Thanks dfr4848, I'll check that link out. Visited Duluth several years ago and didn't care for it as much as our visit to that we stumbled upon at Port St. Joe on Lake Michigan. Spouse would love not to travel that far and my 16 year old would love a pitstop regarding P.HomeComp.!

pm - FYI - while we think Duluth is OK (and has really increased things to do the past couple of years), it is very different than the North Shore itself which we tend to think of as from Two Harbors north.

Thanks dfr4848! You're right, the north shore is nothing like Duluth. What a difference a short distance makes in the scenery.

Since you expressed interest in Smokies (coincidentally where my family is headed this summer) I will tell a little more. You mentioned a cabin would be relaxing, but be sure, you could potentially be on the go 24/7 in this region if you wish with just about any type of activity and age range. There are, like, thousands of things to do in the stretch between Knoxville and the NC border. If you want quiet time, rent a cabin, chalet, or condo and go buy groceries then play cards and bond till your heart's content. If you want more action (and to spend more money) you can stay in the thick of it (Sevierville or Pigeon Forge) and go to Dollywood, go cart tracks, virtual arcades, dinner shows, mini-golf, fudge factories...you see where I am headed. It is budget friendly in the sense that there is a wide range of lodging options from camping to a three bedroom rental. I really think if you haven't been and are willing to drive that far, you wouldn't be dissappointed. Check hotels.com and you'll see a wide range of options, type in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg and the whole region comes up. I bet there is even a guide to the Smokies here on Fodor's website.

Here's a link for Ft Lauderdale sunny.org
and for Port Aransas try life in paradise

Thanks for all the information bethmac. I didn't realize there was that much to do in Tennessee.
I'll check it out. We are still undecided as where to go, where to stay and what to do when we get there.

Thanks for the info and the link hulajake, I'll check it out!