Family reunion in New Jersey in July ... and then what?
Mar 20th, 2003, 02:15 PM
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Family reunion in New Jersey in July ... and then what?
My crazy family has planned a reunion in New Jersey in July .... and no, it will not be at the shore. I've visited before in the summer and am not looking forward to it again, but we will have to make the best of it and try to keep cool.
My question for you fodorite friends, what should my little family do after the reunion in order to make the most of our trip to the East (we're coming from California)? Another time of year we would enjoy spending a few days in Philadelphia, New York or Washington, D.C., but in July? What do you think?
Another idea we're kicking around is to fly one way and drive back but we'd only have seven days to make the drive across country and that seems like we'd be rushing it. Opinions?
Lastly, I'm also considering flying down to the Caribbean for the week after the reunion since it's really too far away to go to from California. Or would we be better off exploring the East coast? Suggestions of destinations would be greatly appreciated!
My question for you fodorite friends, what should my little family do after the reunion in order to make the most of our trip to the East (we're coming from California)? Another time of year we would enjoy spending a few days in Philadelphia, New York or Washington, D.C., but in July? What do you think?
Another idea we're kicking around is to fly one way and drive back but we'd only have seven days to make the drive across country and that seems like we'd be rushing it. Opinions?
Lastly, I'm also considering flying down to the Caribbean for the week after the reunion since it's really too far away to go to from California. Or would we be better off exploring the East coast? Suggestions of destinations would be greatly appreciated!
Mar 20th, 2003, 02:21 PM
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Where in NJ?
If I were visiting in NJ, as soon as it is over, I would drive either out to Long Island and enjoy the Hamptons or Montauk or go north and see the area around Rhinebeck or the Berkshires..actually, we do that anyway
OR you can drive/fly to Maine, cool, beautiful,casual.
Bermuda is 2 hours from NYC/Newark if an island is more appealing.
Whatever you do, sounds like fun
If I were visiting in NJ, as soon as it is over, I would drive either out to Long Island and enjoy the Hamptons or Montauk or go north and see the area around Rhinebeck or the Berkshires..actually, we do that anyway
OR you can drive/fly to Maine, cool, beautiful,casual.
Bermuda is 2 hours from NYC/Newark if an island is more appealing.
Whatever you do, sounds like fun
Mar 20th, 2003, 04:18 PM
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The big question is where in NJ.
Sure it's somewhat hot and humid in NYC in the summer, but it gives u the advantage of fewer crowds and lines. Can always stop into a local bar for a cold drink or a Starbucks for a frozen coffee in order to cool off and relax for a bit.
Sure it's somewhat hot and humid in NYC in the summer, but it gives u the advantage of fewer crowds and lines. Can always stop into a local bar for a cold drink or a Starbucks for a frozen coffee in order to cool off and relax for a bit.
Mar 20th, 2003, 04:20 PM
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It will be in NJ near Philadelphia. I've been doing more looking around and spending a few days in Philly and then a few days in NYC is kinda appealing to me, even though it will be hot. Is it unbearable?
Mar 20th, 2003, 04:38 PM
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We've had some July's where it rarely breaks 90 and some that have been Africa hot. Most are somewhere in between.
Either way, I think your other options are better than staying in NJ the week after. Seven days sounds like enough to see the country. I've know some people who did it in 2 and a half days.
My recommendation would be to push quickly to some interesting midway city like Chicago or Nashville and then slow it down a bit. The northern route through Chicago would probably be best since the heat will be more tolerable in Colorado than in Arizona.
Either way, I think your other options are better than staying in NJ the week after. Seven days sounds like enough to see the country. I've know some people who did it in 2 and a half days.
My recommendation would be to push quickly to some interesting midway city like Chicago or Nashville and then slow it down a bit. The northern route through Chicago would probably be best since the heat will be more tolerable in Colorado than in Arizona.
Mar 20th, 2003, 04:54 PM
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I was in Philadelphia in August one year, and that was pretty unbearable, but hopefully July will be a little better.
It is a lovely city.
I am here in NYC every July and while it is hot, it is still pretty great!
It is a lovely city.
I am here in NYC every July
and while it is hot, it is still pretty great!
Mar 20th, 2003, 07:47 PM
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Spike..if you haven't been to Maine it is worth the trip. You can travel from Portland to Bar Harbor in three hours or so. There are countless great places to stay along the way. The Acadia National Park affords some amazing sights..think the coast of Washington and then some. I have also considered Nova Scotia with a drive through the small towns in the summer. Once you eat Maine lobster though you'll never go back. We spent a sultry week in early September along the eastern shore of Maryland a couple of years ago. You can get the coolness of the shore breezes with a little history thrown in. It's pretty quiet. We took a day trip to Rehobeth Beach and it was everything the Jersey shore once meant to me..(a boardwalk,fries with vinegar,sausage with peppers,kids everywhere and lots of people watching). You could also go to Cape May or over to Lewes,Deleware from Cape May on the ferry. The crabs in Maryland were great and nothing like the Dungeness of California. I also have spent a great deal of time in the Rhinebeck/Hudson Valley area and have spent "family reuinion" time in the summer there as well. Touring the mansions (Roosevelts and others) was great fun. Bottom line, I vote for Maine and/or Nova Scotia.
