Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

If you're looking for a loooong flight to one of the most beautiful places on earth, I recommend New Zealand. I spent a few weeks there last month and it really is amazing. Very diverse geography, lots of mountains, great food, wonderful people. I recommend spending time on the South Island if you ever get there.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=mredskins;1010334]On vacation I like to spontaneous which doesn't work with mixed group vacations.

I mean really planning is for everyday life not vacation.[/quote]


Spontaneous is a horrible idea with mixed groups or large group vacations. Have shit planned out beforehand. (including meals)

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=NC_Skins;1010425]Spontaneous is a horrible idea with mixed groups or large group vacations. Have shit planned out beforehand. (including meals)[/quote]

Are you just repeating my statement?

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=Hog1;1010411]Make sure to stay on Disney property. More expensive but well worth it. Nobody does it like Disney. It will be.........HOT! You only...Thought MD gets hot. Dress cool and loose. Flip Flops and shorts are acceptable wear for every day.....every occasion in Fl.
Bring a cheap rain pancho for everyone as it will at some time rain for a brief shower every day. It will save from buying them from Disney.

[URL="http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/01/taking-the-disney-guest-experience-to-the-next-level/?CMP=KNC-WDW13_NGE_MDX_DOM_Exact|B|4131321.NG.AM.01.01U4S"]Taking the Disney Guest Experience to the Next Level « Disney Parks Blog[/URL]

Consider the Fast Pass or whatever they call it as.....no lines to deal with. And they can be formidable.......[/quote]

We are on site and thanks for the tip. I have saved a bunch of money for a trip to Disney and with winning a trip its cutting that cost to about a 1/3 of what I planned. So we are going to go all out and have a blast while we are there. I didn't want to go in July but thats when the trip is so we will just deal with the heat.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=dmek25;1010420]all i know is that we are staying here

[URL="http://www.elanvacations.com/outer-banks-vacation-rentals/all/DetailPage/264/Boardwalk"]Ocean Sands | Outer Banks Vacation Rentals | Boardwalk[/URL][/quote]

Just got back from Cook St. in Duck,NC OBX. Great spot.

Hit up the pork BBQ sandwich at Duck Deli- make sure to get Duck Donuts in the morning, and of course for Karaoke you got to go to the one and only sunset grille.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

Berkshires and Vermont in the Fall ,Stockbridge ,Lenox and Lee in Mass. Manchester and Dorset and Weston in Vermont , we go down the New Jersey Shore in the summer ,family is there, Spring Lake , Wall .The Mrs. and youngest daughter going to England with a stop in Scotland this summer

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=mredskins;1010427]Are you just repeating my statement?[/quote]

Yes. I'm agreeing with it.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

So my trip is off! Thank god. Everyone finally after years of trying to make this work agreed a mixed vacation is no fun.

We are planning some trips now to Bethany, Sesame Place and Luray Caverns. All just a night or two trips. It will be just the wife myself and the kids.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

Nags Head and the Outer Banks is great!
Love the restaurants there.
Some of the mini golf places have real turf. Makes for a whole new kind of putt putt. The one we went to even had a halfway house after the ninth hole where you can get snacks and beer and sit and relax.
That worked out well when we were there because it was over 100 degrees every day.
The KOA campground at Rodanthe was nice too. We had a cabin just steps from the ocean and could hear the waves crashing at night.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=Alvin Walton;1010486]Nags Head and the Outer Banks is great!
Love the restaurants there.
Some of the mini golf places have real turf. Makes for a whole new kind of putt putt. The one we went to even had a halfway house after the ninth hole where you can get snacks and beer and sit and relax.
That worked out well when we were there because it was over 100 degrees every day.
[B]The KOA campground at Rodanthe was nice too. We had a cabin just steps from the ocean and could hear the waves crashing at night[/B].[/quote]

ive stayed there back in the day and is close to our place now. I always venture down to their beach area to see if i can find a chick who wants to pitch a tent.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

