The posts on this site make it clear that I need some help! Here is the scenario...Mom, Dad, two girls (9&12) from Virginia. Looking for some place awesome to take the kids, two weeks, July 4th, 2008. We want to see more of the USA, places unlike our own. We are frugal folks, but don't mind the occasional splurge, not really campers, love horses, hikes, beaches, museums, National Parks. Planning time is short, any advice on a great destination would be appreciated. Thanks!

The Grand Canyon and all the National Parks in SW Utah.

For info on the area, enter Utah Tea in the search box above.

ttt

Are you flying or driving?

Definitely head west. The northwest will get you to Yellowstone, Glacier, Mt Rainier, San Juan Islands.

Southwest - Rocky Mt. National Park, Santa Fe, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde, Grand Canyon.

horsemom, just a heads up, you will be traveling the busiest and most expensive time of year for families.

My suggestion would be California. Start in San Diego and spend two weeks working your way up the state to the Redwoods of Northern California.

It is unlike the East Coast in that the coast of California is where the mountains drop off into the sea. Spectacular beauty.

I've been most everywhere, and for a knock-out vacation I suggest northern Arizona and southern Utah (Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce). Be sure to first see the Grand Canyon from the south rim, like everybody else, and then take the effort to drive around the canyon and see it from the north rim, which is even more beautiful. Even a park ranger complimented me on doing that, because most people don't make the drive.

Then Zion and Bryce --- they are awesome!!!! Keep in mind: in Zion one looks up and in Bryce one looks down. You'll see what I mean when you are there.

Check out Michigan. We went a few years ago and I couldn't believe we were in Michigan.

To be specific, we went to the Homestead @ Glen Arborn then to Mackinac Island.

GoTravel...

I am painfully aware of the busy/high cost season. The nature of my husband's business only allows for extended travel at certain times...which would explain being at Disney World Christmas week 2006! I should have added off the beaten path to my original post.

Many thanks to all who have replied. I am looking forward to even more ideas.