Hugh, Charlottesville area wonderful. Went during apple harvest and we two made the mistake of drinking, in a 2 hour period, 2 gallons of freshly squeezed apple juice...and then attempted the drive back to Newport News....the drive took 7 hours between every 8-10 minute stop for a high fiber induced potty call between two adults...and I've always wondered how to render my regrets to the state of Virginia, and those poor souls following us on I-64 for restroom breaks.
I've been researching hotel rates for a DC trip. Best deals are on the weekend...huge discounts! I was able to book a 2 queen bed studio with fridge, microwave, sleeper sofa, continental breakfast and indoor pool at Springhill Suites by Mariott for $59 a night (Fri.-Mon.) The same room Tues.-Fri. is $229 PER NIGHT. It is 20 mi. west of DC, in Herdon ... 12 mi. to the Vienna metro stop. It was the best rate I could find any place close to DC that was three stars or above.
I haven't looked at hotels, etc., because DH will book with his company and get thier super low rates. I've been looking at all the tours, etc. to go on.
We did, and will do every chance we get, the grayline tour around DC, which gave us the broadest viewpoint. We circled the Iwo Statue, which produces a neat optical illusion, where the flag appears to be raised from the angle it's on, to a vertical stance. Rockefeller Center, at night, is one of the most beautiful views, especially he patio overlooking to river. Definitely take a night tour, via big bus (safer) and do your strolling during the day.
If you are headed up to DC, you might consider staying about 15-20 minutes further out in Gaithersburg MD. The Mariott there is in a great location with a little walk-to upscaled shopping district/restaurants/theatre (everything from a 2 story Target with a special escalator for your cart (my kids love this) to Starbucks and Barnes and NOble, Macaroni Grill, a theatre. It is a great little getaway in a very safe location. Here is a very informative website for the Washingtonian shopping district: http://www.shopwashingtonian.com/ I also keep hearing that Chattanooga TN is a great family town with lots to keep both adults and kid-o's enteratained but haven't been there yet myself. We really like the Pidgeon Forge/Gatlinburg area, but it is probably better with baby a year or two older.
Wish us luck...we wanted to go to Disney over spring break but it would be consider peak season (more expensive) so we opt to go on the 30th of this month and come back on the 5th. I hope the weather will be great and less crowded
We went 5 years ago the first week of February, the weather was perfect and it wasn't crowded at all. It was still too cold to go in the outdoor pool (although some of the kids did!) but it was great for walking all day in the parks, not too hot not too cold. We went 2 years ago in April, it was HOT and very crowded! I wouldn't do that again.
We went a couple years ago the week after Thanksgiving. It was perfect...no crowds at all, because everyone typically goes the week of Thanksgiving, instead of the week after. I don't think we had to wait at any ride at any park. The weather was perfect, 60's and 70's everyday. We had rented a house 5 mins. from Disney, so it was nice to sink into the heated pool and hot tub on those nights after walking all day. Plus, I like my privacy, so it was nice to have all the conveniences of a house, instead of a room. If anyone is traveling, and would like to rent a condo or house instead of a hotel room, two sites that I use is VRBO.com and GreatRentals.com. I've had awesome experiences each time I've rented, and you get them so much cheaper than going through rental companies. We've rented 4 times off these sites, once for Disney, once for beach in FL, once for Topsail and then once for OBX. All great experiences. And someone mentioned Chat. TN, yes we've been....enjoyed it.
I actually own a vacation rental in the mountains and use vrbo.com. It is a great site, and recommend it. A lot of people don't think about going that route for vacation, but sometimes it's cheaper than a hotel, or the same price for a whole house!
We usually go towards the end of 1st week of November into the 2nd week and it was great. The temps were perfect and not too big of a crowd. We never had to wait in lines.
Pm me the link to your rental. I've been thinking of taking the kiddo's to the mountains for a long weekend this year. We haven't been in a couple of years, and usually stay with my Uncle in Asheville, but would like to try something different.
SB, the pics are freaking gorgeous!!! I'd like to surprise DH with a trip to DMJ's house with our friends M&R but I with our schedule - it probably won't happen :cry:
If you're talking about my pics, thanks!! It's brand new, we just built it last spring, so it's only been rented since June of last year.
Hey Carl, Thanks so much for all the info. My husband plays the bagpipes and he'll be marching in the Savannah parade so that will be my first trip. My dad just retired and bought a place on Jekyll Island. He's been there a couple of months and loves it. We plan on spending a month or so with him this summer. I can't wait to check out all the places you mentioned. Thanks again.
DMJ....tell me how I should pack...I am going crazy. Should I pack up some shorts for during the day. I just brought lot of thin long sleeves shirts for the girls so it won't be too heavy for them if it gets hot. HELP
I was 5 months pregnant at the time, so I was probably warmer than most. We needed light jackets in the mornings, but by about 10:00 they were off and it was warm enough for t-shirts or long sleeved t-shirts and pants. I did wear shorts a couple days, so it wasn't very cold at all. But I'd say t-shirts, pants and lightweight jackets would be perfect. And some good walking shoes.
