I'm thinking of taking a real family vacation next year.

[xmas74]

It'll take me a year or so to save up, including tax return money.

Any ideas for a single mom and what will be a seven year old girl? We want to stay in the US (I will travel w/ her overseas when she is older). We love the outdoors, history and I like the idea of out-of-the-way places. And, if she can actually learn something from it, I don't mind the idea of pulling her out of school for a week to travel offseason.

Her idea is the obvious DisneyWorld while I prefer a real experience that will build memories and I like to learn something new. Any suggestions?

[lizziegrace]

1. Pacific Northwest

In Portland, you can visit the end of the Oregon Trail. The area is beautiful - Mt St Helens and Mt Hood. Also the coast and the Columbia River.

You could also head out west to the four-corners area. The Indian dwellings at Mesa Verde are supposed to be amazing and it's not too far from the Grand Canyon. Durango has a small-gauge railroad through the mountains and Pagosa Springs is a typical western small town.

:hi:

[xmas74]

4. It's a wonderful idea

but then I'd have to visit my family. I have family in WA and OR and they'd demand a visit, then demand that we spend all of our time w/ them.

Four Corners is a great idea, though. I'll put that on the list, do the research and make a presentation to her. We've agreed to make an informed choice together, since this is her vacation as much as mine.

[RebelOne]

2. Key West is always a fun place to go.

Also, the mountains, either the Rockies or Smokies.

[xmas74]

6. I've thought about the Rockies.

I could drive that since it's really not that far (I'm in Missouri).

I haven't been to the Smokies in years! My best friend and I used to go there all the time since she has family w/in driving range.
That might be a nice trip.

Key West is also an interesting idea. Another one to research. Thanks!

[RebelOne]

27. I was in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the Rockies a few years ago.

It is very touristy, but the scenery is breathtaking.

[xmas74]

28. I'm just worried about the price.

Resorts are usually on the higher end and I'm trying to keep this in a decent range.

[reyd reid reed]

47. There are lots of places in Colorado

that are priced more reasonably than the big resorts. And, if you chose a central location (like Manitou Springs or Woodland Park or even Colorado Springs), you're close enough to make places like Vail or Aspen or Steamboat or Estes Park (the hotel from The Shining) a day trip.

MUCH cheaper.

Just something to think about.

[xmas74]

48. That's more my style.

Not alot of money so everything has to be done on the cheaper side.

[reyd reid reed]

54. You could skip the big resorts, period.

Heh...I don't go near 'em, myself. There's plenty to keep you occupied without going that route. There's camping and hiking everywhere you look...there's whitewater rafting down the Arkansas River...there's the Royal Gorge bridge (and they have this bungee thingie that lets you swing out over the gorge...not something I'd do, but it's there....). There's Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak and national forests everywhere you turn. Denver's got more worldly things...like the natural history museum (they've got that body part thing there now) and a Six Flags and the aquarium...stuff like that.

And now my plug for the chamber of commerce is done.

They oughta pay me for this, y'know...

Heh...it really is something to think about, though...just avoid the resorts. They're pretty but they're pricey.

[xmas74]

55. As you can tell, I'm not a resort kind of person.

I'm not even an amusement park kind of person.

We do like museums. (BTW-is that Plastique there right now? I've been wanting to take my daughter to it and hope it comes to Missouri sometime soon). And we love to camp, backpack, hike, etc. She'd love rafting-I haven't done it in years. She's too young for bungee-the mom in me says no way, though I've done it.

And she loves aquariums.

[reyd reid reed]

58. Yup

That's the one. One of my kids went over spring break and he loved it. I'd like to get up there myself before it leaves...we'll see.

[xmas74]

59. I think it's apropriate for all ages.

The human body is beautiful and I'd love for her to get a chance to really see what we look like up close.

[reyd reid reed]

60. I think so, too

The one who went is eleven...but I'd take all of 'em in a heartbeat, from my oldest (he's 22) to my youngest (he's 9).

