Hi there,
Sorry for not being more specific. I'm looking for a place to go for one week in the summer.. July or August-- 3ppl-- me, my husband and our daughter who will be 2 in September. We'd like to either stay at a hotel or rent a small bungalow/house. Nothing too outrageously priced. Access to a pool would be nice as well as a nice little town. I'm thinking Newport, Cape Cod, or Upstate NY,...although I've never been to any of these places. We would prefer to avoid the Jersey shore. We like the Hamptons/Montauk but are concerned about finding someplace affordable. We'd also be open to places in the SouthEast.. though we'd be driving from NYC. Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Since you have a toddler and don't need to be back for school (unless you or your husband is a teacher) you should go to the beaches in September....gorgeous weather, water is still warm and it's alot cheaper.

I always loved cape cod as a kid. My family always rented a house for a week. Usually something near Chatham.

Since you're from NYC, your idea of "affordable" might be a little higher priced than some other people, could you give us an idea?
Generally in July and August, finding anything affordable near the coast would mean that you aren't right on the water...it'll be a hotel or cottage that is a couple of blocks walk to the beach.

Check out Block Island. There are some small rentals. And the island is very manageable w/ young kids.

I have no idea of what "nothing outrageously priced" is to you -
I am assuming that might mean you would think The Balsams is outrageous - we liked it when our kids were toddlers b/c they did have a toddler table where they could eat one night with babysitters and you could enjoy an adult meal - and toddler/kid activities for an hour or so in the day - and everything on site -

In North Conway, NH - the Red Jacket Inn is a popular family place - catering to families, has pool, near other activities (StoryLand for your toddler) -

or the Rockhouse Mountain Farm in Easton, NH - but that has no amenities - but some families, as we used to, like doing a few nights at Rockhouse and then 304 nights at Red Jacket -

Newport and the Cape are not usually what I would call affordable in July or August, the prime season - but there are always bargains everywhere - but I'd start looking now -

I don't remember the prices, but I remembered this thread with what seemed like a nice spot in newport to stay - you might want to check it out

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=35100071


Again, not sure of pricing for you - but we use to stay sometimes at the Newport Bay Club and Hotel when the kids were little b/c they have kitchenette, dining area - and access to a hotel pool - so we could do breakfast/ snacks etc in the room -

Lake George, Lake Winnipauskie NH, The Poconos - they have several hotels that would fit your criteria, usually not upscale though. I can't remember but somewhere in the Pocono area are two communities built around a lake - very family oriented, not fancy. The Crayola Factory in Easton PA is lots of fun (day trip). She is a bit too young for Hershey - although they do have a "kiddie" section. Land of Make Believe in Hope NJ is okay for this year - great for next year.

We had a good time with our kids at Lake George 2 summers ago. Our kids were then just 2 and 3, I think. We rented a condo at a complex that had beach and pool. We took a ride on the Minnie-ha-ha, explored the town, went to Six Flags (there's a kiddie land and these cute fairyland houses to explore -- go after 4 for the half-price tix because there isn't enough for a 2 yr old to do to justify full price) and mostly just hung out at the beach and pool. The kids loved it.

Here's a link to the condo we rented:

http://www.lakegeorgetownhouserental...ilability.html

Thank you all for your messages. This is a great start. I'm going to look into some of the places you've suggested. Sorry for not being more specific on the cost. I wish I had a better idea of what we want to spend/can afford. We'd love to go to Montauk/Hamptons given the close proximity.. but it's at least $5k for a week. We'd like to keep the price for the accommodations to $2k or less. Ideally, it would be great if we could convince another couple to vacation with us.. I think it would open up our options. Anyway, if anyone else has suggestions I'd greatly appreciate them.
Thanks.

I second the North Conway trip. The Red Jacket has added a indoor water park this year. We've always had good time there. We are NOT Cape Cod people hate the crowds and the overpriced hotels. In NC-Santa's Village is about 45 minutes away also. And there are a few outlets for shopping. Check out the Fox Ridge Resort also. It is the sister property to the Red Jacket and my kids say they like it better. It is a little more updated and the pools are a bit nicer. There is plenty of hiking and lots of things to do in the area. Good luck.

Might be too young for this place this year, but keep in mind for next year: Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos, RT 611, Scotrun/Tannersville area. Very kid-friendly place. Great shopping nearby at The Crossings outlets, RTs 611 & 715, Tannersville. This area is just 1.5 hr drive from Manhattan.

someone on another thread suggested this place
for families and gave it great reviews

www.lukans.com

here is the thread it was on - ifyou want to read what that person had to say about her experiences there -

the thread also mentions some other places in New England area

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35127155