| laborlitigator |
Family has a week to vacation at the end of July. Want to be able to drive there though (Northeast - starting for NYC suburbs).
Any suggestions?
We went to Maine last year and we loved it. Vermont the year before and also enjoyed ourselves. Virginia Beach is too hot and we've been there also. |
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| Blackura |
Cape Cod is always an option of course.
One relatively undiscovered gem is the Rhode Island seashore. It's free of boardwalks and commercial glitz... more of a natural seashore. Very nice and just a few short hours from where you are, LL. No major hotel chains though, so you'll have to find a smaller "no-name" place to stay. I also like Delaware beaches, and the ferry from Cape May is a nice break from driving.
Didn't you just get back from a nice cruise? I'll have to look into labor litigating for a living. The hours are easy and lots of vacation time! :) |
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| mase9338 |
| You could come up torwards lake george area. Lots of things to do for kids and adults. If thats not far enough, a nice drive up to lake placid,new york would be nice. Keep on going and you could go to alexandria bay on the st. lawrence river and theres a lot to do there. If you want to go more west, go to niagara falls, theres plenty of things to do there also. |
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| Blackura |
Niagra Falls? Slowly I turned...
Actually, if you must do Niagra Falls, stay on the *Canadian* side. It's MUCH MUCH nicer. No comparison at all. And you'll get to see MDXs with DRLs! |
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| Maik |
Cape Cod is far to crowded at that time. If you want a quiet peacefull place, might want to try Block Island. If you have not been to Rhode Island, I would spend a couple of days in Providence, a couple of days in Newport and the rest on Block Island.
Another option is New Hampshire. Many of the ski resorts have become 4 season resorts with tons of activities for the whole family.
Especially the Loon Mountain and Waterville Valley areas. |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by mase9338
You could come up torwards lake george area. Lots of things to do for kids and adults. If thats not far enough, a nice drive up to lake placid,new york would be nice. Keep on going and you could go to alexandria bay on the st. lawrence river and theres a lot to do there. If you want to go more west, go to niagara falls, theres plenty of things to do there also.
We did Lake George last Memorial Day and also loved that. Is there enough for a family to do up in the Lake Placid area? |
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| Blackura |
quote:
Originally posted by mase9338
turned where?
It's a line from a classic "I Love Lucy" episode. |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by Blackura
Didn't you just get back from a nice cruise? I'll have to look into labor litigating for a living. The hours are easy and lots of vacation time! :)
Hey, what's life if you don't enjoy it. . . BTW, I will do my research on Cape Cod and the areas in the vicinity |
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| catzx6 |
| White Mountains area in New Hampshire, beautiful - except you can't see the Old Man on the Mountain since his face slid off recently |
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| Blackura |
quote:
Originally posted by catzx6
White Mountains area in New Hampshire, beautiful - except you can't see the Old Man on the Mountain since his face slid off recently
Happend to me once too. Very painful. :) |
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| mase9338 |
| there is lots to do in lake placid, if your the outdoors type.. |
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| xcel |
Hi LaborLitigator:
___I know it’s a haul but have you ever been out West? I have had some of the best vacations of my life while traveling through the Dakota’s and Wyoming in particular. Mt. Rushmore and the Bad Land’s. Custer National Park … Oh, and Wall Drug. Look that one up and you will know what I mean. There was a stretch of Wyoming that the wife, kids, and I traveled for over 90 miles one evening and did not see another soul! The Colorado, Utah, Arizona corridor has a ton of outdoors type activities to see and experience. House boating on Lake Powell was a fantastic time. Sedona for the late afternoon views cannot be described in words or pictures. The Grand Canyon. What more needs to be said. I could stare out across that openness for years … Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks are too awesome for words. I am trying to convince the wife to go to Yosemite next month in the X. She is not to keen on the idea of 4 + days of solid driving but my son and I are all for it. Than again, we are talking crowds and a tough time to find either camping or hotel accommodations. As far as the travel, that is what the X is for, right :D
___In your neck of the woods, Niagara Falls is a great place to visit. As Blackura mentioned, the Canadian side for travel and hospitality cannot be beat. I seem to remember something about the Gardens near or at the Power Company? A huge clock of flowers that sticks in my mind and I haven’t been there in probably 15 years? Just remember to fill your X up on the American side of the border. That is the one experience I truly dislike about Canada. Even the Californian’s amongst us would breathe a sigh of relief in comparison to what our Northern brethren pay for fuel currently.
