Traveling up the East Coast- suggestions? About This Page:

[B.M.]

Originally Posted by Linnynad

Oh MY...........unless you are a true theme park junkie, I would skip Six Flags in Jersey for sure!!! It might be a bit out of the way, but I would make a point of visiting Cape May NJ as this was the theming behind some great Disney Resorts. Of course I am partial to the beautiful AC Boardwalk and all it's history.
As for PA, I would check out Philly!! With out a doubt. The Constitution Museum. Betsy Ross house, Elfreth's Alley Deck the Alley 2013 | Elfreth's Alley : a national historic site

America's first and oldest residential street!!!

Thanks! I'll do some research on Cape May, NJ....

Originally Posted by chezp

I'd missed that Philly wasn't on your itinerary. You definitely need to go there - there's so much to see, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell etc. You'd love it.

I had originally completely left off Philly/didn't think about it.... I did recently "pencil it in" when it occurred to me as it's not far out of the way.... I'm not sure that I'm familiar with Independence Hall (I'll look it up)- but I definitely want to check out the Liberty Bell.... How much time should I allow to see Philly- specifically the Liberty Bell.... Can I pull this off as a pit stop or does it need an overnight stay??

Originally Posted by lauriep

I always look forward to your family summer road trips and this one looks really great! I'm going to echo what everyone else says about the Six Flags New England-- unless the kids really nead a break from sightseeing, IMO it's a wasted day! Instead of that you could visit Sturbridge Village or Plimoth Plantation (historical recreations) which are fun and educational. I'm partial to Sturbridge myself.

Definitely sounds like people aren't a fan of New England's Six Flags.... I'll check into some of the alternatives you mentioned...

Originally Posted by Minnick27

Fort Mchenry is in Baltimore, not Delaware. Delaware has a fort on Pea Patch island, not too far off of 95 that's neat. And Philly is a must see. Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are not far off the highway. If you want a cheesesteak you will never get a definitive answer on the best. Just avoid Pats and Genos as they are overpriced tourist traps

Yeah, I think Philly has officially turned into a definite stop..... How much time would you allow for in Philly? A pit stop or overnight?

Originally Posted by Minnick27

Also the Sight and Sound theater in Pa, is that the one in Lancaster? If so I would recommend a meal at Good and Plenty. It's not far and it's amazing. They sit you at a long table with strangers who become friends and they bring you food. No ordering, you eat what they decide to make. It's never a bad meal. And if you are out that way I would say Hershey Park for a fun day

Yes, the one in Lancaster.... I'm waiting for them to put out their summer schedule so I can have definitive plans as to what they will be playing during our dates there.... Never been to a Good and Plenty; I'll be sure to check it out!

Originally Posted by Katara81

Your plans look amazing!

Biltmore Estate: Make sure you get there early, as it will get crowded being in summer and all. They have a nice winery tour as well that might be included in the admission price, I can't remember now if it's a separate charge or not. It will take you most of the day to tour the house and grounds even without the winery tour. Ticket prices vary based on day of the week and time of year, so you'll probably want to check online a few weeks before you go to get the correct price for your dates (we've paid as little as $32, and as much as $60 pp in varying seasons). Biltmore is beautiful, I hope you enjoy your visit!

Biltmore is somewhere I've wanted to visit ever since I was a young girl in school and learned about it.... I'm really looking forward to it and hope that my kids find it interesting as well....

Originally Posted by Katara81

I didn't see Myrtle Beach on you itinerary until after I posted about Biltmore.

We always visit Brookgreen Gardens when we're in the area. It's an outdoor sculpture museum and gardens. It has a small zoo of animals native to the area that would have been used on the old rice plantation Brookgreen is built on, as well as boat rides on the river to the ruins of the plantation house. It has a very good cafe as well, so plan on eating lunch (specifically the shrimp and grits), though they welcome picnic lunches as well if you prefer that.

