Not Disney, but need advice

[disneychik21]

I have a non Disney travel question for everyone on the show and anyone else with advice. My mom has a dream of going on an east coast road trip. She has brought it up several times. I have decided to make it happen and surprise her with the trip. The problem is I have only traveled to two places in my life: Disney World and Charleston, SC. I know that you guys have been to many different places, so I am hoping you have some good advice.

Here is the itinerary I am looking at...
2 days Charleston (possible, we love this city, open to suggestions though)
2 days Virginia Beach (possible, really want to go to a beach)
2 days Washington DC (definite)
2 days Philapdelphia (definite)
2 days New York City (definite)

Where have you been? What are the sites to see and things to do, beyond the obvious ones? Where are the amazing places to eat? What are the best places to stay? The first to stops are negotiable, are there better places along the east coast to visit?

We will be flying from Kansas City to whichever beginning city, renting a car and driving up the coast. I plan on leaving the rental in Philadelphia and taking a train to NYC.

Any and all help would be great. Thank you!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Could you give us more details on what your family is like, and what you guys like to do? NYC is HUGE and diverse, and there are million options.

 

[OKW Lover]

We love Washington DC. Two days would not be enough to see even the basic tourist sites there. The Smithsonian alone would take 3 to do the various museums justice. Add the monuments/memorials and Arlington to that as well. And you still haven't counted the Capital building or the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

 

[disneychik21]

In NYC, a Broadway show is a must. Mom and I are both huge history fans. When we went to Charleston a few years ago, we did plantation tours and went to Fort Sumter. We like things like that.

When it comes to eating, we really aren't picky. We come from KC, so we love BBQ. We would always prefer to eat at a local eatery than some chain you can find anywhere.

 

[mdvlprof]

Itinerary looks great.

Personally, I'd do train the whole way up the coast, if $$ are not an issue.. Amtrak has multi-ride tickets.

Beats driving, and you can chat, sight-see, etc.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

If you are going during the warm months, you might want to consider going to the history "Jersey Shore." A stop at Point Pleasant would be nice. There's a lot to do there, and it is nicer than Seaside where more of a younger crowd hangs out.

Another beach area in NJ is Ocean Grove. It's a charming and historic little beach town and very relaxing. There's many stores to shop in and walk around.

 

[kabbie]

I strongly recommend touring Mount Vernon (near Old Town Alexandria) while in D.C. since you have enjoyed plantations in the past. I waited until after dark to see all the monuments on the Mall...so beautiful all lit up.

 

[misstheworld]

I've grown up on the coast of VA my whole life (almost 32 years now) and while VA Beach is great, it's not my preferred beach.

VA Beach is very touristy...main boardwalk, tons of hotels, etc. So while it's convenient with lots of options, it's just very busy. If you want this part of your schedule to end up in VA, then I'd go to the Sandbridge area of the city of VA Beach and not the main boardwalk.

However...even over Sandbridge, I'd stop in North Carolina's barrier islands. Aside from St. Thomas, my favorite beaches are in Corolla, NC. That's about a 1.5-2 hour drive south of VA Beach.

 

[LionKingRules84]

I am a Philadelphia, PA resident and I grew up here and the surrounding suburbs. Philadelphia is pretty big and known for American history. I also assure you there is more here to do than eat cheese steaks and see the Liberty Bell. Although both are still fun!

I put most of my picks in this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2933953

If there is anything specific you would like to know feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer them.

 

[ToddyLu]

This was touristy but worth it for us. We bought the 2 day hop on/hop off bus ticket in NYC. They are the double decker buses you see on tv. They have pick up and drop of points all around the city and run until the evening hours. They provide a tourguide also who can point out certain things. We would get of...see what we wanted.. and then wait for the next bus to get back on. If you see a Broadway show, try Juniors for cheesecake afterwards. This was wonderful in NYC but horrible in Washington DC. We waited and waited for the same type bus there.

