Vacation Ideas - Please, Need Help!!

[annasmom]

I know this has been discussed at length (I have read all the posts!), but I could really use some help!

Well, my dh has finally gotten around to letting me know when you can take off this Summer, and for how long. So I am in planning mode. We live in Central NJ and don't want to go too far because we can only do 4-5 days.

We are doing the Jersey shore in August, so we would like to try something different. I would like to go somewhere relaxing and is family friendly. I am not too excited about amusements parks, because I hate rides and will be 6 months pregnant. All I need is a nice clean place that has a pool, pretty scenary and good food. I have looked into the resorts that have been recommeneded as family friendly, and am a bit nervous because some seem a bit too activity oriented (just not up to hiking this year), and others seem very fancy (am concerned that we will feel out of place because we have little kids with us).

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you!

[bostonsmama]

What about Virginia Beach? It's only a 5.5-6 hr drive from NJ if you take the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. We've got the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Zoo (in Norfolk), beautiful beaches, a quaint boardwalk w/ piers for fishing and watching surfers, shopping, home of Forbes salt water taffy, and it's all very family friendly. We were actually voted best walking city by Fit Pregnancy Magazine!! So, sounds perfect to me. Plus, we've got festival events w/ fireworks, free concerts and movies every weekend. Everywhere there are signs that say no cursing (well, "No @#$%!" with a big red line through it) and it's policed by very nice law enforcement, so it's safe. Plus there's bathrooms every block for preggo moms. We've got a brand new multi million dollar resort that just went up, the Hilton, but it's spendy:
http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=ORFVHHF

But we loved the Turtle Cay Resort a block back from the beach (w/ out a view, but cheaper and a great pool).
http://www.turtlecayresort.com/amenities/default.asp

Larissa

Baseline appt July 25th! Tentative retrieval ~Aug 10th, transfer ~8/13 or 15

Proud Aunt to Jack Dorian, born to my bro & SIL 3/06
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[boolady]

What about the Berkshires? Stockbridge and Lenox are great towns for window shopping, etc., the Shaker Village is within about 45 minutes (can't remember the name at this moment), and has a round barn, animals, exhibits, etc. There are also lakes near Stockbridge where you can go swimming, etc. We have been there twice for 3-4 day weekends, and just find the whole area very relaxing. I don't know how old your daughter is, but all summer long, there is music at Tanglewood, which is the summer home of the Boston Pops-- we saw Diana Krall there a few years ago. There are concerts all summer and there is lots and lots of lawn seating. Many people brought children and everyone goes early and picnics (sp?). We are also from Central NJ, and it took about 3 1/2 hours.

[hudsonam]

Hi! I'm from Central NJ too. :) Here are some ideas, off the top of my head:

Williamsburg, VA - you can do the historic areas, and if the kids want to do an amusement park one day, you can do Busch Gardens, which is really nice. I want to get down there as soon as my DS is a little older.

Hilton Head - I've heard this is nice. I forget if it's NC or SC.

Savannah, GA - Have not been, but my parents went. Not sure how family friendly it is, but I would think it would be.

Maine - I'm dying to do this trip one summer. Lobster... hmmm!! :)

Michigan - my friend is from there, and they've done a beach-like trip to one of the Great Lakes that sounds really nice.

HTH! Just some different ideas to think about. Have fun!

[boolady]

Williamsburg is a GREAT suggestion! I thought of that after I had already posted my other message. I have loved that place since I was a kid.

[bostonsmama]

A great place to stay in Williamsburg is the Great Wolf Lodge. http://williamsburg.greatwolflodge.com/ My mother took me when she sang for a ladies luncheon this spring, and we got to tour the place. It looks like so much fun. All the decor is log cabin-style and they have a huge indoor waterpark, arcade (wouldn't be right for toddlers, but maybe DH), gift shop w/ homemade fudge and donuts, and really cute family suites. Plus it's close to Colonial Williamsburg (re-enactments of Revolutionary War era, shopping, dining), Bush Gardens, outlet mall shopping and the Williamsburg Pottery. Nearby are the historical sites of Jamestown and Yorktown. And Virginia Beach oceanfront is only a 2-ish hour drive, so it'd make a neat day trip.

HTH.

Larissa

[mmaimp]

The Pocono's has a Great Wolf Lodge too.

I was also going to recommend New York State. Here is the website and they have a link to travel ideas. http://www.iloveny.state.ny.us/

[annasmom]

I just wanted to thank you ladies for all of your great suggestions. I wish I had time to respond individually, but I am frantically trying to find us someplace to stay on such short notice. Thank you!!

