I have an (East Coast) American Dream....
May 7th, 2013 | 05:14 PM
#1
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Joined: Mar 2003
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I have an (East Coast) American Dream....
Yes, I did indeed have a dream.
It was so real; I woke up from a deep 8 hour sleep almost believing that I was in New York, on the first leg of a 6 week trip along the East Coast.
My last 12 months have been very difficult; it would not be overly melodramatic to call it a “nightmare”. Perhaps this dream may be a sign that my fortune is about to turn. Perhaps it was a timely reminder that we need to make our own “fortune”
What it has most certainly done is give me direction. I MUST start planning my return to the U.S.A, and I would like to ask for your assistance.
Some of you may have been involved in our last trip to the States and I am forever in your debt. Due to the incredible wealth of information that I had to draw on and the generosity shown in answering my endless questions, we had a truly amazing 5 week trip. A road trip that took us from LA to San Francisco and back again, with diversions to Vegas, The Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Tahoe. This was a trip that dreams are made of and it will live with us forever.
As a bit of background information, the “us” that I refer to is myself (46), my wife Kerry (41) and our two sons, Joel (14) and Caleb (11).
We have a fairly diverse list of likes and wants. We all love sports. I love museums /galleries and history but cannot overload a trip with relics of the past as Kerry can “take them or leave them”. We love the “Great Outdoors” as long as we have a “Nice Indoors” to come back to at night. We are happy with clean and comfortable: we don’t require all the 5 star amenities preferring location over grandeur. We want to see the “main” sites/sights but would love to uncover a few “hidden gems” along the way. We are "foodies" of sorts, preferring tasty and iconic street/cafe food to 5 star dining. We love to watch and meet people.
Our timing is still a little up the air. I have decided to put a “dream” itinerary together and then do what needs to be done to make it happen. The first obstacle will be to convince Kerry that we should go. I am hoping that once I lay down a well conceived plan, that the rest will fall into place. Ideally, this trip would take place from mid September to late October this year.
I have put together a “loose” schedule with an approximation of time that I would like to dedicate to each leg of our trip. The main assumption at this stage would be that we fly in/out of New York and that we would hire a car for the journey in-between. Much like our last trip, I expect that this will “evolve” with time and I am fully open to options/suggestions/side trips.
The number of days that I have allocated to each location, after our initial New York leg, will be inclusive of the driving time that it will take to get there. We are de-sensitized to road travel due to our current location in South-Central Australia. I am expecting some 8-9 driving days, but if it makes sense to break some of these trips, we will.
NEW YORK 4 DAYS
WASHINGTON DC 5 DAYS
NASHVILLE/MEMPHIS 4 DAYS
NEW ORLEANS 4 DAYS
ORLANDO 7 DAYS
ATLANTA 2 DAYS
CAROLINA’S (WHERE?) 5 DAYS
PHILEDELPHIA 2 DAYS
BOSTON 4 DAYS
NEW YORK 2 DAYS
I am fully aware that this plan is ambitious and that I may need to remove a leg or two to make it work.
The main priorities are New York / Washington DC / Memphis / Orlando / Boston. Boston will need to be at the end of the trip, if we stick to the current timing, so that we can see a Celtics game.
I would really like to spend 2 full “Smithsonian” days in DC and a day on the monuments/memorials, 3 Days Park Hopping in Orlando, visit Gracelands and see some live music in Memphis. We would also like to catch a game or two of NFL but I am not tied down to the whom and where.
After I have tied the structure down to something achievable and have plotted a sensible course, I would then like to go about making a list of “must do’s and “maybe if time permits”
As you can plainly see…. I need your help!
It was so real; I woke up from a deep 8 hour sleep almost believing that I was in New York, on the first leg of a 6 week trip along the East Coast.
My last 12 months have been very difficult; it would not be overly melodramatic to call it a “nightmare”. Perhaps this dream may be a sign that my fortune is about to turn. Perhaps it was a timely reminder that we need to make our own “fortune”
What it has most certainly done is give me direction. I MUST start planning my return to the U.S.A, and I would like to ask for your assistance.
Some of you may have been involved in our last trip to the States and I am forever in your debt. Due to the incredible wealth of information that I had to draw on and the generosity shown in answering my endless questions, we had a truly amazing 5 week trip. A road trip that took us from LA to San Francisco and back again, with diversions to Vegas, The Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Tahoe. This was a trip that dreams are made of and it will live with us forever.
