Drive to Atlanta, with stops in Indianapolis and Chattanooga (see Rock City!) along the way.


In Atlanta, visit the hugely popular Georgia Aquarium, see the pandas in the Zoo, go to Stone Mountain and do all the GWTW/Margaret Mitchell stuff to your heart's content.

www.zooatlanta.org/animals_panda_cam.php4

The Outer Banks will take way too long to get to and it will be way too cold for the beach at that time. Save that trip for a warmer time when you can actually enjoy the beach and sand dunes.

Considering her time frame and the fact that the average daily high where she is from is probably 25 degrees, I'd gamble on 60 degrees in Atlanta.

Plus it isn't as far as some of the other places mentioned. The drive can be done in one day.

What about considering Williamsburg, VA?

6,4 and 1 I would consider them irrelevant in terms of location. They could be equally happy or unhappy anywhere. Where could the parents be happy either way?

If I had to take a vacation in Feb. March I would head to the South west and no other place. Or I’d “vacation at home” bite the weather bullet take advantage of what is unique for that time of year. Such as the upper peninsula sled dog races. 2008 RACE DATES: Feb 15, 16 & 17 http://www.up200.org/

The far distant warmth get away is mighty appealing but the kids are very young so I’d opt for the UP. They would probably love the dogs, snow etc. I’d save the South west for when they are older. I am also from WI and would like to take my teens to the race, a little bit of Alaska close to home.

Hi all you Schwenks -

I vote for the road trip if you have fun on them. We have taken the kids on plenty of long distance trips at various ages. It is always much more fun than I think it will be. Atlanta sounds like a good idea. Renting a condo is great but I don't know if you'll be able to for such a short time. You can rent one by the night in Myrtle Beach at that time of year but don't know about Atlanta. I'm sure you can get a hotel with a fridge and microwave. Or stay at a Hampton Inn and you'll at least get their extensive free breakfast. You also probably want an indoor pool for something to do at the hotel. Have a great trip whatever you decide.

Hi Ms. Schwenk, it sounds like you are a lively group and up for anything---good for you!

I'm a bit confused by your response to someone's suggestion of Charleston because your two older children want to be astronauts, though... the Air and Space museum is in Washington D.C. and not Charleston.

Its very possible that temperatures will be much colder than 50 degrees, but it sounds as though anything above freezing will be a welcome change for you!

I second Atlanta as a good choice. The Center for Puppetry Arts is a wonderful place, with shows and exhibits.

The Margaret Mitchell House would be fun for you, and there are lots of National Park sites that don't usually make the "top 10"---places like Joel Chandler Harris's home, the Wren's Nest, and the Atlanta History Center.

http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/Atlanta/

It's a longer drive (though not as far as Tampa), but I'd vote for St. Augustine. You can go to Cape Canaveral from there. I remember going there when I was 8. Once I saw how small that capsule was for two men, I knew being and astronaut was not in my futute.

Azalea Inn and Gardens (www.azaleainn.com, a casual B&B inn) near Forsyth Park in Savannah, GA, has a private courtyard pool and holiday carriage house (with 2 bedrooms) that would be great fun. There are fun things for children in Savannah. Be sure to pick up a "Savannah Safari" or order one ahead of time online. It's great fun for children to find the lion, dolphins, etc., in downtown Savannah landscapes. Theres is a fabulous Jepson Museum of Modern Art with an Art-Zeum for children. Forsyth Park is too fun for kite flying, feeding the squirrels and pidgeons. Year around there are family-style in the park activities where people bring lawn chairs or blankets for a picnic with music, play, art, etc. If there is no formal activity, a picnic in the park is always in style. Be sure to stop at Gellatooooh's in city market. Fabulous Italian ices, shakes and panini's. A dolphin cruise, found on River Street wharf, was a favorite activity for my grandchildren. On a one-day historic district outing with my 8year old granddaughter, I gave her a digital camera to take her "waist high" photos. So fun to see her photos -- student playing frisbee with his dog, a dog and his family at the Leopold's ice cream shop (outdoors of course) enjoying the old fashion treats of Paramont VP Stratton Leopold, and there's more! Another idea about lodging is to contact Green Palm Inn for their private 3-bedroom townhouse on Greene Square --www.greenpalminn.com