Spring break ideas within driving distance
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Anonymous
We went to Niagara (Canadian side) one year for Spring Break. It was bitterly cold, foggy, and some attractions (like the boat ride) were closed. I’d recommend against it for Spring Break, but you might have better luck with the weather. |
Anonymous
| We went to Asheville for about 4 nights during Spring break a few years ago. DH, DS (9 at the time) and I all enjoyed it. The Biltmore was fun and they even have an audio tour for kids. There’s also a pinball museum downtown that he loved. I’m not sure how things are looking post-hurricane, but I’m sure businesses in that area are in need of some tourism dollars. |
Anonymous
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I'm in Asheville now. It's decently recovered in the city, but lots of places in the River Arts District are still closed (on the other hand, that's not really where you spend a ton of time with a 6 year old and 11 month old). The Swannanoa River area is still pretty devastated--the Western North Carolina Nature Center is finally reopening on Monday but some parts of the zoo will still be off limits as the continue to rebuild.
Outside of Asheville is much more hit or miss as far as things being open. Numerous places we like to hike are still closed. The little town of Black Mountain was decimated. Large sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway remain inaccessible. And it's impossible to miss all the destruction: hillsides washed away and massive numbers of trees down everywhere. Even in Asheville, the evidence of the flooding remains very obvious. My friends live right outside the city limits in Biltmore Park and there's still trees down everywhere. And the sheer number of large stumps in every single yard was a bit mind-blowing. Their neighbors were getting 3 stumps ground down today, all from tress that fell due to Helene. I believe the pinball place is open again, and I know the Biltmore is, but some of the grounds are off limits. I think more and more things will reopen or return to fully open status the further into spring we get. I saw city crews working at the parks along the French Broad Rover on Friday clearing downed trees and repairing stuff, presumably to be ready for paddle and float season kicking off soon. Word is the Arboretum is hoping to have all their hiking trails open by spring break in April. |
Anonymous
You're probably right. Also, probably not a great time to go to Canada. |
Anonymous
| Pittsburgh has SO much to do but the weather could be iffy. Philadelphia also close with lots for families. You could rent a small cabin near Asheville and do the Smokies |
Anonymous
| Hilton head (long drive, but fun) |
Anonymous
| I’d do a couple nights in Pittsburgh (pirates game, museums) and one or two in Niagara (Canadian side is like a kid Las Vegas) bonus is that the dollar should still work in your favor. We added Toronto which we loved but it depends on your drive tolerance. If I had 4 nights I’d drive to Niagara, spend the night, 2 nights in Toronto, drive to Pittsburgh spend the night/spend the day and leave that night. |
Anonymous
| I need to figure this out too. Kids a similar age! We've exhausted Williamsburg, Pittsburgh, Niagara, DC staycation. I wish we could get somewhere warm! Even looking at localish resorts I feel like they're overpriced and not that great sadly. |
Anonymous
I’d pick OBX over Norfolk/VA Beach any day. |
Anonymous
| Anyone have any experience with any nice cabin rentals out in the mountains for nature type stuff? |
Anonymous
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Yeah I've never felt there was much to explore driving but a handful of places around here sorry. Better off saving to leave every other yr or something. Consider a cheap flight to Chicago - you'll love! Otherwise NYC/Philly.
I find drivable NC other than summer locations utterly boring. Who wants to just catch a baseball game - do that locally. When we go out of town it should be meaningful in some way. I prefer the west as a result. Drive up to Boston would be at least more interesting! |
Anonymous
If you all are baseball fans, maybe go to a couple of stadiums and then also see what there is to see in those cities? |
Anonymous
For Niagara, check if maid of the must is open. I think 1-3 nights in niagara is about right depending on your family. We spent 2 night. Day 1: arrived and checked out falls on the American side. Day 2: walked to the Canadian side. Walked to the hydroelectric plant museum, went to the tourist area, walked back. Day 3: Maid of the mist and left. With another day, we would have gone to the fort or hiked I. The gorge. |
Anonymous
| Myrtle beach . Easy 6 hour drive. Lots to do even if it’s too cool to swim. |
Anonymous
NP. Oooh, hadn't considered this option but sounds fun if you can get the schedules line up. Baltimore-Philly-Pittsburgh or if you're feeling ambitious Pittsburgh-Cleveland-Detroit-Cincinnati. Could probably find some minor league ballparks, too. |