An odd thing about that campground, at night time hundreds of toads would come out and hop around the paths and the restroom areas and in the morning there would be dozens of squished carcasses from the campground traffic.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=Alvin Walton;1010486]Nags Head and the Outer Banks is great!
Love the restaurants there.
Some of the mini golf places have real turf. Makes for a whole new kind of putt putt. The one we went to even had a halfway house after the ninth hole where you can get snacks and beer and sit and relax.
That worked out well when we were there because it was over 100 degrees every day.
The KOA campground at Rodanthe was nice too. We had a cabin just steps from the ocean and could hear the waves crashing at night.[/quote]

A friend of ours worked at the water slide (it was just a water slide not a park in the 80's) in Rodanthe and we would go after it closed. He would cut back the water and you could fly down that slide.

We would head down to the Outer Banks just about every weekend looking for waves living out of my buddies van. Those were the days. Not a care in the world. We would run from Duck to Hatteras looking for waves and when we got tired would just park and crash. Back then you could leave you car unlocked and your surfboards on top of your car without any problems. The road the Hatteras was not very even in the 80s and at times it would feel like you getting airborn going over some of the humps.

I have so many memories in the Outer Banks starting from family vacations back in the 70's. We have a place down there and while I love the OB its just not what it was back in the 70's.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

So I'm driving down to NC in a couple of weeks. Going to be near Greensboro. What route would you all recommend I take from DC. 81, or 95/85?

I'd like a pretty route. But with an infant, I think more important is a baby friendly route

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1016460]So I'm driving down to NC in a couple of weeks. Going to be near Greensboro. What route would you all recommend I take from DC. 81, or 95/85?

I'd like a pretty route. But with an infant, I think more important is a baby friendly route[/quote]

Art Monk

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1016460]So I'm driving down to NC in a couple of weeks. Going to be near Greensboro. What route would you all recommend I take from DC. 81, or 95/85?

I'd like a pretty route. But with an infant, I think more important is a baby friendly route[/quote]

I was warned to avoid 95 on that trip with small children very few rest stops.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=mredskins;1016464]I was warned to avoid 95 on that trip with small children very few rest stops.[/quote]

Yeah I've been told there's like a 75 mile stretch of 95 with nothing. But is 81 better? Sound like it is, per Chico

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1016465]Yeah I've been told there's like a 75 mile stretch of 95 with nothing. But is 81 better? Sound like it is, per Chico[/quote]


Not sure because I was going to Nags head so I had different ALT route but I avoid 95 if i was you. I have driven it before to go to HHI and it is just a stretch of trees at times.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1016460]So I'm driving down to NC in a couple of weeks. Going to be near Greensboro. What route would you all recommend I take from DC. 81, or 95/85?

I'd like a pretty route. But with an infant, I think more important is a baby friendly route[/quote]

I have family both in NC (near Raleigh) and near Roanoke, so I'll break it down like this:

Roanoke (81): A lot more scenic than 95/85, as you're pretty close to the mountains, and I know Luray/Shenendoah Caverns are both close, but I think it's a tougher drive than 95/85. (Troy McClure voice): You might remember this from such films as "[URL="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/31/75-vehicle-pileup/2040277/"]95 car crash on VA/NC border due to people speeding in heavy fog[/URL]."

95/85: I've done that drive all the way from NoVa to Raleigh probably 15 times in the last 5 years. Pretty boring. Only time you will see anything is when you go through Richmond on your way to 85. I would think since you'll spend at least 125 miles on I-85 (with nothing to look at but trees) it would probably be better for your baby, although 85 in Virginia (last time I went through, about 3 months ago) was very bumpy and in need of a repaving.

If I had to pick which was better for your kid I'd say 95/85, but if you want the scenic route take 81. Not sure how many pit stops you will need but I think 95/85 has plenty in VA, although not many in NC, and I know 81 has a few (although you might want to look online to be sure.)

