Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

I'll be spending a month in SE Asia this year. Flying into Bangkok then heading to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Traveling alone as always so no real itinerary or even plan. Just show up and see where the wind takes me.

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=Schneed10;564139]No vacation for me this year, my wife is due to have our 2nd any day now. This summer will be adjusting to a new baby.

I'll be looking forward to next year's vacation like crazy![/quote]

Boy or girl? Or do you plan on being surprised

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

Summer vacations are what's wrong with this country. We're too lazy as it is. Vacations and homos are bringing us down!

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=Mattyk72;564153]Summer vatacions are what's wrong with this coutry. We're two lazy as is it. Vatations and homos are briging us down![/quote]

fixed it for ya

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;564155]fixed it for ya[/quote]

LOL. Clever

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[quote=SmootSmack;564150]Boy or girl? Or do you plan on being surprised[/quote]

Girl #2. Two weddings to pay for!!! Ahhh!

LOL

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=Schneed10;564139]No vacation for me this year, my wife is due to have our 2nd any day now. This summer will be adjusting to a new baby.

I'll be looking forward to next year's vacation like crazy![/quote]

Didn't you guys just have a kid a couple years back?

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=Schneed10;564165]Girl #2. Two weddings to pay for!!! Ahhh!

LOL[/quote]

Congratulations!

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=Schneed10;564165]Girl #2. Two weddings to pay for!!! Ahhh!

LOL[/quote]
I hear ya, as I'm in the same boat...two girls thus far. Congrats!

No vacation plans until September...taking the 3rd through the 13th off. Going to see Jimmy Buffett at Nissan on the 3rd (saw him 10 years ago at Nissan, been trying to get back ever since, finally got tickets this year), then heading to the beach for the rest of the time.

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

No significant vacation for me for a while. I have a family reunion in upstate NY in mid-July, but I'll only be up there for two nights.

In September however, my girlfriend and I are going down to Florida for about a week. We're staying at my family's place on Siesta Key Beach (SW Florida near Sarasota) for a few days, then driving up to Gainesville to visit some friends and go to the UF-Tennessee game. With all the mouthing off Lane Kiffin has done, it will be great to see Tebow and Co. stomp out those Vols in the Swamp. I'm just hoping it's a night game.

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=GMScud;564186]No significant vacation for me for a while. I have a family reunion in upstate NY in mid-July, but I'll only be up there for two nights.

In September however, my girlfriend and I are going down to Florida for about a week. We're staying at my family's place on Siesta Key Beach (SW Florida near Sarasota) for a few days, then driving up to Gainesville to visit some friends and go to the UF-Tennessee game. With all the mouthing off Lane Kiffin has done, it will be great to see Tebow and Co. stomp out those Vols in the Swamp. I'm just hoping it's a night game.[/quote]

So any plans of her being your fiancee by the end of this summer?

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=GMScud;564186]...In September however, my girlfriend and I are going down to Florida for about a week. We're staying at my family's place on Siesta Key Beach (SW Florida near Sarasota) for a few days...[/quote]
I've been to that beach several times (Grandparents live in Venice). White sand beach with sandbars that create decent sized waves for the Gulf. Very nice...

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=SmootSmack;564187]So any plans of her being your fiancee by the end of this summer?[/quote]

Absolutely. Already have the stone picked out. I'm working with a jeweler who is also a family friend. I went to his house the other night to look at a bunch of loose diamonds he brought home. I know I've mentioned engagement off and on here for the past year or so, but it's actually happening this time, and soon. I'll keep you posted.

Plus I know how happy it would make my girlfriend to have that ring on her finger when we go down to Florida see her family (forgot to mention the last day of our trip will be spent in Orlando with them) and all of our friends in Gainesville.

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=BDBohnzie;564194]I've been to that beach several times (Grandparents live in Venice). White sand beach with sandbars that create decent sized waves for the Gulf. Very nice...[/quote]

It's gorgeous down there. My mom and stepdad own a two bedroom/two bath condo RIGHT on the water. I mean, if the lanai wasn't screened in, you could throw a baseball into the gulf. The place is right on Crescent Beach (a segment of Siesta Key Beach). It's one of best places I've ever been. The Travel Channel said it's one of the top 10 beaches in the world. Needless to say, I'm stoked to get back down there. It's been two years.

As a matter of fact, my girlfriend and I have talked about getting married right there on that beach. We think it would be great to exchange vows with our feet in that white sand during a southwest Florida sunset.

