OK. We need a new summer vacation destiation.

[GEM]

Last summer, we spent 3 weeks in Orlando and didn't go near the Disney parks. (I don't do Disney in the extreme heat or crowds of summer.) We did do lots of state parks, beach time, other smaller attractions, Sea World, etc. It was great!

We'd like to try someplace different this year, though. Any suggestions?

Here's what we're looking for -

Someplace we can get reasonable accomodations for a large group. (Is it just me, or does Orlando have the cheapest villa rates in the world?)

Someplace where there is lots to do, but also opportunity for relaxation.

Someplace with some variety. We don't want to spend two full weeks sitting on the beach, or whatever. That's what we like about Orlando. We can do a beach day and then do Sea World or the outlet malls the next day. Where else can we find a wide range of stuff to do?

Can anybody help?

 

[Tigger&Belle]

We went to Myrtle Beach this summer (North MB). One of my complaints is that there was too much to do that draws a person away from the beach. From go carts and other amusement activities to water slides (we didn't do water slides since we'd just come from Williamsburg's Busch Gardens/Water Country), outlet malls, restaurants, etc. I didn't feel that we had enough down time at the beach.

Or Williamsburg, VA is another idea. There's BG and WC, all the historic stuff, outlets, and the Atlantic beaches are not too far away.

 

[antmaril]

I, too, was going to suggest Williamsburg, VA. There is quite a bit to do in Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg, of course, plus Busch Gardens (VERY nice theme park), Water Country USA and an outlet mall. Plantations to visit - lots of history. Take a drive to Jefferson's home in Charlottesville (Monticello). Walk around the campus of the College of William & Mary.

The only complaint I have about Williamsburg is that we went in the middle of July and it was brutally hot and humid. That can put a damper on any vacation.

 

[Patch'sD]

Virgina Beach -- Large House Rental. Beaches, Colonial Williamsburg, Bush Gardens, Ship Building, Nautilis, Golf,

 

[GEM]

We did Williamsburg the summer before last. I'll check out the other suggestions, though. Thanks!

 

[Jockaroo]

Maybe consider the Smoky Mountains. There are tons of activities: Dollywood theme park/waterpark, lots of outlet shopping, mini-golf, kids' activities, nature trails with hiking or horseback riding, Gatlinburg and Cherokee with a Harrah's casino. Weather in the mountains can be hot, but will be milder than many desitinations. You can rent chalets and cabins for larger groups as well.

 

[pjshaff]

What about Hilton Head?

 

[Planogirl]

I was thinking the Smoky Mountains area myself. We had a great time in that area several years ago.

I know that you dislike heat but have you thought about the San Antonio area? You can float the rivers and go to Schlitterbahn to cool off and there is also a Sea World and so on.

 

[Disney Doll]

Ocean City Maryland??? It's been a while since I have been there, but I do recall quite a lot of varied activities.

How long are you going for? Are you looking to stay in one area for the whole time, or would you be willing to travel a bit between places?

A couple of weeks ago, another DISer was looking for vacation suggestions in New England for a 2 week span of time and I suggested Mystic CT (Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, Indian casinos, Groton CT sub base), Boston MA(Quincy Market, the Italian North End for fabulous food, the Freedom Trail, the JFK Musuem, trolley tours, boat tours, The USS Constituion to name a few), Wolfeboro NH(Lake Winnepaesaukee and a drive around the lake which would take an hour or so and would bring yu to Laconia & Weirs beach which have quite a lot to do, the lake also has a ferry that goes across it-this is a very scenic area!!!!), North Conway/Jackson NH(Mt.Washington, the Mt.Washington RR, Loon Mountain, North Conway outlets, Storyland to name a few-also a very scenic area). There's probably not more than a 3 hour drive between any of those places, and spending a few nights in each one could give you a nice variety. You could also go from Boston to Kittery ME (oultlets galore)Ogunquit ME, Kennebunkport ME, Freeport ME(more outlets including LLBean flagship store & outlet store) and skip the NH run. If you have 3 weeks though, you might be able to squeeze it all in.

 

[GEM]

All great ideas! It's funny that you mentioned the Mystic/Groton area. DH and I spent 6 summers before we were married working at the Eugene ONeill Theater Center in Waterford, so I'm very familiar with that whole area. In fact, we've been really wanting to get back up that way . . .

 

[lisajl]

U.P. of Michigan. One of my favorite places.. There is a lot to do. Not sure about the accomodations, though. We just stay in a hotel that will fit 5.

Wonderful weather, wonderful people.

Ahh...just like home.

Lisa

P.S. Mackinac Island is one of our family faves. Kind of expensive but nice.

 

[golfgal]

Black Hills/Mount Rushmore in SD. There is a lot to do and they have any kind of accommodation type/style you could want.

 

[binny]

Do you want to stay in the States?
Oahu offers a lot of things to do besides the beach.

If you think internationally the options are almost limitless.


How about a cruise?

 

[Towncrier]

How about Niagara Falls and upstate New York? We always enjoyed our trips to the Falls and surrounding areas. Lots to see and do on both the US and Canadian side.

Or perhaps Northeast Ohio. Plenty of museums. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Football Hall of Fame. Put-in-bay. Cedar Point. Geauga Lake. Hale Farm and Village. And about a million more things to see and do.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

drive up the Californina coast and do whatever you want...its an awesome trip

 

[Planogirl]

Adding another one... What about going into the Rockies? We've always wanted to go in the summer because it looks like there's a lot to do plus it's supposed to be beautiful.