As a bit of background information, the “us” that I refer to is myself (46), my wife Kerry (41) and our two sons, Joel (14) and Caleb (11).
We have a fairly diverse list of likes and wants. We all love sports. I love museums /galleries and history but cannot overload a trip with relics of the past as Kerry can “take them or leave them”. We love the “Great Outdoors” as long as we have a “Nice Indoors” to come back to at night. We are happy with clean and comfortable: we don’t require all the 5 star amenities preferring location over grandeur. We want to see the “main” sites/sights but would love to uncover a few “hidden gems” along the way. We are "foodies" of sorts, preferring tasty and iconic street/cafe food to 5 star dining. We love to watch and meet people.
Our timing is still a little up the air. I have decided to put a “dream” itinerary together and then do what needs to be done to make it happen. The first obstacle will be to convince Kerry that we should go. I am hoping that once I lay down a well conceived plan, that the rest will fall into place. Ideally, this trip would take place from mid September to late October this year.
I have put together a “loose” schedule with an approximation of time that I would like to dedicate to each leg of our trip. The main assumption at this stage would be that we fly in/out of New York and that we would hire a car for the journey in-between. Much like our last trip, I expect that this will “evolve” with time and I am fully open to options/suggestions/side trips.
The number of days that I have allocated to each location, after our initial New York leg, will be inclusive of the driving time that it will take to get there. We are de-sensitized to road travel due to our current location in South-Central Australia. I am expecting some 8-9 driving days, but if it makes sense to break some of these trips, we will.
NEW YORK 4 DAYS
WASHINGTON DC 5 DAYS
NASHVILLE/MEMPHIS 4 DAYS
NEW ORLEANS 4 DAYS
ORLANDO 7 DAYS
ATLANTA 2 DAYS
CAROLINA’S (WHERE?) 5 DAYS
PHILEDELPHIA 2 DAYS
BOSTON 4 DAYS
NEW YORK 2 DAYS
I am fully aware that this plan is ambitious and that I may need to remove a leg or two to make it work.
The main priorities are New York / Washington DC / Memphis / Orlando / Boston. Boston will need to be at the end of the trip, if we stick to the current timing, so that we can see a Celtics game.
I would really like to spend 2 full “Smithsonian” days in DC and a day on the monuments/memorials, 3 Days Park Hopping in Orlando, visit Gracelands and see some live music in Memphis. We would also like to catch a game or two of NFL but I am not tied down to the whom and where.
After I have tied the structure down to something achievable and have plotted a sensible course, I would then like to go about making a list of “must do’s and “maybe if time permits”
As you can plainly see…. I need your help!
May 7th, 2013 | 05:33 PM
#2
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,265
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That is a lot of ground to cover, especially because you plan to return to where you began. Can you arrange your trip more geographically, and eliminate the car for the parts that it is really unnecessary? You really don't want a car in those cities in the northeast. For the rearranged schedule I've suggested below, you could ride a train or bus between cities, picking up the car as you leave Washington DC.
BOSTON 4 DAYS
NEW YORK 6 DAYS
PHILADELPHIA 2 DAYS
WASHINGTON DC 5 DAYS
CAROLINA’S (WHERE?) 5 DAYS
NASHVILLE/MEMPHIS 4 DAYS
ATLANTA 2 DAYS
ORLANDO 7 DAYS
NEW ORLEANS 4 DAYS -- I'd delete this since it is not a priority and fly home from Orlando.
BOSTON 4 DAYS
NEW YORK 6 DAYS
PHILADELPHIA 2 DAYS
WASHINGTON DC 5 DAYS
CAROLINA’S (WHERE?) 5 DAYS
NASHVILLE/MEMPHIS 4 DAYS
ATLANTA 2 DAYS
ORLANDO 7 DAYS
NEW ORLEANS 4 DAYS -- I'd delete this since it is not a priority and fly home from Orlando.
May 7th, 2013 | 06:38 PM
#3
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,698
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I think the OP needs to be in Boston towards the end.
Here are just a couple of random thoughts.
I would suggest deleting Atlanta and, instead, just driving up along I-95 as you head back to the Northeast. There are plenty of places to stop along the way (Savannah, Charleston, nice beaches) that could combine some nice scenery with a little (not too much) history and good food. I'm not sure what you are hoping for in the Carolinas. Mountains? beach? something specific? But that's the general route I would take.
You mentioned the NFL - but if you are in the Southeast in September, you're talking some very serious college football (go Noles!) so that might expand your football options. You'll be passing by some places where the local university team might as well be professional, and it would be a cultural experience as well.