Across the highway from the entrance to Brookgreen Gardens is Huntington Beach State Park, which I think is the nicest in the area. Lovely views of the salt marsh, and lots of wildlife (we have seen many gators around there!). Both Brookgreen and Huntington Beach are the former property of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, who left both as their legacy (many pieces of Anna's art are in Brookgreen Gardens). Their summer home, Atalaya, is in the state park as well (in ruins).

There are several nice shopping centers in the area. One in particular, called Barefoot Landing, has a facility where a local big cat rescue brings tigers for visitors to view for an hour or two a day. They also occasionally bring cubs that you can hold and have your picture taken with. I've always wanted to do this, but haven't since our girls are still little and that makes me a bit nervous, lol.

Accomodations: We usually stay in North Myrtle Beach as it's quieter and a bit less tacky. I highly recommend Atlantic Breeze Resort if you're looking to stay oceanfront, or rentals through Grand Strand Rentals.

There is a lot to do around the area, and a lot depends on your tastes. The area is very inexpensive as well - it's one of our go-to "cheap getaways". Hope you enjoy!

Thanks for all the Myrtle Beach suggestions.... Lots of great options!

[Linnynad]

I would plan for an overnight in Philly. There is just way to much history there to not go and see. The Liberty Bell I believe is now IN the Constitution Museum, and right down the road from that is Betsy Ross's house and also Elfreths Alley. The Art Museum ( ya know where Rocky ran up the steps) is quite fun, and right near that is The Franklin Institute which is always fun walking through the human heart.

Cape May is only an hour from Philly so you could possibly do both in the same day/weekend.

And yes.........a cheesesteak is a must do

[lauriep]

I know you don't have time to do everything, but another alternative to the day at Six Flags would be walking the Freedom Trail in Boston. It's quite fun and you'd see Boston Common, Paul Revere's house, the Old North Church, and other historic spots. You can pick up leaflets and maps at any of the tourism centers in the city. Walking the trail is free, of course. There are small fees for some of the museums along the way, but you don't need to stop for them. If you'd like me to send you the leaflets and maps I'd be happy to pick some up.

[chezp]

I'd definitely plan an overnight stay in Philly. We've easily spent a couple of days there in the past and just doing the historic sites I would say would take up a day.

[Belle*]

Ditto on the skipping Six Flags New England! Here in CT I would consider Lake Compounce which has the best wooden roller coaster in the world according to Amusement Today Magazine. It is a great smaller amusement park. I would also check out the Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe Houses in Hartford, the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford or the HillStead Museum in Farmington.

In Massachussetts, I would recommend Yankee Candle in Deerfield and Kringle Candle in Bernardston (just one more exit down 91 past Deerfield). Of course in Boston Fenway is a MUST but don't forget to check out Boston Commons and ride the Swan Boats.

[Belle*]

Ditto on the skipping Six Flags New England! Here in CT I would consider Lake Compounce which has the best wooden roller coaster in the world according to Amusement Today Magazine. It is a great smaller amusement park. I would also check out the Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe Houses in Hartford, the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford or the HillStead Museum in Farmington.

In Massachussetts, I would recommend Yankee Candle in Deerfield and Kringle Candle in Bernardston (just one more exit down 91 past Deerfield). Of course in Boston Fenway is a MUST but don't forget to check out Boston Commons and ride the Swan Boats.

[mtstranscribe]

I hope you have a wonderful time! I was fortunate enough last year to win a trip to a concert of my choice and we chose The Who in Connecticut. I found a town close to where it was called Mystic. I just loved it. It was quaint and so very different from Tennessee where I live. It is an old fashioned sea harbor town. I highly recommend it!

[OneLittleSpark]

Originally Posted by lauriep

I always look forward to your family summer road trips and this one looks really great! I'm going to echo what everyone else says about the Six Flags New England-- unless the kids really nead a break from sightseeing, IMO it's a wasted day! Instead of that you could visit Sturbridge Village or Plimoth Plantation (historical recreations) which are fun and educational. I'm partial to Sturbridge myself.

