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Post by Mfitz804 on Jan 22, 2020 13:10:15 GMT -5
We usually do big trips that are far enough away that a plane is required (required in that wasting two of my valuable vacation days driving doesn't make a lot of sense). This summer, we decided we are going to save a couple bucks, and instead take a long weekend trip somewhere within driving distance (I would say 4-5 hours is the cap). The following are the notes we have so far:
1) No theme parks. We are big time Disney World people, go often, and are frequently disappointed by other places. Plus, we just want to change it up.
2) It'll be me, my wife, and my (at that time will be) 13 year old. I am not exactly outdoorsy, but the two of them are definitely not. Beaches are fine, living in the woods and eating bark and insects are not going to fly.
3) We're trying to think of something new, so Pennsylvania Dutch Country and the Jersey Shore are out.
4) My 13 year old (and to some degree, myself) needs a little something to do. We aren't staring out at the ocean kind of people, and we relax for an hour or two, not a whole weekend.
I would love to hear some ideas from those who have traveled on this side, or maybe folks who live close to somewhere that might be interesting. Current thoughts are Washington, DC (not sure a 13 year old is that into history, though), or somewhere like Connecticut or Massachusetts, where I have no idea what to do.
Whatcha got?
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professor
Wholenote
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Post by professor on Jan 22, 2020 14:14:09 GMT -5
You could look into Newport, RI. 194 miles from Staten Island by car. There's enough to see and do there- the beaches, the mansions, the harbor, shopping/restaurants, other historical attractions- but it is still a fairly small city. Though touristy, it's not a tacky/glitzy tourist trap. Pleasant to stroll/bicycle around, lots of good restaurants.
I'm looking at maps on my iPhone and it says it would take you 5 hr 28 minutes, but that seems to be due to a solid stretch of red traffic snaking through Brooklyn from SI....
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Jan 22, 2020 14:59:24 GMT -5
Bar Harbor, Maine. Not only is there a little village with stunning landscapes, there are some pretty cool museums and a breathtaking national park (Acadia) all close by. The locals are really friendly because it's a tourist town, but it doesn't *feel* touristy.
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Post by NoSoapRadio on Jan 22, 2020 15:07:50 GMT -5
I'd take a closer look at D.C. you could spend a week alone just getting through the Smithsonian. There is no downside to letting her see the monuments and maybe taking in a tour of the Capitol or WH.
I lived near D.C. when I was about your daughter's age and was fortunate to get to see many of the attractions -- it made a life long impression on me.
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Post by Mfitz804 on Jan 22, 2020 15:28:15 GMT -5
Bar Harbor, Maine. Not only is there a little village with stunning landscapes, there are some pretty cool museums and a breathtaking national park (Acadia) all close by. The locals are really friendly because it's a tourist town, but it doesn't *feel* touristy. I would point out that when I googled "family friendly vacations in the northeast", Bar Harbor (and Acadia in particular) was number one on the list. |
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Post by Chris Greene on Jan 22, 2020 15:28:22 GMT -5
I'm guessing Idaho is out?
On a more serious note, my grandparents loved Lake Placid and the Adirondacks and lived a good part of their lives in the Syracuse/Utica area. As a kid, we spent a fiar bit of summers in the Adirondacks and loved the area. I have no idea what upstate NY is like these days but when I was a kid, it was a wonderland to someone who lived in the suburbs.
Bottom line is, pretty much pointing your rig north in that region of the country brings you to incredible places, both historic and beautiful, within a few hours (if the traffic doesn't kill you) of SI.
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Post by Mfitz804 on Jan 22, 2020 15:34:52 GMT -5
I'd take a closer look at D.C. you could spend a week alone just getting through the Smithsonian. There is no downside to letting her see the monuments and maybe taking in a tour of the Capitol or WH. I lived near D.C. when I was about your daughter's age and was fortunate to get to see many of the attractions -- it made a life long impression on me. The Smithsonian is definitely something I think she would enjoy. And me too, I haven't been there in ages and was an idiot teenager the last time I went (I believe it was after freshman year of college). We also did a bus tour of all of the monuments at night, after dark. That was pretty amazing. Not sure we'd be up for that this time as it ran pretty late, but I bet the daytime tour is pretty great too. I don't think I could say I "enjoyed" the Holocaust museum because it obviously is incredibly sad, but it was a good learning experience. My daughter is a theater kid and is obsessed with the musical "Hamilton", and knows more about the early days of our country through that than most people probably know from school. Yes, I actually tested her on it and she did very well, and included quotes from the show in her answers. And I have made it there in 4 hours before, though its closer to 5 driving at normal speeds. It's kind of feeling like it might be the leader as of the moment. |
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Post by Mfitz804 on Jan 22, 2020 15:40:07 GMT -5
I'm guessing Idaho is out?