Normally I would agree that you don't need the car to go between NY and Boston, but you will be there during the fall foliage season, so it might be nice to take a scenic route instead of Amtrak. However, if you were able to rearrange along the lines ellenem suggested, then you would not really need the car until you leave Washington.
Here are just a couple of random thoughts.
I would suggest deleting Atlanta and, instead, just driving up along I-95 as you head back to the Northeast. There are plenty of places to stop along the way (Savannah, Charleston, nice beaches) that could combine some nice scenery with a little (not too much) history and good food. I'm not sure what you are hoping for in the Carolinas. Mountains? beach? something specific? But that's the general route I would take.
You mentioned the NFL - but if you are in the Southeast in September, you're talking some very serious college football (go Noles!) so that might expand your football options. You'll be passing by some places where the local university team might as well be professional, and it would be a cultural experience as well.
Normally I would agree that you don't need the car to go between NY and Boston, but you will be there during the fall foliage season, so it might be nice to take a scenic route instead of Amtrak. However, if you were able to rearrange along the lines ellenem suggested, then you would not really need the car until you leave Washington.
May 7th, 2013 | 09:34 PM
#5
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Joined: Mar 2003
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Thank you so much for the input so far.
I have originally outlined a "loop" itinerary for the following reasons/presumptions..
A.. The most economical airfares from Australia are generally a return fare to the same port. As we need 4 adult fares, this is a major consideration.
B.. The cost of car hire escallates greatly if you pick up/return at different parts of the Country.
C.. As we go in-land for a considerable part of the trip, the increase in mileage for a loop trip as compared to a point to point trip, may not be enough to offset the additional costs of A + B
Ideally, if we can get the right Airfare/Car Hire deal, we would start in Orlando and finish in Boston. We may then need to backtrack to New York for our outbound flight.
My thoughts based on your suggestions are to drive from Orlando to DC, use buses/trains to New York and perhaps get another car for New York - Boston - New York so we can see some other places on route (perhaps Salem or Providence?)
If that becomes a possibility, how does the following sound (with approx drive times courtesy of map quest)...
ORLANDO 7 DAYS
10 hours
NEW ORLEANS 3 DAYS
6 hours
MEMPHIS 2 DAYS
3.5 hours
NASHVILLE 2 DAYS
4 hours
ATLANTA 1 DAYS
5 hours
CHARLESTON 6 DAYS
8.5 hours
WASHINGTON DC 5 DAYS
bus/train?
PHILEDELPHIA 3 DAYS
bus/train
NEW YORK 6 DAYS
4 hours
BOSTON 4 DAYS
This option gives us 6 "road" days in the first 4 weeks and only 2 of these are BIG road days.
I know that New Orleans wasn't listed as a "priority" but I love Jazz and it would be a shame not to get there if we could.
Atlanta is purely there as a "pit stop" to break the drive between Tennessee and South Carolina. Is there a better option or should I add a day somewhere and just drive all the way through that leg?
I was really not sure what I wanted to see in the Carolina's, but as the drive took me through two of them, I assumed there would be something worthwhile to experience there. A beach break mid trip may be a good idea unless, there is something else that you would suggest?
I LOVE the idea of NCAA Football in place of NFL or even a game of each. Ideally which cities should I aim for games at to maximise the experience?
I am still open to other options of cities/areas that may provide a better overall experience to the ones that I have chosen.
I have originally outlined a "loop" itinerary for the following reasons/presumptions..
A.. The most economical airfares from Australia are generally a return fare to the same port. As we need 4 adult fares, this is a major consideration.
B.. The cost of car hire escallates greatly if you pick up/return at different parts of the Country.
C.. As we go in-land for a considerable part of the trip, the increase in mileage for a loop trip as compared to a point to point trip, may not be enough to offset the additional costs of A + B
Ideally, if we can get the right Airfare/Car Hire deal, we would start in Orlando and finish in Boston. We may then need to backtrack to New York for our outbound flight.
My thoughts based on your suggestions are to drive from Orlando to DC, use buses/trains to New York and perhaps get another car for New York - Boston - New York so we can see some other places on route (perhaps Salem or Providence?)
If that becomes a possibility, how does the following sound (with approx drive times courtesy of map quest)...