[jayali]

Eileen,

Just wanted to add my two cents also. We got a brochure from a place called the Tyler Family Place. It is up in Vermont. We have not been yet but are planning on booking next summer. They have a website, so if you are interested you can search. It came HIGHLY recommended by mommies on the boards.

We too LOVE Williamsburg, but your kids may be just a little too young to appreciate it. Also, it is a long drive from here with kids. We almost did our wedding in Williamsburg but changed our mind after driving down to confirm all of the arrangements I had made by phone.

We went to Woodloch Pines, in PA, for Halloween. It is not fancy, and VERY kid oriented. We loved it because they cater to kids of all ages. DS was just 18 months when we went and they even had stuff for him to do as well.

We go to Chatham Bars Inn every year in August. They are very family focused, but I think they are probably all booked for this summer. Their organized children's activities I believe start for 4 year olds, but they have a great pool and are right on a little beach. We love the Cape.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide and how you liked it.

[annasmom]

Jeannine, I read about Tyler in an older post and checked it out. Of course they are booked for the entire Summer with waiting lists! Oh well, maybe next Summer!

[kristenk]

Okay, Jeanine and Eileen, if you are going next summer, you'll have to let me know when you'll be there! I might have to postpone to the following year, but I REALLY want to go to Tyler Place and have received info from them for the past two years. So, definitely let me know when you'll be there and maybe we can arrange a mini-BBB-reunion! LOL

[mamica]

We are going to Chatham Bars Inn next month! A friend here (Chicago) also recommended it for being family-friendly. It will be our first family vacation with our 8 mo. dd, so I'm a little nervous about getting everything organized and being prepared with everything.

I'm putting together my packing list, and I'm not sure whether we should try to buy some things there...on our way from the airport (I think dh rented a car), or if I should ship some things, or pack everything (we'll be there for a week). Is there a Target or well-stocked grocery store in the area of CBI where we could stop to pick up diapers, nursery water, some baby foods, formula, etc?

Are there any great baby amenities that the resort offers that you would recommend? Anything I should request ahead of time to make our lives easier?

Thanks SO much for your help!

[jayali]

You will LOVE CBI! We have been going for 10 years. Last year was the first time we went with a child and it was a different experience, but still very fun.

Chatham is a pricey town. I can't remember if there was a grocery store, but we did end up buying some baby stuff at the CVS right in town (walking distance from the Inn). I am sure that there must be a Target somewhere on the cape, but not sure where. If you call the conceirge they will be EXTREMELY helpful.

I would HIGHLY recommend that you call and see if you can rent a pool cabana. It was priceless last summer. DS napped in the PNP that they provided every afternoon. It is also great just to have for lunch and putting your stroller into. Call NOW and see if they have one near the baby pool. It is worth every penny.

We also go to the band concert EVERY year. I am not sure when you will be there, but ask the concierge. They are on Friday evenings and it is quite a big deal in Chatham. Local UMP-PA-PA band. Kids love it. You have to scout out your space really early - if you can bring a big sheet/blanket, to put in the park. We usually picnic in the park that night and then go for ice cream afterwards.

The cape is great. Check with the concierge when you get there to see what is going on the week you are there. She was spot on with her recommendations for us last year.

We also eat at the resort for the Clambake and Pirate night. They have some fun family activities for the older kids on the beach. Even though you child is too little to participate you will love watching.

I am not sure how you feel about a babysitter. I was too skeptical to use the Nanny service last year - BUT after seeing the type of people they had I am definitely planning on using it this year. Another family we met there last year used the service and they were really pleased with the woman they got. Call the resort and ask them to send you the info. Most of the "nannies" were Grandma type women, who were retired. The family we became friendly with became very attached to theirs (they arranged to have her all week for 3 hours a day and on Saturday evening) and I know they arranged to have her again this year.

Funny, last year we were so surprised by the number of families from the Chicago area. I used to work for a firm that has offices in Oakbrook and Riverwoods and ended up meeting people that worked for my firm.

E-Mail me if you have any other questions. And let me know how you liked your trip. I am always recommending this place on the boards and am curious to see how others like it.

Have fun!

