Anonymous
Post 06/21/2012 15:00     Subject: Dropped the ball on summer vacation - need suggestions!
Anonymous wrote:Work and other issues have been very stressful the past few months, and the farthest I've gotten in planning a vacation is putting in for the time off. We usually plan for a summer beach trip in the winter, but never got around to it this year. DH, DS (3) and I will be off at the end of July / early August for a week and a half. We have a couple day trips planned, but not much else. We would prefer to drive less than 5 hours, but would fly it's a direct flight with minimal hassle. We just want to relax with some water, preferably near the beach but not necessarily, somewhere that is kid-friendly. We would stay between 3-5 nights and would want comfortable accommodations.

Any ideas, or should I resign myself to the idea of a staycation?


Atlantis Bahamas has some good deals but it might be hurricane season
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2012 14:58     Subject: Re:Dropped the ball on summer vacation - need suggestions!
fly to Salt Lake City non-stop using Delta or Southwest. Off-season in Park City is awesome and cheap - then rent a car and drive down to see Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2012 14:53     Subject: Dropped the ball on summer vacation - need suggestions!
Anonymous wrote:Work and other issues have been very stressful the past few months, and the farthest I've gotten in planning a vacation is putting in for the time off. We usually plan for a summer beach trip in the winter, but never got around to it this year. DH, DS (3) and I will be off at the end of July / early August for a week and a half. We have a couple day trips planned, but not much else. We would prefer to drive less than 5 hours, but would fly it's a direct flight with minimal hassle. We just want to relax with some water, preferably near the beach but not necessarily, somewhere that is kid-friendly. We would stay between 3-5 nights and would want comfortable accommodations.

Any ideas, or should I resign myself to the idea of a staycation?


June is almost over and today is the first day of summer. You are SOL for most area beaches.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2012 12:32     Subject: Dropped the ball on summer vacation - need suggestions!
We've enjoyed some short vacations up in Lancaster County - lots of activities, plenty of comfortable hotel options, very kid-friendly.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2012 12:12     Subject: Re:Dropped the ball on summer vacation - need suggestions!
Anonymous wrote: The losers are the ones who spent all of January freaking out instead of lying on the sofa reading their Christmas books and watching Downton Abby.


In January, I read my books, watched "Downton Abbey," and booked our summer vacation.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2012 12:06     Subject: Dropped the ball on summer vacation - need suggestions!
9:46 - No thank you. Not worth it.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2012 10:36     Subject: Re:Dropped the ball on summer vacation - need suggestions!
Fly to Manchester NH and drive to one of the lakes -- Winnipesaukee or Sunapee are all about 90 mins. max from airport. Sunapee is a lovely little lake, perfect for canoeing, kayaking and sailing. It's a quick to drive to Hanover, which has a great kids' science museum and a few nice restaurants. No matter where you go, don't feel like a loser; let your laid-back-slacker-mom flag fly! The losers are the ones who spent all of January freaking out instead of lying on the sofa reading their Christmas books and watching Downton Abby.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2012 09:46     Subject: Dropped the ball on summer vacation - need suggestions!
Anonymous wrote:The southern beaches are much longer than 5 hours, no matter what anyone says, so you are in the clear, OP.


We've made it to OBX in 5 hours flat many times. You just have to leave early.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2012 09:20     Subject: Re:Dropped the ball on summer vacation - need suggestions!
I've stayed at Congress Hall with my husband. I cannot imagine staying there with a 3 year old since the rooms were not that big. Unless they have suites or villas...
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2012 09:16     Subject: Dropped the ball on summer vacation - need suggestions!
The southern beaches are much longer than 5 hours, no matter what anyone says, so you are in the clear, OP.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2012 08:20     Subject: Dropped the ball on summer vacation - need suggestions!
Thanks for the post. I too am looking for a 3-4 day getaway in mid August. I have an 8 &10 year old. Really don't want to drive more than 5 hours. Thinking about Williamsburg. I've heard great things about Massenhuten Resort. I still keep checking this post for ideas.
Anonymous
Post 06/20/2012 23:32     Subject: Dropped the ball on summer vacation - need suggestions!
Don't feel bad. It seems like every year we're in some kind of suspended animation when it comes to summer. Someone here is often on the verge of changing jobs or in the middle of a big work project during the summer months. That makes it very hard to plan, but every summer we manage to pull together a great vacation. You will too.
Anonymous
Post 06/20/2012 23:07     Subject: Dropped the ball on summer vacation - need suggestions!
La Mer beachfront inn is great with or without family. Used to love staying in B&Bs pre-kids.
Anonymous
Post 06/20/2012 22:56     Subject: Re:Dropped the ball on summer vacation - need suggestions!
The Finger Lakes in NY are wonderful but too far a drive for a short vacation, IMO. I'd go with Deep Creek Lake. Closer and very relaxing and fun.
Anonymous
Post 06/20/2012 21:52     Subject: Dropped the ball on summer vacation - need suggestions!
Love the Cape May idea, OP. The southern beaches (OBX, etc.) are too damn hot! NH is nice, too. How long are you willing to drive (for just a few days)?