As I sit here reflecting on this past year, and planning for the next, I can’t help but wonder what marvelous memories my family will talk about a few decades from now. I truly want 2011 to be the best year yet for my girls and I.
As I look back at our vacations both short and long there are a few that stand out. I remember the trip to Disneyland in California. At the time we all thought it was a once in a life time vacation and could never be beat.
A few years later we went whitewater rafting and did some cave exploring. Again it seemed like a vacation that could not be beat. We camped in the beautiful mountains around Lake Tahoe. When it was time to leave that area we wanted to buy a home there and stay. It was beautiful country.
I remember the museums on the Washington D.C. Mall. I remember our trip to New York; the friendly people of Manhattan, the architecture, and the Statue of Liberty. Our trip to the East Coast was another once in a life time vacation.
My girls are getting older now. I don’t have many vacations left with just us. This year I would like to find at least one more once in a life time vacation.
This next year I want to plan a trip to celebrate my daughter graduating from high school. Nest year she will be in college instead of home schooled so she will be tied down to a tighter schedule and unable to take it on the road.
I want to make it another once in a lifetime vacation. I want it to be affordable. I want it to be fun. As I research the possibilities over the next few weeks, I will share my ideas with you and hope that I can get some feedback from my friends out there.
Please, join me on my quest for the perfect, affordable, once in a lifetime vacation.
Jon
My favorite vacation was driving up the US Hwy 1 and US 101 all the way from Los Angles to the California border in the north. Loved the Moro Bay area. Hearst Castle, Monterey Bay, The San Francisco Bay area, Wine Country, Ave of the Giants. Stopping at State campgrounds, private campgrounds. There are so many places and things to do. Met so many nice people from all over the world.
Ruth
Wow! Thanks for all the input! Those are some great ideas. I will sit my girls down later today and ask them what they would like to see. I can’t believe I did not think of starting there. (Turning Red)
Leah Vercellono
PS on Illinois—The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield is a must see for historians. Only home he ever owned is also part of the Museum, and nearby is New Salem State Park, site of his early days.
Leah Vercellono
First, chat with your daughter’s and get input from them as to what they would love to see. From what you have written, they have experienced some great places already. What are their special interests? History offers many options–Williamsburg in the spring is spectacular with all the flowers blooming; Cajun country in Louisiana is very fascinating–lots of gowns on display in several of the small towns–the culture itself is so interesting, they are such a “happy people”. We were in Eunice at MardiGras and enjoyed it so much, would return again (not a wild time like in New Orleans). Contact state tourist sites for info to study on the areas and discuss with them for their ideas on where to go. If they like country music, Nashville offers a lot of opportunity and southern culture. If you like state parks, Kentucky has many beautiful parks and horse country is beautiful. Boston has lots of history–the coast of Maine is awesome (not to mention the fresh lobster). Raye’s mustard mill in Eastport, Maine is interesting and you can cross over into Canada and tour Roosevelt’s summer home (lots more Roosevelt history in the Hudson River Valley–and beautiful vistas. St. Lawrence Seaway has a lot of nooks and crannies–river cruise very interesting. Circle tours around the Great Lakes offer many opportunities–can search for “Petosky stones” at Petosky–only place they can be found. Great state parks also. Shelburne Museum in VT is wonderful–great collection and there is a Marble Quarry at Proctor, I think it is. Many old mansions to tour in the NorthEast. If City life is appealing, Chicago has lots to offer, and many summer activities on the lakefront, two great zoos, Navy Pier with a giant ferris wheel and lots of venues, Holy Name Cathedral, Willis Tower with the “Ledge” (formerly the Sear’s Tower, Museum of Science and Industry with great collections, including a new attraction (inside a tornado), Shedd Aquarium, Chicaog Pizza!, and the list goes on and on……have fun planning. Leah
Diane Berry
Loved your post! Our baby goes off to college next year as well so we are searching for the same kind of trip. Will be watching your posts with interest and will also share any thoughts we come up with. Thanks!
butterbean carpenter
Howdy RA Manseau,
Why not try a swing through the ‘middle of the country and make some memories that most people won’t even think about,,, All of the small town museums and historic places… You might even look
at some of the past Woodall’s blogs.. What ever the girls want to do or are interested in; make a
game or research project out of it and grade them on the mileage, how many states and sites in each state, camp out and save on meals(more $$ for souveniers ), MAKE MEMORIES!!!! Have fun and she’s just going off to college……