On a more serious note, my grandparents loved Lake Placid and the Adirondacks and lived a good part of their lives in the Syracuse/Utica area. As a kid, we spent a fiar bit of summers in the Adirondacks and loved the area. I have no idea what upstate NY is like these days but when I was a kid, it was a wonderland to someone who lived in the suburbs.
Bottom line is, pretty much pointing your rig north in that region of the country brings you to incredible places, both historic and beautiful, within a few hours (if the traffic doesn't kill you) of SI.
We'll set up a tent outside the former FDP HQ, it'll be amazing. I have been to upstate New York, my parents have a house in a particularly quiet part near the 1000 Islands (hour and a half from Syracuse). The last time my wife and I went, my sister was also visiting and we basically had a front row seat to her arguing with my parents, which she did as a kid as well but was annoying when we were all adults. Plus, being an "indoor person", my wife had no interest in the fishing, boating, and other stuff going on up there, and was annoyed that I did have interest in it. That said, we did have a week in Lake George a few years ago that we enjoyed, there just wasn't that much to do. Mostly the pool at the hotel, going out to eat, and wondering what else to do. My daughter was very small at the time so she was easy to please, not so much anymore. I do like this idea, but I need a little bit more activity and/or a little bit more direction as to what part might be good. |
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Post by NoSoapRadio on Jan 22, 2020 15:47:51 GMT -5
I hope it works out.
A better piece of advice -- don't even consider Cape Cod, unless you're into cheesy nautical themed roadside dives, overpriced junk and souvenir shops, greasy fried clams and fries, and sitting in traffic. Not to mention paying $300 a night for a motel room that I wouldn't want my dog to stay in.
I live 25 minutes from the Cape Cod canal and I won't even go down there until a couple weeks after Labor Day. I love the Cape -- just not in the Summer.
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Post by Mfitz804 on Jan 22, 2020 15:50:34 GMT -5
I hope it works out. A better piece of advice -- don't even consider Cape Cod, unless you're into cheesy nautical themed roadside dives, overpriced junk and souvenir shops, greasy fried clams and fries, and sitting traffic. Not to mention paying $300 a night for a motel room that I wouldn't want my dog to stay in. I live 25 minutes from the Cape Cod canal and I won't even go down there until a couple weeks after Labor Day. I love the Cape -- just not in the Summer. I don't mind that kind of atmosphere at times, but the Jersey Shore offers all of that, plus guidos, and its closer. |
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tomcaster
Halfnote
Posts: 91
Formerly Known As: strat-hacker
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Post by tomcaster on Jan 22, 2020 16:14:19 GMT -5
Another vote for D.C.. I did this about 4/5 years ago with 2 teenagers(boy and girl). Most museum intensive vacation ever, but there was plenty of interest to all of us. National history museum sounds like something your daughter would like. Air & Space was awesome and the Spy one is pretty cool as well. Easy to get around and most of the museums are within walking distance of each other. Best surprise was finding out that Ramsey Lewis was playing one night. A forced dad activity.
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Post by pamster on Jan 22, 2020 16:30:34 GMT -5
There are a bunch of good FDP/Moe's Tavern people around D.C. too.
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Post by rickyguitar on Jan 22, 2020 16:52:17 GMT -5
DC sounds good to me. You should go when the politicians are on break, so almost any time.
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Post by Mfitz804 on Jan 22, 2020 17:54:46 GMT -5
DC sounds good to me. You should go when the politicians are on break, so almost any time. Quasi political comment, but bipartisan and funny. I’ll allow it lol. |
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Post by Chris Greene on Jan 22, 2020 18:20:49 GMT -5
That would have passed muster on the FDP after we'd matured a bit.
Sounds like a Mark Twain sort of joke.
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Post by oldnjplayer on Jan 22, 2020 19:57:20 GMT -5
Have you thought about NYC. For a long weekend you could find a decent hotel outside of the times square area. If you are walkers or willing to take PT there is a heck of lot to see. You can get discount matinee tickets to plays, great museums, you can explore the South Street sea Port and China town. Just ovoid overpriced restaurants. You can eat reasonably inexpensively in China Town. you can explore Greenwich Village and get reasonably price food like pizza Gyros . Just a thought. Yea I did live in NYC for ten years and found that if you try you can enjoy without going broke.