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

Dominican Republic this Wednesday for a week. Never done the Caribbean, looking forward to it and the wildlife.

Trying to go up to Boston in late August, NYC in September as well and will be doing multiple trips to the Outter Banks N.C. per the norm.

Would love to do Lollapalooza in Chicago this year because Ive never done Chicago nor that music fest and the line up is effing off the chain this year, but got a party at a Lake Gaston Va the same weekend.

What vacation plans do you have this Summer?

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

3 florida trips, vegas, and at least 2 skins games. a happening year for me:). and going to see earth wind and fire

Going back home to the gulf coast this summer then Florida in Oct, trying to get skins rams tix in STL

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

got 3 girls pregnant in miami last summer, have to go back and sort some things out this summer

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

Going to NYC for Memorial Day weekend. My first trip to New York! I'll let you know the debauchery I get into when I get back.

[QUOTE=dmek25;916796]3 florida trips, vegas, and at least 2 skins games. a happening year for me:). and going to see earth wind and fire[/QUOTE]

When you get to Vegas let me know if you want to use my local discount anywhere. Usually cuts the price of shows and stuff in half.

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

I'm off to Ecuador this upcoming Friday, will be there for a week. I haven't visited since 2005.

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

So, thinking I may want to take a trip down to NC this summer. But is Nags Head part of Outer Banks, or vice-versa or neither? And if I'm looking for a fairly quiet beach down around there....where should I go?

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=SmootSmack;916930]So, thinking I may want to take a trip down to NC this summer. But is Nags Head part of Outer Banks, or vice-versa or neither? And if I'm looking for a fairly quiet beach down around there....where should I go?[/quote]

I think Firstdown is your man for that question. I have been there once; it was a little to quiet for me. My family generally goes to Ocean City/Bethany Beach/ Rehoboth Beach...

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=SmootSmack;916930]So, thinking I may want to take a trip down to NC this summer. But is Nags Head part of Outer Banks, or vice-versa or neither? And if I'm looking for a fairly quiet beach down around there....where should I go?[/quote]

Yes, Nags Head is part of OBX and right beside a major tourism spot of Kill Devil Hills. It's going to be quieter than KH or KDH, that much is for sure.

[url=http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&q=nags+head+nc&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x89a4e37f150554e7:0xf3e158c0a55f7781,Nags+Head,+NC&gl=us&ei=Vf-wT5dog6zwBNmDnOMI&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CFAQ8gEwAA]nags head nc - Google Maps[/url]


I know some friends that have been to places like Duck, NC and had a great time(if you want quiet). It's more low key than Kitty Hawk or Kill Devil Hills.

[url=http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&q=duck,+nc&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x89a5272928486235:0xce4c1a6942aa3db1,Duck,+NC&gl=us&ei=0P-wT_XgPIa09QSQ9Jj7CA&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum=2&ved=0CFUQ8gEwAQ]duck, nc - Google Maps[/url]

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

SS -- I'm a big fan of the Corolla area of the OBX if you want a quiet spot. No beach will be super quiet in the peak of summer. I love beach trips in early September -- kids are back in school but the weather and water are still warm.

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=SmootSmack;916930]So, thinking I may want to take a trip down to NC this summer. But is Nags Head part of Outer Banks, or vice-versa or neither? And if I'm looking for a fairly quiet beach down around there....where should I go?[/quote]

If you never been SS, Outer Banks is like 2 long skinny islands without the commercialization of typical vacation beach spots. No boardwalk, no cheezy t-shirt shops, no Snookies. The first island, Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Manteo area, are where you will find the most people, lots of rental houses, spots to eat, shops etc. U also have Duck which is the north point of the island...a little more private but your gonna be surrounded by Duke grads, now doctors, and their vacation homes. Im personally not a fan. Ive heard farther up in Corrella its better, but never been.

If you continue going down the island you will cross over to Hatteras Island which is noticably more private, skinny island with miles of beach where you can just turn off the road and find no one around. At the bottom of that island is Cape Hatteras, Buxton, and Frisco, which is great but the misquitoes this year down there are gonna be brutal. Heard that from a source last weekend. Off Hatteras is a little island call Ocracoke Island (or as dad mispronauces "Oreocake")which you have to ferry to, but is amazing. It is a must day visit just to walk the small bay and chill. So is the Hatteras area in general, just a cool area.

Im gonna direct you to Avon NC. Middle of Hatteras Island with a good number of options of food, rental houses and small number of shops and not overly crowded. Its a good balance and very private.