ORLANDO 7 DAYS
10 hours
NEW ORLEANS 3 DAYS
6 hours
MEMPHIS 2 DAYS
3.5 hours
NASHVILLE 2 DAYS
4 hours
ATLANTA 1 DAYS
5 hours
CHARLESTON 6 DAYS
8.5 hours
WASHINGTON DC 5 DAYS
bus/train?
PHILEDELPHIA 3 DAYS
bus/train
NEW YORK 6 DAYS
4 hours
BOSTON 4 DAYS
This option gives us 6 "road" days in the first 4 weeks and only 2 of these are BIG road days.
I know that New Orleans wasn't listed as a "priority" but I love Jazz and it would be a shame not to get there if we could.
Atlanta is purely there as a "pit stop" to break the drive between Tennessee and South Carolina. Is there a better option or should I add a day somewhere and just drive all the way through that leg?
I was really not sure what I wanted to see in the Carolina's, but as the drive took me through two of them, I assumed there would be something worthwhile to experience there. A beach break mid trip may be a good idea unless, there is something else that you would suggest?
I LOVE the idea of NCAA Football in place of NFL or even a game of each. Ideally which cities should I aim for games at to maximise the experience?
I am still open to other options of cities/areas that may provide a better overall experience to the ones that I have chosen.
May 8th, 2013 | 02:36 AM
#6
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,904
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Weather wise, you would be better off reversing your trip as it will still be quite hot in the south, if that matters to you. Do look for something in a car that can be picked up one place and dropped off at another. I would guess that at that time of year north to south would be more likely to have no drop charge, but you can always ask.
If you fly into and out of NY, you could look into using public transportation between there and Boston and/or DC/Philadelphia. You will not want a car in Boston, NYC, or DC and maybe Phila where parking fees are high and public transportation is easy (I'm not sure about Philadelphia on that, but the others for sure.
Are what you call days really nights with the driving included in the day? If so we might tweek the number of days in each place and/or rethink the places you are going. For example, if New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville would be for music, I would cut one as you can find plenty of nice venues in any of the other cities. Also 7 days in Orlando is way overkill, 3 or 4 would be plenty unless you are just calling Florida sites as Orlando and plan to spend some time at the beach too.
I do hope you have a fantastic trip.
If you fly into and out of NY, you could look into using public transportation between there and Boston and/or DC/Philadelphia. You will not want a car in Boston, NYC, or DC and maybe Phila where parking fees are high and public transportation is easy (I'm not sure about Philadelphia on that, but the others for sure.
Are what you call days really nights with the driving included in the day? If so we might tweek the number of days in each place and/or rethink the places you are going. For example, if New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville would be for music, I would cut one as you can find plenty of nice venues in any of the other cities. Also 7 days in Orlando is way overkill, 3 or 4 would be plenty unless you are just calling Florida sites as Orlando and plan to spend some time at the beach too.
I do hope you have a fantastic trip.
May 8th, 2013 | 03:46 AM
#7
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,169
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You can make a loop by car from Washington, DC to Washington, DC, whenever it comes in your trip. You could even arrive and depart from Washington Dulles, but you can easily pick up your rental there, wherever you begin and end the trip.
You do not want a car in the Northeast except for taking a day trip out of Boston. In addition to traffic, parking the car in any of the cities will cost ~$40 US per night. There is almost no street parking any where you want to go, so you will pay again for parking if you take the car out for the day. The train from Washington to Philadelphia, from Phila to NY and from NY to Boston is easy. Look at AMTRAK on the web for deals.
If I wanted your itinerary, I would drive south from Washington on I 81 and I 77, not 95 and 85, to I 40 to Nashville and Memphis. It takes you through the heart of the Smoky Mountains and is scenic as far as Nashville. I would take the Blues Highway south from Memphis to maybe Vicksburg, then change over to interstate highway at Jackson for the drive to NO.
That,s enough for you to absorb now.
One more thing to say. This hurricane season, depending on your dates perhaps the height of hurricane season. It will be better to come as late in September as possible to avoid storms and intense heat in NO and Orlando (think Cairns since you are fro Oz) and you may see some early snow in the New England mountains as well.
More about Atlanta and the other parts of the Carolinas later.
You do not want a car in the Northeast except for taking a day trip out of Boston. In addition to traffic, parking the car in any of the cities will cost ~$40 US per night. There is almost no street parking any where you want to go, so you will pay again for parking if you take the car out for the day. The train from Washington to Philadelphia, from Phila to NY and from NY to Boston is easy. Look at AMTRAK on the web for deals.
