newlywed

Hi all -

We're planning a car trip this summer (possibly as early as June).

We're a thirtysomething couple. We are comfy cities and like the outdoors. We'd like to get in some hiking and see natural wonders. Also interested in Native American culture. The beach/ocean is also a plus. We needn't have ALL of these things, but these are our interests.

Spa/golf/shopping do NOT appeal to us.

We were thinking Savannah, GA and surrounds. Suggestions?

Is there anything West of here worthwhile? We adore coastal Maine, but fear it'll be too cold in June for us.

Any suggestions? Thanks to all for your insights on this board!

Gekko

A "car trip" to Savannah?? That's a LONG drive in a lot of hideous traffic.

Perhaps you can fly and rent a car?

newlywed

We realize it will be 13 hours(ish). Is that traffic really that bad? We can leave during off-peak hours.

Flying isn't an option for us right now : (

Perhaps it isn't worth it and we should look at another destination?

gb944

"Is there anything West of here worthwhile?"

Yep, quite a bit of what is worthwhile is West of here.

Maine in June is as nice as NYC in April.

Gekko

You'll be on I-95/turnpike and the traffic is generally awful year-round, but even worse in the summer.

If you must drive, I'd suggest a different destination.

newlywed

Hi all -

Thanks for feedback. It's making me re-think our plans to go South.

So we're thinking either West or North (Maine).

What is up to about 13 hours west of NYC that might be interesting? I realize there's a ton WEST....but we won't be going THAT far by car with gas prices as they are and not being able to fly.

justme22

the coast of maine, including acadia national park

Lake placid NY

green mountains of vermont (stay at one of the ski resorts - off season rates plus amenities like pools and hot tubs...

white mountains of new hampshire - north conway, franconia notch

Maine- moosehead lake region

west virginia - shenandoah national park

tennessee - north carolina great smokey mountains national park

newlywed

Thanks, justme. It seems like all roads are leading to Acadia National Park. I was just concerned about blackflies and chilly temps in June. But I posted to that board and I am willing to "risk it" and go. There's something about coastal Maine that draws me back!

I do like New England. I have family in NH. Perhaps we'll take a closer look at VT and NH?

I'll also look into your other suggestions. : )

persimmondeb

No, the traffic isn't THAT bad. You dertainly can drive from NY to Savannah. When we were younger, and made the trip to Charleston from North Jersey with some regularity, we would leave around ten p.m. and drive through the night, thereby missing most of the woes of DC traffic. Age and a child have cured of us that, and also living near Philadelphia. These days we bail out of here around 4:30 or 5:00 in the morning, and are usually past Washington, and opposite to the flow by the worst of rush hour, and Richmond traffic, while not non-existent, is not in the same league. Unfortunately 95 is boring, and can be a little creepy, but Savannah is well worth it.
An alternate would be to take NJ tpke to Penn tpke and catch 81 South at Carlisle. That will take you down into the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are stunning (it's a gorgeous drive), and situate you nicely for Asheville, Southwestern Virginia, Eastern Tennessee, etc. Lots of good destination choices. This is not really an alternate route for most of the coastal south, though, as it swings you very far west.

china_cat

June in Maine isn't really chilly. I mean, it may not be lie in the sun in a bathing suit weather, but its marvelous for hiking.
also, are you thinking of staying in one place the whole time, or moving around? and how long? because you could make a nice trip out of going to the Brandywine valley in PA to visit the houses and gardens, and then going to the beach somewhere, like maybe Virginia.

or combine Shenendoah with Washington DC.

newlywed

Thanks for all input. We're thinking of 6-7 days and we'd stay in one place.

I am at a quandary (A very good quandary ; ) ) about where to go.

But I think it's going to be Maine.

Gekko

Montreal/Quebec