If your still looking for more private, Rodanthe is where my parents have there spot, but its no stop lights and you can drive through it in about 2 mins. Less people, less options, no grocery store and less things to do other than the beach which I wouldnt suggest if your first time or even 2nd time down.

So id look at Avon or very southern Nags Head (city).

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

Great advice. Thanks!

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=Chico23231;916946]If you never been SS, Outer Banks is like 2 long skinny islands without the commercialization of typical vacation beach spots. No boardwalk, no cheezy t-shirt shops, no Snookies. The first island, Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Manteo area, are where you will find the most people, lots of rental houses, spots to eat, shops etc. U also have Duck which is the north point of the island...a little more private but your gonna be surrounded by Duke grads, now doctors, and their vacation homes. Im personally not a fan. Ive heard farther up in Corrella its better, but never been.

If you continue going down the island you will cross over to Hatteras Island which is noticably more private, skinny island with miles of beach where you can just turn off the road and find no one around. At the bottom of that island is Cape Hatteras, Buxton, and Frisco, which is great but the misquitoes this year down there are gonna be brutal. Heard that from a source last weekend. Off Hatteras is a little island call Ocracoke Island (or as dad mispronauces "Oreocake")which you have to ferry to, but is amazing. It is a must day visit just to walk the small bay and chill. So is the Hatteras area in general, just a cool area.

Im gonna direct you to Avon NC. Middle of Hatteras Island with a good number of options of food, rental houses and small number of shops and not overly crowded. Its a good balance and very private.

[B]If your still looking for more private, Rodanthe is where my parents have there spot, but its no stop lights and you can drive through it in about 2 mins. Less people, less options, no grocery store and less things to do other than the beach which I wouldnt suggest if your first time or even 2nd time down. [/B]

So id look at Avon or very southern Nags Head (city).[/quote]

Oh good you just remind me of one of the worst movies my wife dragged me to on a date night!

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[quote=mredskins;916962]Oh good you just remind me of one of the worst movies my wife dragged me to on a date night![/quote]

yeah, the house is there in Rodanthe where it was filmed and people can rent it out, they actually had to move it several years ago after a storm took down 2 houses on each side of it. Didnt see the movie but that writer is from the outer banks

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[quote=Chico23231;916966]yeah, the house is there in Rodanthe where it was filmed and people can rent it out, they actually had to move it several years ago after a storm took down 2 houses on each side of it. Didnt see the movie but that writer is from the outer banks[/quote]

Really? Because in the movie it seriously looks like it is CGIed in there. It is a cool house.

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=Chico23231;916946]If you never been SS, Outer Banks is like 2 long skinny islands without the commercialization of typical vacation beach spots. No boardwalk, no cheezy t-shirt shops, no Snookies. The first island, Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Manteo area, are where you will find the most people, lots of rental houses, spots to eat, shops etc. U also have Duck which is the north point of the island...a little more private but your gonna be surrounded by Duke grads, now doctors, and their vacation homes. Im personally not a fan. Ive heard farther up in Corrella its better, but never been.

If you continue going down the island you will cross over to Hatteras Island which is noticably more private, skinny island with miles of beach where you can just turn off the road and find no one around. At the bottom of that island is Cape Hatteras, Buxton, and Frisco, which is great but the misquitoes this year down there are gonna be brutal. Heard that from a source last weekend. Off Hatteras is a little island call Ocracoke Island (or as dad mispronauces "Oreocake")which you have to ferry to, but is amazing. It is a must day visit just to walk the small bay and chill. So is the Hatteras area in general, just a cool area.

Im gonna direct you to Avon NC. Middle of Hatteras Island with a good number of options of food, rental houses and small number of shops and not overly crowded. Its a good balance and very private.

If your still looking for more private, Rodanthe is where my parents have there spot, but its no stop lights and you can drive through it in about 2 mins. Less people, less options, no grocery store and less things to do other than the beach which I wouldnt suggest if your first time or even 2nd time down.

So id look at Avon or very southern Nags Head (city).[/quote]

This all very good info. Our place is in Kill Devil Hills across from the Wright Brother Memorial. Not as private as it once was its still a great area for vacation if you want to just kick back. As Chico said its mostly cottage/home rentals but you do have plenty of motels up and down the beach. If your looking to eat out for lunch and dinner I stay in a motel and get a room on the ocean. On the first island of Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, and Nags Head you will not have the misquitoe problems. If we still rented out our cottage I'd offer it up but the family made the decision a few years back to no longer rent. If you have any questions just ask between the two of us we should know the answer.