If I wanted your itinerary, I would drive south from Washington on I 81 and I 77, not 95 and 85, to I 40 to Nashville and Memphis. It takes you through the heart of the Smoky Mountains and is scenic as far as Nashville. I would take the Blues Highway south from Memphis to maybe Vicksburg, then change over to interstate highway at Jackson for the drive to NO.
That,s enough for you to absorb now.
One more thing to say. This hurricane season, depending on your dates perhaps the height of hurricane season. It will be better to come as late in September as possible to avoid storms and intense heat in NO and Orlando (think Cairns since you are fro Oz) and you may see some early snow in the New England mountains as well.
More about Atlanta and the other parts of the Carolinas later.
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May 8th, 2013 | 04:14 AM
#8
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,698
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I agree that starting in Orlando and ending up in Boston makes good sense, if you can justify the one-way auto fee and the extra airfare. I personally would not use Atlanta as a "stopping point." Depending on the time of day you're going through or around Atlanta, the traffic can be a nightmare. If you do backtrack to Charleston from Nashville, I would go through the Smoky Mountains, but try not to be there on a weekend. (If you're looking at a map, that means going through Knoxville rather than Atlanta.)
Football towns - the two most obvious in FL, given where you'll be, are Gainesville and Tallahassee, both of which would be on your way from Orlando to New Orleans.
I agree that seven days in Orlando might be too much of a good thing, although that really depends on your family - I certainly know families who would be thrilled with a week there. Three or four days would be my limit, and then I would head for St. Augustine/Amelia Island for a different view of Florida. That would also give you the possibility of a beach day before one of your long driving days.
One thing to keep in mind is the possibility of weather issues in September/October, which is the end of hurricane season. That's not a reason not to come - September and October can be lovely. (You won't avoid the storms by reversing your trip, as the season doesn't end until November.) You might think about having a "plan B"; at least, keep in mind that you might have to be flexible once you get here (but you'll have lots of soggy company).
Football towns - the two most obvious in FL, given where you'll be, are Gainesville and Tallahassee, both of which would be on your way from Orlando to New Orleans.
I agree that seven days in Orlando might be too much of a good thing, although that really depends on your family - I certainly know families who would be thrilled with a week there. Three or four days would be my limit, and then I would head for St. Augustine/Amelia Island for a different view of Florida. That would also give you the possibility of a beach day before one of your long driving days.
One thing to keep in mind is the possibility of weather issues in September/October, which is the end of hurricane season. That's not a reason not to come - September and October can be lovely. (You won't avoid the storms by reversing your trip, as the season doesn't end until November.) You might think about having a "plan B"; at least, keep in mind that you might have to be flexible once you get here (but you'll have lots of soggy company).
May 8th, 2013 | 04:14 AM
#9
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
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Instead of Atlanta you could go to charleston via Asheville and see Biltmore House. Or even the Great Smokey Mountains Park.
And 'way too much Orlando, as others say also.
If this is September, I don't think the Celtics would be playing yet (as mentioned in the first post).
And 'way too much Orlando, as others say also.
If this is September, I don't think the Celtics would be playing yet (as mentioned in the first post).
May 8th, 2013 | 04:18 AM
#10
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,698
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Ackislander and I were posting at the same time. The DC to DC loop is also a great idea, and you can do a couple of days in Philadelphia without a car, so using the train to go from DC to Philadelphia to New York to Boston is very feasible. (I hope you are good at packing light, though.) Then you could rent a car for a day to get out of the city and see some fall colors.
May 8th, 2013 | 04:27 AM
#12
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The reason behind the South to North trip direction is to place us in Boston around the start of the NBA season. I have a son who loves all things Celtics and would pass on Disneyworld for the chance of seeing Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo.
I have also costed up a one way rental with National and an Open Jaw flight ticket, and it is not nearly the premium that I thought it would be.
You have all convinced me to leave the car in Washington and use rail/bus travel from there Northbound. It will add another element to our trip.
I love the idea of driving through the Smokey Mountains but I am not sure if this will fit with the amended South-North route, if we are including the Carolina's..
The week in Orlando will include 3-4 Disney days and the first few days will be getting over the 25 hours of travel. After such a long haul, I need to be mindful of letting the kids re-energise before they are cut loose on theme parks.
I am also not sure if Nashville and Memphis are totally necessary, but as they are on-route, I thought they may be worth exploring. The music side of things will just be for the evenings.
I have also costed up a one way rental with National and an Open Jaw flight ticket, and it is not nearly the premium that I thought it would be.