I was going to say Plimoth Plantation bc she plans on the National Seashore so Plimoth would be pretty close. Anyhoo, if you are going to the National Seashore, I would say take the little extra time, maybe 20 minutes-30 minutes and go out to the tip of the Cape, Provincetown. Visit the Pilgrim Monument and the dunes. Also, at the seashore there is the White Cedar Trails that are pretty cool.

I am from the Cape, if you have any questions concerning that leg of your trip.

[OneLittleSpark]

Originally Posted by mtstranscribe

I hope you have a wonderful time! I was fortunate enough last year to win a trip to a concert of my choice and we chose The Who in Connecticut. I found a town close to where it was called Mystic. I just loved it. It was quaint and so very different from Tennessee where I live. It is an old fashioned sea harbor town. I highly recommend it!

Mystic is very neat! lfredsbo (Lisa) is from Mystic, CT.

[Katara81]

I should have read your OP more thoroughly, OP, as I also missed that you're doing the GSM Natl. Park. I'm not well acquainted with the areas of the park that pass into NC, but can give a few suggestions (note that the main "tourist" areas of the park are mostly over the border into TN). Make sure you do the loop road around Cades Cove, hopefully there will be lots of wildlife around (I've seen bear most often in summer, so maybe you'll get lucky). Do you plan on any hiking? The hike to Laurel Falls is good for starters, and if you're a serious hiker the climb up Mt. LeConte is supposed to be amazing (I am not a serious hiker, but have many friends who are ). It will be very hot in TN/Western NC in summer, so try to schedule a tubing or white-water rafting trip to cool off - the Nantahala River is right on the edge of the GSMNP and is a great place to raft if you're a beginner. If you want more of a challenge, the Ocoee River is south of the GSMNP and is a world-class place to raft (the white-water events of the Atlanta Olympic games were held there).

If there's any other specific questions about that area, let me know.

[Huntermom]

Have read this thread a dozen times. You've gotten such good advice and there is so much to see and do.

NH- To me, Strawberry Bank and the Ordione Point State park (with nature center) are a must do for families. Take some time to explore some of the mountains on foot-Mt. Major is an easy climbs and the summit overlooks Winnipesaukee. Mt Kearsage has an Indian museum at the base and is a very easy hike with good views from the top.

The lake has tons of activities If you want to see moose, don't go looking for them. They seem to pop out when you least expect them. We have always seen moose when we have visited Errol and Lake Umbagog. There are some rustic camp sites on islands in the lake.

Maine-must spend time in southern Maine and see lighthouses and also get a lobster roll. Also we liked to explore the Rachel Carson Refuge.

Vermont-Ben and Jerry's and the Shelburne Museum. Burlington is a great little city.

RI-I love Providence. Walk around College Hill and see the campuses of Brown and Rhode Island School of Design. RISD also has a small but nice art museum. Thayer Street has some intersting shops and places to eat (not too expensive either).Roger William Park is nice and you can see Betsey Ross's house. Also if you head up to Pawtucket (not very far, RI is a very small state) there is the Slater Mill, the first mill in the US.

Massachusetts-could spend a week+ in Boston alone. My kids loved and still love the science museum, They also like Quincy Market and Fanieul Hall. Harvard Square is fun and if your kids are readers, a trip to the Harvard Coop is fun. One alternative to going to a game at Fenway is a tour of the park-everyone I know who has done this loves it. There is also minor league baseball in Pawtucket and it's reasonably priced.

I love Boston but try to park outside the city and take the T in. Parking is hard to find and expensive.

Could also spend a week or two exploring the Cape and then there's the Newburyport Area. Plum Island has lots of nature walks Hammond Castle is fun, and Gloucester is a nice walk .

That's it for now.

[Danidurph]

I would definitely do Philly for a full day. The liberty bell is right by the national constitution center. And if you are looking for a good variety of quick foods, stop at the reading terminal market for lunch. Here are a couple of links! Enjoy!

Reading Terminal Market › Home

Home - National Constitution Center

The Liberty Bell Center — Visit Philadelphia — visitphilly.com

[sheldoal]

I've been to Charleston. I walked from one river to the other. There is a small aquarium near the spot where you can buy tickets for Ft. Sumter ferry. I enjoyed the ferry ride quite a bit.

