what to see/do in these cities?

[CloudBee]

We're looking for a long weekend trip to take in mid-November. There's a very small local airport that does non-stop flights to several hubs.

Here are a few non-stop destinations that have flights on Friday evenings that wouldn't require us to leave work early:
-Charlotte
-Chicago
-Atlanta
-Orlando (willing to drive 30-45 mins for hotel, do not want Disney)

We want to get a rental car and would prefer to outside the city wherever we go.

We're looking to for a quick trip that's less hassle than our typical international vacations, which is why we're not choosing to fly out of one of the 3 major airports within an hour of us.

We mainly want to go somewhere that we can drive around, stop at local restaurants, and just explore, if that makes sense.

Chicago for instance - is there anything to do if we really want to avoid the city aside from popping in maybe just for dinner one night? What's in the suburbs worth seeing for someone who just wants to get away and explore? If we avoided the city altogether, would that be stupid?

Has anyone been to Orlando on vacation and found things to do other than Disney? I'm pregnant so I can't go on any rides. I wouldn't mind swinging in to Epcot one evening for dinner, but that's probably about it. If we do Orlando, the husband would probably want to stop at Harry Potter World. That looks pretty ride heavy, no? Is there much else to do/see at HPW besides rides?

Charlotte - this is high on our list, but if we go here, there's pressure to visit family who lives 2'ish hrs away. ugh

[anna7602]

I think you can drive to Tampa pretty easily from Orlando, but I've stuck to Miami the last 4 or 5 times I've been in Florida. I remember really liking Tampa- just to walk around and also for food. The Dali museum in St. Petersburg is also very nice.

But I could be completely hallucinating that it's an easy drive.

DH likes to fly to Charlotte when he wants to go hiking at times of year that are too cold to hike up north. Not sure if that's an activity that interests you.

[Deleted]

From Chicago, you should just drive to Milwaukee and hang out with me!

Sorry, I'm no help on the area outside of Chicago, as I always go for the city itself. I know that there is nothing worth seeing in the area south of Chicago. Lake Geneva, WI is a popular weekend destination for the Chicagoland crowd, but I've never actually been there.

xoxo,
Not Helpful

[mkesweetie]

The Chicago Botanical Garden is outside of the City, and really pretty and worth a day trip. You could also go to Evanston (both are north of the city) and do some shopping, see Northwestern (pretty campus), and eat some delicious food. Evanston is on the lake too, which is pretty.

There's also some good shopping in a lot of the burbs, if you're a shopper.

Have to say, though, that the joy of Chicago really is in the City. It's worth a day trip, and what you'd pay in more expensive hotels you could save in not having to rent a car.

[blackcat]

I live in the CLT suburbs. I'm racking my brain trying to think of fun weekend type things to do while staying in the area (most of the fun "fall" stuff we like to do require leaving CLT). The uptown area can tend to be a little quieter on the weekends, though there are some great places to eat down there (our favorites are Mimosa Grill and Capital Grille). There is also Price's Chicken Coop, one of the best places for fried chicken EVER. There's a neat area outside of uptown called NODA (short for North Davidson) with a famous bakery called Amelies (they supplied the pastries seem on The Hunger Games), and other hole-in-the-wall restaurants. There are a couple of smaller museums. There is the Renaissance Festival that runs through 11/18. We have an NFL team. There is Latta Plantation north of the city where there are nature trails and such.

During the fall there isn't much to do/see in the area, at least not in my opinion. Plenty of good places to eat though, I think.

[Deleted]

Aug 19, 2012 17:35:48 GMT -5 mkesweetie said:

The Chicago Botanical Garden is outside of the City, and really pretty and worth a day trip. You could also go to Evanston (both are north of the city) and do some shopping, see Northwestern (pretty campus), and eat some delicious food. Evanston is on the lake too, which is pretty.

There's also some good shopping in a lot of the burbs, if you're a shopper.

Have to say, though, that the joy of Chicago really is in the City. It's worth a day trip, and what you'd pay in more expensive hotels you could save in not having to rent a car.

Basically this. I mean there are plenty of things to do if you LIVE in the suburbs - there are some nice state parks you can hike, plenty of shopping, places to eat, Lake Geneva is nice, there is a town called Long Grove that is a nice place to walk around and look at shops - but nothing I'd fly from out of state to see. I also don't think November is generally a great time to visit Chicago, period, since it will be likely cold and possibly snowy. I love the city in the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas because it is very festive, but you might miss that in earlier November anyway.

My vote for that time of the year would be Charlotte or Orlando I guess. In Orlando I know the beach isn't terrible far (an hour maybe?) and you could always stay at a resort and just use the pool amenities. I think there are plenty of touristy things there too without Disney. Have you been to Universal Studios? There are rides there too but they are more of the Epcot variety and I don't think you HAVE TO go on rides to still see cool stuff (but it's been over 12 years since I've been to Universal). Last time I was in Orlando we hung out at some City Walk and did some shopping at a big mall and otherwise just relaxed at the resort, and it was fun.