[xmas74]

61. There have been a number of fundie protests against it.

That's the only thing there that I don't want my daughter seeing.

[reyd reid reed]

62. Yeah...but you can get that at Disneyland

Last time we went, about five or six years ago, fundies were picketing outside of the "Happiest Place on Earth." It sucks when your kids are exposed to it but it's a fact of life. A sad one but it does give the chance to talk to your children about a lot of things...like constitional rights, including the right to protest and the freedom of assembly; then there's always the dialogue (oh ick...I just used that word in a conversation that had nothing to do with writing) about whatever is being protested.

Some things you should protect your children from...but unless they're violent, I don't think that demonstrations are one of them.

But...that's just me.

[xmas74]

63. True.

She needs to be exposed but I hate the thought at the same time.

It doesn't help that momma's known for her nasty temper and has argued right back whenever someone gets in my face. I'd hate my child to see that.

[eyesroll]

3. We did a lot of road trips when I was that age.

My parents, younger sister and I went for two or three weeks at a time (my dad was a teacher, and my mom worked part-time, so a few weeks off in the summer was easy).

We did the South one year (that may have been in the spring), New England/parts of Canada one year, and the Rockies another year. My favorite sites were the mountains, the Huntsville space museum, a few children's and science museums, the Kellogg factory (although I don't think you can do that anymore)...anywhere where we could ride horses or rent bikes was cool.

If you're into (OK, not hardcore) camping, a KOA or a Jellystone will offer some other kids for her to play with, and a cheap place to stay.

One word of caution: Too many "boyhood homes" and historical sites will bore the pants off a 7-year-old, regardless of how interested she is at the beginning. Work some water slides or amusement parks into it -- and don't expect to get everything on your agenda done every day. Be OK with missing some things.

Good luck, and have fun!

[xmas74]

8. We don't want the "Boyhood home of such-and-such"

tour by any means. I'm thinking more along the lines of historical spots (like Civil War battlegrounds, for example) and natural science areas (caves, digs that have found dinosaurs, planetariums-something along those lines). And we are campers-we can do the tent thing no problem. I've even had the Girl Scout troop leader training for it.

Huntsville has been on the agenda for years now. Truthfully, it's one of my top choices right now.

[eyesroll]

11. Oooh....caves...

If you can swing it, hit Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. VERY cool. (Bring a sweater.)

And, on edit -- Mammoth Cave and Huntsville are about 4 hours apart by car.

[xmas74]

15. I've never thought about Mammoth!

Missouri and Kentucky are bordering states-I could drive that distance no problem!

Callie loves caves-she has a fascination w/ bats.

[mcar]

34. Huntsville is good

It's got a NASA space center and lots of parks and mountains nearby.

Our DS went to Space Camp there one week 9 years ago when I was pregnant with DS #2. We dropped #1 off at Camp and spent a week in a great cabin in NW Georgia, only an hour or so away.

There was a great park, DeSoto State Park, on the Alabama side. It's lodge and cabins were being renovated at the time but we've always wanted to go back.

[xmas74]

36. It's always been on the list,

and long before my daughter was born.

[livetohike]

5. Charleston, SC

Lots of historic sites, not to mention it is absolutely beautiful there. Boone Hall Plantation was filmed for Gone With the Wind. I think your daughter would enjoy seeing that :-).

If you are into camping, there are some nice state parks on the islands. Of course, it is really hot in the summer, but my favorite time of year there is spring time. If you can manage a week in late March or early April that would be ideal.

[xmas74]

10. She might like that.

We have Civil War battleground sites all over Missouri and she's been to them all. She seems to enjoy looking around them so I could easily link that to something she will understand. I haven't been to Charleston in years and I've always thought about going back.

We do camp and the heat doesn't bother us too much. Missouri has some nasty heat sometimes-100+ easily in the shade w/ a high humidity-so I think we can handle that.

Thanks for the idea!

[1gobluedem]

7. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Your daughter is the perfect age to enjoy the horses and buggies, etc. (no motorized transportation allowed on the island).

