MonaManuel

My husband and I are looking for a vacation spot this summer. We will be accompanied by our daughter, who will by then be 18 months old and I will be six or seven months pregnant.

We have been toying with the idea of Myrtle Beach (we're coming from Montreal, Quebec).

Myrtle Beach would be a long way for us; we'd probably end up flying. We've heard good things about it, but don't really know too much about the place.

A few years ago we were in Virginia Beach and I hated it there! Way too kitschy! Way too many cheapo souvenir shops. And none of the hotels seemed too appealing.

Is Myrtle Beach comparable to Virginia Beach? On the commercials which play endlessly up here, it looks much nicer. Ideally, I am looking for a something a little more sophisticated, while at the same time having good offerings for a little toddler.

We've decided that if we don't head that far south, we'd like to try Gloucester or someplace on Cape Ann. We've done Cape Cod and need a change from that scene.

Thanks for the input.

suewoo

If you don't like VB I doubt seriously if you'd enjoy MB either. It's big, spread out and crowded, probably due to all those ads you've seen The heat may be uncomfortable for you in your condition. I'm in Charleston and in my experience the only relief from the July-August heat is to be right on the oceanfront. MB has lots of family activities like putt-putt, but if you are just seeking quiet time at the beach, it might not work for you. IMHO, of course.

gail

I am struggling in how to answer this - Gloucester/Cape Ann is nothing like Myrtle Beach, Cape Cod, Virginia Beach. Gloucester is a working seaport, with some nice beaches - but little in the way of touristy kitsch. There are some interesting side trips, whale watches, other towns with nice beaches - all about 45 minutes from Boston. The next town north is Rockport, which is a bit more touristy and upscale - Bearskin Neck has a whole row of craft and souvenier shops.

But the primary difference is that these are towns where people live year round and primarily work in something other than the tourist industry. This can be good or bad, depending on what you want. A child that young does not need museums, amusement parks - a local playground and a pail and shovel on the beach will do it. But it depends on your needs and interests. A relaxing family vacation in a pretty setting is what you get on the New England coast.

Being New England, the beaches will be a rockier and more narrow than southern US - but there are several lovely sand beaches in Gloucester and Ipswich (also near by). I am less familiar with lodging since I live 45 minutes away - but there are certainly some nice seafood restaurants. The water is cold - much colder than the south in the summer and colder even than Cape Cod. But so is the air - which might be nice in the last trimester of pregnancy.

You could either drive or fly into Boston or Manchester, NH (a smaller airport served by Southwest and a couple of other airlines).

One other note - passport rules have changed and depending on mode of transportation, your 18 month old may need a passport - so check out govt website (rather than relying on people here for that info).

If you decide on Massachusetts, there are several of us here more than willing to give some more detailed advice - and even disagree with each other to make it more interesting.

Vttraveler

The summer I was pregnant with our younger son I would not have wanted the hot weather you would encounter as far south as Myrtle Beach.

I think the southern coast of Maine and north shore would be nice to explore

Crane's Beach is a nice big beach area your toddler might enjoy more than some of the rockier beaches.

padams421

MB is totally kitschy and touristy. Look elsewhere.

Bellachefa

just a thought


http://www.ogunquit.com/photos.cfm

MonaManuel

Thank you for the thoughtful responses. I would hate to travel so far and be disappointed with MB. Also, I hadn't thought about how the heat would affect me during my pregnancy. Last time I travelled that pregnant, I was in Europe in the fall--perfect temps.

For those who went into detail about Gloucester, I appreciate the thoughts. We stopped in Gloucester and Rockport a few years ago on our drive back up from Cape Cod. I couldn't get a grasp on what kind of vacation place it might be, but there are plenty of Montrealers who rent cottages or hotels in the summer, so I thought it is worth a try.

And for those who mentioned Maine, yes I thought about that, too. We have been to the area around Ogunquit twice and loved it. Since visiting the first time, I have always fancied renting a cottage in Kennebunkport. Also, we fell in love with Portland.

