non-Disney vacation with a toddler

[rachael95]

DH and I haven't had a vacation in YEARS. The most we've gotten is a weekend trip here and there. We need to get away. Every time we have a few days off though, we end up visiting family. We planned a trip to Disney but had to put it off until late next year.

We have DS who is almost 19 months. I'd really like to take a short driving vacation, maybe 4-5 days but not sure where would be good to go.

We live in East Tennessee and want to avoid Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg (been too many times over years). I want to avoid Nashville since that would end up being visiting family.

We've done Asheville and Chattanooga as a couple but don't remember much beside the Aquarium in Chattanooga that would be fun for a little one. We love Williamsburg but don't remember much for toddlers there either. I've heard good things about the Pirates of Hilton Head but not sure if there's much other for littles to do there.

Help, Please! I need something to tide me over until we can have our Disney fix.

 

[laceyinwonderland]

When are you planning your trip? We love Hilton head, but there isn't a ton for kids there IMO other than the beach. There is a touristy light house that was fun to do . And if im not mistaken, the pirates of HE only runs from memorial day to labor day. If your going to go that far, myrtle beach may have more to offer!

 

[ilovebassets]

Chattanooga is awesome. We go there every other year for 3 or 4 nights with the kids, and it's a great little city for children. There's the aquarium, Rock city, Ruby Falls, the hunter art museum (our two year did quite well there), the large pedestrian bridge to walk across with the park that has splash fountains and a beautiful carousel, a small but nice zoo, a minor league baseball team at the right time if year, a nature center and arboretum...

We stay at the residence inn since it makes all the downtown stuff walkable (so much easier with kids). We get a two bedroom suite which is a bit pricey ($250ish a night) but totally worth it with a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and free breakfast.

 

[RoosMama]

Chattanooga is awesome. We go there every other year for 3 or 4 nights with the kids, and it's a great little city for children. There's the aquarium, Rock city, Ruby Falls, the hunter art museum (our two year did quite well there), the large pedestrian bridge to walk across with the park that has splash fountains and a beautiful carousel, a small but nice zoo, a minor league baseball team at the right time if year, a nature center and arboretum...

We stay at the residence inn since it makes all the downtown stuff walkable (so much easier with kids). We get a two bedroom suite which is a bit pricey ($250ish a night) but totally worth it with a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and free breakfast.

Chattanooga also has a really great kids museum!

 

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

New York City...Check out www.mommypoppins.com
Tons of stuff for toddlers to do and this website tells all about it!

 

[Darcy03231]

The Rockinghorse Ranch in NY.

My kids loved it when they were younger (the youngest is now 20). We went every year and they always looked forward to it. In fact, they were just talking about it a few weeks ago and how much fun they had there.

 

[rachael95]

Thanks all,

So far, Chattanooga is probably our best bet. We did Ruby Falls with him a few months back and he did great - though he also was in my sling the entire time and won't be this time.

I hadn't even thought about Rock City though since we usually do the falls and skip that, but that really would be much better for a little one. I bet we'd get a discount on the zoo there since we're members at our zoo too.

I'll write down the other suggestions for when we're ready for another longer trip. I didn't even realize that Pirates of HH might not be going after Labor Day, but that makes sense.

 

[wiigirl]

New York City...Check out www.mommypoppins.com
Tons of stuff for toddlers to do and this website tells all about it!

x2

 

[crzyeeyoreangel]

Memphis. My hubby is dieing to take DS there. Apparently the zoo has pandas. And he wants to try the BBQ

 

[rachael95]

Memphis. My hubby is dieing to take DS there. Apparently the zoo has pandas. And he wants to try the BBQ

There's an idea. It does have good BBQ and Beale street would be fun with all the music.

 

[JoAnna525]

There's an idea. It does have good BBQ and Beale street would be fun with all the music.

My sister and I went to Memphis when I was pregnant with DS, and I would LOVE to go back with him now (he's 21 months). I've been to a lot of zoos in my life, and the Memphis Zoo is one of the loveliest I've been to. I would even take him to Graceland, even though he has no idea who Elvis is, lol - there's lots of things to see, including an exhibit of Elvis's cars, which little kids would totally dig.

 

[rachael95]

My sister and I went to Memphis when I was pregnant with DS, and I would LOVE to go back with him now (he's 21 months). I've been to a lot of zoos in my life, and the Memphis Zoo is one of the loveliest I've been to. I would even take him to Graceland, even though he has no idea who Elvis is, lol - there's lots of things to see, including an exhibit of Elvis's cars, which little kids would totally dig.

Aside from really not wanting to see Graceland - though the car thing sounds like DS would enjoy that - I think I couldn't just because my best friend would kill me if I ever got to go when she couldn't. She's wanted to see Graceland all her life (she lives in CT) and can't believe that I, who have lived in TN for years, have never been.