OT: Midwest Or South Trip...

[DirtyRU]

Kinda random and vague, but me, the wife and the kids (4 and 7) are toying with the idea of getting away for the holidays, possibly renting a home for a week so we can bring the dogs. A little warmer would be nice. Don't need much going on, more of a chill getaway. Somewhere south (I live in NJ) is tempting, but so is the midwest since I have never really traveled there. We'd probably be looking to do some hiking, shopping, etc. but again mostly just chill in a home getaway for a week. Not looking to break the bank but also not looking at divy motels, ha! Anyway, again I know it's vague but the idea is in its infancy stage, and what better place to get some ideas than the board? Woot. With that said, let me know folks. Nice towns you've vacationed at, nice regions, etc. Let me know. TIA.

 

[mikershoein]

Franklin, Tennessee. Probably get a place with animals, little country and Nashville 20 miles out. A lot of history- warmer but probably 12+ hours in the car if you can handle

 

[DirtyRU]

Oh we can handle 12. We drove our little tikes all the way down to Key West last Spring! OK so we stopped in the Carolinas for one night and Jupiter, Florida for a couple of nights to break up the trip. But yeah, that was a rough drive regardless. Anyway, thanks. I'll have to research Franklin. I mentioned Nashville to my wife a little while ago... was always intrigued with the area. She is also researching Georgia right now... some community outside of Atlanta called Big Canoe.

 

[LadyRU09]

Driving back from Nashville right now. It's a nice little area.

 

[vkj91]

Nashville rocks and bars are kid friendly if they like to listen to music. However, you aren't guaranteed good weather that time of year.

 

[DirtyRU]

Thanks vkj. Good to know. What about Memphis?

 

[rutger80]

Oh we can handle 12. We drove our little tikes all the way down to Key West last Spring! OK so we stopped in the Carolinas for one night and Jupiter, Florida for a couple of nights to break up the trip. But yeah, that was a rough drive regardless. Anyway, thanks. I'll have to research Franklin. I mentioned Nashville to my wife a little while ago... was always intrigued with the area. She is also researching Georgia right now... some community outside of Atlanta called Big Canoe.

Kids would probably love the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area in Tennessee, much more than Nashville. Lots of family friendly stuff there. Big Canoe is just a mountain community north of Atlanta. Not sure how little kids would do there. You could always take them to Atlanta for the Coke Museum, Georgia Aquarium and College Football hall of fame.

 

[scarletrider]

we did Nashville and Savannah last year. was great. think there is an island off of Savannah recommended that we didn't get to check out. next time.

 

[DirtyRU]

Good stuff 80 and rider. Very good info.

 

[R1766U]

Just went to Atlanta for the first time in August, I think that is a great idea if not too far. Aquarium was absolutely amazing (whale sharks and manta rays) Coke museum was interactive and geared towards kids. College Football HOF was extremely interactive and tons of Rutgers stuff! Plus you gave MLK birthplace and much much more. Oh yeah... Also went to the zoo which was a really good one ( I've been to lots).

More of a laid-back closer option would be upstate NY-- I love the Cooperstown area, baseball HOF and also Howe caverns is nearby which the kids would most likely love. Tons of cabins/houses to rent up there.

 

[DirtyRU]

Awesome thanks 1766. Yeah I thought about Upstate NY too. Was trying to do an area I've never done but I shouldn't neglect it because it IS a good option.

 

[ruhudsonfan]

A week ago I would have included Charleston in the conversation. Not sure they'll be up and running at a high level by the holidays.

Charlottesville VA is a cool town if the kiddies dig history. You can see Jefferson's and Madison's houses, UVA main campus and George Washington's house on the drive down (before heading west to C'ville). Great food scene. Hiking trails in and around should be doable that time of year. An interesting collection of shopping options. You could hit Bull Run battlefield on the way in, as well. Pretty varied selection of lodging choices. Several wineries and micro breweries.

We did a lot of this trip on the way to our annual OBX vacation this year. My kids (8 and 5) loved it. But they like American history.

 

[DirtyRU]

Awesome, great info hudson.

 

[RAA-1]

Look into Williamsburg, VA. Only 7 hours drive and plenty to do with Colonial Williamsburg, Bush Gardens (things & rides for all age groups), visit the Transportation Museum at Ft Eustis (free) and take in Jamestown and Yorktown. All of these other attractions are within a half hour of Williamsburg.

Plenty of hotels that allow pets.

http://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/attractions/things-to-do/

 

[ScarletDave]

Charlottesville VA is an awesome town. Plus, Shenendoah's Skyline drive is as beautiful as it gets. Also, if you're looking to really get far away from it all, checkout Boone, NC. Home of Appalachian State Univ (who beat UM that time) and a very relaxing getaway in the heart of Appalachia and the mountains. Can drive to Charlotte and Nashville too.

 

[mikefla]

Upstate NY,,,quaint.....plenty of fall colors..cheap.....and close