Help! Spring vacation w/ kids
 

ok - I need some help/advice with ideas. We have 2 teen girls (18 and 17) and an 8 yr old boy. We'd like to do a long weekend in March or April before the oldest is busy with summer job/getting ready for college. Here are our limitations:
-We live in NC(Asheville)
-the oldest burns easily so beach vacations are not a priority and she is also allergic to horses.
-everyone likes amusement parks - except me!
-we've already taken them to NYC, Chicago, and Atlanta(aquarium) on previous trips and the girls have been to DC on school trips.
We'd probably want to spend under $2000 for a long weekend.

Leah, what about Key West? There is a lot to do for everyone, it's warm, not a beach vacation, and it is a fun town.

The best part is there are now direct flights from Atlanta on Delta.

Boston may also be a good bet.

Williamsburg, VA. There are the colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown sites to tour. There is a big outlet mall for shopping. Plus, by mid-March, Busch Gardens should be open. (I envy your living in Ashville!)

Dollywood!
And stay in a cabin nearby.

Boston, MA or how about Kiawah Island. Great place. Very family oriented.

What about a short cruise - they can be pretty economical and there's something for everyone.

Dollywood opens in April, making Gatlinburg TN a good choice. Rides for the kids and demonstrations and shows for you. There are plenty of other attractions in the area.

Washington DC is another thought - there is a new Spy museum that is sure to interest your son. Family Fun magazine once did a suggested itinerary for DC w/ kids - you can probably check it out on the travel section of their website - familyfun.com.

Hope this helps.

Thet would be a great time for Williamsburg, VA. Or head south to Charleston, SC.

Thanks for your speedy replies...I cringe at the idea of Gatlinburg and besides the kids go there enough on church trips. Husband thinks Williamsburg would be a bit of a yawn and the girls were just up in Boston in October....maybe a beach house as it wouldn't be that hot that time of year yet....still thinking...

What about the beautiful historic Charleston SC?It is a wonderful city to explore.
I would also consider Hilton Head island where there is lots to do besides sitting at the beach including many miles of trails for biking/walking. It is also a lot of fun to go kayaking there.

We've done Charleston and HHI with them...but it's been a while for the latter.

Would San Antonio be too far for a long weekend? I've never been so its not exactly a recommendation but its one of those places I would love to go to with older kids. I believe there is a Sea World there that would be fun as well as the dining, Alamo etc.

ok...further updates...instead of flying (due to the expense) we are going to look at a long weekend in March. So far we are considering the following: Roanoke VA, Lexington KY, Birmingham AL, or somewhere on the SC coast. Any thoughts on the cities as far as fun things for kids of various ages to do?

As I stated in my earlier reply....Kiawah Island. You would really like it. A wonderful place.

Wow, lexington would be pretty boring. Don't flame me, I'm a KY girl, but besides the Horse Park which is neat, there's not a lot to do. Louisville, on the other hand, has the Slugger Museum for your boy (he's love it) 4th Street Live (Hard Rock Cafe) for the teens, the KY Derby Museum, a fun riverfront with restaurants on both sides. If you come up I-65, which I'm not sure ..stop at Mammoth Cave and take a tour. It's awesome for any age!

What about Savannah, GA? There's Tybee Island, if you'd like to get a little wet.... all the quaint, cool shops & treats to see on the squares..... & lots of great tours, including "haunted" ones that the little fella would enjoy. And oodles of places to stay & eat, depending on your price range .....

guess it is important to mention at this point that the weekend we may go is St. Patrick's Day...not the best idea for kids in Savannah.

Lexington and Birmingham would be pretty boring for kids. I'm not sure Roanoke would be much better. Is there a reason, such as visiting family, for you to go to those cities?

I suggest Charleston, SC.

I live in central Va and for kids 18 and 17, I suggest a city visit. Roanoke and Lexington would be a big bore. We have been to Lexington KY and the horse park is lovely, but your daughter is allergic and it can all be seen in an hour's visit. There is a nice Marriott there that we stayed at. The city itself is very quiet. One big college and that was all I saw. Louisville would have more to do, but I doubt your kids would love it there either.
I also think Williamsburg would be boring too with Busch Gardens being closed until late April.
For a long weekend, Washington DC is a pretty cool town. Lots to see and do. You might be able to take a train there from somewhere nearby in NC.
Another idea is Nashville. You can do the whole country western thing and stay at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Go downtown and learn how to line dance at the Wild Horse Saloon.
Atlanta is a big city with a million things to see and do. They have this big brand new aquarium there.
Another city that is great for a weekend would be Baltimore. It is a little far up, but has a nice inner harbor area. You might be able to catch an orioles game at the park. Washington has a new baseball team too.
Good luck.

I, too, live in Virginia and have boys (11 and 14). Roanoke is a fine community, but could be fairly boring as a weekend vacation for teens.

Good luck and have fun whatever you choose.

leah, what about Charlotte?

Another thought is Beaufort but they may be packed from the Savannah overflow.

Jacksonville?