beach closer to Wilmington like Topsail Island or Oak Island. Or in SC, Pawley's Island, Hilton Head, or Tybee Island might be better choices. Or if you want lots to do, Myrtle Beach.

 

[pipervali]

Depending on your route as well, if either of you are into history, Williamsburg in Virginia is a nice spot for the day, though in August it can be incredibly hot. There's a Busch Gardens there where the theming is pretty impressive too. And also, if you're into history, there are many many Civil War battlefields in Virginia to tour. I'd stay away from the Virginia beaches though. I've never been a fan, some of them just get way too crowded, especially Virginia Beach, just not my idea of a good time. It's part of the reason I'm not overly fond of the Jersey beaches either lol.

But a second on Myrtle Beach perhaps. It's about an hour southeast of Wilmington, so not too far of a drive. But definitely take some time in and around Wilmy if you've never been. It might very well be one of my favorite places on the east coast. It's full of old southern charm. It's wonderful. But since you have family there, you may know that already lol

I really enjoyed Savannah as well. Again another place that just was full of old world southern charm. At some places it feels as though time has stood still since before the Civil War.