You have all convinced me to leave the car in Washington and use rail/bus travel from there Northbound. It will add another element to our trip.
I love the idea of driving through the Smokey Mountains but I am not sure if this will fit with the amended South-North route, if we are including the Carolina's..
The week in Orlando will include 3-4 Disney days and the first few days will be getting over the 25 hours of travel. After such a long haul, I need to be mindful of letting the kids re-energise before they are cut loose on theme parks.
I am also not sure if Nashville and Memphis are totally necessary, but as they are on-route, I thought they may be worth exploring. The music side of things will just be for the evenings.
May 8th, 2013 | 04:41 AM
#13
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Joined: Mar 2003
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My last post must have crossed with several others so I apologise if some of my comments were not reflective of the last few replies.
My timing of the trip is mid September to late October. That should see us in Boston for the NBA season and we will hope that the schedule favours us.
I am close to dismissing Atlanta and I do like the idea of a few days in the Smokey Mountains. I presume there would be cabins to rent? If I trimmed a day from Orlando and dropped another from Nashville, we could spend 3 days there. Would that be overkill?
As its nearing 11PM in the Southern Hemisphere, I may not be back for awhile, but feel free to plan this trip in my absence.
By the way, I raised the subject with Kerry tonight and received far less resistance than I thought.,
My timing of the trip is mid September to late October. That should see us in Boston for the NBA season and we will hope that the schedule favours us.
I am close to dismissing Atlanta and I do like the idea of a few days in the Smokey Mountains. I presume there would be cabins to rent? If I trimmed a day from Orlando and dropped another from Nashville, we could spend 3 days there. Would that be overkill?
As its nearing 11PM in the Southern Hemisphere, I may not be back for awhile, but feel free to plan this trip in my absence.
By the way, I raised the subject with Kerry tonight and received far less resistance than I thought.,
May 8th, 2013 | 09:20 AM
#14
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,945
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Depending on your route to/from Washington, DC, you may want to stop by Colonial Williamsburg, VA for a day.
http://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/index.aspx or
http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com
Also, an easy day-trip from Orlando and a nice break from the amusement parks is a trip to the Kennedy Space Center. It's about an hour and 15 minute drive due east of Orlando.
http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com
I say drop Atlanta. Not that much bang for your buck except for the Aquarium. I also endorse taking the train from DC to Boston with your stops in Philadelphia and NYC along the way. You definitely don't want a car in Boston and you can visit Salem via public transportation.
http://www.salem.org
Just a thought on Boston. The Fodors Boston GTG is 11-12 October. That might be a little early for you to be in Boston but if you are here it would be great if you could make it, even if just for a short time. It's a lot of fun and you get to put a whole lot of faces and names together.
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...n-gtg-2013.cfm
http://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/index.aspx or
http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com
Also, an easy day-trip from Orlando and a nice break from the amusement parks is a trip to the Kennedy Space Center. It's about an hour and 15 minute drive due east of Orlando.
http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com
I say drop Atlanta. Not that much bang for your buck except for the Aquarium. I also endorse taking the train from DC to Boston with your stops in Philadelphia and NYC along the way. You definitely don't want a car in Boston and you can visit Salem via public transportation.
http://www.salem.org
Just a thought on Boston. The Fodors Boston GTG is 11-12 October. That might be a little early for you to be in Boston but if you are here it would be great if you could make it, even if just for a short time. It's a lot of fun and you get to put a whole lot of faces and names together.
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...n-gtg-2013.cfm
May 8th, 2013 | 09:41 AM
#15
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,561
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>
The most lively crowd at an NFL game based on your current itinerary would be in New Orleans. The Saints are a local religion (more a cult). They're also a decent team and fun to watch because the offense is great and the defense is horrid. The best place to watch an NFL game for a non-American would be Kansas City because the Chiefs are the only game in town once the Royals fall out of baseball contention and their stadium has a college game atmosphere.
