I need a vacation

[snorko]

It has been almost a year since I took some time off, and the last 6 months have been very wearing. I am trying work in about a week in mid July for a short R&R. It will be just me, and ideally it would be one day of travel on each end with three days of relaxing in the middle.

In the past Gulf Shores was my go to but this time of year hotels on the beach are around $400/night. I want to settle somewhere that has some interesting things to look at or do, good food, and maybe a view. I don't want to hike or kayak, I just want to relax, not think about work, and read a book or two. Driving is preferred since any cheap flight will entail driving to Indy or Louisville.

Similar past trips that I have enjoyed, outside of the beach, include Ashville, NC, New Orleans, Madison, Wi.

 

[jsharmon7]

I just went to Savannah, GA recently. Lots of history, cool architecture, and a short drive to the beach if you’re inclined. Also has lots of big town squares/parks to sit and read a book.

 

[Squid556]

Wife and I went up to Michigan recently. ( Benton harbor area ) Only a few hours drive, only about 30 bucks a nite for tent camping. And only about 10 bucks a day or less for all the beach walking you could ask for. Had a great time, didn’t spend much, but got that good R&R feeling. Looking forward to going back. Well worth it.

 

[snorko]

Savannah and Charleston, SC are two cities that have long been on my list. I'd like to do both over a couple weeks. But a quick get-to-know-you trip to one might be good. Just under a 10 hour drive or a $600, 5 hour flight with layover in Atlanta.

 

[cbhausen]

We originally had a family vacation in July scheduled for Gulf Shores, AL. Plans changed and this vacation is now in Pigeon Forge, TN.

I’ve never been to either place so I would be interested to hear what’s to do in Pigeon Forge.

 

[snorko]

I'm even thinking about getting a nice hotel in downtown Indy and hitting several museums and steak houses.

 

[Creedmoor]

Savannah and Charleston, SC are two cities that have long been on my list. I'd like to do both over a couple weeks. But a quick get-to-know-you trip to one might be good. Just under a 10 hour drive or a $600, 5 hour flight with layover in Atlanta.

Savanna has an awesome, St Paddy's Day Party.

 

[cg21]

We originally had a family vacation in July scheduled for Gulf Shores, AL. Plans changed and this vacation is now in Pigeon Forge, TN.

I’ve never been to either place so I would be interested to hear what’s to do in Pigeon Forge.

That area is great if you like touristy crap it’s fabulous if you like non touristy crap it’s fabulous also. But you do have to work a little harder to stay out of the traps if that’s the plan.

 

[Creedmoor]

We originally had a family vacation in July scheduled for Gulf Shores, AL. Plans changed and this vacation is now in Pigeon Forge, TN.

I’ve never been to either place so I would be interested to hear what’s to do in Pigeon Forge.

Its been awhile since I have been there but, I rented a cabin in Hidden Mountian Resort for a week. It was very nice, We did the Dollywood thing, along with a few concerts there. It was a nice small venue hall. Went to Gatlinburg and walked around town and rode the Ober lift to the top on the mountain. I understand there is a sky-bridge to walk across now also.

 

[Slow Hand]

I'm even thinking about getting a nice hotel in downtown Indy and hitting several museums and steak houses.

If you do that, look up the museum just north of the circle. I can’t recall the name, but it’s a military history museum. My dad and his Vietnam buddy from Wisconsin hit it a few years back and said it was good. They donated one of theor old Ruthless Riders patches to their board. I need to go see it soon.

I can’t say much for the touristy type of stuff, but I will say Michigan is lovely, all over. We go for bird hunting trips in the fall and it is amazing to roam through the woods. If ye just looking to go chill, there’s a place called Coyote Crossing/Caberfae Peaks near Cadillac. It’s a ski resort and they have nice little cabins. Coyote Crossing is a nice little bar/restaurant that is owned by a very nice couple from the Indy area. They have great food and often have entertainment. I’m not sure about summer weather up there but im guessing a little cooler than down here. And being a ski resort, they might have some great summer rates.

