Need some ideas

[LittleVintageTrailer]

So I'm thinking about taking a couple weeks in the summer and just hitting the road. No destination in mind and that is where I hope you all can give me ideas. It would be just the kids and I so maybe a amusement park or something?

We'd leave from MI/OH border area. I thought about going to Virgina beach or somewhere along the E. Coast. Also thought about Branson, MO as I heard there is a lot to do there but hubby said the drive there would consist of a lot of hills. Not sure if that would deter me or not.

Any way, any suggestions on neat places to see in the Mid-West or E. Coast?

I haven't figured out where we would camp along the way. Since it's just myself and the kids not sure how comfortable I'd feel boon docking at a Flying J or Walmart. Keeping the safety factor first and foremost in my mind.

[mary1960]

Disney World!! You can camp at Ft. Wilderness!

[LittleVintageTrailer]

I asked them about Disney but we've been there twice in the last 5 years so they are not ready to go back just yet.

[mary1960]

I'm jealous ... I love Disney! Last time we were there was in 2006. We lucked out because it turned out Hannah Montana was doing a concert at Typhoon Lagoon and we just happened to be there. We also saw Mitchell Musso in the airport so my daughter was thrilled.

We always stay at the Shades of Green since we're a retired military family.

[LittleVintageTrailer]

I love Disney too. I could go back anytime and it just boggles my mind to hear my kids say they aren't ready to go back. That can't be normal ROFL!

[judi]

If you're thinking of Virginia Beach, you'll be traveling near Richmond, VA, perhaps. Just north of Richmond is Kings Dominion amusement park which has a campground nearby. Then, east of Richmond is Williamsburg, VA which has Busch Gardens and Watercountry USA, as well as several campgrounds. And dare I mention all of the historical sites? Then, of course, there's the beach!! Really nice campground (Holi-Day Travel Park) in VB with free parking at the beach or a short trolley ride. If you decide to come this way, let us know!!

Sassy's Moms
Judy and Diane

[judi]

Diane says, and I agree, any of the VA state parks are safe and have great daily programs for the kids. Also, if you're gonna be up along the Maryland/VA Eastern Shore, don't miss Asoteague or Chicoteague (SP???) There are wild ponies that just wander all around, through campsites, in the road, really neat! Bring lots of bug spray, though!! A Disney movie was made about them--Misty, I'm thinking.

Us, again

[LittleVintageTrailer]

Judi,

Virgina Beach is sounding like a winner! Looks like some fun stuff in that area and along the way. My daughter would love seeing the wild ponies and the amusement parks would be fun for all (:

[mary1960]

I had forgotten about chincoteague ... didn't even know they still had ponies there. I read those books when I was a kid! I've been to VA (Newport News) but never to Williamsburg. The Busch Gardens there is pretty cool.

[Gone Kayaking]

I know it's hills, but one your way you might consider the Blue Ridge Mountains/Shenandoah Valley. In PA again on the way consider going through Ohiopyle on the Youghighenny River go on a rafting trip...plenty of places around to camp. There is also Falling Water the Frank Llloyd Wright House that you can tour. Also some caves near there to visit maybe called Mercer Caverns very cool in the summer and big big cave rooms with lots of stalactites etc... Oh and Haper's Ferry in West Virginia near the Maryland border. If you are in Maryland, I highly recommend the Inner Harbor (boats to tour, shops) and the National Aquarium.

[LittleVintageTrailer]

Is there any other "must see, must do" between Pittsburg and Richmond. The route is I-76, I-81 and I-95 South if that helps.

Also any big antique malls along the way or flea markets let me know (: I'm always game for doing some "teakin".

I think we definitely will plan on staying at the Holiday Travel Park in VA. But need to find 1-2 other places along the route prior to Richmond to stay at. We might stay just N. of Richmond and go to Kings Dominion. Looks like it's similar to Cedar Point that we have in Ohio. Not sure yet though because I'd like to go to Busch Gardens. To Virgina beach it's about a 12+ hour drive but we want to take our time and stop a few times along the way and do stuff (: So any suggestions on what might be around the Pittsburg area (away from the city but along our route) to camp and any must see's. Also maybe somewhere near Front Royal, VA.

[Gone Kayaking]

Ohiopyle etc.... isn't far off your route if you divert to 40 and 68 go through West By God Virginia on your way to Maryland and VA. Second thought, you might not make it all the way to Virginia with all the places to stop and go "teakin" if you go that way.

[LittleVintageTrailer]

HA HA! Well, I can buy so much since we will likely take the little Compact. I was just telling my husband I need to get one of those car carrier things that go up on the luggage rack as the back of my Jeep gets pretty stuffed before we even leave the driveway. I guess if I buy anything it will have to be little items (:

Thanks for the suggestion! Going to map it now.

[betsy99669]

I vote for Ohiopyle. It's very beautiful!! Did some letterboxing around there. Kel, do you know about letterboxing? Check out Letterboxing of North America. Someone plants a box with a rubber stamp and small booklet. They post clues on the web site. Print off the clues, follow directions and when you find the box, you bring your rubber stamp and an ink pad and stamp their book. Then you stamp your book with the rubber stamp inside the box. It's like a pirate treasure hunt, similar to Geocaches, but easier. You make a note in their book about the day, where you are from, etc. It's fun reading about everyone else who found the box, too. It turns a hike through the park into an adventure!! Letterboxes are found in every state. We even found some up here in the "Upper 1", but there are many more in the Lower '48.

Low cost and LOTS of fun for all ages!
Bets

[tkcopley]

I love letterboxing too.

Check out their site:

www.letterboxing.org/