I still have not figured out yet where we're going on vacation this summer. I was wondering if you all have any suggestions for vacation spots we haven't thought of that are, lets say, an 8 hour drive or less from central PA. Not interested in flying as we flew to CA last year and I'm trying to save some money. Places that wouldn't be booked up already are also a bonus, lol. Looking at July for going, we can be flexible on dates. I'm open to Jersey Shore beach recommendations as that's only about 5-6 hours from here but I know nothing about the area. We've already done OCMD many times so that's out. I'd love any ideas. We mostly like to relax by pools or on the beach, read, eat, and drink. Maybe a kid centric activity or two thrown in there. Thanks!
"Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you've got a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies-"God damn it, you've got to be kind.”
Adirondacks? Lake George has a lot of activities and the main street gave me jersey shore vibes.
We also did Lake Placid which I LOVED but was easily 15 degrees cooler than Lake George due to elevation and the water was pretty cold for swimming even in late July. But if you're into the Olympics, hiking, or kayaking, it's a fantastic place.
In the other direction, Deep Creek Lake, MD.
I have been to Ocean City NJ so many times that I'm pretty over it, but if you don't do the shore all the time, Ocean City NJ is the one I'd recommend for families.
We are going to Maine - Portland, Acadia, and then to Lake Placid. Maybe Niagara Falls if we feel up to it. Driving from Kentucky and stopping in Western NY at my parents each way.
Cape May is stunning but probably booked up. Wildwood is fun, or pt. pleasant. Lbi is lovely esp beach haven. There’s so much to do at the Jersey and it’s all driveable. Great food too - water parks, six flags, board walks. Ocean grove concerts, belmar . Popcorn park zoo. My kids get bored at the ‘beach and nothing’ else vacations.
Cape May is stunning but probably booked up. Wildwood is fun, or pt. pleasant. Lbi is lovely esp beach haven. There’s so much to do at the Jersey and it’s all driveable. Great food too - water parks, six flags, board walks. Ocean grove concerts, belmar . Popcorn park zoo. My kids get bored at the ‘beach and nothing’ else vacations.
This, though Cape May might have some availability due to cancellations.
We just went to Deep Creek Lake for my dad’s 80th birthday and also grew up going there. We had a blast, the lake wasn’t “open” but I have fond memories there as a kid!
I’ve never been but I had a friend growing up that their family went to Cedar Point, OH every year for vacation.
Is Jim Thorpe, PA too close? We have done many great summer vacations there. There is a biking trail along the old railroad tracks, rafting in the river (bonus are damn release days), a big lake, and cute restaurants in walking distance to several B&Bs. We’ve also rented a house slightly outside of town & it was easy to drive to town and park.
Erie, PA. Presque Isle has nice beaches, with lots of activities. There is a really nice zoo. Waldameer Park is there with fun rides and a nice water park. Splash Lagoon is an indoor waterpark, for not so nice weather days. Tons of restaurants to choose from.
Middle of July? I’d head north. I second jinkies on the Adirondacks. Not that I’ve been, but it’s always been on my July possibility list. Because not going somewhere hotter or more humid is nice. Not in you driving distance thing, but e were to Nova Scotia in July once, and woke up to light frost one morning. Bliss when we left 101*.
Cape Cod still has availability, surprisingly. So many people bought second homes there during the pandemic and are trying to rent them out that there is still decent inventory. You can do day trips to Nantucket and the Vineyard.
I was going to suggest this as well. I would point out though that while Lake Michigan water is truly beautiful, it's cold and I wouldn't plan to swim in it.
I was going to suggest this as well. I would point out though that while Lake Michigan water is truly beautiful, it's cold and I wouldn't plan to swim in it.
I was going to suggest this as well. I would point out though that while Lake Michigan water is truly beautiful, it's cold and I wouldn't plan to swim in it.
It's not *that* cold in July!
I was at Sleeping Bear Dunes last July. It was lovely, but I also wore a sweatshirt while walking out at night and the water was like 65 degrees.
Thanks, all! These are great suggestions and I need to do some more research and run them by H.
We have done Deep Creek and the Finger Lakes, though it's been years. I'd like to go back someday, but probably prefer some place new.
For those of you saying Michigan, can you name some particular towns I should be looking at? I've always wanted to go that direction so that might win.
Thanks, all! These are great suggestions and I need to do some more research and run them by H.
We have done Deep Creek and the Finger Lakes, though it's been years. I'd like to go back someday, but probably prefer some place new.
For those of you saying Michigan, can you name some particular towns I should be looking at? I've always wanted to go that direction so that might win.
Thanks, all! These are great suggestions and I need to do some more research and run them by H.
We have done Deep Creek and the Finger Lakes, though it's been years. I'd like to go back someday, but probably prefer some place new.
For those of you saying Michigan, can you name some particular towns I should be looking at? I've always wanted to go that direction so that might win.
I recently asked for advice on MI (as well as surrounding states) and received a lot of great suggestions!
Post by Velar Fricative on May 6, 2024 13:52:32 GMT -5
If you’re okay with international, Mont Tremblant might be around that eight hour mark but it’s really great. So many outdoor activities. We have gone in late August a few times and the water gets cooler, so in July you should be okay for swimming in the beautiful lake there.
Sandbridge Island- not too far, but feels like you’re in OBX Rehoboth beach- great, family friendly, fun boardwalk Rhode Island- honestly I would do a road trip, Boston, Rhode Island, Portland Maine. A nice mix of everything.
Virginia Beach is one of my favorite places, old timey vibe near the beach with lots of bars and restaurants, salt water taffy, the boardwalk, carnival rides, etc. Also one of my most favorite restaurants ever - CP Shuckers