Summer holidays -where would you go
 

We are a german family with three children (16,15,13 years) In the last years we spent our summer holidays in the US and have seen quite a lot : Florida (both coasts,most of the attractions ) California with most national parks and cities , Las Vegas and NYC. Next summer we will after all the good<BR>time and nice people we´ve met on our trips<BR>come to the States again,regardless of Sept 11th. Only problem: Where would you spend three weeks summer holidays ? We certainly <BR>will do some travelling,but are not interested to see " America in three weeks".<BR>We would rather get to know one of the States<BR>and have relaxed holidays as well. There should be something our boys would like as well - where would you go with your family,where have you been, what did you enjoy ? Thanks for numerous replies. Reinhard

Wow--it sounds like you guys have already been to the top family vacation places in the U.S. Have you done a trip yet to the Grand Canyon/Santa Fe/Taos, and to Arches and Bryce Canyon National Park? If not, that would be a great choice!

How about New England? There is more than enough to see here in three weeks and it sounds like you haven't seen this part of the country. Very different from Florida, Nevada or California. Not that great of a geographic area that you would be overwhelmed with driving etc.<BR><BR>Boston is a beautiful city with fine museums and nice parks. Great restaurants. Very historic. Also full of universities. The rest of Massachusetts has lots to offer also - like Cape Cod for beaches.<BR><BR>Newport RI has the mansions of the Guilded Age. America's castles in a way.<BR><BR>Maine has a rugged coast, quaint villages and lobster.<BR><BR>New Hampshire and Vermont have mountains, hiking, farmland etc.<BR><BR>Connecticut has casinos, antiqueing and a lovely shoreline.<BR><BR>Or try the Mid Atlantic states - Virginia, Maryland etc. Washington DC, Williamsburg VA, lots to see in those two places alone.

It is so nice to read your impressions of the U.S. Thanks for deciding to come back.<BR><BR>I'd suggest Hawaii for at least part of your trip. You will see a different and unique part of American culture and your kids will love it. Definitely spend some time on Oahu and perhaps the big island and Kauai. Three weeks might be too much but if you want a relaxed pace it might be good. I wish I could spend three weeks in Hawaii!

Bennie's advice is right on--go to New England.

I say New England too. Lots of diversity in a relatively small area. Mountains, coast, great beaches, beautiful villages, Great cities nearby like Boston and NY. Do try to get to the Maine coast, Acadia National Park and the islands off Cape Cod, Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard. Very charming and beautiful.

Specifically I think the boys would enjoy:<BR><BR>Hiking and or biking in Acadia<BR><BR>Rock climbing all over Maine's craggy coastline.<BR><BR>Body surfing at Nauset beach in the Cape, or most beaches in Nantucket<BR><BR>Biking the Cape Cod rail trail at the Cape<BR><BR>Museum of Science in Boston<BR><BR>Six Flags New England Amusement Park.<BR><BR>The Metropolitan museum in NYC, Central Park, 5th Avenue.<BR><BR>Have done all these things with our boys and they love them!<BR><BR>

Could the original poster -- Reinhard -- please respond as to whether he has been to the Southwest U.S. (aka, Grand Canyon, etc.) thanks!

How about the mountains of New York State? The Adirondacks..so wonderful,cool in the summer, the lakes,Lake Placid,Lake George,Schroon Lake,the pine forests.Ausable Chasm! great for hiking,camping or renting cottages..

If you stay in the Adirondacks, you can take a day trip into Quebec Province-Montreal ~There is a place called Blue Mt Lake,north of Lake George - they have a huge antiques market in the summer,maybe August.You will see all kinds of interesting people there,and great things for every budget.In the warmest summer days,you have to wear a sweater in Blue Mt.

What about South Carolina? The coast,Charleston.Plenty of history, old homes,plantations,character,great food,nothing like real southern cooking!the beaches are right there...just a thought:)

I think the New England suggestions are great. If you do that, throw in the Adirondacks. Better yet, if you can find the time, drive to Niagara Falls and spend a few days. Your kids will love it!!! Actually, you will too. Good luck.

I hate to uppear unfriendly to the Exited States which in fact is undoubtablythe most varied and tourist friendly countries in the world but since you've already experienced many of their highlights I would like to suggest Canada for an equally interesting and half as expensive vacation. <BR>Western Canada with the Canadian Rockies and Vancouver and Victoria are my personal favorites for scenic splendour while Central Canada with fantastic cities like Toronto, Montreal, Quebeca and Ottawa are frankly a refreshing and culturally enriching alternative to the US big cities.<BR><BR>Eastern Canada with Nova Scotia and the other Atlantic provinces are also a much more economical yet equally scenic and interesting destination as New England.<BR><BR>OK my American Cousins - sock it to me!!! Reinhard - contact me on the Canada site or e-mail me directly.

Gary- I agree that Canada is a great place to visit,I live in NY and love trips to Montreal and Ottawa,Quebec City...it is a good idea also.Maybe not as exciting or great as the United States :) but a good idea...cheers~

Topping for Reinhard who has posted this question twice.