[CloudBee]

Aug 19, 2012 17:57:10 GMT -5 jenny1980 said:

If you're looking for a low-key, non city place, why not pick a place within a couple hours driving of you? There are probably some local spots that have great B&Bs.

Everything near us is so similar. We spend about 2 hrs a day in the car commuting in rush hour traffic as is. (Would be 30 mins round trip without traffic!) If we could fly somewhere else outside of New England I would prefer that. The food within driving distance of us is the same, the coast is the same, and the woods away from the coast are all the same.

At least in the south we could treat ourselves to blueberry biscuits at Bojangles, fried chicken, waffle houses, etc. In Florida we would be in a warmer climate during a time when there might be flurries at home. Same with Atlanta. Chicago? Hot dogs and deep dish pizza?

I'm just so sick of New England. I know it too well. We visit family 5 hrs north of us, and have really done it all NY and north.

I would rather drive 25 mins to the small local airport, hang out in the terminal with my iPad or magazine, and be flown somewhere.

[Deleted]

this not wanting to actually see Chicago business is not computing. I would never want to waste a plane ticket to fly into Chicago and not actually see the city.

[dmv2002]

Lurker popping in--- winter park is a great suburb of orlando that would be wonderful or a long weekend.
There Is great shopping, restaurants, etc. Park Ave is the 'hub'
There is also a great boat tour of the chain of lakes
-- beautiful houses to see!

[CloudBee]

Aug 19, 2012 18:22:30 GMT -5 tacom said:

this not wanting to actually see Chicago business is not computing. I would never want to waste a plane ticket to fly into Chicago and not actually see the city.

People fly into major cities to see things outside the city all. the. time.

I don't understand the shock? I don't want a city vacation right now. We will have been on 3 pretty big trips by the time November comes around. I listed the cities we are able to fly in to, and am merely looking to see if there's any attractions outside the city.

Chicago is a quick flight, and I see ourselves visiting it at least once within the next few yrs. It's just not what we're looking to do right now. I can do NYC for an afternoon, or an hour. That's how close I am. I want to do something outside of a city for a change.

People fly into Boston to visit VT, and NYC to visit rural PA. I thought there might be an area outside Chicago I'm not aware of that would be a great weekend destination.

[CloudBee]

Aug 19, 2012 18:32:22 GMT -5 dmv2002 said:

Lurker popping in--- winter park is a great suburb of orlando that would be wonderful or a long weekend.
There Is great shopping, restaurants, etc. Park Ave is the 'hub'
There is also a great boat tour of the chain of lakes
-- beautiful houses to see!

Thanks! I am going to throw that into Google!

[Redpoppy]

While I think you'd find things to enjoy it Tampa/St. Pete, you'd be looking at 1.5-2 hour drive. Tampa may be under an hour if the traffic works out. It is an easy drive though.

Depending on when in November, they may have the Festival of Lights going on at Epcot (or it may just be December).

[CloudBee]

Aug 19, 2012 18:41:56 GMT -5 Redpoppy said:

Depending on when in November, they may have the Festival of Lights going on at Epcot (or it may just be December).

Ohh, maybe if we go the weekend after Thanksgiving vs. a weekend or two before, Disney would be worth it. I hear the holiday decorations are amazing. I wouldn't have considered pushing the trip off a few weeks for that!

[CallingAllAngels]

Aug 19, 2012 18:45:33 GMT -5 v said:

My southern geography may not be great, but could you fly to Atlanta or Charlotte and drive somewhere like Asheville or Charleston from there?

Asheville and Charleston are both about a three hour drive from CLT, but Charleston is a really easy drive (interstate the whole way). We used to fly into CLT to visit Charleston before we lived here.

[CloudBee]

Aug 19, 2012 18:45:33 GMT -5 v said:

My southern geography may not be great, but could you fly to Atlanta or Charlotte and drive somewhere like Asheville or Charleston from there?

Good suggestions. Asheville might be a possibility if we stay a little west of Charlotte. It's a 2 hr drive, but we can stay between the two, and visit Asheville for an afternoon. Hmm...

Charleston I've done a lot as a kid growing up.

[Deleted]

Aug 19, 2012 18:32:32 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

Aug 19, 2012 18:22:30 GMT -5 tacom said:

this not wanting to actually see Chicago business is not computing. I would never want to waste a plane ticket to fly into Chicago and not actually see the city.

People fly into major cities to see things outside the city all. the. time.

I don't understand the shock? I don't want a city vacation right now. We will have been on 3 pretty big trips by the time November comes around. I listed the cities we are able to fly in to, and am merely looking to see if there's any attractions outside the city.

Chicago is a quick flight, and I see ourselves visiting it at least once within the next few yrs. It's just not what we're looking to do right now. I can do NYC for an afternoon, or an hour. That's how close I am. I want to do something outside of a city for a change.

People fly into Boston to visit VT, and NYC to visit rural PA. I thought there might be an area outside Chicago I'm not aware of that would be a great weekend destination.