___My 11 year old had the best vacation while in the Carolina’s on the beach but the beach home rentals in the Kitty Hawk area have gotten out of hand as far as price is concerned for us unfortunately :(
___Let us know where you decide to go and while you are considering the many choices you have, I think this pic of my parent’s trip to Bryce Canyon from a week ago might make you ponder the possibilities of an “Out West” vacation someday soon ;) Than again, maybe wait until the kids are a little bit older so they can appreciate the beauty a little more.
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net |
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| xcel |
Hi LaborLitigator:
___And this one …
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net |
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| jswift2000 |
LL,
Cap Cod is really nice but it will be very crowded a this time of year. If you go to the Cape, stop off in Mystic CT and take a look at the seaport and aquarium. You can always try New Hampshire as well.
Good Luck. |
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| Blackura |
The gardens near Canada's Niagra Falls are awesome. It was the second best thing to see in the area. I found the area to be a nice place for a three day weekend, but I ran out of stuff to do and see rather quickly.
Much of the US side of the area is terribly depressed though. Very poverty sticken rust-belt inner-city. Very sad. No wonder they're considering casinos up there, but I have visions of Atlantic City part II in my mind.
For me, Niagra Falls is in the "been there, done that" category. Not anxious to go back. |
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| laborlitigator |
Wayne,
If it was only driveable. . . |
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| apple904 |
| If you decide on the Cape, make sure you get to Chatham. Stay away from Hyannis, too commercial. But as mentioned, Cape will be very busy for last minute reservations and traffic can be horrrific. Not only that but travel back and forth on 95 in CT can be a real pain. If you decide on Lake George and want to take a scenic lazy drive out, take the Mass Pike and head North on Route 7 into Vermont on West side of State, Fun driving beautiful scenerey and then you can head West towards Lake George in NY on Route 4 when you get to Rutland Vermont. If you think the kids can handle the road time. |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by apple904
If you decide on Lake George and want to take a scenic lazy drive out, take the Mass Pike and head North on Route 7 into Vermont on West side of State, Fun driving beautiful scenerey and then you can head West towards Lake George in NY on Route 4 when you get to Rutland Vermont. If you think the kids can handle the road time.
We actually did that drive when we stayed in Vermont. It is beautiful! |
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| mdxxxx |
LL,
You've got to experience South America, Brazil specifically... Last March we vacationed on a two week cruise that included ports of Buenos Aires, Punta del este, Busios, Portebello, ect... But the heart of the cruise was a three day stay at Carnival in Rio de Janeiro...:2:
A few pics... |
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| mdxxxx |
| Carnival... one of the 'postable' pictures... the Brazilians aren't as prude as we are... LOL |
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| Maik |
quote:
Originally posted by mdxxxx
LL,
You've got to experience South America, Brazil specifically... Last March we vacationed on a two week cruise that included ports of Buenos Aires, Punta del este, Busios, Portebello, ect... But the heart of the cruise was a three day stay at Carnival in Rio de Janeiro...:2:
A few pics...
Pretty long drive from NY in his MDX! |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by Maik
Pretty long drive from NY in his MDX!
Yeah, nice break in miles...:2: |
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| tabasco |
| NANTUCKET......NANTUCKET......NANTUCKET! |
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| tabasco |
| Just drive to Hyannis and take the high speed ferry over to Nantucket . The boat trip is one hour at about 40 MPH. There are parking lots near the pier. Make sure you take the Nantcuket Steamship Authority's high speed ferry not the Highliner. They charge almost twice the price for the same thing. |
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| Maik |
quote:
Originally posted by tabasco
NANTUCKET......NANTUCKET......NANTUCKET!
Ya, Nantucket would be my second choice after Block Island. Very similar in terms of activities, but Block Island is not as crowded (yet)!
If you decide to go to Nantucket, I would opt to grab the ferry from New Bedford. Saves a lot of aggravation getting to/from Hyannis. |
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| R Stevens |
| I have to second Maik's recommendation on Block Island, RI. I did several vacations there when the kids were young many years ago. It doesn't get very crowded because the only way to get there with a car is by a ferry boat. Stayed at the Spring House -- a charming old place overlooking the water. The thing I liked about Block Island is there is no tacky commercial development and you can rent and ride bicycles around the island. being there is like going back in time 50 or more years. Very relaxing. |
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| jswift2000 |
| My wife and I went to Block Island two years ago and you should have seen us trying to ride the mopeds around the island. It was a blast. We only went for the day but it was still great. I would suggest Maui, Hawaii but that just isnt drivable... |
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| BklynMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by jswift2000
I would suggest Maui, Hawaii but that just isnt drivable...