 

[Bugzilla]

We originally had a family vacation in July scheduled for Gulf Shores, AL. Plans changed and this vacation is now in Pigeon Forge, TN.

I’ve never been to either place so I would be interested to hear what’s to do in Pigeon Forge.

Pigeon Forge if you like the rat race. Gatlinburg is much more laid back.

 

[rhamersley]

If you do that, look up the museum just north of the circle. I can’t recall the name, but it’s a military history museum. My dad and his Vietnam buddy from Wisconsin hit it a few years back and said it was good. They donated one of theor old Ruthless Riders patches to their board. I need to go see it soon.

I can’t say much for the touristy type of stuff, but I will say Michigan is lovely, all over. We go for bird hunting trips in the fall and it is amazing to roam through the woods. If ye just looking to go chill, there’s a place called Coyote Crossing/Caberfae Peaks near Cadillac. It’s a ski resort and they have nice little cabins. Coyote Crossing is a nice little bar/restaurant that is owned by a very nice couple from the Indy area. They have great food and often have entertainment. I’m not sure about summer weather up there but im guessing a little cooler than down here. And being a ski resort, they might have some great summer rates.

That museum is the Indiana War Memorial and it's at Meridian and I believe St. Clair.

Wife grew up in central Michigan and we're heading there for her cousin's graduation open house this weekend into next week. I love being up there, especially where her mom is out in the middle of nowhere (around Clare, Mt. Pleasant). So, I too would recommend Michigan.

 

[cg21]

Pigeon Forge if you like the rat race. Gatlinburg is much more laid back.

I think both are pretty bustling….. but get off the beaten path at either and it is a great place

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

Chattanooga has some interesting stuff to see. The civil war stuff, Rock City, Ruby Falls, etc. the aquarium they there is nice. We took a short trip to Huntsville Alabama a couple years ago to check out the space museum down there.

 

[Tactically Fat]

Chattanooga area is choc-full of things to do. All kinds of Civil War history. The Chikamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is pretty cool. Also home to the Fuller Gun Collection - which is absolutely tremendous. https://www.nps.gov/chch/learn/historyculture/fuller-gun-collection.htm

You can be downtown and see the sights - or you can be out of town on a ridge and have an awesome view.

Plenty of good food, plenty of good drink.

 

[dieselrealtor]

We spent a few days in a condo in Pigeon Forge TN area several years ago. Great view with lots of glass to enjoy it, it was very peaceful to just spend some time playing games, enjoying the view & having nice meals in town.

 

[Gingerbeardman]

We really enjoyed Chattanooga, looks of good food, museums, history and you can get in the woods easily. Charleston has a great southern charm. Pigeon forge is too touristy for me. It's starting to be mosquito season up north I think, maybe the Canadian smoke would damper that. There's always Dale Hollow, Red River Gorge and what's that place in southern Ohio with the cool rock formations? I just woke up, my brain isn't firing enough yet to remember.

 

[yeahbaby]

Wife and I went up to Michigan recently. ( Benton harbor area ) Only a few hours drive, only about 30 bucks a nite for tent camping. And only about 10 bucks a day or less for all the beach walking you could ask for. Had a great time, didn’t spend much, but got that good R&R feeling. Looking forward to going back. Well worth it.
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The first week of June the wife and I spent a few days in Grand Haven. Beautiful beaches, great places to eat. The timing was perfect as the tourist season had not kicked in yet.

 

[BE Mike]

Just for getting away and relaxing, I second Dale Hollow. We stayed at the lodge which had decent food and a great view of the lake from our room. We rented a pontoon boat and cruised the lake. We took a side trip and took in the Sgt. York museum.

 

[Creedmoor]

We originally had a family vacation in July scheduled for Gulf Shores, AL. Plans changed and this vacation is now in Pigeon Forge, TN.

I’ve never been to either place so I would be interested to hear what’s to do in Pigeon Forge.

But...But, you will miss seeing Snooki and Pauly D