My husband and I want to take a four day driving trip in early summer. We love large cities and historical museums and had planned to visit NYC with a day at the Roosevelt Museum in Hyde Park. The problem, of course, is the distance; it would be a 14 hour drive and we don't have that much time. Unlike my friends who live on the east and west coasts, if we get in the car and drive for 8 hours, we are still pretty much nowhere near a large city of interest (no offense to St. Louis or Minneapolis!)

Aside from the obvious, i.e. flying, any suggestions? Maybe somewhere within 6-8 hours from Chicago that we are overlooking?

Toronto is 520 miles. About 8 hours if not long wait at the border. Very metropolitan with vast international culture, not to mention a great theater scene. It's your best choice that's within your driving distance.

I just got back from Toronto and LOVED it. Nice city, clean, very multicultural. One day (per recommendations from Fodorites) I drove over to the beautifully charming little town of Niagara on the Lake and then drove the GORGEOUS Niagara Parkway to the Falls. The Canadian side of the Falls were just beautiful. Lots of parks, flowers and the Falls are prettiest from that side.

There are tons of wineries around Niagara on the Lake. I'd do 1 or 2 nights in Toronto and 2 nights in an inn in Niagara on the Lake. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it and would love to go back. If you are at all interested, search on the Canada forum.

Have you considered Madison, WI?

Debbie

Another thought - have you seen the new Lincoln Museum in Springfield? It's very well done.

Debbie

traveler2005 - The OP thinks Minneapolis or St. Louis are not large city enough for him, so I think he won't like Madison or Springfield for the trip.

Toronto is a good option if you want a city vacation. I agree with you though that this is one of the problems with Chicago, I rarely go on a vacation that that doesn't me getting on a plane.

Toronto may be a good option, although we wouldn't have enough time to do both the city and the Niagara options mentioned. It would actually be two days of driving round trip, leaving only two days there. Any hotel suggestions for Toronto? We would love to be in a place that you don't need a car (the one we will have driven up in!) and can walk to things.

Also, tell me about the border crossing. Are some times better than others? We would be there on a Friday afternoon.

Niagara on the Lake is wonderful. Reminds me of Cape Cod.

I stayed at the Westin Harbour Center and liked having a view of the water. Friends stayed at the Sheraton and liked it - and it was closer to the entertainment district. I didn't mind cabbing it to and from.

Go to Graceland, Memphis, TN. Eight hours and fifteen min. per google maps. Great BBQ, blues and the home of the King.

thereyet

We finally decided on a weekend in Dearborn, MI to see the Henry Ford complex. It's now down to three hotels: The Dearborn Inn, the Ritz-Carlton, and the Hyatt Regency. Any input? There's not too much info out there. Thanks.

Sort of depends what amenities you want. The Dearborn Inn is a historic hotel built in 1929. Behind the main building are replicas of the homes of famous Americans which are divided into suites.

The Ritz and the Hyatt are on the perimeter of Fairlane Town Center, a large mall. The Ritz is pretty quiet while the Hyatt tends to have lots of conventions and families. All have great restaurants and I believe they all offer packages with The Henry Ford.

Marsha, I'm glad you opted for the Henry Ford Museum and hopefully Greenfield Village as well. It's well worth the visit. Don't miss having the tea service outdoors at the Cotswold Cottage and get a ride in a real Model T.

They also have reinstated the Ford Rouge Factory Tours:
http://www.thehenryford.org/rouge/default.asp

There is also Fairlane, the Henry Ford Estate you can tour in the area:
http://www.henryfordestate.org/

If you want to find other things to do while you visit our fair state, go to:
http://www.greatstufftodo.com/

Regarding hotels, the Ritz and Hyatt rank a little higher on tripadvisor.com, but the Dearborn Inn is very nice and is just across the street from the museum and somewhat cheaper to boot.

While you are planning, feel free to keep asking questions. I visit Chicago all the time and would love to return the favor.