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

What about the beaches near Charleston, SC

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So,

In the Wow How late can you plan department. I have to come up with plans for my 12yo daughter and 13 yo son over the summer. The last few years they have come to work with me, and stayed upstairs, with various activities and day things to work around it for them and me. This year I found out that that won't work. Now I got nothing for them to do, and they can't stay home alone all day for a couple different reasons. Anyone got any saviour type tips to help me come up with a plan?

I have about three weeks to get something in place.

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[quote=SmootSmack;917148]What about the beaches near Charleston, SC[/quote]

Ive never been but family and friends have and ive heard the city is unbelievably awesome. I think you kinda have to travel a lil out of the city for the beach area. South of there is Hylton Head which Ive heard is pretty nice. North is Myrtle Beach where ive been too alot which is nice, but not what your looking for in terms of privacy. I want to go to Charleston badly, cant beat "old south" cities.

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=SmootSmack;917148]What about the beaches near Charleston, SC[/quote]


Hilton Head is great and IMO nice then the outer banks. It is almost tropical; palm trees crystal blue warm water. Plenty of things to do outside of just the beach like golf, restaurants, shopping, tennis, fishing, etc...It cost a lot more $$$ then outer banks though.


I lived on Hilton Head for a year, what a year what a great year.

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;917150]So,

In the Wow How late can you plan department. I have to come up with plans for my 12yo daughter and 13 yo son over the summer. The last few years they have come to work with me, and stayed upstairs, with various activities and day things to work around it for them and me. This year I found out that that won't work. Now I got nothing for them to do, and they can't stay home alone all day for a couple different reasons. Anyone got any saviour type tips to help me come up with a plan?

I have about three weeks to get something in place.[/quote]

Send them to a summer camp. Of course make sure it's something that interests them, even though the odds are they won't like the idea of camp. If you're on a budget though I have no idea. Any ideas to keep your kids occupied over the summer will obviously cost money since staying home is out.

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=mooby;917173]Send them to a summer camp. Of course make sure it's something that interests them, even though the odds are they won't like the idea of camp. If you're on a budget though I have no idea. Any ideas to keep your kids occupied over the summer will obviously cost money since staying home is out.[/quote]

Yeah summer camps work, but only for a week or two, don't want to really send them on long ones, as I only get the summer time to spend with them. (money also is a bit of an issue, but not so much as trying to mix the time with them and a keeping them reasonably occupied.) Like I said, in the past several options have always come available, but this year I have a lot less flexibility and fewer personal contacts that are able to help...

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=SmootSmack;917148]What about the beaches near Charleston, SC[/quote]

I just came back from Myrtle Beach and we had a blast. It was 8 guys down for a golf weekend but we do go down on the beach. MB has alot to do but I like the Outer Banks much better. The wife and I also went to Tybee Island in SC 7 yrs back and had a good time. It seemed the island was in the process of transforming form a little town to a resort area. You would have a $500,000 house on the water beside a 1950's shack.

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;917175]Yeah summer camps work, but only for a week or two, don't want to really send them on long ones, as I only get the summer time to spend with them. (money also is a bit of an issue, but not so much as trying to mix the time with them and a keeping them reasonably occupied.) Like I said, in the past several options have always come available, but this year I have a lot less flexibility and fewer personal contacts that are able to help...[/quote]

Yeah that's a tough one then. I wish I had more ideas but I don't. Too young for a summer job, don't want them spending their time at home, can't go to work with you, don't want a summer camp, honestly idk. Short of letting them stay with a relative for the summer (which it sounds like you don't want to do because summer is the only time you really get to see them) I got nothing. GL figuring that out.

Re: Summer Vacation Plans and Stories
 

[quote=mooby;917191]Yeah that's a tough one then. I wish I had more ideas but I don't. Too young for a summer job, don't want them spending their time at home, can't go to work with you, don't want a summer camp, honestly idk. Short of letting them stay with a relative for the summer (which it sounds like you don't want to do because summer is the only time you really get to see them) I got nothing. GL figuring that out.[/quote]

Thanks :)

Family always has helped, and may some this summer. Found a UMBC weekly camp that runs multiple one week sessions, and that is near my work, so it may be an option for a bulk solution, with flexibility within specific weeks for my time with them. More so worried about the 12 yo girl, cause it's kinda boring without any similar aged girl friends, and this UMBC one has a big swim portion which she loves. My hope is that I can get her into a majority of the weeks, and then figure out some other things for my 13 yo boy, who as we all know would be happy sitting in front of the PS3 for 90% of any given day!