Mar 21st, 2003, 12:25 AM
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You didn't say whether you want outdoor activities or city activities. If the latter, there are many places to consider all within a 2 hour drive or less from Philadelphia: the Delaware Water Gap area and Lake Wallenpaupak for canoeing, camping, hiking, the Brandywine area in Delaware for scenery and Winthertur, the numerous state parks in Pennsylvania. Bucks County Pennsylvania would be interesting. The Pine Barrens in southern New Jersey have great canoeing and camping. The Gettysburg area and surrounding Amish country in central Pennsylvania is beautiful in July and you can fish, canoe and hike in the area, and either camp or stay in motels/hotels. I think the St Michaels area of Maryland just over from the Delaware border is wonderful and much less developed than the beach towns in Delaware. Of course, this is marsh area so you won't get beaches like the coast, but there are inland rivers and waterways for canoeing, fishing etc.
If you want city activities, I think NYC in July would be fine. If your kids have never been there, they would probably love it. There are so many museums and other indoor activities for kids that you would not have to spend all day in the streets if it happens to be hot. Don’t' forget the air conditioned theatres of Broadway…You can also take a circle line ferry and go to the Statue of Liberty to get sea breezes. July can be hot or really pleasant in July, depends on your luck. DC is another good choice, it will probably be hotter than NYC; although the really hot weather does not typically come until August if my memory serves me correctly.
Driving back to the west coast with such a short period of time would not be worth it in my opinion. However, you could fly to Denver or Phoenix and go to Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons or the Grand Canyon and then continue west. They will of course be very crowded in July.
I would not go to the Caribbean in July as it is simply too hot. Bermuda might be a nice choice as it is does not get as hot there. Lots of stuff to do with the family and the beaches are really beautiful.
Maine and Cape Cod are great in July, but it involves a lot of driving to get there (and to get around Maine generally) which may not be what you want. If you don't mind a drive, there are some interesting towns along the Connecticut coast like Mystic; or you could go to Providence Rhode Island to see the mansions. The Rhinebeck area in New York mentioned above is also beautiful in July.
If you want city activities, I think NYC in July would be fine. If your kids have never been there, they would probably love it. There are so many museums and other indoor activities for kids that you would not have to spend all day in the streets if it happens to be hot. Don’t' forget the air conditioned theatres of Broadway…You can also take a circle line ferry and go to the Statue of Liberty to get sea breezes. July can be hot or really pleasant in July, depends on your luck. DC is another good choice, it will probably be hotter than NYC; although the really hot weather does not typically come until August if my memory serves me correctly.
Driving back to the west coast with such a short period of time would not be worth it in my opinion. However, you could fly to Denver or Phoenix and go to Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons or the Grand Canyon and then continue west. They will of course be very crowded in July.
I would not go to the Caribbean in July as it is simply too hot. Bermuda might be a nice choice as it is does not get as hot there. Lots of stuff to do with the family and the beaches are really beautiful.
Maine and Cape Cod are great in July, but it involves a lot of driving to get there (and to get around Maine generally) which may not be what you want. If you don't mind a drive, there are some interesting towns along the Connecticut coast like Mystic; or you could go to Providence Rhode Island to see the mansions. The Rhinebeck area in New York mentioned above is also beautiful in July.
Mar 21st, 2003, 05:49 AM
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Bermuda would be a great choice. There are crusie that depart from Philadelphia. You could also take the ferry from Cape May to the Delaware/Maryland beaches. It would be hot, but if you like history, williamsburg isnt that far away (@ 5 hours). You could split time between Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Busch Gardens (amusement park). Boston and Maine might be a good trip too. A couple of days in Boston to catch the highlights, then relaxing in Maine.
As far as driving coast to coast in seven days, I wouldnt recommend it. Maybe fly partway back and drive, but 7 days just doesn't do this country justice. You'll regret how much you wont be able to stop and see.
Have fun planning.
As far as driving coast to coast in seven days, I wouldnt recommend it. Maybe fly partway back and drive, but 7 days just doesn't do this country justice. You'll regret how much you wont be able to stop and see.
Have fun planning.
Mar 21st, 2003, 06:27 AM
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July is the hottest month in the Northeast. If you are there and a heat wave is in progress, there is no escape--last year while we were driving from Bar Harbor, ME to New Brunswick Canada it was 90 degrees and humid.
