Al4703

We live in ohio. 2 adults, a 7 year old and a 17 year-old. We are looking to drive somewhere up to 8 hours for a vacation in the spring. Last year we went to Washington dc and had a great time. I am looking for something along that line that will please everyone. Can anyone help with ideas.

MichelleY

Is the 17 year old looking at colleges? Perhaps incorporate college visits.

go_laura

Depending on what you enjoyed in D.C., I'm thinking Philadelphia! History, art, shopping, food, parks, etc.

Al4703

Only looking at ohio colleges. Is there enough to do in Philadelphia for a 7yr old? But that Is an idea.

spirobulldog

You have this tagged "Ohio". Is that the state you are want to visit or is that the state you mean you are coming from?

emalloy

Is Chicago in the 8 hr drive from you? Might be a choice along with some time on the lake.

spirobulldog

I'm going to assume you mean you live in Ohio.

How about Gatlinburg, TN

Perhaps stop at Abraham Lincoln home, Mammoth Cave, Corvette Museum in Kentucky.

In Gatlinburg you have Smoky Mountains, Zipline, Parrot Mountain, Dollywood, and much much more. You might even consdier driving thru the Smoky's one day to visit The Biltmore.

Maybe return thru Nashville-see Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, The Hermitage(Andrew Jackson Home).

Al4703

I live in ohio. We don't want to drive more than 8 hours if possible. I am going to Google gailinburg Tn. To much country theme would make my teenager unhappy.

padams421

Chicago

nytraveler

Where are you in Ohio? NYC is within 8 hours of a lot - and has tons of things for everyone to do.

NewbE

spiro, her first sentence of the OP was "We live in Ohio"--sheesh!

If you liked DC, I also suggest Philly. Lots of museums, cool neighborhoods, historic sites outdoors, food of various ethnicities, parks... If the 7 year old enjoyed DC last year when s/he was younger, I think Philadelphia would be great.

spirobulldog

Excuse me NewbE. It was tagged Ohio, that was what I didn't completely understand. I did miss the first sentence. I think this is the last straw. This is my last post for a long time.

5alive

spiro, please just ignore it. I have benefited from your posts in the past.

travelinleaps

I know how tough it is to please all (I have 16, 13 and 8 yr. old boys) . However since teenagers really don't always like much of what we do...here are some ideas....someone put Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg...I agree with them .To please thou teenager you may want to take him to Pigeon Forge (go carts and all that stuff kids like like Dollywood). We are not fans of Pigeon Forge as parts of it remind me of a boardwalk on the highway...but I am only suggesting as I have kids too and we try to compromise...give us a little nature we give a little "non'nature" And as stated above visiting the Biltomore estate in Asheville was kind of cool..they have segway rides which your teen could probably do. Even my kids thought the mansion was kind of cool. ALso there is a little area called the Sliding ROck and my kids had a blast (if warm enough). May I also mention a very cool state park...Chimney Rock Park in NC...very nice and only need a short time there!!!!! ALso, again not sre of weather there is a the Cherokee area of Smoky Mountains on NC side and near there is tubing...again...check temps there!!!

Gretchen

Philadelphia is huge with history for everyone. Gatlinburg is the kitsch capital of the south and Pigeon Forge wall to wall shopping and more kitsch. BUT the Park is beautiful.
If you go to Asheville, there is a lot to do. You could drive up and down the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Chicago is certainly "there" with all there is to do there.
You could tour parts of NC. Winston Salem has Old Salem for history and great AAA baseball. Charlotte has the NASCAR Hall of Fame as well as terrific art museums and other things.

go_laura

As to the question of Philadelphia and things to do for the 7 year old...possibilities would include Franklin Square (my first choice, on a nice day), the Franklin Institute, the zoo, the Please Touch Museum, the Rocky Statue at the foot of the Art Museum, the Phila. Children's Theater, the Liberty Bell, the Aquarium in Camden...and I'm sure there's more I'm not thinking of.

You didn't ask about the teenager but in addition to lots of the historical sites, I think wandering both South St. area and Old City would be fun.