asdaven

Hi-
I live in the DC area of Maryland and am looking for a destination for next summer. We are a family traveling with a dog (so we ll be driving) and we love the outdoors and small towns. We also love history as well. I am looking for somewhere no farther than like 500-550 miles from the DC area, so somewhere on the east coast or eastern mid-west. Florida would be too far for this trip even though I want to spend some time there sometimes. Of course we can go father if we spend the night. We also usually only have a week to ten days. Ive already seen a good part of Maine including Bar Harbor, Acadia NP, Baxter SP, Moosehead Lake, and other places. I have driven through the White Mountains of New Hampshire and driven the Kamacamgas Highway, but never stayed there. Same with Vermont, I drove through there on the way home from Maine and went through Woodstock and Rutland. But, didin't get as far north as Burlington or Stowe. I have seen a good part of Upstate New York including Niagara Falls, the Finger Lakes, and the Adirondacks. But, have not yet been to the Catskills. I have driven the Massachuetts east to west through the Berkshires, but have never been to Boston or Cape Cod. Same with Rhode Island and Connecticut and I haven't been to Newport, RI yet. I have been to New York City, but not Long Island. I have been many places in Pennsylvania including Philadelphia, Gettysburg, and others, but have not been to Pittsburgh yet. I haven't been to the Pocanos either. I have also not yet been to the states of Ohio and Kentucky. I live in Maryland, so ive been everywhere here. Been to many places in West Virginia including Seneca Rocks, Fayetteville (New River Gorge), and Beckley. Have not been to Cass or Snowshoe Mountain. In Virginia, seen Shenandoah NP, Williamsburg, Charlottesville (Monticello), and other places. In North Carolina, ive seen the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mts NP, Asheville, Blowing Rock, and the Outer Banks. I have also been to Gatlinburg,TN. And I have not yet been to Charleston, SC, Savannah,GA, or Atlanta, GA. So, places im considering are:
1. White Mountains, New Hampshire and/or Northern Vermont

2. Cape Cod, Boston, and Newport, RI.

3. Catskills and Pocanos along with the Delaware Water Gap NP

4. Ohio....Cuyahoga Valley NP? and/or the Hocking Hills?

5. Kentucky including Mammoth Cave NP, Cumberland Falls, Cumberland Gap, Red River Gorge,etc etc

6. Charleston,SC and Savannah, GA

Of these, I am tending to lean towards a beach destination, since we have been going to the mountains for the last couple years. But, im open to anything. Charleston,SC might be best for a wintertime trip and/or combined with a trip to Florida. However, Cape Cod is the only place in New England I haven't been to yet and might be a good place to go. I like the looks of the National Seashore. We also love seafood, but just worried about crowds at the beach. And I haven't been to Boston either yet. I have gone through the White Mountains several times and did see part of Vermont, but it was beautiful. I have also driven through the Catskills and Pocanos on the interstates but haven't spent time there. The Delaware Water Gap looks particularly interesting but kinda too close for a week long vacation, might be better for a weekend trip. Might could even drive through there on a trip to New England. I haven't been to Ohio yet and its pretty close to Maryland, but dosen't seem like theres a lot in the way of scenery like the Atlantic Coast or Appalachian Mountains. I have never been to Kentucky either and is kind of far, but it does have the famous Mammoth Cave and Cumberland Falls. Any other places to recommend? We would also like to find a quaint town with a good restaurant selection.
Thanks-

SueNYC

So do you want to let a random group of strangers make this decision for you? You seem to know what you do and don't like and where you have and haven't been. Enjoy your planning and research.

dfrostnh

There are numerous cottage in the Lake Winnipesaukee area or condo rentals at the ski areas. You'll have to check about pets. Lake W is not that far from the White Mountains so there are additional things for the family to do such as mentioned above. There's several summer theaters on the north side of the lake (i.e. Meredith and Tamworth). Depending on ages of your children and your dog, kayaking on a river is also a possibility (we have friends who take their dog kayaking). If the kids are old enough there is ziplining and mountain biking spots. River tubing.

I would not choose Boston for a summer vacation. Check out different festivals and events. It really depends on how active you want to be. We prefer quiet vacations, sitting around, jumping in the lake, etc.

Vermont is also wonderful.

cw

Cape Cod is a great summer destination and while the traffic can be bad getting there, the National Seashore beaches are extensive. Though those beaches may be crowded right around the parking lot entrance, walking five minutes usually insures that you have a bit swath of sand to yourself. You can also visit the Cape during the week, and Boston on the weekend when both are less crowded.

There are enough seasonal restaurants on all levels from casual picnic tables to fine dining.

I also think Boston is great in the summer. It's much less congested than during the school year and you can get into any restaurant and museum you want. It's a beautiful time to take advantage of outdoor concerts and events on the Boston Common, Esplanade, and waterfront. A trip out to the Harbor Islands gives you a new perspective on the city and the harbor.

I like Newport too and it's certainly worth a couple of days.

asdaven

Looks like I'm going to Cape Cod or the White Mountains/Vermont. Since I have been through the whites and Vermont and haven't been even near Cape Cod at all , I'm leaning more towards Cape Cod. Plus the lure of seafood there sounds very appealing. Also, going to beach for a change might be nice but I still like the mountains. Either way I'm looking for a town to stay in that is like a resort town with lots of shops and restaurants but still that is quaint and not just like a strip or not like a city. If I went to Boston, I would prolly stay at one of the towns outside. Wellfleet sounds like a nice town and is by the National seashore. In the White Mountains, I've been through North conway, conway, and Lincoln. None looked very appealing, I remember North Conway being pretty busy and more like a strip. Lincoln seemed somewhat nice but have been through several times on trips to Maine , so it wouldnt be new.

carolyn

I live in Kentucky, and the state has a lot of variety to offer, but you might like it better in the spring or fall than in the hottest part of summer.

The same goes for Charleston and Savannah. Charleston is my favorite small city in the U.S., but it gets really hot in summer.

asdaven

How bout this, take a ten day trip and goto both Cape Cod and the White Mountains? I can't see spending a full week at one place and I kind of want to see both. This would give me two days to come up and two to drive home. That leaves 8 days between the two places. A couple ppl in my family have arthritis, so they can only do real short hikes that are not a lot of climbing, but can hike some. I've driven the Kamacagas Highway several times. In the White Mountains, mainly I just want to goto the top of mount Washington and see the sites around Franconia notch like the flume,etc, and other various things. Cape cod, of course would be the beaches, light houses, towns, and nature hikes in the National Seashore. I like the Beach and i like spending time there, but I'm not the type of person to spend a week sitting on a beach.
Thanks

bardo1

Toronto and Montreal are two, one week, family, driving, summer vacations we have done from DC (though without dogs). Both the kids and I LOVED both.

Toronto is just under 500 miles and Montreal is just over 500 miles. We rented houses (VRBO). Both offer great cities with plenty to do for kids and adults as well as nearby natural settings and cool day trips.