It's pricey to stay on the island but very affordable in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and it's just a 15-20 minute ferry ride from either place.

After that, cross the Mighty Mackinac Bridge (if you haven't already) and take her to the Soo Locks that carry shipping from Lake Superior to Lake Huron. Impressive.

[xmas74]

12. We have a family reunion in the UP

(Dad's side is originally from there) in 2008. My plan has been to take off two weeks at that time and take her across the "Big Mac", to the island, etc.

I'd also planned on taking her further around in WI at that time.

[1gobluedem]

14. How fun!

I love the UP.

[xmas74]

16. I lived there for two years.

I love it too.

[NMDemDist2]

9. Grand Canyon and the Native American ruins in N Arizona & NM

Acoma (City in the Sky)
Taos
Santa Fe
Nambé Pueblo
Canyon de Chelly
Monument Valley
Window Rock Tribal Park
Rainbow Natural Bridge
Four Corners Tribal Park
Chaco Canyon
Lake Powell
Antelope Canyon
Colorado River
Williams
Grand Canyon Caverns
Sedona

[xmas74]

13. That is definitely on our to-do list!

She gets a vote for next year. If she doesn't choose that it will happen in the future.

[NMDemDist2]

18. the landscape will be a BIG culture shock from the gentle MO lands

you are used to

everytime I go to a "normal" city I spend the first 3 days "My Gawd, it's so GREEN here!"

:rofl:

[xmas74]

21. She'd love it.

She talks about deserts all the time.

She informed me that her second choice, after the veto over DisneyWorld(and the immediate yell for DisneyLand) was "Anywhere that I can see snakes and bats".

[NMDemDist2]

22. then she'll love it! feel free to PM me if I can help

I worked at a tour company here for years

[xmas74]

24. Thank you!

I'm bookmarking this thread. There have been so many great ideas on here!

[ScreamingMeemie]

17. Great Lakes Circle Tour...

and don't forget to stop off in Dearborn, MI for a visit to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.



http://www.glc.org/tourism/background.html

http://www.hfmgv.org/<<<< A wonderful full immersion experience into History and the strength of the American spirit of innovation. :hi:

[xmas74]

19. That's a thought.

She's been to Michigan, Superior and Huron but not Erie and Ontario. I like the idea but would want a few weeks off for that one since I would want to take her into Canada. It would be too tempting.

[babylonsister]

20. Washington, DC.

So much to see and do there!

[xmas74]

23. I've thought about that too.

I'd like her to be a little bit older, though.

[YankeyMCC]

25. Boston

When my son was seven the Freedom trail and other historical sites held his interest. And of course there's the excellent Aquarium and Children's Museum. There's harbor and whale cruises, Duck Tours are fun.

Of course there's great food :)

And you can probably find something affordable for lodging if you're willing to use the T to get into town.

And if you can a trip an hour or two north brings you to New Hampshire and White Mountain National Forest where there's lots of good outdoor activities.

[xmas74]

26. She'd go for Boston.

I love Boston but haven't been in years. She loves the idea of Boston because she watches too much Disney Channel and one of the shows is supposed to be set there. She talks about it all the time.

It's definitely a thought. I know she'd go for it.

[xmas74]

29. Any more ideas?

What kind of family vacations have you taken?

[Guy Fawkes]

30. I hear Oregon is Beautiful....

and Portland is a liberal town (with coffee!) near some great hiking land.

[xmas74]

35. Oregon is beautiful

and I love Portland. Only problem is that it puts me in the vicinity of close family members who would demand that we stop at their homes. Then it would turn into spending the entire vacation w/ them, a few of whom would try to "convert" us.

[uppityperson]

40. Come visit me in WA instead, or here's another idea

you could tell them you have a pressing engagement you can't miss and just skip on by, or just don't tell them. There's lots to see out here that is different than the southeast and it is pretty neat. A family vacation is quite fun.

