Non Disney trip-what to do?

[tundramom]

We're looking to take a trip this summer (June) to keep us refreshed until our WDW land/sea trip in Oct. Here's the facts DH(44),me(44) and DD(turning 13) like lots to do (why we love WDW!), must be driving distance (<14hrs from Central Ohio) so that we don't spend more than 2 days travelling, not blistering hot (90's), $1500 budget (rooms, attractions, food-not gas) 5-8 days. We've done D.C./Williamsburg, Chatanooga, Memphis, Baltimore, Mammouth Cave, Jersey shore (I do not like beaches). Any thoughts?
Oh yeah, before anyone gets any zany ideas, our idea of roughing it is a Comfort Inn-no camping for us!

[paulsheri]

do you have for the early vacation ?

[MauiMouse]

Have you ever been to Mackinac Island? You could spend a couple days wandering the Island, stay in Mackinaw City, then go up to the UP and explore around here.

[tundramom]

do you have for the early vacation ?

We could go up to 9.

[tundramom]

Have you ever been to Mackinac Island? You could spend a couple days wandering the Island, stay in Mackinaw City, then go up to the UP and explore around here.

No, we've never been there, wouldn't it still be cool in June?

[NJ Camper]

I have been to boston if you like the historical type of thing there is alot in the harbor area don't know prices for you though when we went we camped in the area or along the historical line you could go to the williamsburg Va area there is also a bush gardens there we also camped there so prices would be off a bit
I would say Myrtle beach but you didn't like beach you said there is alot to do there also but they are a little pricey I can camp in disney cheaper then Myrtle beach hope this gives some help i'll keep thinking

[MauiMouse]

No, we've never been there, wouldn't it still be cool in June?

THe average high is about in the high 60s and lows in the mid 50s. It can be cool on the island, but it's one of my favorite places other than WDW. If you want the island website just send me a PM and I'll send it along.

[DisneyCrazyET]

Have you thought about Hershey, Gettysburg, York. There are many factory tours is that area. Most are free. Just check out York, PA website.Manufacturing days I believe are in June.

[tundramom]

Have you thought about Hershey, Gettysburg, York. There are many factory tours is that area. Most are free. Just check out York, PA website.Manufacturing days I believe are in June.

We did Hershey a few years ago with the Jersey trip, we did enjoy the area. I am leaning towards something with some American history to it. My DD really like National Treasures I & II and I'd like to keep her interest going. What exactly is there to do in Gettysburg/York? Who knew that you could do so many tours in 1 area (besides you) pretzels, chips, and Harleys, what fun. And what do you know about Philly- my DH says it's unsafe. I can't imagine that the historical areas are that bad. Thanks, and keep the ideas coming. You guys are

[biodtl]

One of our favorite non-WDW vacations is western NC/eastern TN. You can get great deals on a cabin - not camping, but full features (kitchen, laundry, grill, tv, etc), often with hot tubs on the porch with a view of the mountains. And there is a lot to do, from the outdoors-y stuff to the historical and the tourist-type stuff.

[Aggie97]

Have you ever been to Mackinac Island?

I was going to suggest this as well -- we went a few years ago -- it's just lovely.

And what do you know about Philly- my DH says it's unsafe. I can't imagine that the historical areas are that bad.

We've been to Philadelphia a couple of times and really enjoyed it -- cool historic sites, great food. I don't think it was any more unsafe than other cities we've lived in or visited.

[DisneyDog]

If you come to Philly, just stay out of the neighborhoods and you'll be fine. You'll certainly be busy if you want to see historic sites. Philly really is a beautiful city and we have some of the best restaurants in the world. And you could take a day trip out to Valley Forge, my neck of the woods. We are about 45 minutes outside of Philly. Valley Forge offers bus tours and walking tours. It is usually very comfortable here in June.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me.

[bleukarma]

When I lived in Cincinnati one of the best vacations I ever took was a driving trip around Cooperstown NY (my brother is a big baseball fan, but the town was cute too!), Hershey, PA, Philly, Atlantic City and Pittsburg. The way we planned it out we only drove a few hours each day (except for the first day) and when we stopped in Philly we took a tour of the city. It was great! One of the best vacations ever!

[tundramom]

Thanks to everyone! Looks like we're being bumped toward mid-July now (work) so we may be heading north. I'll have to check average temps for then. I definitely want to try Philly/ historic and Macinac certainly sounds interesting as well. Decisions, decisions. Thanks for all of the great input...and DisneyDog I may pm you for a restaurant list just in case.

[TheRustyScupper]

Why not stay semi-local?
. . . Put-in-Bay
. . . Cedar Point, and stay at The Breakers

[BelleLovesTheBeast]

tundramom - Can you tell me a little bit more about what you like to do? What kind of things do you enjoy doing when you go on vacation?

I'm originally from Akron/Canton....what area are you in? Now live in Nashville - there is a lot of things to do here.

[tundramom]

Why not stay semi-local?
. . . Put-in-Bay
. . . Cedar Point, and stay at The Breakers

In laws have a condo at Marble Head so we frequent this area several times a summer.

[tundramom]

tundramom - Can you tell me a little bit more about what you like to do? What kind of things do you enjoy doing when you go on vacation?

I'm originally from Akron/Canton....what area are you in? Now live in Nashville - there is a lot of things to do here.

We live between Canton and Massillon, and visited your lovely city last Easter.
As far as what we like to do... go, go, go. We like amusement parks if they are heavy on coasters, zoos/ aquariums/ Discovery science Centers, places where there are lots of sights/attractions (DC, Williamsburg/Henry Ford Village, Chatanooga, Pigeon Forge (that was a little tacky for us), Mammouth Cave, etc.), we've enjoyed the factory tours we've taken (Longaberger, Louisville Slugger, Harry London's). Neither my daughter or I do well in extereme heat, DH loves it. We are not the sit at the beach type and frankly I hate sand and salt water (love the mountains, especially in winter- terrible allergies in summer). I try to find someplace that has a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions so that we aren't disappointed if we end up with a week of rainy weather. Our travel itineries are usually packed with things to do/ see, our motto is "we're only going to be here once, so we better see it all". We travelled a lot when I was a kid, and rarely revisited someplace more than once, I guess it just stuck. The only exception is Disney we just can't get enough of the mouse! thanks for the interest- hope this helps.

[BelleLovesTheBeast]

We lived in Jackson Township....so same area.

I don't do well in the heat either. I'm either inside in the summer or in a pool.

Have you thought about going to Niagra Falls? If you are going in July it would probably be better to go north. Also you could go to Chicago. Milwaukee is only a couple hours from there and you could see both cities.

[DisneyDog]

I'll be glad to help with a restaurant list. You also may want to PM PirateLover. She lives in the city and seems to know it quite well.