My problem with Ogunquit isn't a real problem--it's just that soooo many fellow Quebecers vacation there in the summer that it's not like getting away at all!

When we roadtripped south a few years, it really felt "away"! Aside from Virginia Beach, I loved travelling there....another reason why Myrtle Beach is appealing.

I guess the search continues (while keeping Gloucester in my back pocket)...Portsmouth? Rehoboth? Long Island?

Bellachefa

Are you looking for a beach house of hotel or condo? Gloucester has some lovely beaches and i adore Atlantic Ave. There are also some great restaurants and plenty of short drives to take thru essex and ipswich and magnolia and beyond.

You could also consider Rhode Island. We stayed here off season last year and loved it. Quiet, but a drive to East Beach or Newport would be nice partial day trips.

http://www.cyberrentals.com/rental/p181801

Good luck with your plans

Hellion

As someone else said, if you found Virginia Beach too kitschy, you'll feel the same about Myrtle -- although there are nicer, quieter beach areas in North Myrtle and to the south.
If you're after a southern beach, though, why not look at the Outer Banks, in North Carolina? It has its busy spots, but is overall much less tacky and crowded than Myrtle or Virginia Beach.

suewoo

I agree. The Banks are wonderful. I remember when there was no bypass or grocery store there! (Oh no, I am old)But now, after gails' lovely description, I want to go to Gloucester. Sounds like a great idea.

rolands

We used to go to Cape Cod and switched to Cape Ann (Gloucester) because we wanted to avoid everything you do. It is one of the last great undiscovered places to go that is still close to everything (we live in New York). Everything is close-by but not close enough that you are always surrounded by mobs of people. I now have grandchildren who came with us last year. There is a maritime center that was interesting for my husband and I (we learned a lot about the old time fishing) and touch-pool aquariums for the little ones. We stay near Good Harbor Beach. It has sugar sand, a shallow creek for the grandkids and an island that you can walk to at low tide. They don't allow surfing at the beach which I really like.
I think of Gloucester as not really a touristy place but more of a summer home type place. It has everything you need, just not in your face.

MonaManuel

Thanks for the great responses, again! I guess Gloucester is sounding like it might be the place to be. I'm afraid the Outer Banks may be a little too quiet for us. If it gets too hot or too rainy, I don't know where we would end up. Also, getting there is a problem for us. I know there are currently flights from near Montreal to Myrtle Beach (or nearby?), but I don't know how we'd get to the Outer Banks other than driving, and I don't feel like driving all the way in the heat.

Thanks, Rolands, for your thoughts on Gloucester. How do you or your grandchildren stay occupied when you're not at the beach?

I'd also like to learn more about any similar destinations on Long Island. Do you have info on that?

sf7307

We have never been to Myrtle Beach, but we have been to Virginia Beach (just for the day). I would not have wanted to stay longer for the same reasons you mention. I'm wondering -- do you get the Travel Channel programs with Samantha Brown? If so, she did one on a "weekend in Myrtle Beach". FWIW, it confirmed my suspicions that it would not be somplace I want to spend my vacation.

SAnParis2

What about Cape May ??

jubilada

I think Gloucester would make you very happy given your desires.

retired04

Where did you decide to travel? I want a beach vacation after Labor Day. Hated Myrtle Beach. Thought about Virginia Beach, but after reading all of the descriptions, vetoed that idea. We live in Michigan and can drive wherever we decide.

suewoo

Come to Isle of Palms. It's about 20 minutes into Charleston and nice that time of year.

Diana410

Have you considered the Outer Banks of North Carolina? It's about 90 minutes south of Virginia Beach. There are lots of things to do with the children. It's not as kitchy as VA Beach & Myrtle Beach. There are lots of cottages, condos and hotel rooms available. You can request a Visitor' Guide at 877-629-4386 or www.outerbanks.org. I find that August isn't quite as hot down there as in July.