Random -- need advice on weekend getaways

[mominthemaking14]

Ok ladies, DH and I are planning our 5 year anniversary and want to do a long weekend trip, we are willing to drive up to 8 hours. We've done Gaitlinburg, Hocking Hills --- anything else close by that's worth doing that won't break our bank. Thanks. 

[babylove518]

When is it? Will it be warm by then?

[mominthemaking14]

babylove518, Good question - September 3-6 is the weekend we will be gone.

[babylove518]

What about going up north to Lake Michigan? Depending on where you go, it should only be about 5ish hours.

[vlagroupie]

I've never been to any of these but I know people like to go to lake Cumberland and put-in-bay and they are relatively close. Kinda random but do you like roller coasters? DH and I spent a weekend in Cleveland and went to cedar point it was pretty fun, this was before baby ha!

[mominthemaking14]

Mar 9, 2015 10:20:24 GMT -5 babylove518 said:

What about going up north to Lake Michigan? Depending on where you go, it should only be about 5ish hours.

Ill research this never heard of Lake Michigan. 

[mom2boxers]

The lakes will be extra busy since that is Labor Day weekend.

[nachomomma]

I think Nashville would be awesome. I've never been though so I have no advice.

[narbuckle01]

I would steer clear of lakes for Labor Day as well. We boat near Cumberland and it just really is a mess that weekend and almost unsafe with all the drunks. What about a totally random city somewhere in the Smokies. Rent a chalet with a hot tub and pool table for the weekend. Maybe a couple nature walks and deck sitting/drinking?

[sstwinklinglites]

Mar 9, 2015 12:00:20 GMT -5 narbuckle01 said:

I would steer clear of lakes for Labor Day as well. We boat near Cumberland and it just really is a mess that weekend and almost unsafe with all the drunks. What about a totally random city somewhere in the Smokies. Rent a chalet with a hot tub and pool table for the weekend. Maybe a couple nature walks and deck sitting/drinking?

Oh man, that sounds amazing.

No advise from me, my trips tend to be on the east or west coast, and I don't know much of anything in the Midwest.

[babylove518]

Oh, I didn't even think of it being labor day weekend! I like nachomomma 's suggestion... I've always wanted to go to Nashville! I hear if you love live music, that's the place to be.

[vlagroupie]

Mar 9, 2015 11:38:58 GMT -5 nachomomma said:

I think Nashville would be awesome. I've never been though so I have no advice.

I've only been for work but they do have amazing food, so that alone is worth a trip. This might actually be a good, quick option since it is a holiday weekend.

[becole]

Nashville is good if you like country music. There's a live band in every bar at night.

We went in the summer to Indiana Dunes- it's an hour to Chicago so we did both the beach and the city. It's about 5 hours. We stayed at a bed and breakfast.

We also drove 8 hours to Charleston, SC a while ago and I can promise you that is a fabulous trip! The city is charming, tons to do, nearby beaches, and city tours- great food and drinks - think Southern cuisine. We loved it and will go back. We actually took a cruise out of Charleston and combined trips.

[nachomomma]

Mar 9, 2015 12:52:01 GMT -5 becole said:

We also drove 8 hours to Charleston, SC a while ago and I can promise you that is a fabulous trip! The city is charming, tons to do, nearby beaches, and city tours- great food and drinks - think Southern cuisine. We loved it and will go back. We actually took a cruise out of Charleston and combined trips.

I didn't realize it was so close! That would be a fun trip too. I lived there in 2004. Really fun city.

[mominthemaking14]

becole, oh tell me more that sounds like alot of fun. Never thought about Charlestons.

Everyone is right beaches will be crazy but SC is not a typical spot for Labor Day Weekend.

[becole]

We stayed close to downtown relatively cheaply, found parking in the city and walked around for most of the day. The city is on water, so beautiful, plus all the historic buildings. We toured a plantation and gardens, and I think they had river tours. They had nighttime ghost tours, and all these places with crazy frozen drinks. There is also an open air market in the morning, which was fun to wander through- local artists kinda stuff. We also visited some warship- I can't remember what it was called... And the beaches are within driving distance for a day trip. It was too cold for the beach when we went in early March but it will be warm in September.

Or if you want to go all out- drive there, get on a cruise ship, and go to the Caribbean.

[ladytiffany24]

Yes! Charleston!!! It is probably my favorite quaint little vacation spot. So charming. Tons and tons of good food (which I know you appreciate). Fun bars. Chill vibe! Beaches. Perfection.

[mominthemaking14]

becole, ladytiffany24, Any hotel recommendations ? I'm getting excited

[ladytiffany24]

I'd rely on becole for that, simply because we ended up staying a little further from downtown (near the airport I think) because DH wanted to use reward points. And he didn't want to spend too many hotel points on one closer to downtown.

If you do decide to stay a little further from downtown, know that it's not that big of a hassle. There was a parking garage there that we would arrive at in the mornings and leave our car there all day. We were able to walk pretty much everywhere we wanted to go in the city. We did drive to a plantation one day as well which was beautiful.

[becole]

I think we did a Hotwire hotel where you pick the number of stars and the area and you don't know the exact name. I can't even remember now what it actually was... I just remember they let us keep the car there while we cruised. Honestly if you want to spend a little more $$, there were awesome bed and breakfasts downtown. But otherwise, I would book a 3-4 star hotel nearby and drive to each place. Let me see if I can find some picsX

[becole]

These were all I could find on my phone

[mominthemaking14]

Thanks this very helpful. Off to plan.