In DC the National Zoo is very nice. We loved eating at Legal Seafood...a bit pricey but wonderful. Todd English also has Olives which is a couple blocks from White House. If you get the chance one of our DC gems was the National Botanical Gardens (or something similar), just a block or two from Capitol bldg and really wonderful...even DH and his brother enjoyed it.

 

[SamSam]

This was touristy but worth it for us. We bought the 2 day hop on/hop off bus ticket in NYC. They are the double decker buses you see on tv. They have pick up and drop of points all around the city and run until the evening hours. They provide a tourguide also who can point out certain things. We would get of...see what we wanted.. and then wait for the next bus to get back on.

I agree with this, I went with a group of friends a few years ago and the hop on /hop off buses are great for a getting a feel of whatever city you are in. You also may come across places that you want to make a special trip to see.

I have done the Grayline hop off/hop on in several places and have enjoyed them all.

 

[Wimpy]

If you are going to DC then Philly, consider a night over in Harrisburg/Hershey area. Harrisburg is the capital of PA, has the National Civil War Museum, and Hershey has a few attractions as well. Plus, it's about 2.5 hours from DC and about 1.5 from Philly depending on traffic.

I was just in NYC this weekend for a meet. We did the Empire State building and the NBC Studio tour. Both were nice. We also stayed at the Distrikt Hotel. It's on 40th street. Very nice and staff was great.

 

[DizneyNutz]

I've grown up on the coast of VA my whole life (almost 32 years now) and while VA Beach is great, it's not my preferred beach.

VA Beach is very touristy...main boardwalk, tons of hotels, etc. So while it's convenient with lots of options, it's just very busy. If you want this part of your schedule to end up in VA, then I'd go to the Sandbridge area of the city of VA Beach and not the main boardwalk.

However...even over Sandbridge, I'd stop in North Carolina's barrier islands. Aside from St. Thomas, my favorite beaches are in Corolla, NC. That's about a 1.5-2 hour drive south of VA Beach.

I would also recommend NC beaches over Virginia Beach. You could actually visit the Wright Brothers Museum in Kill Devil Hills NC

 

[Michele]

We went to NYC and Philadelphia for the first time this year.

A DISer recommended a restaurant in Philadelphia. The Continental MidTown, http://continentalmidtown.com/, OMGosh it was SOOOO good. I mean I want to find a cheap flight to Philadelphia just to go eat there again.

 

[LionKingRules84]

We went to NYC and Philadelphia for the first time this year.

A DISer recommended a restaurant in Philadelphia. The Continental MidTown, http://continentalmidtown.com/, OMGosh it was SOOOO good. I mean I want to find a cheap flight to Philadelphia just to go eat there again.

Nice to know this place is still getting great reviews I've still never been since most people I know have had mixed experiences. May I ask which one you went too? I believe Philly has 2 Continentals One on Chestnut in Old City and the other on Market Street.

 

[kermit116]

I'd vote for one less day in both VA beach & Phillie and adding a day to both Dc & NYC. You may also want to consider a day in Williamsburg VA instead of VA Beach. I love the beach, too, but VA Beach is just not my idea of a good time. Too touristy, and honestly it does not feel safe to me. If you want a beach experience there's a small beach off one of the Rivers (I think the James River) near Colonial Williamsburg. Or, you may want to take a day going out to the Chesapeake Bay or one of the beaches at a state park on the Bay in MD or VA.

I also agree you should try to spend a day in northern Virginia, and try to visit Old Town Alexandria.

 

[disneychik21]

Here is what I am thinking about doing...

Taking out Charleston completely (while we both love it, we have been there before). Instead of Virginia Beach, I think with the go to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I will then use the two days I took off of Charleston and add a day to DC and NYC.

I know the limit has to be 10 days (using two weekends and 6 weekdays).

Based upon reading what people have suggested and what I have found through research, here is what I have. I am still hoping for suggestions on eating/sleeping/visiting.

Thanks!