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Post by Mfitz804 on Jan 22, 2020 19:58:32 GMT -5
Have you thought about NYC. For a long weekend you could find a decent hotel outside of the times square area. If you are walkers or willing to take PT there is a heck of lot to see. You can get discount matinee tickets to plays, great museums, you can explore the South Street sea Port and China town. Just ovoid overpriced restaurants. You can eat reasonably inexpensively in China Town. you can explore Greenwich Village and get reasonably price food like pizza Gyros . Just a thought. Yea I did live in NYC for ten years and found that if you try you can enjoy without going broke. I’ve lived in Staten Island all my life, done all of the above dozens of times. |
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Post by themaestro on Jan 22, 2020 20:51:24 GMT -5
Another vote for D.C. There is lots to see. It's maybe not the most "exciting", but it will make a lasting impression. Your daughter is old enough to understand the significance of the place.
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SS2
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Post by SS2 on Jan 22, 2020 22:02:26 GMT -5
And another vote for DC... I live locally. The Smithsonian is a must see... I've built the major opening exhibit for the East Wing Art Gallery. I could share some interesting stories.
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Post by rickyguitar on Jan 23, 2020 0:43:38 GMT -5
DC sounds good to me. You should go when the politicians are on break, so almost any time. Quasi political comment, but bipartisan and funny. I’ll allow it lol. Thanks boss |
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Post by rickyguitar on Jan 23, 2020 0:45:43 GMT -5
That would have passed muster on the FDP after we'd matured a bit. Sounds like a Mark Twain sort of joke. I am very flattered. A hero of mine. In fact when I grow up I want to be Mark Twain. |
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mroulier
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Post by mroulier on Jan 23, 2020 10:56:44 GMT -5
Another DC native voting for DC!
One of the best things we did when a cousin came from Mass was to go to the Capital and eschew the guided tours. We basically wandered around all the up and down staircases, found the old original Senate room and some old committee rooms upstairs. Had a blast....but this was pre-911, so not sure if restrictions are in place. Go to your Rep's office to get badges and you might get into the House or Senate gallery (if there's anything going on).
You can't Metro EVERYWHERE (like Mt. Vernon) but most of the touristy spots are in walking distance. And heck, we're even getting a bit of a foody boost thanks to guys like Jose Andres! Go to the Spy Museum then wander down to the waterfront dock for food (Kirwin's is a nice Irish pub!). And go to the National Cathedral. It's a pretty impressive space...find the Darth Vader carved gargoyle!
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Post by Mikeyguitar on Jan 23, 2020 18:09:27 GMT -5
Boston?
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Post by marosborne on Jan 23, 2020 19:11:03 GMT -5
mfitz and peegoo -- Bar Harbor, Maine, definitely. I have lived half an hour away from Bar Harbor for (gulp) 35+ years, and it still takes my breath away. Along with Acadia National Park, which is also great for people who are not outdoorspersons, there's the ocean, excellent restaurants, museums, entertainment, and good people. And price-wise, no one tries to pick your pocket.
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swampyankee
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Post by swampyankee on Jan 23, 2020 20:52:24 GMT -5
I was going to say the Shenandoahs, with maybe a side trip to DC.
The Luray Caverns are a pretty cool attraction in the Shenandoah valley area, a short hike up the AT may satisfy the outdoorsy amongst you. And Shenandoah Outfitters does ziplining as well as tubing in the Shenandoah river.
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Ragic
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Post by Ragic on Jan 23, 2020 22:13:58 GMT -5
Niagara Falls?
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Post by rickyguitar on Jan 24, 2020 1:04:46 GMT -5
Def not international falls. Went there and they laughed when we asked where the falls were. No falls for a long time I guess.
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Post by Laker on Jan 24, 2020 2:43:56 GMT -5
In my years of motorcycle travel I've visited every place that has been mentioned so far. One that I've been back to ten times (and will visit again) is Key West. There things to do like visiting museums, marine wildlife rescues, snorkeling/swimming, etc, and at night there is always Mallory Square and music in many facilities. Things to do in Key West |
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Post by HeavyDuty on Jan 24, 2020 7:52:49 GMT -5
Montreal?
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Post by HenryJ on Jan 24, 2020 8:32:09 GMT -5
I was going to suggest some of the wildlife safari farms near NYC, but I went googling them and did not see any giraffes.
The one near here shows plenty of giraffes, which appear to be the main attraction. The picture to the left is cropped from a larger one of us feeding the giraffes.
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