THISISFUN

Hi,

We are travelling Orlando (5n) - Charleston (2n) - Alton (2n) - Washington DC (4n) - Gettysburg (2n) - Philadelphia (3n) - NYC (3n) from Nov 9-30 this year. We are a family of 5 from Sydney (kids aged 10, 7 & 4 years), and we are all really comfortable with road trips, all love beautiful scenery, hiking, interesting towns, good food and landmarks (+ adults love history & kids love amusement parks - but we will have done that in Orlando) . A few questions: 1. Would you strongly recommend any changes on time allocation?
2. I'm not sure if we will stop in Alton or a different picturesque town b/w Charleston & Washington. I'm very keen to do some of the Blue Ridge Parkway, but was going to confirm in early Nov when we see what the weather is like. Are there other towns you would recommend?
3. We are really keen to have an authentic Thanksgiving experience (obviously short of being in someone's house!) rather than at a big anonymous hotel. Are there any towns you would recommend near Philli or on the way to NYC that you would recommend for us to find a hotel & restaurant with good atmosphere? Otherwise if we stay in Philli, are there any particularly notable restaurants for Thanksgiving?
Thank you for any help

Gretchen

If you are in PA on Thanksgiving perhaps one of the restaurants in the Amish country around Lancaster.

What is Alton and where?

There shouldn't be any problem with weather on the Blue Ridge Parkway at that time of year.

vincenzo32951

Try to avoid being on the road the day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Traffic will be terrible on just about any major highway.

Philadelphia would be a good place to stay on Thanksgiving. There's a big parade that day. There are several (or more) restaurants in the city that offer a big, homestyle Thanksgiving dinner. You should provide your budget before taking a recommendation. For instance, the City Tavern does a big T'giving dinner in a colonial setting that's kind of touristy but fun. But it's expensive.

You could also look into a place like New Hope, near Washington Crossing State Park. Lots of B&Bs there, and possibly one of them does T'giving dinner or can recommend a place.

SusieQQ

Where is Alton and why are you spending two night there?

nytraveler

Agree have never heard of Alton. And I think giving Philly the same number of nights as NYC (unless you have been here before) is a really bad balance, since NYC has about 5 times as many things to see/do.

And if you want a parade it should be the classic Macy's parade in NY rather than a substitute in Philly.

Also, assuming you mean this year you are VERY late making hotel reservations for the holiday weekend. I would get onto it today.

vincenzo32951

Yes, I would scratch everything else off your list and spend the whole time in NYC. However, given that you've state a desire to have T'giving dinner in the Phila area, maybe you could eat there and then rush out of the city and head to NYC poste haste.

janisj

Here is what I posted on the OP's other thread:

>>>> Is there anywhere within a few hours drive from Philadelphia that you would recommend for Thanksgiving?>Unfortunately, november_moon is right. Thanksgiving is a holiday that really doesn't translate to 'small town Americana' unless one has friends or family to visit. Some cities have Thanksgiving parades or day after Thanksgiving 'Santa parades'.

But honestly the best/easiest place for 'strangers' to enjoy Thanksgiving are in cities where the hotels have special meals. So Philly may be your best option.

One possibility (and since I'm on the west coast I don't know for sure what options are on the east coast) -- but out here some of the ski resort towns or national parks like Yosemite are fun places to spend the holiday. So maybe up in New England -- I just don't know. Maybe someone else will have a suggestion. But w/o that -- I'd go to Philadelphia (and you'll have to pre-book your Thanksgiving dinner)

Gardyloo

Also not sure where Alton is (there's a very small place in NC by that name) but I would strongly suggest Charlottesville VA for a lovely, historic town convenient to the Blue Ridge. Visit the University of Virginia campus and Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's crowning architectural achievements, both close by. Should be lovely around then.

janisj

I'm getting really curious about this elusive 'Alton'. Where is it? There is an Alton NC which is basically a cross road - not really a 'place'. Same w/ Alton Virginia . . .

jamie99

Never heard of Alton either, but agree with Gardyloo about Charlottesville.

THISISFUN

Hi everyone, oops sorry I meant AFTON not Alton. Still might not be a major destination but apparently has a lovely B&B (Le Bleu Ridge Bed and Breakfast) & I noted it in my early planning stages.
Have heard the Thanksgiving advice - will book Philly now (will research City Tavern). Thank you for the help to date - our plan is now:
13 Nov drive from Orlando to Charleston (2n) stretching at Mt Dora & St Augustine Beach enroute (8hr drive approx)
15 Nov drive Charleston to Asheville (5.5hrs approx). Ideally stay in an interesting, scenic town (eg. Cherokee or Asheville?)
16 Nov drive Asheville to Charlottesville/ Afton (6hr approx) - stay 1n. Explore Monticello on 17/11 (maybe Carter Mountain Orchard on 16th)
17 Nov drive Charlottesville to Williamsburg (2.5hr) to explore Jamestown & Colonial Williamsburg (2n)
19 Nov Drive Williamsburg to Washington DC (via Shenandoah NP? I know it's a big detour but worth a look/ hike?)
19 Nov -23 Nov Washington DC (4n)
23 Nov - 27 Nov Philly (4n) incl. Thanksgiving Day (dropped Gettysburg coz of time or should prioritise squeezing in 1n & reduce Philli to 3n?)
27 Nov - 1 Dec NYC (4n)
My husband & I love NYC and have been about 3x. He wanted to stay longer, but I think the experience with 3 kids <10 might ruin the memories, so I'd prefer to keep it short & sweet. We also want to see cities we've never visited before eg WDC & Philly. Please let me know if there is anything that looks glaringly wrong, or if you could recommend Asheville Vs Cherokee? Also, if it's viable to drive via Shenandoah NP to get a feel for it before entering Washington DC. Any advice hugely appreciated. THANK YOU!

