Hey all! I am linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for Friday 5 2.0!
For some reason, I have spent much of this past week VACATION DREAMING! I haven't been dreaming of the extravagant vacations that will cost a substantial amount of money to save for (Example: Hawaii, Australia, Alaska Cruise, etc). But I have been dreaming about the more "doable" vacations in which we could do 1-2 per summer, depending.
Today I'm going to share 3 places I'm dreaming of going on vacation! They won't be happening this summer, but I am hoping some of them can happen next summer and/or fall.
1. Cape Cod. (7 hour drive) My wanderlust for Cape Cod began when I was researching a New England trip.
The reason I was researching New England was because I needed to find a reason to get Paul to go to the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast with me. (I don't want to stay overnight, I just want to tour the house. I would stay overnight but I'd have to share a bathroom with strangers. No thank you!)
The more I researched Cape Cod, (this site was helpful!) the more I realized that we could easily spend about four nights there and just make it a stand alone vacation.
My big idea is to do this next summer for our 10th wedding anniversary. I think Cape Cod would be relaxing and we could stay at a resort that's a little nicer than we're used to. I think that would be very special! This is my first choice to stay but it's A LOT out of our price range. This is a place that I think would be more affordable. I was thinking we could spend two nights somewhere fancy like that and then two nights wherever. Still pondering that one...
2. The Great Smoky Mountains. (8 hour drive) How did I not know about the Great Smoky Mountains? When I googled "Best Places to Visit in North Carolina", I found this article and discovered so many cool places in the Great Smokies.
I would love to do this next summer and maybe stay for just 3 nights. This wouldn't be an expensive vacation since we'd be driving and doing a lot of outside/nature stuff that would be fairly inexpensive. Plus we can stay at a cheap hotel somewhere.
3. Charlottesville, VA. (3 hour 40 minute drive) I went to Charlottesville once, but it was right after I graduated high school. Paul has family there, I know there is a cute downtown area, lots of wineries, cute bed and breakfasts, and also Monticello. I really want to tour Monticello. Luray Caverns is also nearby, which someone recommended to me.
I know I only listed 3 places... is there anywhere else you think is worth looking into that is a 10 hour drive or less? (I'm in Central PA)
Tips? Suggestions?
I have been to Charlottesville, VA (and Luray Caverns). Since you mentioned Luray I'm guessing you mean VA and not say, Charlotte NC. I would love to go to Cape Cod but I think staying in a room with strangers would majorly creep me out! I hope you get to isit some of these places though!
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking about a vacation in Niagara Falls...
I did mean VA, thanks I fixed the typo! What did you think of Luray? The website looks cool but I haven't dove into it yet. The Lizzie Borden house would just be sharing a bathroom with strangers, but I don't want to do that! It's too bad, because I would totally stay overnight there just to do it. And you get a more in depth tour if you stay overnight! It's funny, I do not believe in ghosts AT ALL *but* I know I would still be scared if I had to stay overnight in a room someone got axed to death in!!!!!!!!!
DeleteWe went to Niagara Falls once, just for a few hours. We were in Buffalo and just drove across the border for a little bit. It's the only time I have been out of the country and it was back before you needed a passport. Seeing the falls was very cool! Would you drive up to Niagara? It could be a fun road trip and you could stop at some cool places along the way. I love planning road trips!!! Two summers ago I planned a 12 day trip for us from Denver all the way to San Diego. We did Santa Fe, The Grand Canyon, Vegas... it was very fun! Lots of driving but the scenery was GORGEOUS- except Vegas to San Diego. That was boring.
You know, I wouldn't have a clue as to where to point on a map of the USA to find where PA is! I'd probably guess it's somewhere along the right hand side in the middle, maybe to the left of New England area? Ha ha! We never learned this stuff *shrug*. Then again, whenever someone from the States finds out that I'm from Canada, they ask me if I'm related to their second cousin... in Ontario.
ReplyDeleteWell as long as you admit that, I will admit that I am not familiar with Canada geography either! I mean, I am a little better than I was because I know where you come from and I have another blogger I follow who lives in Nova Scotia, so I am *sort of* familiarizing myself... slowly. So PA, yes, right hand side, right below New York, so pretty much what you said, below and a tiny bit to the left of New England.
DeleteIf I drove straight north through PA, through New York, and straight through Lake Ontario, the first place I'd hit in Canada would be Prince Edward.
So I wonder if you're related to my other blogger friend in Nova Scotia? Just kidding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you go to New England I would highly suggest stopping at Newport RI for the day and touring the Mansions. I can tell that you would really find them interesting!
ReplyDeleteI love tours! Thanks for that tip. I knew you'd have a good idea. :)
DeleteThe Maine coastline is nice too. My parents and I spent a weekend up there I think the second summer we were living in Boston.
ReplyDeleteWe want to go to Maine in the next couple years for sure.
DeleteWhat types of places do you like ? Cape cod sounds great!
ReplyDeleteThe Rockies sound fanastic too!
I want to visit Boston this year, we have been waiting to go there for a long time.
I don't know what I like! Anything interesting. I know you are the state park queen. Top 3 state parks!?
DeleteOMG! thats an awesome tittle!! for me, top 3
Delete1. Ricketts Glen
2. Pine Grove
3. Ohiopyle
But there is many to explore yet!
DeleteWhy do you like Pine Grove so much?
DeleteI've totally been thinking of vacations lately! I don't have any planned for this summer, but next summer I hope to take a cruise
ReplyDeleteA cruise sounds fun! Where are you thinking of cruising to?
DeleteMy parents honeymooned at Cape Cod and I have always wanted to go there! Our summers are spent in Colorado because it's so hard to leave when it's gorgeous out. I think all your adventures sound fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you for not leaving Colorado in the summer!! But maybe you should make one exception for the Cape!
DeleteSince I'm on the west coast I'd love to visit all those places! I've spent very little time on the east coast and would love to explore a little!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to! It is beautiful. We're headed to northern Cali this summer. It will be our third time on the west coast.
DeleteHave you been to the Finger Lakes? Its less than a 4 hour drive. We went to Seneca Lake a few weekends ago. It was nice but unfortunately it rained the whole time and I can't drink so I don't feel like I got the full experience. I would go back though!
ReplyDeleteI have not and I always forget about the Finger Lakes! Thanks for reminding me. I agree, go back when you can drink and get the full experience!
DeleteYou can't go wrong with any of those places! I've been to Cape Cod several times as a kid and once recently. I went to U VA (Charlottesville) and my M-I-L lives near the Great Smokies. There might be more to do in a concentrated area C'ville, but the Smokies are spectacular.
ReplyDeleteWow you have gone to all of my dream places! :) Good to hear they get two thumbs up from you! Now I am even more excited.
Delete