My wife and I went to Maui for our honeymoon back in 2000 and it is one of the most beautiful islands that we have ever visited! Hey jswift2000, could you imagine what it would be like taking our X's on the 56 mile winding road of the Hana Highway?!? |
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| xcel |
Hi BklynMDX:quote:
could you imagine what it would be like taking our X's on the 56 mile winding road of the Hanna Highway?!?
___I drove an 02 Explorer down that winding SOB and the only thing I can remember everyone saying is “can we pulleeessse get off this road already”. Thank god I was driving or I would have been :16: I loved the pools but it was a tough drive given our short time on the islands with so many other places to see. We did have the Road to Hanna CD telling us the sights along the way but oh how I wish we could have that day back for some more time on the beach.
___LaborLitigator, now that some have mentioned Block Island, have you ever heard of the Grand Motel on the beautiful Mackinac Island? We have camped at the State Park just to the south of the Mackinac Bridge a number of times and have enjoyed it every time. You can rent bikes for a ride around the island while you are there but the throw back in time is what the real attraction is. Another neat place to visit in the area is the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point.
___I know, it’s to far to drive this year but when you do finally make it out “West” a bit, maybe take Niagara for 2 days, head on up into the UP (Upper Peninsula for short) for another two day stay. Finish it up with a trip into Chicago to see any number of fine museums or events (Taste of Chicago and/or the Air Show are my picks ;)).
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net |
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| jswift2000 |
quote:
Originally posted by BklynMDX
My wife and I went to Maui for our honeymoon back in 2000 and it is one of the most beautiful islands that we have ever visited! Hey jswift2000, could you imagine what it would be like taking our X's on the 56 mile winding road of the Hana Highway?!?
Where did you guys stay? We stayed at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea. It was unreal. The road to Hana, or as I call it the road to hell, was okay. Not impressed. When we go back next year, we will not be doing that. |
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| laborlitigator |
| It looks like Cape Cod. Do we have a consensus on exactly what area of Cape Cod. I don't think we would want to rent on Block Island simply based upon the ferry thingy. Wifey would want to shop alot, I mean alot. |
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| jswift2000 |
C'mon... a wife wanting to shop? Ive never heard of such a thing. All kidding aside, you should try to stay in Hyannis, Hyannis Port or Chatam. Nice areas, a little crowded. If you wait until August and go to Provincetown, you may be able to see the whales migrating... I think. You'll also see other things up there.
Have fun. |
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| Blackura |
| You're right. There's lots to see in Provincetown. But there's lots to explain to your kids too. |
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| Blackura |
| Not that there's anything wrong with that. |
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| laborlitigator |
| Oh my gosh!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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| mdxxxx |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Oh my gosh!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL:2: |
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| Maik |
quote:
Originally posted by BklynMDX
My wife and I went to Maui for our honeymoon back in 2000 and it is one of the most beautiful islands that we have ever visited! Hey jswift2000, could you imagine what it would be like taking our X's on the 56 mile winding road of the Hana Highway?!?
That road was fun at first, but I must say it got old pretty quick!
I enjoyed the Big Island best, my wife voted for Kauai. Both were spectacular. |
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| laborlitigator |
| We made a decision. . . it's going to be |
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| laborlitigator |
Calgary. . .
Close friends are going to a wedding for the week of Aug 7th, we're going to tag along and have a vacation with them.
Any suggestions when we go there. We'll be there for a week. |
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| ImOnlyTen |
| I was just about to recomend coming up to dear old Canada, and you decided Calgary:4: ! But dont just hang around there, check the nat'l parks and surrounding areas...:4: |
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| ImOnlyTen |
| By the way, were heading to Vancouver on another cross-country trip with my dad in our new Allroad middle-august (i'll bring my laptop so I can still post and surf). My mom, brother and sisters are going to the Phils. |
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| hockeyplayer |
quote:
Originally posted by ImOnlyTen
I was just about to recomend coming up to dear old Canada, and you decided Calgary:4: ! But dont just hang around there, check the nat'l parks and surrounding areas...:4:
I second that...just a short ride west into the mountains for views that you only see in magazines. Try a hike or mountain bike tour into the mountains....you won't be disappointed. I can't remember how far from Calgary but if you have a chance check out the Columbia Ice fields. Have fun. |
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| laborlitigator |
More suggestions please. Also, the airfare is pretty reasonable.
