View Full Version : Other US vacation destinations
titansfan
17-03-2004, 23:33
I have enjoyed reading about your various vacation experiences, tips, advise, and general discussions. It seems obvious that a large majority of the property owners are from the UK. I was wondering if any of you had vacationed in any other US destinations.
Being from Tennessee, we often take for granted the natural beauty and wonder of the mountain ranges that surround us. But for many a vacation in Gatlinburg,(just outside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park), is a unique and exillerating trip. If any have been there please comment on what you thought of the trip.[msncool]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by titansfan
I have enjoyed reading about your various vacation experiences, tips, advise, and general discussions. It seems obvious that a large majority of the property owners are from the UK. I was wondering if any of you had vacationed in any other US destinations.
Being from Tennessee, we often take for granted the natural beauty and wonder of the mountain ranges that surround us. But for many a vacation in Gatlinburg,(just outside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park), is a unique and exillerating trip. If any have been there please comment on what you thought of the trip.[msncool]
[/quote]
Hi
We absolutely love travelling around the US and it is our ambition to visit all of the states, so far we have managed about 35. Tennessee is one of the states that we have been to and really loved it. Our trips tend to be touring rather than staying in one place. We stayed near Gatlinburg and thought the Great Smoky Moutain National Park was spectacular. You are very lucky to live in such a beautiful place.
Shirley
We have been to New York, Mexico and a lot of times to Canada, the rest of our travels
have been Europe
zerotone
18-03-2004, 00:38
We have travelled across US from Chicago to LA following route 66. A fantastic experience. Have also been to Las Vegas, San Francisco and Hawaii. We just love the US and all it has to offer.
Jane
Nostromo
18-03-2004, 00:52
My wife and I go to the USA quite often. She has relatives there and also attends conferences etc in line with her work. I must say that I prefer the American countryside to the cities. We have driven all over the Rockies in Wyoming and Colorado. Of course, have been to the Grand Canyon several times; liked the less visited North Rim much better. We have also visited Yosemite, Sequoia and Redwoods in California.
As for cities, San Francisco is favourite for both of us. I lik New York also and these days it seems far safer than London. But Denver gets my vote for the best US airport by some distance.
Of the places that we have not yet been, but want to go are the Olympic National Park in Washington state, Everglades NP in Florida and White Sands in New Mexico
ctgirlscout
18-03-2004, 00:57
I have visited every state on the eastern seaboard, and have been to many of the states heading out west, including California and Oregon. Each part of the country is unique. I have never been to Tennessee, but have been to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. It is absolutely beautiful there. My favorite state has to be Vermont. The views are stunning, and of course, there's always Ben and Jerry's!!!! :D:D:D
We love the US and have no wish to go anywhere else. Florida is our favourite.
Went to St. Augustine which was nice but overated as the oldest place in the USA (still very new compared to the UK).
Titusville is very nice and a good place to stay for KSC.
Fort Myers Beach is very relaxing and we always go there for a few nights.
The Everglades is overated as a tourist attraction as you can't see very much from the road, which is very boring, even on an airboat ride you don't see a lot, but I did enjoy the aitrboat ride, I hate boats I get very sea sick.
We travelled down the Everglades, not a lot to see on the road, just lots of bridges, when we got to Key West took photos and went back to the car, it was just to hot to walk about.
We have been to California twice travelling into Nevada & Arizona. Lake Tahoe was lovely, Yosemite was breathtaking, Las Vegas was surprising - we liked it and did not gamble 1c - Grand Canyon was spectacular - San Fransisco was nice, in retrospect, we need to go again to confirm our opinion, Los Angeles was horrible never want to go again, Oceanside, between Los Angeles & San Diego was great. The San Diego Wild Animal Park was superb. Sea World in San Diego had no shelter - The Shamu Stadium was completly open and to hot in August.
Would love to visit all states, we will see!!
Lyn
Floridalover
18-03-2004, 01:14
I have to travel to Minneapolis once a month for work and whilst its very unpleasant in the Winter due to the cold temperatures and snow, in the summer its a dream. Minnesotans are naturally friendly people and they love outdoor life so most of them have a log cabin on the Northshore, that's the Lake Superior shore up to the Canadian border.
It's magic and a real hidden gem. Apart from that, New orleans comes highly recommended, a real party town with some great history. Washington DC is full of history and things to do, Key West is like the Caribbean and Chicago is great for Steak ! LA smells and San Fran has to be the favourite West coast destination for me altough I havent seen Seattle or Vancouver....they are on the list.