If you go to Biltmore, Grandfather Mountain is not too far off.

As for Virginia, I love Shenandoah. It is one of my favorite parks. That being said, how long were you planning to visit? Are you staying on property? I like Skyland Resort better than Big Meadows because it has the possibility of gorgeous views, as long as you don't get stuck in a room with view of the trees. Been there done that. Big Meadow won't give you great views from your room, but it is easy access to the Big Meadow (CC Corps stayed there) and also to one of the premier water falls (Dark Hollows). We saw our first bear not too far from Dark Hollows.

Be aware that if you are just stopping for the day, Blue Ridge Parkway is south of Shenandoah--like, literally, when you take I64W (if you are coming from that direction), you take exit 99. Go north and it's Shenandoah; go south and it's Blueridge Parkway (which is free). We like Sharptop Mountain, which is next to Peaks of Otter (where you can get food and touristy stuff and rooms). Mabry Mills, a watermill whose image has often been claimed by places as far north as New England, is along the Blueridge Parkway. Shockingly crowded one time we went. The next, it was a rainy day and not so many people.

My take on the difference between Shenandoah and Blueridge Parkway is that Skyline Drive (Shenandoah) has more serious hikers and lots of bikers. Because Blueridge Parkway is free (and Shenandoah is not), you see people hiking that probably really shouldn't. We saw several girls in sundresses and flipflops walking up one trail. My mouth just dropped. That is not hiking attire!

Someone brought up Kings Dominion in VA. There is also Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. It was named prettiest theme park. It has lots of trees, while Kings Dominion is more out in the open. Don't know if that matters to you. In the summer, I remember KD being quite hot. My husband prefers B'Gardens. I just like rides, so I have no issues with either Kings Dominion or B'Gardens. Busch Gardens also has shows, so you can get into some AC. They have Irish dancers that are very good. If you are in Williamsburg area, there is Historic Jamestowne, plus the Jamestown Settlement (recreations of the boats and fort), and Historic Williamsburg (if you want to tour buildings, you get tickets; otherwise, you can walk around the area for free and watch any outdoor events. Lots of period costumed performers walk around the town.

As for Lancaster, PA, I don't know what month in summer you are going, but in July, the Cherry Crest Adventure Farm opens its corn maze. One of my favorite things to do near Lancaster. It has large corn maze and lots of other outdoor activities. Kids will love this place. A train runs through property. There is also a train museum in Strasburg (all close to Lancaster).

Last, Georgetown Cupcakes (DC): my husband and I watched the reality show and wanted to try this place out. He has an apartment in Arlington (for work), so I visited for the weekend. While near Smithsonian, we decided to take a bus to Georgetown to try these cupcakes. While I liked the Red Velvet--their signature--none of the cupcakes was worth the extremely long bus ride. The bus ride back to his apartment was even worse. Strangely, we ended up eating cupcakes at a small shop in Shirlington (just half a mile from his apartment), and we liked them way better. But you guys may love them.

BTW, you can order the day before--then just go in and pick them up. Go to their website and choose Order, then Pickup, then choose the store, date, and time. It then lets you choose which ones you want, and you can pay.

Edit: If you are going to a lot of federally operated parks (not state run), make sure to buy America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass. It will save you money in the long run.

[CynBeth]

Along with Ft. McHenry in Baltimore I would recommend also visiting the National Aquarium and seeing a baseball game at Oriole Park. Around the harbor are ships and pavilions which have a Ripley's Believe it or not and there are stores and restaurants including a Cheesecake Factory, Charm City Cupcakes, Hard Rock Cafe, and Bubba Gump.

A suggestion for DC would be the National Zoo and to see a baseball game at Nationals Park if you have the time.

[Belle320]

I would suggest Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

For Shenandoah National Park, there are lots of caverns near by. We have been to Skyline Caverns and Luray Caverns. I believe Skyline is smaller but we really liked it.

If you are heading west in PA, you may want to consider Gettysburg.