The best places to watch an NCAA game would be one of the Southeastern Conference schools and preferably at the home of a team that doesn't stink. The best atmospheres would be during conference games (which are basically border wars). The following schools should not stink next season (in order of game atmosphere) and are in states you will hit:
Louisiana State U - Baton Rouge, LA (about 75 minutes from New Orleans)
Tennessee - Knoxville, TN (four hours east of Nashville on I-40, at some point the team performance will get up to the talent level)
Georgia - Athens, Georgia (75-90 minutes east/northeast of Atlanta)
Alabama - Tuscaloosa, AL (within an hour of Birmingham but far north of I-10)
Florida - Gainesville, FL
South Carolina - Columbia, SC
Other schools' teams are middling (Vandy, Mississippi St., Kentucky, Ole Miss, Missouri) or not close to your route (Texas A&M, which would be both a good atmosphere and a good team). All schedules are on-line and available now because the NCAA scheduling is done more than a year in advance. I'd pick a Florida SEC game over a Florida State home game (unless it's Clemson or Miami).
The most lively crowd at an NFL game based on your current itinerary would be in New Orleans. The Saints are a local religion (more a cult). They're also a decent team and fun to watch because the offense is great and the defense is horrid. The best place to watch an NFL game for a non-American would be Kansas City because the Chiefs are the only game in town once the Royals fall out of baseball contention and their stadium has a college game atmosphere.
The best places to watch an NCAA game would be one of the Southeastern Conference schools and preferably at the home of a team that doesn't stink. The best atmospheres would be during conference games (which are basically border wars). The following schools should not stink next season (in order of game atmosphere) and are in states you will hit:
Louisiana State U - Baton Rouge, LA (about 75 minutes from New Orleans)
Tennessee - Knoxville, TN (four hours east of Nashville on I-40, at some point the team performance will get up to the talent level)
Georgia - Athens, Georgia (75-90 minutes east/northeast of Atlanta)
Alabama - Tuscaloosa, AL (within an hour of Birmingham but far north of I-10)
Florida - Gainesville, FL
South Carolina - Columbia, SC
Other schools' teams are middling (Vandy, Mississippi St., Kentucky, Ole Miss, Missouri) or not close to your route (Texas A&M, which would be both a good atmosphere and a good team). All schedules are on-line and available now because the NCAA scheduling is done more than a year in advance. I'd pick a Florida SEC game over a Florida State home game (unless it's Clemson or Miami).
May 8th, 2013 | 02:38 PM
#17
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,248
Likes: 0
at some point the team performance will get up to the talent level
We UT fans can only hope, BigRuss, especially with the new coach.
The plus side to the lackluster last few years is that tickets have been easier to get (plus scalping is legal in Tennessee, so you could very well get tickets on the sidewalk the day of the game, depending on who they play). Even if it's a crappy season, the games are generally still festive that early in the season. We don't really start giving up hope till November. 
http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-foo...tbl-sched.html
I'm not an Atlanta fan myself, so I'd support you skipping it. One thing to consider about all your music stops is the boys' ages. Here in Nashville, some of the honky-tonks downtown allow kids during the day, but most venues around town are 18+ or 21+ when the main performances are going on. You'll want to do some research in each of those music-oriented cities to see how many venues you'd be able to visit with the whole family. Nashville and Memphis are both worth a couple of days to most tourists; whether they fit into your trip is for you to decide. If you want to, you can drive from Memphis to the Smokies in one long day and skip Nashville.
There are MANY cabins in the Smokies, and that would be a great way to spend a few days. October is the most popular time of year due to the leaves changing colors, so I'd start making reservations fairly soon if you decide to do that.
We UT fans can only hope, BigRuss, especially with the new coach.
The plus side to the lackluster last few years is that tickets have been easier to get (plus scalping is legal in Tennessee, so you could very well get tickets on the sidewalk the day of the game, depending on who they play). Even if it's a crappy season, the games are generally still festive that early in the season. We don't really start giving up hope till November. http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-foo...tbl-sched.html
I'm not an Atlanta fan myself, so I'd support you skipping it. One thing to consider about all your music stops is the boys' ages. Here in Nashville, some of the honky-tonks downtown allow kids during the day, but most venues around town are 18+ or 21+ when the main performances are going on. You'll want to do some research in each of those music-oriented cities to see how many venues you'd be able to visit with the whole family. Nashville and Memphis are both worth a couple of days to most tourists; whether they fit into your trip is for you to decide. If you want to, you can drive from Memphis to the Smokies in one long day and skip Nashville.
There are MANY cabins in the Smokies, and that would be a great way to spend a few days. October is the most popular time of year due to the leaves changing colors, so I'd start making reservations fairly soon if you decide to do that.
May 8th, 2013 | 02:52 PM
#18
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
Another vote here for skipping ATL and not needing a car for the NE corridor DC - Boston. While you're still working through the broad strokes of your itinerary, I can offer a few more specific details for the Philadelphia portion
In addition the the Philadelphia Museum of Art www.philamuseum.org , the Barnes Foundation has a fabulous collection and is a very manageable visit in just a few hours www.barnesfoundation.org. However, it is best to book tickets in advance.