The US has so much to offer, but naturally, Florida always rules[8D][8D]
kevinprewett
18-03-2004, 01:26
My son is fortunate enough to be at University in Illinois,so we tend to spend a few days following vacations in Fl. when we drop him off for pre-season soccer training-love Cicago and Illinois area.
Living in the Northeast, we have managed to visit most of the Eastern side of the US. We've done the big cities (Washington D.C., NYC, Boston), but my absolute favorite destinations have to be Williamsburg, Virginia and Newport, Rhode Island, with Kennebunkport, Maine coming in as a close second!! Time to head West since we've pretty much exhausted this end of the country. Come June, we're taking a long trip out West to visit Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone Park, San Francisco, Las Vegas, The Grand Canyon etc. I have visited many of these places before, but my kids haven't and I think this trip will be a great education for them.
Tennessee sounds wonderful - I have close friends who have visited The Great Smoky Mountain National Park more than once and always rave about it. We'll have to put that on our list of must-do future vacation destinations.
We have only visited different parts of Florida and managed a trip to New York just after Christmas. We are hoping to fly into NY or Washington and drive down in the summer, but it does depend on flights - maybe Atlanta for example. Also my eldest daughter is now trying to bring 2 friends with her, so we would be 6 instead of 4, and don't fancy being in and out of hotels with 4 teenagers between 15 and 19!
We are hoping once we can travel out of school holidays we can explore different parts of the US.
We moved to upstate NY in late 2002 and are now trying to visit all the different places. The Smokey Mountains is this years choice (apart from our Florida villa of course) and we are just about to book there with the inlaws!
Here in upstate NY some of the scenery is fantastic, especially if you like pretty walks and waterfalls (and only an hour and a half to Niagara of course)
We have been to California (and surrounding states on a driving trip) and Missouri and high on our list is also Colorado - my parents went there last year and loved it. Also planning to drive and explore New England area as it is so close (relatively speaking!)
Jackie D
chrizzy100
18-03-2004, 06:40
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by pbensur
Living in the Northeast, we have managed to visit most of the Eastern side of the US. We've done the big cities (Washington D.C., NYC, Boston), but my absolute favorite destinations have to be Williamsburg, Virginia and Newport, Rhode Island, with Kennebunkport, Maine coming in as a close second!! Time to head West since we've pretty much exhausted this end of the country. Come June, we're taking a long trip out West to visit Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone Park, San Francisco, Las Vegas, The Grand Canyon etc. I have visited many of these places before, but my kids haven't and I think this trip will be a great education for them.
Tennessee sounds wonderful - I have close friends who have visited The Great Smoky Mountain National Park more than once and always rave about it. We'll have to put that on our list of must-do future vacation destinations.
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I did Mt. Rushmore..... Yellowstone Park.......little big horn....etc with my daughter...seven thousand miles of driving....in and out of the States and Canada.....I'm hoping to go back to Montana to look for a place to build or buy a log cabin.....I'm still working on my husband for that one....but he is coming round to the idea.....my friends live in AZ so we'll do a trip to the Canyon......New Mexico..etc..but this year I want to drive up to the Falls....
bellaepovera
18-03-2004, 11:42
The beaches in North Carolina are beautiful and I have also been to Las Vegas..
We have visited a number of areas of the US and intend to visit every state at some time. We love America and much prefer it to europe. Unfortunately when we retire the US will not allow us to stay more than 6 months, otherwise we would retire there for the rest of our days.
As the americans say "God Bless America" and God certainly has in the past.