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1016460]So I'm driving down to NC in a couple of weeks. Going to be near Greensboro. What route would you all recommend I take from DC. 81, or 95/85?

I'd like a pretty route. But with an infant, I think more important is a baby friendly route[/quote]

Go 81 and stop by my place for a beer and then head down to TMC's house for more R&R.

81 is truck alley. 95 is the autobahn

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1016460]So I'm driving down to NC in a couple of weeks. Going to be near Greensboro. What route would you all recommend I take from DC. 81, or 95/85?

I'd like a pretty route. But with an infant, I think more important is a baby friendly route[/quote]

Depends on the traffic, but absolutely let me know when you're passing through Lexington. Wife and I would love to come meet you...

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=FRPLG;1016471]Go 81 and stop by my place for a beer and then head down to TMC's house for more R&R.

81 is truck alley. 95 is the autobahn[/quote]

Couldn't be said better.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1016460]So I'm driving down to NC in a couple of weeks. Going to be near Greensboro. What route would you all recommend I take from DC. 81, or 95/85?

I'd like a pretty route. But with an infant, I think more important is a baby friendly route[/quote]
Our son -in-law is stationed at Ft Bragg so we go straight down 95 ,...well we do use 295 around Richmond traffic is bad there but other than that 95 south .As for rest stops I'm not sure what it is you are looking for, if you mean like gas stations and restaurants 95 isn't to bad if you mean the nice little run offs on the side of the highway with a restroom and some place to walk the dog then he is right. Also If I might ....Cracker Barrel....you can't go wrong at a Cracker Barrel.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=FRPLG;1016471]Go 81 and stop by my place for a beer and then head down to TMC's house for more R&R.

81 is truck alley. 95 is the autobahn[/quote]

LOL. Well, maybe 95 might be better then I guess. I don't want to spend all day on the road

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1016465]Yeah I've been told there's like a 75 mile stretch of 95 with nothing. But is 81 better? Sound like it is, per Chico[/quote]

81 is much more scenic and you can fly, but 95 should be the shorter trip if dale shitty/nova isnt being a whore with traffic. really depends if your in a hurry, if not 81 all the way.

Greensboro kinda sux though, but Biscuitville is amazing.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1016479]LOL. Well, maybe 95 might be better then I guess. I don't want to spend all day on the road[/quote]

SS , if you don't mind me asking where is your starting destination, around DC or Conn maybe?

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

Dc.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

Just went to Michigan (Grand Rapids) and was surprised at how nice it is out there. Not a place I'd like to live but it seemed pleasant enough.

Also drove through Flint to pick up some folks who live there... What a ghost town. The looks reminds me of parts of Durham, NC, kinda run down and downtrodden but other than people in obvious poverty... Nothing there.

My gf's brother (who lives there) said that if you call the cops in Flint, there's a good chance they won't even show up.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

The only time I went there was January and I was living in L.A. at the time. I had......no winter clothes....never sooooo cold in my life.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZmlDzkuDyk]Awkward Family Photos: The Vacation Hall of Fame - YouTube[/url]

Im taking the family to OBX in a few weeks as well ...

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=over the mountain;1016563][URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZmlDzkuDyk"]Awkward Family Photos: The Vacation Hall of Fame - YouTube[/URL]

Im taking the family to OBX in a few weeks as well ...[/quote]

Your going to Duck correct? You go right by my office when you getting the Chesapeake Expressway.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=firstdown;1016737]Your going to Duck correct? You go right by my office when you getting the Chesapeake Expressway.[/quote]

[IMG]http://www.charteryachtparadigm.com/images/yacht-paradigm-slide_3.jpg[/IMG]

FD's "office"

I dont know what part we are going to actually. My buddy's wife set it up. I just wrote the check.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

Anyone ever been to Chincoteague?