A couple of years ago we visited friends near Philadelphia in July and then had an additional week to travel around on a very relaxed itinerary. We spent 2 nights in the Victorian shore town of Cape May, NJ and then continued on to the Brandywine Valley in Delaware visiting the Nemours Mansion, Longwood Gardens and Winterthur (2 nights) and finally Philadelphia (3 nights). Yes it was hot at times but many places are air conditioned so there were plenty of opportunities to cool off.
I don't think I would enjoy NYC in the heat of July. The Caribbean is an option--most Islands are cooled by the sea breezes and may be comfortable than the northeast US at that time of year. Keep in mind that you will use up two days of your vacation to get there and to fly home to California.
A couple of years ago we visited friends near Philadelphia in July and then had an additional week to travel around on a very relaxed itinerary. We spent 2 nights in the Victorian shore town of Cape May, NJ and then continued on to the Brandywine Valley in Delaware visiting the Nemours Mansion, Longwood Gardens and Winterthur (2 nights) and finally Philadelphia (3 nights). Yes it was hot at times but many places are air conditioned so there were plenty of opportunities to cool off.
I don't think I would enjoy NYC in the heat of July. The Caribbean is an option--most Islands are cooled by the sea breezes and may be comfortable than the northeast US at that time of year. Keep in mind that you will use up two days of your vacation to get there and to fly home to California.
Mar 21st, 2003, 06:59 AM
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Not all summers in NJ are terribly hot and humid, sorry you have had negative experiences with our weather. I would suggest driving up to Cape Cod with a stop for a couple days in Newport RI. IMHO a drive accross country in seven days would not be very pleasant.
Mar 21st, 2003, 09:12 AM
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Wow, what a lot of great ideas! I can't say I'm any closer to a decision now, but I'm appreciating all of your opinions.
Thanks for the feedback about driving across country in seven days. I think that option is out.
Regarding the suggestions to visit some of the natural landmarks more inland, I have to ask again about the weather. Here on the other coast it is much cooler closer to the ocean. Is that also the case on the east? I know it sounds like I'm making a big deal out of the weather and to those who live there maybe it's not an issue, but we're just not accustomed to humidity. I really don't want to spend a vacation listening to my kids whining about the heat. The cities appeal to me because I've loved visiting all of them at different times in my life but haven't taken my kids to NYC, Philly or DC yet. And, the advantage of the air conditioned buildings sounds like it could be a lifesaver.
Bermuda appeals to me just because if we don't venture there while visiting the east coast we probably will never go, Hawaii being so much closer to us. On the other hand, we're going to Hawaii next month so maybe we don't need another tropical vacation this year. Hmmm.
Lastly, the idea of traveling to Maine or Cape Cod is appealling. Sounds like it would be cooler and kid-friendly. Would a train ride to get there from Philly be feasible?
So, we've nixed the cross country drive and the islands, still considering the cities, natural sights and going north. I'd love more advice.
Thanks for the feedback about driving across country in seven days. I think that option is out.
Regarding the suggestions to visit some of the natural landmarks more inland, I have to ask again about the weather. Here on the other coast it is much cooler closer to the ocean. Is that also the case on the east? I know it sounds like I'm making a big deal out of the weather and to those who live there maybe it's not an issue, but we're just not accustomed to humidity. I really don't want to spend a vacation listening to my kids whining about the heat. The cities appeal to me because I've loved visiting all of them at different times in my life but haven't taken my kids to NYC, Philly or DC yet. And, the advantage of the air conditioned buildings sounds like it could be a lifesaver.
Bermuda appeals to me just because if we don't venture there while visiting the east coast we probably will never go, Hawaii being so much closer to us. On the other hand, we're going to Hawaii next month so maybe we don't need another tropical vacation this year. Hmmm.
Lastly, the idea of traveling to Maine or Cape Cod is appealling. Sounds like it would be cooler and kid-friendly. Would a train ride to get there from Philly be feasible?
So, we've nixed the cross country drive and the islands, still considering the cities, natural sights and going north. I'd love more advice.
Mar 21st, 2003, 10:03 AM
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Spike,
Philly is a great city. I assume that you will be in South Jersey. You can take either the PATCO train or New Jersey Transit into Philadelphia, depending on where you are in South Jersey. Check out www.gophila.com for more information on the greater Philadelphia area.
http://www.drpa.org/patco/
http://www.njtransit.com/index.jsp
Philly is a great city. I assume that you will be in South Jersey. You can take either the PATCO train or New Jersey Transit into Philadelphia, depending on where you are in South Jersey. Check out www.gophila.com for more information on the greater Philadelphia area.
http://www.drpa.org/patco/
http://www.njtransit.com/index.jsp
Mar 21st, 2003, 10:16 AM
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Thanks DavidDJ. We're actually going to stay in Philly because one day of the reunion will be at the New Jersey Aquarium. It looks like we can take the ferry there from the city? Staying in Philly for three nights is a definite part of the plan. But where? Something near Rittenhouse Square? A hotel with big enough rooms to accomodate all four of us? I'd love more suggestions.
