As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
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If you are coming to NJ, you definitely need to see our shore! It's not all like what's portrayed on that MTV show! While it will be chilly during the winter months, there is still plenty to see! Cape May is our southernmost beach town, it has beautiful victorian style homes that are decorated for the holidays which you can tour. You can take the ferry from Lewes, DE to get there, that is a fun trip too!
I don't want to rain on your parade, but have you seriously looked at weather patterns for the time of year you're planning to take this trip? If you really want to go cross country, you're looking at a really long drive during less than ideal conditions. Out here in the upper Midwest, and in the mountains, it's not unusual to close down the highways because of blowing snow. If you go south, ice can be a real concern. You may want to budget some extra travel days for weather delays.
For GA- something that seems to be pretty popular and we enjoy is the world of coke. The CNN center has a really cool tour also.... If you happen to be a Gone With the Wind fan- there is a museum plus you can tour the author's actual house.... For a more scenic tour- there is Amicalola Falls or you could go to Dahlonega for a more historic route and even go gold panning.....
Oh and BTW- I plan to keep an eye on this thread as I am also planning to do a cross country trip covering the lower 48.... but I've decided I can't do it in one go... Next summer I plan to drive to the Grand Canyon and back (taking a different route each way to cover as many states as possible) I'm planning for the trip to take a minimum of 3 weeks so that I can spend some real time in each state.... After that I'll work on the rest of the bazillion states....
For GA - definitely can't miss Savannah, GA's oldest city and one of the oldest in the US. (Founded 1733) It's also one of the few southern cities that wasn't burned by Sherman's March during the Civil War, so we have beautiful old houses dating back as old as the city. We're also often considered the "most haunted" city in the US - so if that's something that interests you, we have some great ghost tours. River St. is beautiful, and a huge tourist draw, but personally I prefer just to walk among the squares - we have 21, and each is different from the others. They are quite garden-like, but if you are here before March, nothing will be blooming yet so you won't have to worry about the smell. There are also many historical monuments in them. And of course there's the food......If you like Paula Deen, her restaurants are here and some of the best places to get Southern food, but we do all kinds of food well here and if you think you're going to come here I'd be happy to give you a (HUGE) list. Savannah really is one of the most beautiful places in the country - so pretty that after one trip here, DH and I moved here!
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MNSSHP 2015: DH (Bane), Me (Batgirl), Genie, and our friends
For GA - definitely can't miss Savannah, .... And of course there's the food......If you like Paula Deen, her restaurants are here and some of the best places to get Southern food, ...
We LOVED Savannah! Though I'd say skip Paula Deen's places and eat at Mrs. Wilkes
We LOVED Savannah! Though I'd say skip Paula Deen's places and eat at Mrs. Wilkes
Oooooh, that's a battle us locals have on almost a daily basis. I personally fall on the Paula Deen side, but there is a healthy faction representing Ms. Wilkes as well. For me - they are both delicious - but it comes down to two things: chicken and atmosphere. I much prefer the atmosphere at Lady and Sons (or Uncle Bubba's - Paula's other restaurant which is out toward Tybee) over Ms. Wilkes (it's a little too crowded for me); and - don't tell anyone - but I am not a huge fan of fried chicken. Actually I do love it, but my digestive system doesn't love it so much, so I just say no. Ms. Wilkes only has fried chicken. Lady and Sons however has fried chicken, but also has THE BEST baked chicken I've ever had anywhere in my life. There is also a bigger variety at L&S's, so we tend to take friends there who are visiting so there will be something for everyone. I wouldn't tell someone not to go to either place though!
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MNSSHP 2015: DH (Bane), Me (Batgirl), Genie, and our friends
Oooooh, that's a battle us locals have on almost a daily basis. I personally fall on the Paula Deen side, but there is a healthy faction representing Ms. Wilkes as well. For me - they are both delicious - but it comes down to two things: chicken and atmosphere. I much prefer the atmosphere at Lady and Sons (or Uncle Bubba's - Paula's other restaurant which is out toward Tybee) over Ms. Wilkes (it's a little too crowded for me); and - don't tell anyone - but I am not a huge fan of fried chicken. Actually I do love it, but my digestive system doesn't love it so much, so I just say no. Ms. Wilkes only has fried chicken. Lady and Sons however has fried chicken, but also has THE BEST baked chicken I've ever had anywhere in my life. There is also a bigger variety at L&S's, so we tend to take friends there who are visiting so there will be something for everyone. I wouldn't tell someone not to go to either place though!
all valid points! DD said Mrs. Wilkes has better fried chicken. Paula D's tomato pie is to die for, though.
I suggest the OP put Savannah on the itinerary and decide for herself. Definately a better place to visit in the winter than the Midwest.
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Carolyn
Last edited by Carousel96; 05-16-2011 at 07:59 PM..
Since you already know too much about Maryland and DC, I would suggest if you are heading out west you might consider Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, and Bryce Canyon. Each is unforgettable!
Thanks for the information everyone. Keep it coming I am keeping notes!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Carousel96
I don't want to rain on your parade, but have you seriously looked at weather patterns for the time of year you're planning to take this trip? If you really want to go cross country, you're looking at a really long drive during less than ideal conditions. Out here in the upper Midwest, and in the mountains, it's not unusual to close down the highways because of blowing snow. If you go south, ice can be a real concern. You may want to budget some extra travel days for weather delays.
I have 4 months to do the trip...I may break it into two parts. North-midwest in Nov. then come home for Christmas and then the south/southwest in Jan and Feb. I have all the time in the world!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by B.M.
Oh and BTW- I plan to keep an eye on this thread as I am also planning to do a cross country trip covering the lower 48.... but I've decided I can't do it in one go... Next summer I plan to drive to the Grand Canyon and back (taking a different route each way to cover as many states as possible) I'm planning for the trip to take a minimum of 3 weeks so that I can spend some real time in each state.... After that I'll work on the rest of the bazillion states....
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Originally Posted by kimberlym322
Do you know anything about up around Niagra Falls???
I don't know too much about historical places around Niagara Falls, but the Falls themselves are breathtaking and there are a few tours you can take, either on the river, the Maid of the Mist or behind the falls tour.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kimberlym322
I have 4 months to do the trip...I may break it into two parts. North-midwest in Nov. then come home for Christmas and then the south/southwest in Jan and Feb. I have all the time in the world!!!
There were several things I was going to recommend here in Upstate NY, but in November most if not all will already be closed for the season. The battlefields of Saratoga are a great historical site, as is Fort William Henry in Lake George. If you've seen the movie or read the book Last of the Mohicans, then you'll know where I'm talking about. Fort William Henry Museum - Lake George There are also winery's in central NY, but not sure about their seasonal openings. I believe most, if not all are open year round. There is also West Point, which is about an hour or so outside the city United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996
I don't know too much about historical places around Niagara Falls, but the Falls themselves are breathtaking and there are a few tours you can take, either on the river, the Maid of the Mist or behind the falls tour. your travel plans!!!
We went to Niagara Falls a couple of years ago and stayed on the Canadian side -- just fantastic! I should have a link to TR in my signature block. We went to the American side of the falls, also and visited Fort Niagara -- we love that kind of thing -- top notch -- as good as Ft. McHenry. I would have liked to take our budding engineer to see the power projects, but oh well, we did pay tribute to Tesla at his monuments, at least. We rode a 'Maid of the Mist' from the Canadian side -- a must-do!
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Savannah really is one of the most beautiful places in the country - so pretty that after one trip here, DH and I moved here!
Kimberly
your travel plans!!!
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