Since my wife is the anti-nature postergirl, I'll probably have to visit the mountains with my friend. Wife loves to shop and is there anyplace to bring the kids. |
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| jswift2000 |
quote:
Originally posted by Maik
That road was fun at first, but I must say it got old pretty quick!
I enjoyed the Big Island best, my wife voted for Kauai. Both were spectacular.
Very old very fast. I dont regret doing it but when we go back next year, we wont be doing the road to hell. |
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| JerryG |
Everyone will have an opinion on Cape Cod. Here's mine.
I am a summer resident of Wellfleet. I would highly recommend the "Outer Cape" (past the Orleans Rotary - towns of Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, Provincetown). The National Seashore spans these towns. Of these, the most family oriented towns are Eastham and Wellfleet. Truro has, by far, the most beautiful beaches and scenery - you can walk out along the edge of dunes to where you're totally alone, even in the middle of July; but accommodations are scarce and probably booked by now. P-town, in addition to being a gay mecca, has some great restaurants, whale watching trips that leave from the wharf regularly, the Pilgrim Monument (tall structure to climb for drop-dead views), an awesome biking trail through the Province Lands, and the famous "Art's Dune Tours" that take you far out inot the dunes in a balloon-tired Suburban (don't try this in your X - it's illegal).
My town, Wellfleet, has great beaches of three types - Ocean side (cold as hell but great waves and dunes), Bay side (warmer water, still a bit secluded with dunes and views across the water), and Harbor (clam flats at low tide, bathtub-warm water for the kiddies, great for shell collecting). We also have many art galleries and restaurants, and we're an easy 1/2 hour drive from Chatham, which I agree is a can't-miss destination for shopping, scenery, and architecture.
Hyannis is an OK day trip, but be aware that it is *everybody's* rainy-day destination... the traffic can get ridiculous. They do have a fun weekly festival every Thursday night in Hyannis where they close the main street to cars and have bands play and carnival-like attractions. But as to where to stay for the week - I vote for the Outer Cape.
Have fun wherever you end up! |
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| msu79gt82 |
The Smoky's are a great place to visit and site-see. Cade's Cove, Little River Road, Gatlinburg, many things to do and see there:1:
All can be day trips from Knoxville area. |
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| laborlitigator |
| So what else is there to do in Calgary. I see Edmonton is fairly close. |
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| crmsnidol |
4 of the last 5 years we've vacationed in the Outer Banks, NC and really enjoyed it. It's quiet, clean and reasonable. Nothing like the Jersey Shore if you've ever experienced that. The more upscale areas are Corolla and Duck but we stay about 10 miles south of Duck in the Nag's Head/Kill Devil Hills area. There are outlets for shopping, waterparks, miniature golf, fishing, a beautiful beach (though a little rough), lots of great restaurants (my wife and I would recommend Mako Mike's, The Black Pelican and George's Junction Seafood Buffet ($25/person) and hotels on the beach. There is no boardwalk.
For the 4 weeks I've been there I've never once heard a police siren or kids blasting their stereos as they drive by you. It's very family oriented.
It's risky to plan a vacation there in late July/August or Sept due to the always-present threat of hurricanes.
http://www.outer-banks.com/
http://www.outerbanks.org/
http://www.outerbanks.com/ |
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| feliz |
Someone asked about Edmonton. The worlds largest mall is in Edmonton (their claim not mine, I don't even live there), I passed through last week and visited it, it is large.
They have a web site, westedmontonmall.com
If you're going to Calgary visit Banff then up to Jasper and over to Edmonton. Any questions just ask. |
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| crmsnidol |
Remembered that I recommended the Outer Banks as a great vacation spot and warned of the threat from late-season hurricanes. I hope everyone in that area survived and will be able to quickly move on with their lives and businesses.
The hotel we always stay is right on the beach. From the pictures I've seen on Yahoo news and CNN, that particular area of OBX was hit hard (Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Duck, Corolla, Kill Devil Hills).
My family might reconsider NC next year and spend the summer in our backyard. Hope everyone is safe. |
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