[cmdunn1972]

You've gotten so many great ideas! Here are some more. (Hopefully, there aren't so many choices that you feel overloaded. ;))

The Poconos is a popular destination for Northern NJers and NYers. Of course, I'm not sure how much of a vacation it is when you take the entire state with you when you go! :P

There is The Crossings (outlet mall), and the Stroudsburg area has some nice views.

NY State is a great idea too! The Finger Lakes region might have some things to offer. Acadia National Park is another idea.

A different idea is Baltimore. You could spend an entire day and barely scratch the surface of things to do in the inner harbor.

[annasmom]

Oh Kristen that sounds like fun, could you imagine!!

[jayali]

We really, really, really want to try it next summer. Sounds like you have to book really early. We usually go to the Cape in August so we will try and book a week in July. Sounds like your hubby's vacations are tight so hopefully you will know enough in advance for next summer. It would be fun to meet fellow BBB!

Hope you have fun where ever your vacation takes you.

[jayali]

We really, really, really want to try it next summer. Sounds like you have to book really early. We usually go to the Cape in August so we will try and book a week in July. Sounds like your hubby's vacations are tight so hopefully you will know enough in advance for next summer. It would be fun to meet fellow BBB!

Hope you have fun where ever your vacation takes you.

[daisy1234]

I worked at Woodloch Pines for 7 Years...back in high school and college. I was just going to mention it here then I saw you post....Great idea! It would be a short ride.... has activities for all ages...trully a family resort.... The food is very good! I just love their Scandinavian pancakes!!!!

LAura


http://www.woodloch.com/

[daisy1234]

I worked at Woodloch Pines for 7 Years...back in high school and college. I was just going to mention it here then I saw you post....Great idea! It would be a short ride.... has activities for all ages...trully a family resort.... The food is very good! I just love their Scandinavian pancakes!!!!

LAura


http://www.woodloch.com/

[annasmom]

I want to thank everyone again for their great suggestions. Many places that were mentioned are booked solid for the Summer, or at least for when we can go. I was lucky enough to get us a few days at The Wildflower Inn in Vermont (http://www.wildflowerinn.com/), which looks really nice.

I just wanted to mention some others I came across either on my own, or through old posts:

Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York:
http://www.mohonk.com/index_flash.cfm

Smuggler's Notch in Vermont:
http://www.smuggs.com/pages/summer/

Willow Valley Resort in Lancaster, PA:
http://www.willowvalley.com/vacationGetaways.asp

Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Martha's Vineyard:
http://www.winnetu.com/families.htm

And, I don't know if these links were posted, but here are the links for Chatham Bars Inn:
http://www.chathambarsinn.com/default.asp

and, Tyler Place Family Resort:
http://www.tylerplace.com/


Thanks again!

ETA: And one more,

The Sagamore Resort, Lake George, NY
http://www.thesagamore.com/

[annasmom]

I want to thank everyone again for their great suggestions. Many places that were mentioned are booked solid for the Summer, or at least for when we can go. I was lucky enough to get us a few days at The Wildflower Inn in Vermont (http://www.wildflowerinn.com/), which looks really nice.

I just wanted to mention some others I came across either on my own, or through old posts:

Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York:
http://www.mohonk.com/index_flash.cfm

Smuggler's Notch in Vermont:
http://www.smuggs.com/pages/summer/

Willow Valley Resort in Lancaster, PA:
http://www.willowvalley.com/vacationGetaways.asp

Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Martha's Vineyard:
http://www.winnetu.com/families.htm

And, I don't know if these links were posted, but here are the links for Chatham Bars Inn:
http://www.chathambarsinn.com/default.asp

and, Tyler Place Family Resort:
http://www.tylerplace.com/


Thanks again!

ETA: And one more,

The Sagamore Resort, Lake George, NY
http://www.thesagamore.com/

[cmdunn1972]

If you're thinking of VT, the Hugging Bear Inn in Chester is a lovely place. We took a family vacation there when I was in high school and loved it! It's a B&B, and the woman who runs it, Georgette, is very family friendly and environmentally conscious. There's also a shop adjacent that she runs that sells stuffed animals:

http://www.huggingbear.com/home.php

HTH! We found the place to be off the beaten path and really relaxing.

[cmo]

There is a big Stop & Shop grocery store in Harwich that you will pass on your drive into Chatham, at the intersection of routes 137 & 39. That's where we always stocked up on baby provisions. It's about a 10-15 minute drive on to CBI. You can also restock at the CVS on Main Street in Chatham that the PP suggested. (I don't think there are any Targets on the Cape.)