Mar 21st, 2003, 10:38 AM
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Spike,
Yes, there is a ferry from the Seaport Museum in Philadelphia to NJ State Aquarium on the Camden waterfront.
http://www.riverlinkferry.org/
Rittenhouse Square is one of the more upscale parts of town. The Sheraton Rittenhouse Square, Hotel Sofitel, Latham, and the Westin are in this area. For more reasonablely priced accomodations the Crowne Plaza at 18th and Market is also worth looking into. A couple of years ago I got a room there for $50 per night on Priceline. If you want to be closer to Old City and Penns Landing I would suggest the Onmi or the Hyatt Regency at Penns Landing. The Hyatt very close to the ferry that goes to Camden.
Yes, there is a ferry from the Seaport Museum in Philadelphia to NJ State Aquarium on the Camden waterfront.
http://www.riverlinkferry.org/
Rittenhouse Square is one of the more upscale parts of town. The Sheraton Rittenhouse Square, Hotel Sofitel, Latham, and the Westin are in this area. For more reasonablely priced accomodations the Crowne Plaza at 18th and Market is also worth looking into. A couple of years ago I got a room there for $50 per night on Priceline. If you want to be closer to Old City and Penns Landing I would suggest the Onmi or the Hyatt Regency at Penns Landing. The Hyatt very close to the ferry that goes to Camden.
Mar 21st, 2003, 11:46 AM
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I vote with the Maine suggestions - really loved Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. I would rent a car and drive up. Maybe stop in Boston for a day on the way up. Cape Cod is also nice but will be crowded.
Mar 21st, 2003, 12:35 PM
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Hey Spike,
You also may want to consider a suite hotel. The Embassy Suites at 18th and the Ben Franklin Parkway is within walking distance to Rittenhouse Square, City Hall, and the Art Museum.
http://www.embassysuites.com/en/es/h...tyhocn=PHLDTES
You also may want to consider a suite hotel. The Embassy Suites at 18th and the Ben Franklin Parkway is within walking distance to Rittenhouse Square, City Hall, and the Art Museum.
http://www.embassysuites.com/en/es/h...tyhocn=PHLDTES
Mar 21st, 2003, 12:40 PM
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I would skip Cape Cod, Maine or any other long drive. Traffic is bad in the summer and those places are a LONG way from Philly. You are probably looking at 7 - 8 hours to Cape Cod and 11 - 12 hours to Bar Harbor, Maine.
Regarding coastal temperatures--it's cooler but not like on the west coast. Unlike the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean is warm in the Summer so you don't get the cooling effect.
If you are going to Hawaii, skip Bermuda--it's boring in comparison.
The itinerary I listed above will not appeal to kids except for Philly which I see you already intend to do. I would still consider Cape May--Wildwood is nearby with attractions for kids. It is as good as Cape Cod without the drive. NYC will be hot but maybe in your situation makes sense.
Regarding coastal temperatures--it's cooler but not like on the west coast. Unlike the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean is warm in the Summer so you don't get the cooling effect.
If you are going to Hawaii, skip Bermuda--it's boring in comparison.
The itinerary I listed above will not appeal to kids except for Philly which I see you already intend to do. I would still consider Cape May--Wildwood is nearby with attractions for kids. It is as good as Cape Cod without the drive. NYC will be hot but maybe in your situation makes sense.
Mar 21st, 2003, 01:01 PM
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How about a short Carnival Cruise out of Manhattan? 2 night cruise to nowhere on 7/14 or 4 night cruise to Halifax on 7/3, 7/17, or 7/31. I can vouch for the Halifax cruise, the weather is comfortable and the megaship offers lots of activities for the kids and adults alike.
Mar 21st, 2003, 02:05 PM
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Spike-How about flying to Portland,Maine and out to Ca from there? I know American flies to Portland and their triangle fares can be pretty reasonable. I preferred Maine(coast) to Cape Cod. However, you could also do the cape and fly out of Boston back to CA. I think it was about 2 hours max from Boston out to Wellfleet. There is a great deal to see and do along the coast of Maine and the Park offers a multitude of outdoor activities. I don't know how old your kids are but there are also Windjammer cruises off the coast of Maine. You can also take the ferry to Nova Scotia from Portland for an overnite. In Maine there is also Boothbay Harbor and you can take the ferry to Monhegan for the day or overnite from there.
