I need a good place to go on vacation in the United States

Well. He immediately veto'd Vegas (been there, done that), Pennsylvannia, and florida again

Looks like we're going to Nashville. We also might spend one of the weekends in Chicago (on the way down to Nashville).

[ballz2wallz]

Originally Posted by 03 white zx3

Well. He immediately veto'd Vegas (been there, done that), Pennsylvannia, and florida again

Looks like we're going to Nashville. We also might spend one of the weekends in Chicago (on the way down to Nashville).

Ok, I'll get back to you in a few days regarding what to do and where to go.

You have to take your kid everywhere right? That'll limit what you do at night. But it's cool, there's tons to do there.

You want stuff in the outdoors too?

Originally Posted by ballz2wallz

Ok, I'll get back to you in a few days regarding what to do and where to go.

You have to take your kid everywhere right? That'll limit what you do at night. But it's cool, there's tons to do there.

You want stuff in the outdoors too?

Yes, she will be coming everywhere with us. Outdoors, indoors, a mixture of both will be nice. I'm being talked into Dollywood right now (like I want to go to an amusement park and not be able to ride any rides ).

[Linzyhop]

my sis lives outside nashville. i've visited a couple times and i honestly enjoyed going around the country in the back of a pickup truck more than when we went into the city. the little towns and villages in the middle of nowhere are cool to go visit, but the city is bleh.

maybe i just didn't go into the right places...

but i laughed when I saw "gaylord entertainment".....

[ballz2wallz]

Originally Posted by 03 white zx3

Yes, she will be coming everywhere with us. Outdoors, indoors, a mixture of both will be nice. I'm being talked into Dollywood right now (like I want to go to an amusement park and not be able to ride any rides ).

Dollywood is in Gatlinburg, outside of Knoxville. That's about 2 hrs away from Nashville. Is that something you're willing to drive to? Gatlinburg is a pretty neat little place, and Pigeon Forge is nothing but a big amusement park. Certainly worth a day and night visit, if you're interested. Not to mention the Smoky Mountain National Park is out there too.

Then again, Memphis is 3 hrs to the other side of Nashville, but I don't like Memphis that much.

[JaJae]

You can come to New Jersey!

We have a wonderful Jersey Shore:
Munitions clear from Jersey Shore beaches
We just cleared off the WWI ammunitions from the beaches.

Threats Shut Down Jersey Shore Schools
Nevermind the bomb threats in the area, they're just customary..

Man working at carnival in Jersey Shore killed Monday
And they're completely safe for visitors.. generally. Just watch out for those Ferris Wheels on the boardwalks.

Nevermind the green/brown foamy water. We're told it's perfectly safe.


When you're done soaking up the sun you can head over to Atlantic City. Just watch where you fill up your car..
Judge reads charges to teens in Atlantic CIty gas station robbery-slaying
I'm sure those kids will get a strict community service sentence... those crazy kids will do anything for attention these days. NJ is intellectual enough to know it's not their fault, but rather the fault of the parents. Who knows, maybe they'll be operating that Ferris Wheel for you.

There's plenty more I could say, but I have to go to work. I'll fill you in on all the wonder that is NJ.

[Linzyhop]

Newport RI is beautiful... lots of stuff to do there... a bit of a drive though....

Originally Posted by ballz2wallz

Dollywood is in Gatlinburg, outside of Knoxville. That's about 2 hrs away from Nashville. Is that something you're willing to drive to? Gatlinburg is a pretty neat little place, and Pigeon Forge is nothing but a big amusement park. Certainly worth a day and night visit, if you're interested. Not to mention the Smoky Mountain National Park is out there too.

Then again, Memphis is 3 hrs to the other side of Nashville, but I don't like Memphis that much.

I've been to Memphis and it's not high on my list for going back. Gatlinberg actually sounds pretty nice though.

I think JaJae convinced me to go to New Jersey though

[ballz2wallz]

Originally Posted by 03 white zx3

I've been to Memphis and it's not high on my list for going back. Gatlinberg actually sounds pretty nice though.

I think JaJae convinced me to go to New Jersey though

Ok, off the top of the my head (and some things have gotten better since I left) I can think of:

1) the Country Music Hall of Fame - it's relatively new (about 5 yrs now) and very nice. It goes back to the Elvis days. Definitely worth a visit.

2) Opry Land Hotel, mall, and the Grand Ole Opry - you can spend a day out there, it's HUGE. You might even consider staying in the Hotel itself for a night, it's absolutely gorgeous. The shows are a must-see, since Nashville was born on that stuff.

3) tour of Nashville - I know touristy stuff sounds goofy, but it really is the best way of seeing a town. You can take a nice bus tour of the city, even surrounding areas, to see the homes of our founding fathers, Civil War memorials, batthegrounds, and sites. The homes are beautiful in many of those areas. There are even some old Civil War forts around that you can explore by foot, as they aren't turned into tourist areas yet, and you can do what you want in them. This also includes the Ryman Auditorium where the Grand Ole Opry originally started on the radio, a tour of Music Row where all the recording studios are, some of the huge houses of the stars, and you have to stop in for some live country music and/or bluegrass at some of the bars! It's always a blast.