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1016776]Anyone ever been to Chincoteague?[/quote]

Yes a few times but its been a few years back.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=over the mountain;1016748][IMG]http://www.charteryachtparadigm.com/images/yacht-paradigm-slide_3.jpg[/IMG]

FD's "office"

I dont know what part we are going to actually. My buddy's wife set it up. I just wrote the check.[/quote]

I couldn't even afford to fill that up with fuel.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

Used to camp there when I was a kid. Actually, I think we camped at Assateague State Park and went to Chincoteague. Not sure what it is like today, but it can be a little buggy. If you like beaching...camping etc.....you'll love it. If not, there are hotels in the area.
Fishing probably pretty good as well....depending.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1016776]Anyone ever been to Chincoteague?[/quote]

I did a weekend trip with my wife a few years back. Stayed at a bed & breakfast in Chincoteague and rode bikes into the state park on Assateague Island to go to the beach. Very chill and relaxing.

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

For the guys who said they are going to Nags Head this summer. If you have not been down when you go stop at Grandys Farm Market in Grandy and pick up some corn. We had some last night and it was some of the best Sweet White Corn I've had in years. It will be on your right before you get on the island and they have a bunch of other fresh vegetables and fruits. They also bake some great breads and other stuff but its a little $$$$$.

[url=http://grandysfarmmarket.com/]Grandy Greenhouse & Farm Market[/url]

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

i am taking the family to kitty hawk tomorrow for a week.

questions:

1 - best place/outfit to skydive (the wife wants to go, i know i will chicken out but i have eagerly volunteered to push her out of the perfectly good plane)

2 - best place/outfit to drift boat fish

3- is there anything to do around that area .. we are going to be a couple of families with 5 kids from 1 yr to 6 yrs old

4 - is there a cigar shop in the area

5 - any bbq/food places that we must try out

6 - any place to buy fresh whole fish

7 - what is google and how do i use it if i have questions

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[URL="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQONhRMHBTU"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQONhRMHBTU[/URL]

She just slips her harness, she doesn't die.

Hope you have a safer jump, it's a great hobby!

Re: Your go to vacation spots
 

[quote=over the mountain;1019099]i am taking the family to kitty hawk tomorrow for a week.

questions:

1 - best place/outfit to skydive (the wife wants to go, i know i will chicken out but i have eagerly volunteered to push her out of the perfectly good plane)

2 - best place/outfit to drift boat fish

3- is there anything to do around that area .. we are going to be a couple of families with 5 kids from 1 yr to 6 yrs old

4 - is there a cigar shop in the area

5 - any bbq/food places that we must try out

6 - any place to buy fresh whole fish

7 - what is google and how do i use it if i have questions[/quote]

For seafood:
[url=http://www.yelp.com/biz/billys-seafood-kill-devil-hills]Billy's Seafood - Kill Devil Hills, NC[/url]

There is also a place right across from jockey's ridge that has a big fake shark that sells fresh sea food but billy's is worth the 10 minute drive.

Here is the place close to jockeys ridge.
[url=http://www.bing.com/local/details.aspx?lid=YN526x9207671&qt=yp&what=fresh+seafood&where=Kitty+Hawk%2c+North+Carolina&s_cid=ansPhBkYp02&mkt=en-US&q=freash+seafood+in+kitty+hawk&qpvt=freash+seafood+in+kitty+hawk&FORM=LARE]Bing Local[/url]


BBQ ribs

[url=http://www.yelp.com/biz/jockeys-ribs-nags-head]Jockey's Ribs - Nags Head, NC[/url]

Not sure if this is a must try but they do have BBQ, there is also a small take out place in the same general area (don't know the name) that has good BBQ.

I think I found the place here is a link
[url=http://www.highcottonbbq.com/#/about/]High Cotton Barbeque[/url]


NC Aruariums a little one at Jenetts Pier and Roanoke Island has a aquariums which will take 3 to 4 hours to see everything.

[url=http://www.ncaquariums.com/]North Carolina Aquariums[/url]