family vaca suggestions please!
Mar 20th, 2008, 04:46 AM
#1
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family vaca suggestions please!
40 something parents
14yr girl w/ friend along
fly from chicago
6 nights max
Did DC last year
End of June
Like to combine fun with a bit of educational value and see some sites. Also like nice dining and metro things as well. Thanks!
14yr girl w/ friend along
fly from chicago
6 nights max
Did DC last year
End of June
Like to combine fun with a bit of educational value and see some sites. Also like nice dining and metro things as well. Thanks!
Mar 20th, 2008, 08:54 AM
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Ditto Boston. So much to do; the history; the North End; easy to take day trips to other interesting towns either on the water (Rockport; Marblehead) or inland (Lexington, Concord - Louisa May Alcott's home).
Great time to be there, too.
Great time to be there, too.
Mar 20th, 2008, 10:49 AM
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You didn't mention budget or flight-time restrictions - so I'm going to suggest Hawaii (MY favorite place). If you go to Oahu there are lots of very intersting educational things - the Hawaiian history is extremely interesting and not like any other state's. There's the Iolani Palace, Queen Emma's Summer Home, Bishop Museum - to name a few. And, of course Pearl Harbor & the Mighty Mo. And Waikiki beach for you to relax - drive up to the North Shore to see more of the island. Shopping and dining choices are abundant, and you can't beat that aloha spirit.
Mar 20th, 2008, 11:51 AM
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Boston. After 4-5 days in Boston, bribe them with a day or 2 at the beach - no need to go all the way to Cape Cod, can do north shore of Boston area (Gloucester, Rockport) which can be done as a day trip with a car. Don't need a car for the rest of the trip.
Mar 20th, 2008, 12:32 PM
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Been to Boston and loved it. That is just the type of feel we want again. (as we love, love, love to walk. I think Hawaii might be a bit of a stretch for 6 nights although it is on our list for sure. Any other thoughts please?
Mar 21st, 2008, 09:18 AM
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I've lived in both Philadelphia and Boston. Since you've already done Boston and loved it, I highly recommend you consider Philadelphia for the following reasons:
1. Because the center is mapped out on a grid system, it is unbelieveably easy to figure out how to walk around or take public transportation to get from point to point quickly. If you love to walk, Philly is probably the most walkable large city in the U.S.
2. It has more than enough educational value affiliated with its sights.
3. Hands down has some of the best dining options in the United States - from fine dining to charming BYOBs to neighborhood joints where you can just have a great burger and local brew.
4. If you have a rental car, easy access to day trips a short drive outside the city (i.e., Valley Forge, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Cape May NJ-another beautiful, walkable town located on the Jersey Shore-pristine beach, great restaurants and lovely Victorian era homes). You can also even take a day trip to NYC cheaply by taking the regional rail lines (SEPTA and NJ Transit).
5. Reasonably priced hotels (far cheaper to stay in a nice hotel in Center City Philadelphia than one in the center of Boston).
1. Because the center is mapped out on a grid system, it is unbelieveably easy to figure out how to walk around or take public transportation to get from point to point quickly. If you love to walk, Philly is probably the most walkable large city in the U.S.
2. It has more than enough educational value affiliated with its sights.
3. Hands down has some of the best dining options in the United States - from fine dining to charming BYOBs to neighborhood joints where you can just have a great burger and local brew.
4. If you have a rental car, easy access to day trips a short drive outside the city (i.e., Valley Forge, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Cape May NJ-another beautiful, walkable town located on the Jersey Shore-pristine beach, great restaurants and lovely Victorian era homes). You can also even take a day trip to NYC cheaply by taking the regional rail lines (SEPTA and NJ Transit).
5. Reasonably priced hotels (far cheaper to stay in a nice hotel in Center City Philadelphia than one in the center of Boston).
Mar 21st, 2008, 09:36 AM
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ditto what Ceidleh said, esp if you've been to Boston and looking for something similar.
I've lived in both cities as well. Philadelphia is not as pretty or scenic as Boston, but really is a nice city to visit.
Easy to get around w/o a car; lots of history; usually good weather in June; plenty of excellent restaurants (and BYOBs).
Go take a look at the official tourist site:
http://www.gophila.com/
I've lived in both cities as well. Philadelphia is not as pretty or scenic as Boston, but really is a nice city to visit.
Easy to get around w/o a car; lots of history; usually good weather in June; plenty of excellent restaurants (and BYOBs).
Go take a look at the official tourist site:
http://www.gophila.com/
Mar 21st, 2008, 04:54 PM
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If you like to walk around cities Philadelphia is perfect for you! It's not only very walkable, it's quite easy to find your way around due to the grid system of streets. There's a lot to do in the history/architecture/cultural line, and great street food along with the restaurants. (Reading Terminal Market is a good stop for lunch and some shopping for snacks: Fisher's soft pretzels come to mind.)
The historical district has a number of walks that are good, and another favorite area of mine is University City, with the U of PA Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.
Art Museum/Kelly Drive/Waterworks area is lovely in June for walking and watching the scullers on the Schuylkill.
Here are a few pictures to get you started:
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/334838255hjfcWf
The historical district has a number of walks that are good, and another favorite area of mine is University City, with the U of PA Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.
Art Museum/Kelly Drive/Waterworks area is lovely in June for walking and watching the scullers on the Schuylkill.
Here are a few pictures to get you started:
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/334838255hjfcWf