nytraveler

Well I found Afton in VA and there does appear to be a cute B&B with 5 rooms. And they do allow children (many inns do not allow kids less than 12 or so). But you would be taking 2 of their 5 rooms so I hope you already have reservations.

elberko

I think I would drop Gettysburg, especially because you are traveling in late November when trees will be bare. I think you will enjoy Phila., especially with young children.

Gretchen

Ideally stay in an interesting, scenic town (eg. Cherokee or Asheville?)

Cherokee and scenic town is an oxymoron.

jamie99

Yes, you would need two rooms in that B&B, their largest room has a king bed and charges $25 per night extra for a third person. My husband was from Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley, and honestly Afton is a very small town, I would pick a bigger place. I still think Charlottesville would work for you.

longhorn55

Going from Williamsburg to Washington, D.C. via Shenandoah National Park is WAY out of the way for you. I wouldn't recommend making such a detour in November because it's likely to be rather barren and/or gray at that time of year. (We were at Shenandoah mid-November last year.)

Instead, I would recommend driving I-64 to Rt. 30 or Rt. 33 toward West Point (where you cross the York River). Continue on Rt. 33 to Hwy 17N towards Fredericksburg. Then pick up I-95 to D.C. It is a pleasant and scenic drive along Hwy 17N and you will see some lovely houses that front the Rappahannock River. (I always choose a house or two that I'd like to own!) The traffic is much lighter on Rt. 30/33 and Hwy 17N than if you drive all the way on I-64 and I-95.

Amy

I'm so glad you're choosing to come to Philadelphia; you will be here for the nation's oldest (often imitated, etc.) Thanksgiving Day parade, plus there are a lot of Christmas things that I'm sure your children will enjoy.

The visitphilly.com website should be helpful to you, especially this page: http://www.visitphilly.com/articles/...-philadelphia/

THISISFUN

Hi, thanks everyone for the replies. elberko - thx for the confirmation, will drop Gettysburg. Longhorn55 - I will also drop Shenandoah NP. I would love to see it but sounds like the wrong time of year, especially for such a detour. I was v keen to see Fredericksburg and that drive sounds like what we're looking for - thx If Cherokee isn't scenic, we will stick with Asheville - unless there is another option nearby that allows easy access to good walks, relaxing, admiring scenery and quality food? NYTraveler & Jamie99 - now I've had time to look at Charlottesville, I think this will suit us beautifully! One other question. I can fit in 2 nights at either Asheville, Charlottesville or Williamsburg (or have 2 nights in Charleston & 1 in Savannah). In terms of keeping the trip relaxed and not overly hectic, and seeing the interesting landmarks, history etc; where would you spend the extra night? Also, we are pre-booking all major cities, but do we have to book now for smaller towns such as Charleston, Charlottesville etc or could we book within days of arriving? Amy - I can't wait for Philly! I think this is going to be our type of city. I love the sound of all the Thanksgiving/ festive activities (ice rinks, german xmas village, light shows, parade etc) and think it will be a nice size not to get overwhelmed by crowds. Would you recommend the Embassy Suites or Marriott in Philli (especially with the vague hope/ bonus of seeing some of the parade from the hotel?). Lastly, my husband and I are all really into good food and the kids are very used to all sorts of dining - is there a restaurant you would especially recommend for a great Thanksgiving meal? I looked at City Tavern but think that might be bit too touristy/ not as good food quality as we're after? Thank you all & we can't wait to get on the plane in 9 days!!

Amy

Philadelphia is indeed very manageable and it's very walkable. That said, Embassy Suites would be your best choice of the two for seeing the parade--right along the route-- but the Marriott Downtown is more centrally located for much of what you might want to see (although there is also a lot along the Parkway that you might want to be visit, as well.) SEPTA (the public transportation system) is going to be helpful, too, and their trains are a bit easier to access from the Marriott. I haven't stayed in either one, of course, but anyway those are the differences that I see.

As far as Thanksgiving dinner...to be honest, the traditional dinner is really not great food. Most restaurants will add some frills, but turkey is turkey, so to speak. (Have you checked out City Tavern's menu for T'day? http://www.citytavern.com/thanksgiving_menu.html ) Lacroix at the Rittenhouse is more upscale and does a Thanksgiving brunch. http://www.lacroixrestaurant.com/eve...ategoryimagno= Again, of course, there's the caveat that I haven't been to a restaurant for thanksgiving dinner! Lacroix would be closer to you if you stayed at Embassy Suites--about half a mile walk.

If you want to see a few bits of Philadelphia, my blog about the city is here: missalg.tumblr.com (I don't get anything for clicks on that, and it needs to be updated, plus there's some bad poetry interspersed, but it might give you some ideas, anyway!)

Orlando_Vic

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