I took UPJr to Drumheller, Alberta, Canada, Dinosaur Valley. It is hot, dry and there are dinosaur fossils and other fossils there.

[xmas74]

41. Where are you in WA?

I have an aunt in Olympia and my Dad is originally from Aberdeen.

[uppityperson]

42. here

NE corner of Olympic Peninsula. You may have to drive past Olympia (to or from Mt.St.Helens), but could skip Aberdeen since that's out on the ocean.

[xmas74]

44. Aberdeen is not a big deal

No family there anymore.

And I could find a way to sidestep the aunt. She's a huge fundie.

[LSK]

31. Boston/New England

Boston is a treasure trove of historical places and for ourdoors theres Cape Cod along with New Hampshire and maybe Maine.

[xmas74]

37. I love Boston.

I would love to go to Maine someday-it always looks so beautiful.

[Gormy Cuss]

56. Boston and Maine would be an easy combo.

If you would like to go to Maine for a quick trip, there's an Amtrak run from Boston to Portland, Maine -- a train trip is another adventure for a kid! Portland's train stop is a short cab ride to downtown where there are hotels, restaurants, and ferries to the islands in the bay and it would be possible to go without renting a car. On the other hand, Portland's only 100 miles north of Boston so it's an easy drive too.

[xmas74]

57. We love to take the train.

We take trips across the state at least once a year,stay overnight and then go home the next morning.

And I like the idea of not renting a car. If we go to a city I'd prefer to rely on public transport or hoof it.

[Alleycat]

32. Well what about Williamsburg VA

I have never been but did some research a few years ago cause I was considering it. You can go the the historic part and I believe there is a Bush Gardens or something like it fairly close. That way she will get some history and also do the amusement park thing for fun.

Two years ago I took my daughter to Gettyburg PA since we were able to drive there. We had a great time. The Boyds Bear factory was close by, along with an outlet mall. We did the battleground tour for history and education but also did a ghost tour for fun. We ate at a great restaurant that was very themed to be civil war like which extended to the food and dialect. My daughter was 11 at the time she had a great time.

[xmas74]

38. Williamsburg has been one I've been considering,

especially since it will be the 400th anniversary of Jamestown in 2007.

[mcar]

33. Smokey Mountains or Appalachian Trail in Northern Georgia

The GA State Park system is great and has very affordable and really nice lodges and cabins. The NC part of the Smokies is really nice too and also has reasonable lodging. Lots to do that's both touristy (panning for gold) and natural (hiking, kayaking). You and your daughter would spend way more time together than at Disney (I know, I live 90 minutes away from the Mouse and we love the mountains).

[xmas74]

39. Disney is the last on my list.

I hate the commercial crap.

Georgia is a thought. I could go any year w/ my best friend-she's originally from there and we used to go every summer when we were in college. The Smokeys are beautiful!

[EstimatedProphet]

43. Glacier NP

Here's proof:


Lake Saint Mary-likely the least beautiful place in the park.

[xmas74]

45. That's another place I've always wanted to go.

I'd love to do some camping there when she's a bit older.

[EstimatedProphet]

46. It cannot be described

It is simply too stunningly beautiful for words.

[xmas74]

49. We're big campers.

It's just the perfect setting but I want her to be old enough to truly appreciate it.

[EstimatedProphet]

51. The Grand Canyon might be a good option then

[xmas74]

52. It's definitely on the list.

It always has been and my parents have expressed interest in GC.

[Beaverhausen]

50. Philadelphia and surrounding area

Rich in american history. Also lots of great museums of you are into that sort of stuff

Also nearby:
Valley Forge
Chadds Ford (Longwood Gardens)
Brandywine Valley

You could combine DC, Baltimore and Philly and have a great trip.


But I really think you should do the Grand Canyon!

[xmas74]

53. Grand Canyon is on the top of my list

w/ Yellowstone right behind.

Philly's one that I want to do in the future, when she's more ready to accept decent museums.

When she's a teen I'd love to take her to Joshua Tree but she needs to be much older, imo.