Jeff
Ray&Sarah
19-03-2004, 01:24
We have been to Florida a number of times, we have also visited Las Vegas and LA and did a long weekend break in New York. We are hoping to visit Boston, New York, Niagra and Washington (staying in Annapolis in a rental) this summer. Ray travels alot in the US for work, his company has a number of sites spread across the US. He would love to live there, maybe someday![msnsmile2]
chrizzy100
19-03-2004, 01:41
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by hayter
We have been to Florida a number of times, we have also visited Las Vegas and LA and did a long weekend break in New York. We are hoping to visit Boston, New York, Niagra and Washington (staying in Annapolis in a rental) this summer. Ray travels alot in the US for work, his company has a number of sites spread across the US. He would love to live there, maybe someday![msnsmile2]
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Don't forget a visit to the Cape..I'll have the kettle on.....:D
Ray&Sarah
19-03-2004, 01:48
Thanks Chrizzy, we haven't set our exact route etc. yet, will let you know once we have. We seem to have started with one idea and now priced up hundreds, we'll make up our minds eventually. Its hard trying to please everyone, aged from 65 to 12. Plus we like rentals, having stayed in our own and hotels for the whole holiday doesn't appeal. Shame there isn't a site like this on the other states of the US. We are currently looking at a rental in Annapolis for one week. We just love the US!:D[8D]
chrizzy100
19-03-2004, 02:06
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by hayter
Thanks Chrizzy, we haven't set our exact route etc. yet, will let you know once we have. We seem to have started with one idea and now priced up hundreds, we'll make up our minds eventually. Its hard trying to please everyone, aged from 65 to 12. Plus we like rentals, having stayed in our own and hotels for the whole holiday doesn't appeal. Shame there isn't a site like this on the other states of the US. We are currently looking at a rental in Annapolis for one week. We just love the US!:D[8D]
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The cost of rentals on the Cape in the summer is through the roof....around $2500+ a week for very little no pools etc...we have toyed with the idea of renting this house out when we move.....but Cape homes need a lot of repair....I think I'll just take the money and run.....look somewhere else for a second home...which would be the wise thing to do..or just spend spend spend..not so wise..hehehehehe
Hi - I just love America - ever since a kid and seeing the movies I hae always longed to visit. Visited Florida 4 times and San Francisco once - absolutely loved the place and would love to go back. Wish I had pots of money then just could pack up sticks and travel by motorhome throughout the country. Would love to visit Montana and Oregon - but who knows. roll on the lottery!
Lisi [8D]
I love the US! After Florida (of course!) my fave is San Francisco. I went twice last year, and both times wished I had more time to spend there. Alcatraz was an eerie experience. San Jose also rates highly, I love all the chinese restuarants as well as the layed back feel of the place. New York is wonderful for it's shopping and social aspect. I agree with Nostromo in that it feels safer than London.
I disliked LA immensely. What I saw looked so seedy and not at all spectacular or glamourous as I'd wanted to believe! I didn't go to the Anaheim area - I expect that's very different.
I love Mammoth Mountain for skiing, and would love to get up there in the summer sometime. Also if you want less of a flight, Killington has some nice areas. We always drive up to the ski resorts as it's more of an experience. I loved driving through New England and watching the scenery change from Autumnal to deepest snowy winter the farther up we got.
Future Plans - Still haven't seen the falls, but plan to rectify that on the next east coast ski trip. My Aunt is going out to New Mexico later this year - would like to think I'll visit but don't know much about it yet.
Hi - We have visited Florida 4 times, one trip took in Toronto, New York and travelled down to Fort Myers and Orlando area was pretty full, but glad we did this we loved Fort Myers. We are also totally addicted to Disney, Universal etc. and hope to visit Busch Gardens this next trip (Ho do you rate Busch Gardens?)
Carol & Rob
mr flibble
20-03-2004, 14:00
Hi Titansfan:)
We love the Usa and have met some of the kindest people on our trips.
We have been to New York State,Pennsylvania,Virginia,Maine,Georgia,N & S Carolina,California,Arizonia,Nevada,Utah,W.Virgini a,Tennessee,all of New England.And of course Florida.
This year we are going to Colorado // Wyoming.
phew................
We have taken part in a few Civil War reenactments at Gettysburg , Chickamaguar.
The american people on a whole are a little like the Uk was about forty/fifty years ago.More polite and very generous but just a little niave.[msnwink]
You`ll get our vote every time:D
Ian
p.s. we loved the Great Smoky Mountains
god bless las vegas this is americas adult version of disney world.
there is so much to do even if you do not gamble.
leave the kids at home and spend a week here you will go weak at the knees.
ps just been to tampas new hard rock hotel/casino and was really disappointed!!
It was like a slot machine arcade due to florida gaming laws and it looked like they have lost the hard rock magic!!!
We love America and try to visit at least once a year.
So far have done New York (great!) San Fransisco(great!)LA( not so great) and our favourite Florida- all parts Orlando, Gulf Coast,Miami and the Keys. Would love to do Las Vegas, Phoenix area and especially up the East coast in Autumn - although due to kids & work committments that particular one will have to wait.
I have traveled all over the West Coast. Yosemite is just the most beautiful place on the planet. Going out for two weeks late May to San Fran, Yosemite and Yellowstone..and Florida twice later this year...LOVE it all.
Having just bought a new villa in Florida, I have the East coast to explore now...Gatlinburg is HIGH on my list. LOVE log cabins. Just like Chrizzy100..