I haven't stayed at CBI since I had babies, but I did get married there, and have been back to Chatham for beach rentals several times since then. I hope you have great weather and great fun!

[jayali]

Eileen,

Please post a review of this place. We take a mini-family vacation to Vermont every Fall with my FIL and this place looks like a good place for next Fall. We have been going to the Equinox for many, many, many years, but with Matthew things there have been difficult.

Have lots of fun.

[mamica]

Thanks for the tip! We are flying into Hyannis...I'm assuming the route we'll take to Chatham passes through Harwich? I'll check mapquest to be sure.

[mamica]

Thanks SO much for all the great info! Someone else suggested we reserve the cabanas ahead of time, and we had forgotten all about it...so I'll be calling the concierge this week for sure. I'm getting so excited now!

[jayali]

FYI, if they are all booked, put your name on the waiting list. We got lucky last year and for the two days I didn't rent the cabana we ended up getting one.

I am so jealous. Wish we were there now!!!

[jennifer_r]

We just came back from the Tyler Place last week (funny, there was another BBBer up there too). It takes a really long time to get a week during July and August (think a few years on a waiting list!!!). Your best bet is to book for a week in June or September (there's usually some space available) and if you plan to return the following year, you can request an upgrade in terms of week and/or lodging (depending on the week you choose, it very well may take still a few years to get that week). They give priority to former guests over new guests so that's why it's a good idea to start out with a less desirable week and then work your way up. By the way, it is a WEEK long vacation - you arrive on a Saturday and you leave the following Saturday (with the exception of a couple of special packages in May).

We're actually already booked for next year (first week in June). If we still like it after that(which I'm thinking we will), we might then see if we can get a better week. Our location was ideal so we don't want to give that up yet.

It runs different than any other place I've been to - it really allows for adult-only time AND family-time and they have various schedules and systems in place so the resort runs like clockwork. And it is very non-commercial which we like. When we first arrived there, we were surprised as to how many 'former guests' were there and how "loyal" they were - we met many couples who were there 4, 5, or 6 times and were planning on coming back the following year. At the end of the trip, we realized why there were so many returning guests.

Jennifer

Mom to:
Christopher 12/29/89
Adelaide 8/23/04
Bronwyn 11/9/05

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_garnet_6m.gif[/img][/url]

[annasmom]

Wow Jennifer, thanks so much for the heads up! Maybe I should reserve our week for next Summer now. Do you have any suggestions for where to stay (as if I will have a choice, lol!)

[jennifer_r]

We spent a few days there a few years ago. LOVED it. We will eventually go back when my husband can escape from his job a bit more(you won't believe how much piled up carryover vacation he has and he's gotten paid for some of it already!!!).

It's on the most beautiful ridge - think old maple lined dirt road, on a ridge with two valleys to either side and mountains in the distance on both sides. The dirt road actually runs through the "resort" but, even though it's a town or county road, most of the traffic is from guests. The breakfasts are PHENOMENAL and are included in the price. There's a buffet of yogurt, granola, fruit, cereal, muffins, etc. plus you can order either one of the few standards like scrambled eggs OR one of the daily specials (like fruit crepes, blueberry pancakes, special omelettes, etc.) at no additional charge. We never missed a breakfast.

There is great hiking at nearby Lake Willoughby. Beautiful lake. Even if you don't hike there, take some time to explore that area by car. And the best corn maze we ever went to is not too far away - it was insanely hard and after a couple of hours, we had to get help to get out. For people who don't want to work so hard, there's hints and crew along the way to help you out plus emergencey exits if you do need to leave the maze immediately. If you're interested, let me know and I can post the link. The Wildflower Inn has the info as well (we found out about it up there).

There's not many restaurants to eat up there, so we ate right at the Wildflower Inn most nights. There is another Inn up the road, also very nice looking but not as family friendly, that has a very good restaurant. I think the Wildflower Inn may have a babysitting service.

I can give you lots more info if you're interested.

Jennifer

Mom to:
Christopher 12/29/89
Adelaide 8/23/04
Bronwyn 11/9/05

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_garnet_6m.gif[/img][/url]

[jennifer_r]

Hmmm, well if you want a week in May, June or Sept. you definitely have some time. If you want to get in for July or Aug. next year, definitely reserve now but realize that you may not get it. The people at the resort are very nice and will tell you what your best bets are. A week later in June is harder to get than a week earlier in June but you *may* be able to get that next year if you book it soon. In terms of booking, your best bet is to probably ask there advice.

