I would like to get our family together in June or July for a less than 1 week vacation. We are the grandparents (young - 50&60), have 2 kids with young children - ages 1-7, and two young adults with boyfriend & girlfriend. And it is possible that other family members (no children) would join us as well. We have vacationed together in the past at Southern & Florida beach spots but for this trip would like to go somewhere that is an easy drive from NYC area where 1 family lives.

My ideas of "family resorts" in the NE are mostly from the movies (yes, we're talking Dirty Dancing...) and so I'm not sure where to start. In the past we have stayed in homes with lots of bedrooms or rented multiple condos together - I don't mind making breakfast & lunch but would like good restaurant options for dinner. We are active - one person is an avid cyclist, others are big runners, like being outdoors, but no camping and maybe not real hiking - unless it is something easy for the young kids to do. And I'd really like to stay away from a place that is TOO "kiddie friendly" as I'd like for the young adults to not feel like they are babysitting all day. Interested in history, wine, beer. We'd look at both coastal & mountains/country.

Can you help guide me as to where to start looking? My initial searches are turning up either incredibly expensive full-service resorts or places that look like the top attractions are outlet malls - I must be doing something wrong!

How about Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket - all are easy drives from NYC.

There are lots of family resorts 9in many price ranges) in the Catskills.

Consider Lake George, NY or the Finger Lakes area.

Also, check out the Hershey Park area or the Amish County in Pennsylvania.

What about the Jersey shore (Tom's River, Wildwood, Cape May, etc.)?

Another thought is the Hampton's on Long Island?

In summer most places in the Hamptons want to rent by the week - or else are upscale inns. there are some beachfront condos in Amagansett - but I think the largest is 2 bedrooms so you would have to rent several units. they have small kitchens and you can definitely do breakfast and snacks - but you will all need cars to get around. Lots to do for all ages on both south and north fors - but not bargain in the summer.

Thank you - this is what I need to get started. I do have some questions and am interested also in specific town/accommodation recommendations if anyone has any.

Jersey Shore & Hamptons - are they similar? Sorry to be so dense, REALLY don't know much about this except from pop culture. Daughter who just moved to NY area said that she thought Jersey Shore "not very nice" - not sure if that meant the beaches themselves or what is put on MTV. I was on Long Island only for a wine tasting so didn't get a feel for towns/areas there. No problem with us driving - again, suggestions of towns/areas to look at?

Cape Cod, MV, Nantucket - always wanted to go to Nantucket but am scared off by the transportation issue - or am I missing something here? With multiple people coming from different areas and small children, do you think Cape Cod would be easier logistically? And what areas of Cape Cod would make the most sense?

Finger Lakes & Lake George - I know nothing about these areas - particular resorts or towns/areas to look at?

Thanks for your help!

Lake Placid in the Summer is beautiful... also Lake George...
just google them by name...

Listen, I don't mean to sound curt but why don't you do some basic research on some of the destinations mentioned that interest you. Right now it seems you want the contributors on this forum to do all the basic leg work for your vacation.

Simple google searches using such topics as "Things to do on Cape Cod" or "Martha's Vineyard Accommodations", "Getting to Nantucket" will give you scores of links to general information sites that will answer most, if not all of your general questions and allow you yo narrow your choices to those places that meet your families needs and expectations. Once you narrow your choices a bit you can then post specific questions on this forum to get first hand comments about places to stay, where to dine, what to do, etc. making it easier for Fodorites to assist you.

To give you some answer to your questions:

there's a big difference between the Hampton's and the Jersey shore - here again basic research will help you in this area.,

Like everywhere else there are some parts of the Jersey shore that are pretty tacky and others that are quite nice. You need to research this a bit.

Getting to Nantucket entails a ferry ride but that doesn't make it any more difficult than going to Cape Cod. What's easiest for your family is something only your family can really answer.

Cape Cod has multiple villages, each with its own appeal. Do some google searches and the answers will become clearer.

There's lots of material on the internet about the Finger Lakes (there are 7 of them). Honestly, you need to do some basic homework.

Oceans Edge, Brewster, MA (Cape Cod - mid Cape) oceanedge.com

Accomodations in a variety of configurations and prices - and advantage is that unlike renting house(s) you do not need to rent Sat-Sat. Villas have kitchens - and with young rugrats I highly recommend a place with at least a partial kitchen no matter where you go - eating out gets old fast with little kids - and expensive for anyone.

Cape Cod has the obvious beaches, some cute art galleries/antiques. There is Cape Cod bike trail (on old railbed). You could do daytrip to Marthas Vineyard or Nantucket - but I agree that there is more to do for kids on Cape Cod and transportation is easier to the Cape. Dining at all price levels on the Cape.

No place is going to be cheap - don't know if this is out of your price range - but with young people and small kids perhaps occupancy at highest allowable numbers per unit would make it more affordable. Also you could get more than one unit so that too much togetherness does not ruin the trip.

If you really want a Dirty Dancing flash from the past. . . this may be the place. Of course I haven't stayed there since I was dragged there as a teenager, but it's still going strong.

http://linekinbayresort.com/

ooops just realized Maine wasn't one of your choices. Perhaps for someone else.

and you didn't say RI. but I rented two of the three properties here a couple of years ago. not sure if the bed numbers work

http://www.cyberrentals.com/rental/p181801

Gail - thanks so much. Yes, the more I read the more it seems like Cape Cod would be the better choice and Oceans Edge is definitely the kind of place we could look at.

Roamsaround - Thank you for your comments - maybe I misunderstood the Nantucket transportation issue. I've found other postings/info that indicate that you need to get a ferry transportation reservation a year in advance for a car? That was the thing that seems to make it logistically difficult for multiple families with small children. Maybe that is something we need to leave for when everyone can carry their own bag and go without a car.

I think I'll look more at the Cape, and the 3 NW Lakes. Thanks so much.

Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard ferry reservations - most cottages rent weekly Sat-Sat plus weekend travelers make ferry reservations for cars very tight on Friday evenings and Sat AMs - and then the reverse late Sunday/early Monday. That is the transportation issue.

And unless you stay right on a beach - really expensive - and walking distance to food, shopping (many places are) a car is really nice to have.

Commonwealth Motel-W. Harwich MA (Cape Cod)
Sebasco Resort-Maine