Outer Banks (2 days)
• North Carolina Maritime Museum and Roanoke Marshes Lighthouses
• Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Backstage Tour of Lost Colony
• Elizabeth Gardens
• Shopping Tour of Manteo
o Christmas Shops
o Historic District
• Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
• Ferry Boat ride to Ocracoke Island (Pirate cemetery, Blackbeard’s ship plunders)
• Wright Brothers National Memorial
• Beach Time

Washington DC (3 days)
• Arlington National Cemetery
• White House
• National Mall (at night)
• Smithsonian Museum
• Iwo Jima Monument
• Monticello

Philly (2 days)
• Eat at Eulogy Belgian Tavern (best bar/beer place in Philly)
• Visit the Philadelphia Zoo (First Zoo in the US)
• Eastern State Penitentiary Tour
• Penn Station (suggested for night)
• Reading Terminal Market (oldest Market in US)
• Flying Monkey Bakery (supposed to be very good)
• Independent Movement Walking Tour (best tour to see the sites)
• Liberty Bell

NYC (3 days)
• Broadway Show (Lion King or Newsies)
• Empire State Building
• Ground Zero
• Central Park
• Statue of Liberty

 

[LionKingRules84]

Here is what I am thinking about doing...

Taking out Charleston completely (while we both love it, we have been there before). Instead of Virginia Beach, I think with the go to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I will then use the two days I took off of Charleston and add a day to DC and NYC.

I know the limit has to be 10 days (using two weekends and 6 weekdays).

Based upon reading what people have suggested and what I have found through research, here is what I have. I am still hoping for suggestions on eating/sleeping/visiting.

Thanks!

Outer Banks (2 days)
• North Carolina Maritime Museum and Roanoke Marshes Lighthouses
• Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Backstage Tour of Lost Colony
• Elizabeth Gardens
• Shopping Tour of Manteo
o Christmas Shops
o Historic District
• Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
• Ferry Boat ride to Ocracoke Island (Pirate cemetery, Blackbeard’s ship plunders)
• Wright Brothers National Memorial
• Beach Time

Washington DC (3 days)
• Arlington National Cemetery
• White House
• National Mall (at night)
• Smithsonian Museum
• Iwo Jima Monument
• Monticello

Philly (2 days)
• Eat at Eulogy Belgian Tavern (best bar/beer place in Philly)
• Visit the Philadelphia Zoo (First Zoo in the US)
• Eastern State Penitentiary Tour
• Penn Station (suggested for night)
• Reading Terminal Market (oldest Market in US)
• Flying Monkey Bakery (supposed to be very good)
• Independent Movement Walking Tour (best tour to see the sites)
• Liberty Bell

NYC (3 days)
• Broadway Show (Lion King or Newsies)
• Empire State Building
• Ground Zero
• Central Park
• Statue of Liberty

I agree with the Philly part! You basically listed all of my favorite places. May I add either The Franklin Institute and The Constitution Center both are great.

If you like Ice Cream The Franklin Fountain in Old City is amazing!!! Next door is a candy store called Shane's very unique! Both are within walking distance of Eulogy Belgian Tavern.

 

[Wimpy]

We did an overnight in Philly last year and stayed at the Penn's View Hotel (http://www.pennsviewhotel.com/). Very nice and was walking distance from the liberty bell, independence hall, and the constitution center. Between them is the Franklin Fountain which is good.

If you haven't seen Lion King yet, go see it. I feel it is a must do. Also, Carmine's isn't too far from the theater and we enjoy eating there when we get to the city.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[disneychik21]

I just wanted to say thank you all for the advice! We had a wonderful vacation. The official trip ended up being Outer Banks, Washington DC, Philadelphia, and New York City! I was amazed by all the spectacular things I saw and all the amazing food we ate.

Thank you all so much for helping me put this trip together.

Next up....2 years to plan a 15 day trip to
New York City
Boston
Salem
Somewhere in New Hampshire
Somewhere in Maine