4) Jack Daniels distillery - this is a must-see as well. Very cool to see how it's done, with such pride...my favorite whiskey!

5) The Symphony Hall - it wasn't done being built before I left, but it's gorgeous, and now up and running. I'd try to catch a show if there are any scheduled then.

6) Gatlinburg - spend a night out there, and one day see Gatlinburg and another day spend in Pigeon Forge. Dollywood is there, but make sure to see all the other touristy stuff, your daughter will love it.

7) Smoky Mountain National Park - drive through and enjoy the outdoors and wildlife as you are out in the Gatlinburg area. It's very beautiful. Plenty of hiking trails that last a day if you like.

As far as restaurants go, I can give you a list if yiou tell me what you like. There is tons of great food, and compared to Boston, it's very inexpensive!

[Publius]

Have you considered Savannah, Georgia? My mom grew up there and I spent a few weeks there every summer for 4 or 5 years when I was younger...

The city has such amazing history and yet so much life to it, I think you'd really enjoy it.

Fort Pulaski National Monument - Fort Pulaski National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)
Fort Pulaski is one of two forts in the Savannah area built prior to the Civil War that saw heavy action during the war. The siege on Pulaski marked the first time rifled cannons were used for bombardment, and the fort surrendered after a 30 hour siege destroyed much of the fortifications around it. Last time I saw it was about 10 years ago, but there was plenty of Civil War era stuff in it.






Old Fort Jackson, Savannah, Georgia
Fort Jackson is the 2nd fort in the area, built by decree of Thomas Jefferson following souring of relations with Britain prior to the War of 1812. Again, I last saw it about 10 years ago but it was awesome (and based on what I see, it looks like they do some recreations there now). Very well kept with lots of antebellum and Civil War items, and the view out over the Savannah River inlet is gorgeous.






Historic squares, Savannah, Georgia
The squares throughout Savannah are awesome, so beautiful and so much history.





Last time I was in Savannah my mom and I went on this awesome horse-drawn carriage tour through downtown Savannah that tells you all about the history of the squares and a lot of the buildings and the entire city itself. It was awesome, well worth it.

Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia
Then of course there is Bonaventure Cemetery. Probably the most beautiful cemetery in the country, imo. This cemetery was featured in the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and the cemetery scenes in the movie adaptation were filmed in the new part of the cemetery.







Then of course for some more modern fun, there is the Riverwalk. It's an old-world style cobblestone street hugging the Savannah River with tons of little shops and restaurants and bars. Last time I was there they also had a river ferry you can take a tour on that takes you all up and down the Savannah side of the river.




Of course, Savannah also has some awesome beaches on the Atlantic islands like Tybee Island, also the site of the Tybee Lighthouse (a historical lighthouse) and Fort Pulaski if I'm remembering correctly... And the pier/pavillion on the Tybee Island beach is fucking awesome.

[Publius]

I want to go back to Savannah now.

[7960]

Originally Posted by Donkey®

You have the wrong impression of Vegas. You also seem to have the wrong impression of Nashville. Nashville is probably one of the worst places to EVER think about going for a vacation.

Based on this advice alone I'd choose nashville over vegas.


Anyway, next year I plan to take my kids to DC so we can see the museums and historic shit there. You can usually get cheap commuter flights there/back, and once you're there take public transport.

I vote DC.

[Publius]

after reviewing all the other options mentioned in this thread ... Savannah > any of them.

[thomez]

Originally Posted by Publius

after reviewing all the other options mentioned in this thread ... Savannah > any of them.

hey Ray Charles, we heard you the first time

[Publius]

Originally Posted by thomez

hey Ray Charles, we heard you the first time

[Donkey®]

Originally Posted by 7960

Based on this advice alone I'd choose nashville over vegas.

Gee...more trolling. Go figure.

[Diesel66]

is your daughter 16 yet ?

come to CA

Originally Posted by Diesel66

is your daughter 16 yet ?

come to CA

Not quite. She's only 10. <insert some smilie here, not sure which one!!>

Well, he came home with a plan. We spent the last 2.5 hours making up an itinerary (sp?)

We're spending 2 nights in Chicago, 2 nights in Memphis (I lost that fight but negotiated a spa day for myself out of it ), 2 nights in Nashville (I'd still like to get to Gatlinberg), 1 night in Louisville, and 1 last night in Chicago. We have decided to just cancel Mexico completely and go with this. If our passports end up coming, they end up coming. If not, we'll have our refund in time to use for our little trip. Plus this way the kiddo gets to come, and she'll be very happy about that

We have enough money left over to buy ourselves an inexpensive Garmin GPS, and put a cheapo DVD player in the minivan for the drive too.

[Diesel66]

sounds fun except for the trip to Memphis. Dont stay in town after dark