For something a bit different, your boys might be interested in the Mutter Museum www.collegeofphysiciams.org/mutter-muesum/
This place is full of what I consider odd/disgusting exhibits and medical oddities, but my nephews think it's fascinating.
For tasty, local food with tremendous selection, check out the Reading Terminal for breakfast, lunch or snacks www.readingterminalmarket.org
In addition the the Philadelphia Museum of Art www.philamuseum.org , the Barnes Foundation has a fabulous collection and is a very manageable visit in just a few hours www.barnesfoundation.org. However, it is best to book tickets in advance.
For something a bit different, your boys might be interested in the Mutter Museum www.collegeofphysiciams.org/mutter-muesum/
This place is full of what I consider odd/disgusting exhibits and medical oddities, but my nephews think it's fascinating.
For tasty, local food with tremendous selection, check out the Reading Terminal for breakfast, lunch or snacks www.readingterminalmarket.org
May 8th, 2013 | 02:54 PM
#19
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
May 9th, 2013 | 03:58 PM
#20
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,009
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Thanks once again. This information in priceless. I don't know how people travelled overseas without having friends to guide them through the process. Guidebooks only tell you a narrow perspective unless you have the time to read several.
I would also like to thank Fodors for making their "City Guides" free to the app store. At the momment, they just have New York, Philly and New Orleans from our itinerary, but they are adding more.
I had a bit of a "bump" in the road with our personal position this week that had me re-thinking my plans of doing it this year. But my enthusiasm has been raised again after reading your posts! I will do everything in my power to make this happen.
Sharona, (I've got that "Knack" song in my head now) I love your idea about a diversion to Williamsburg and The Kennedy Space Centre will definately be part of our Orlando leg. Its handy to know that it is not far away.
Thanks for the NCAA run down Russ. As soon as I pin down our exact dates, I will be looking at game schedules in detail to see what will work.
Jent103... I will most likely head out by myself to see a few bands. Kerry and Caleb are not really a big music fans and Joel is "All about Hip Hop". They are all keen to see Gracelands and we might get to see some day time concerts together, but this leg is more about me after tiring the kids out in Orlando.
I will also look into a cabin in The Smokies. How does this area compare to Yosemite? Is there plenty of trail walking and other things that will occupy a few days.
ElleD9, The college of physicians looks like exactly the kind of place that we would love to see. Something a little different and unique. Kerry is a nurse, so she would get a kick out of this just as much as the kids.
I am currently re-thinking whether or not New Orleans is necessary. It adds a lot of miles and I might be able to get my "Jazz fix" elsewhere. Also, the more I read about New York is making me want to extend this part of the trip. If I lost New Orleans, I could spend up to 10 days in the Big Apple. Would that be overkill?
I would also like to thank Fodors for making their "City Guides" free to the app store. At the momment, they just have New York, Philly and New Orleans from our itinerary, but they are adding more.
I had a bit of a "bump" in the road with our personal position this week that had me re-thinking my plans of doing it this year. But my enthusiasm has been raised again after reading your posts! I will do everything in my power to make this happen.
Sharona, (I've got that "Knack" song in my head now) I love your idea about a diversion to Williamsburg and The Kennedy Space Centre will definately be part of our Orlando leg. Its handy to know that it is not far away.
Thanks for the NCAA run down Russ. As soon as I pin down our exact dates, I will be looking at game schedules in detail to see what will work.
Jent103... I will most likely head out by myself to see a few bands. Kerry and Caleb are not really a big music fans and Joel is "All about Hip Hop". They are all keen to see Gracelands and we might get to see some day time concerts together, but this leg is more about me after tiring the kids out in Orlando.
I will also look into a cabin in The Smokies. How does this area compare to Yosemite? Is there plenty of trail walking and other things that will occupy a few days.
ElleD9, The college of physicians looks like exactly the kind of place that we would love to see. Something a little different and unique. Kerry is a nurse, so she would get a kick out of this just as much as the kids.
I am currently re-thinking whether or not New Orleans is necessary. It adds a lot of miles and I might be able to get my "Jazz fix" elsewhere. Also, the more I read about New York is making me want to extend this part of the trip. If I lost New Orleans, I could spend up to 10 days in the Big Apple. Would that be overkill?