I don't think your desire is shocking ;D But I do think you'd be better of going somewhere other than Chicago if you don't want to see the city. The suburbs are nothing to get excited about - they are a nice place to live but nothing special to visit, especially in November. If you were talking about a month where you'd be spending time outdoors comfortably, I'd feel differently.

[frlcb]

Aug 19, 2012 18:52:19 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

Aug 19, 2012 18:45:33 GMT -5 v said:

My southern geography may not be great, but could you fly to Atlanta or Charlotte and drive somewhere like Asheville or Charleston from there?

Good suggestions. Asheville might be a possibility if we stay a little west of Charlotte. It's a 2 hr drive, but we can stay between the two, and visit Asheville for an afternoon. Hmm...

Charleston I've done a lot as a kid growing up.

Asheville is 3.5-4 hours from Atlanta, and Charleston is 5 hours from Atlanta. You could fly into Charlotte and go to Boone/Blowing Rock, which I believe is also about 2 hours, although if Asheville is 2 hours from Charlotte it would be better.

[Deleted]

Aug 19, 2012 18:32:32 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

Aug 19, 2012 18:22:30 GMT -5 tacom said:

this not wanting to actually see Chicago business is not computing. I would never want to waste a plane ticket to fly into Chicago and not actually see the city.

People fly into major cities to see things outside the city all. the. time.

I don't understand the shock?

We are talking about Illinois here.

In November on top of it!

ETA: I actually live in Chicago and do not bother going to the suburbs unless someone forces me to by throwing a baby shower out there.

[blackcat]

I didn't realize you would be willing to fly into Charlotte yet drive to other places - in that case, I would definitely do it, and drive to Blowing Rock or Asheville, which are wonderful that time of year.

[RandZB]

Atlanta: Georgia Aquarium, High Museum of Art, Falcons game, World of Coke, Atlanta Zoo, botanical garden, shows at the Fox, really good dining and shopping.

[CloudBee]

Aug 19, 2012 19:22:28 GMT -5 tacom said:

Aug 19, 2012 18:32:32 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

People fly into major cities to see things outside the city all. the. time.

I don't understand the shock?

We are talking about Illinois here.

In November on top of it!

And obviously I know nothing about the area, which is why I posed my question here.

[greekypie]

You could totally spend a long weekend eating your way across Atlanta. If that sounds like fun to you. Awesome restaurants in ATL.

[bronxgirl]

One of my friends has lived in Orlando for years and stays pretty busy w/o visiting Disney and other theme parks. Her sister ( my BF) visits once a year and they do a lot of stuff. I can find out more info if you want.

[tarianne]

In Atlanta, go check out "Serenbe". It is a 100% sustainable community where they grow their own crops, have an Inn, several restaurants, shops etc. It is also where this year's HGTV Green Home is, and you can take tours.

[lolo79]

Chicago would be good if you were visiting in the summer. You could head up the lake Michigan shoreline and stay in one of the little towns in Michigan. They are laid back and enjoyable.

Charlotte: I agree with asheville. It is beautiful that time of the year. Not sure of your budget but the Grove park inn spa is beyond grand!

[Redpoppy]

Aug 19, 2012 18:49:43 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

Aug 19, 2012 18:41:56 GMT -5 Redpoppy said:

Depending on when in November, they may have the Festival of Lights going on at Epcot (or it may just be December).

Ohh, maybe if we go the weekend after Thanksgiving vs. a weekend or two before, Disney would be worth it. I hear the holiday decorations are amazing. I wouldn't have considered pushing the trip off a few weeks for that!

We went one year after Christmas and really enjoyed the decorations. I looked last night and it starts the 23rd. If you book a dinner package you can get guaranteed seating at the show. It is less likely to be cold than other places but is a longer flight.

[beachdweller]

If you like mountains, I'd suggest flying into Atlanta, renting a car and driving to Highlands, North Carolina. It is less than a 2 hour drive. There is a place to stay called the Old Edwards Inn that is awesome and lots of other rentable cabin type places. Awesome wine and cheese shop in town and some good restuarants.

[mrshandy]

I would do Orlando, mostly because as PPs have said, the weather could really suck that time of year.

Weather in November in FL is lovely. You could easily drive to Tampa or Clearwater and stay at the beach.

[marriedfilingjoint]

Aug 19, 2012 19:25:06 GMT -5 blackcat said:

I didn't realize you would be willing to fly into Charlotte yet drive to other places - in that case, I would definitely do it, and drive to Blowing Rock or Asheville, which are wonderful that time of year.

This. I am also Charlotte-area and we have a joke that there are 3 things to do in Charlotte: drive to Asheville, shop in Atlanta, and go to the beach.

[monpetitchou]

I live near Orlando and there's a lot to do there that isn't Disney. Winter Park was a good suggestion. If you want the beaches, you'd be about 45 minutes away from Cocoa Beach. If you're looking at Harry Potter World, that's inside of Islands of Adventure. There are only a couple of rides inside HP world itself, but there are lots in IoA, lots of roller coasters.