acsproul

My husband and I are both lovers of travel, however, I have been very ill for the past couple of years and we have not been able to travel as we like. That being said, we are interested in using part of our tax refund for a 2-3 day getaway somewhere within driving distance. We are from NJ and are looking to go somewhere on the east coast between Maine and Virginia. It does not necessarily have to be right on the coast but definitely within driving distance of no more than about 6 hours.

We have already been to these east coast locations: Boston, Philadelphia (we live only 20 mins. away), Mystic and Williamsburg. We live in NJ and would like to go out of the state and to somewhere we have not been.
It does not have to be a big city with huge attractions.

I guess what we are looking for is more like a relaxing getaway in a laid back area. I am still not able to keep up in a hectic environment so NY City, for instance is something not possible.

I have looked in to maybe Cooperstown, NY, Baltimore, MD, or Pittsburg, PA but I would love some suggestions on these or other locations. I wish you could do an internet search on a travel site for "travel, east coast," rather than having to put in a state. It's more about the atmosphere and the affordability than any specific location.

Thank you so much in advance for any suggestions you give.

Here's basically our wish list:

-reasonably inexpensive (not necessarily CHEAP) accommodations (hotel or B&B, not motel.) Looking to spend no more than about $300 for accommodations alone (2 or 3 nights). I've seen places that are about $150/night with 3rd night free for instance.
-Preferably within 6 hours driving distance from NJ in any direction.
-2 to 3 days' stay. does not have to include a weekend.
-relaxing but still interesting atmosphere. Cities are fine but more of a Boston pace then a NY pace.
-Preferably a lot of free or low cost attractions. (no $70 amusement parks). We love history, so touring old towns or museums, etc.
-I am a photography buff so I prefer some place with lots of visual interest.
-Weather is not a factor. We actually wouldn't mind seeing some snow. We've seen none here this year and we kind of miss it. No limitations there, even if we are snowed into a B&B for the 2-3 days)

starrs

How about Nemacolin Resort in PA?
I checked their rates for 3 nights in March and the Lodge King room B&B special came in under your budget.

It's a FABULOUS resort - and I would like to add on a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater nearby.

http://www.nemacolin.com/ABOUT

starrs

More info -
http://www.nemacolin.com/nem_cms.asp?SectionID=63

starrs

http://www.paconserve.org/index-fw1.asp

Fallingwater is closed until March.

nyer

How about Saratoga Springs? Small walkable downtown with many good restaurants and some cute stores. Hectic in summer, quiet now.
About 3 hour drive from NYC, so maybe 4+ hours from you.
No major sites right in town (horse racing and performing arts are during the summer)but a great small art museum and historic building, The Hyde Collection is not too far away (20-30 minutes)in Glens Falls.
Albany NY is pretty close and has some other museums, Lake George is up the road a bit.

B&Bs and several hotels very close to the main part of town, including a surprisingly nice Holiday Inn (seems more like Marriott quality to me)

starrs

Photography stops - if you haven't been to Gettysburg, you can loop by there on the way.

If you haven't spent time in the Amish area around Bird-in-Hand, that would be a picturesque place to visit.

You could loop by one on the way west and then the other on the way back home.

Closer to "home" you may consider New Hope, PA, although I don't have specific lodging recommendations.

I really think you would enjoy Nemacolin.

Kerry392

What about Annapolis, Maryland? It is a pretty little town right on the water. The Naval Academy is there along with the Capital building. In addition, there are a lot of great shops and restaurants. I think it would be a great spot to take pictures!

crest332

I second the vote for Annapolis. It is a charming, historic city. My mom lives there and I miss my frequent visits (I moved south).

The Inner Harbor area of Baltimore is nice. Pretty commercialized but still a wonderful example of a city revitalized. The aquarium is fun. Nearby is Fells Point which is also a fun area.

New Hope is also a good option if you haven't been.

Kerry392

You could probably combine Baltimore with Annapolis!

acsproul

Thank you for all the wonderful suggestions so far. I will definitely look into all of them. Starrs, I especially appreciate all the links and suggestions. You obviously went above and beyond trying to help. Thanks.

I'm gonna look into all your ideas but keep the suggestions coming! Thanks.