There's rooms at the main Inn (where the restaurant and lots of activities take place) but I've heard they are loud. There's lots of cottages, some two family cottages adjoined (so a bit less privacy) and some all by themself. Some of the cottages are right on the main roads (of the resort) so, while they might be convenient, you may get a lot of traffic noise. Another consideration is if you care to have a waterview or not. Our location was the Kingfisher cottage (a single family cottage) right on a bay (so we had a waterview) with a shortcut (a trail) to the Inn so it only took 4 minutes to get to it) and it was on a gravel road that led to nothing so the only traffic that road got was from the four other cottages that were there. We were also very close to the pool (2 minute walk) and the dock (4 minute walk and we could see it from our cottage). Our cottage was also a bit bigger some of the other single family cottages (for example, we had an alcove at the top of the stairs where we put the baby's crib so DD2 wouldn't wake up DD1 in the middle of the night) and our bedroom had a king size bed as opposed to a queen. Our other bedroom had twin beds and some of the other cottages have bunkbeds. But there are cottages which have better views (the whole lake as opposed to the bay) but they might be a bit smaller.

When you call up, they'll send you info on how the place is run, the different accomodations, etc. I would wait until then to book because you might want to see the different options first.

If you need more advice, let me know.

HTH


Jennifer

Mom to:
Christopher 12/29/89
Adelaide 8/23/04
Bronwyn 11/9/05

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_garnet_6m.gif[/img][/url]

[npace19147]

Hi there Jen! Just out of curiosity, how would you compare this place to Tyler Place? (not thinking of switching from our beloved TP, but always looking for new ideas...)

-Nancy

[cmo]

It will if you go up to Route 6 from the Hyannis airport, then east towards CBI/Chatham (Route 6 is the closest thing there is to a highway on the Cape). You could wind through a smaller road closer to the southern shore (route 38? not sure), depending on the directions you are given, but that road does have at least one medium-sized grocery in Harwich Port. Traffic can vary wildly depending on the day and time; weekends are particularly challenging, so allow plenty of time. It will all be worth it when you see that beach!

[jvorhis]

Do you know if you can stay for just one night?

Thanks!

[annasmom]

Thanks so much Jennifer. I think next Summer early September would actually work really well for us. So I guess I have no rush. I am just so anxious after waiting so long this Summer to get something for next Summer. I really *need* my vacations!!

[jayali]

I am not sure if you can do Woodlock for one night. We did a package thing for Halloween weekend.

They are extremely helpful so if you call and explain your situation they may be able to accomodate you.

We really had a great time and are looking forward to doing it again.

Good luck.

[jvorhis]

Thanks!

We only live about 1 1/2 away so it would just be something to get away for a few days.

[jennifer_r]

Nancy,

This place is entirely different than the Tyler Place. WI is more like a regular inn - you can stay for any number of days and while they have activities, they are not as "scheduled" as they are at TP. There's fewer activities too. The place is alot smaller (maybe 1/3 - 1/2 the number of units). It's a great place if you want to "explore" VT and see the sights. Like TP, we met many returning guests while there. It's also "family" run and has a really non-commercial, welcoming atmosphere. There's a variety of accomodations and they're relatively simple too, like TP, but a bit nicer (actually, our place was decorated very nicely). They do have special packages in June where they offer 5 day programs that are run like TP (a morning and evening program for the kids so the adults can do their own thing and have dinner together - I never did it but it's on their website). I actually get emails from them and they have lots of different packages throughout the year. It's great if you want to stay somewhere where you'll be using it for a base to explore. Even then, the inn is quite nice with more activities and facilities than lots of other places. Overall, extremely family friendly too.

If you have any other questions, let me know. I also have pics of the place, so I can send them onto you if you want to see what the place looks like.

Jennifer

Mom to:
Christopher 12/29/89
Adelaide 8/23/04
Bronwyn 11/9/05

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_garnet_6m.gif[/img][/url]

[npace19147]

I'm the other BBBer that Jennifer met :) - this was our second year at TP and we're also already booked for next year. I wouldn't give it up for anything, I'm actually trying to convince DH to do another week in Sept. if they have openings!

We had one of the cabins that face Lake Champlain and it was really beautiful, but a little more $$ and a little smaller. We switched cabins from the prior year b/c this one had a safer entrance for our now-mobile DD (ie, not facing the lake off a steep dropoff!). The staff was really great about advising us about that.

Anyway, just a general rave here!