Vacation?

[dgs49]

Let's talk vacation.

My wife and I are considering where to go this Summer for vacation. Next year will be Europe, but this one is domestic. Here are the goals:

A single place where we can relax (rather than a 5-stop itinerary, which we sometimes do),
Golf must be available nearby (though it is not primary),
At least two interesting daytrips available,
Water nearby (not sure why - I'm the last one to want to sit on a beach or ride a boat),
Good areas to bike and/or run,
Nice, reasonably-priced accommodations,
A couple interesting things to do at that location.

At this time, we are leaning toward Hilton Head Island. In the past, we have done similar Summer vacations in Vermont, Lake Tahoe, Seattle, San Antonio, Ottawa, Williamsburg, and elsewhere, all of which provided what we are looking for on this one.

Any other places we should consider?

[Scooter]

If you're willing to go as far south as Hilton Head, you could go a bit farther and consider something on the Georgia coast, perhaps one of the barrier islands. Golf, beach, bike and hiking trails, fishing, etc. Plus, close to Savannah, which is an absolutely gorgeous city.

[dales]

Monterey/Carmel area.

Plenty of scenery, water, and golf up the wazoo!

[Guinevere]

Almost anywhere in New England. Newport, RI; Cape Cod; Coastal Maine. The weather would be much nice than Savannah or Hilton Head, where the humidity will be oppressive, even on the beach.

Santa Fe.
Montreal.
The Canadian Maritimes.

[Gob]

I can't help with domestic, let me know when you're planning Europe.

[BoSoxGal]

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

[dgs49]

Hmmm.

Good food for thought. The Heat is the one thing that is a bit of a concern.

I've been steering clear of the "Northeast Corridor" because my experience is that the cost of everything within 50 miles of the coast is relatively high, and the people do not seem as friendly as in some other parts of the country. In that quadrant of the country, however, we have actually had nice vacations in Vermont and the Fingerlakes region.

Maine is intriguing. Guin, is there a particular town that you know of?

Scoots, if we do go to Hilton Head, it's a given that we will visit Savannah and Charles Town - we've been to both before and like them quite a bit.

[BoSoxGal]

Cape Cod is admittedly expensive.

I'd put another vote in for Maine, and would suggest Mount Desert Island. Gorgeous scenery; Acadia National Park is stunning and it's worth the day trip to visit Schoodic Point downeast. Golf is available nearby, if you aren't expecting a Master's level course. Food and the locals are both beyond reproach.

[Crackpot]

I'd recommend Michigans UP/straits area. St. Ignace/Macinac City have what you're looking for As well as Mackinac Island but staying there can be expensive and you could still do a day trip or two there) Many places within suitable day trip distance including Tahquamenon Falls and Whitefish point.

[Guinevere]

Dave, in Maine, you have to think regionally rather than a particular town --- besides, I can't tell you where *I* vacation up there, would you want to hang out in a place where crazy, radical, outspoken, libs gather?

So here's the general deal -- there is the Southern Coast, from York, up to Portland. Beautiful sandy beaches, some of the best in the state. -- lots of New Englanders and French Canadians. Portland is a gorgeous town with a lovely museum, great market, fabulous restaurants, and a fun seaport (the Old Port). Stay just south of Portland and you've got one of Maine's most famous lighthouses, at Cape Elizabeth. I'm sure there is golf down here, just not that familiar with it.

Portland divides the southern coast from the Midcoast. I love the Midcoast, I've been going there since I was 14 and my Mom lives there year-round. It's a long stretch, from Portland up to say, Camden. This is rocky coastal Maine, with beautiful lighthouses, lobster piers and co-ops, sweet littles towns to shop, and yes, some golf (Samoset Resort, in Rockport/land). Camden has the hills for hiking, windjammers for sailing, harbor tours, lighthouse tours, kayaking, and tucked in here and there you might even find a beach (same with many of the other towns). Just past Portland is Freeport, for the obligatory LL Bean stop. Yep, they are indeed open 24 hours -- shopping there at midnight is a blast (and its even mostly quiet). There are clam fests, lobster fests, oyster fests, and more.

Beyond Camden is Belfast, Blue Hill, and Mount Desert Island -- home of the luscious, lovely Acadia N.P. One of the most stunning places on earth, lots of biking, walking, touring. Bar Harbor is a cute little town. It also used to have the fast ferry to Nova Scotia, if you want more moving around. Don't miss tea at the Jordan Pond House. Beyond the islands, all the way Downeast is pretty quiet, rural, berry and potato country all the way to Lubec, at the Canadian border. Just across, however, and worth the trip if you're staying on MD Island, is Campobello Island, where FDR's summer White House is located.

You can also go inland to the Lakes (Rangely, Sebago) and Mountains. I haven't been there in a while and its pretty, but I'm an ocean girl. Some of the ski resorts have good golfing, trying to be 4-season destinations. Check out Sugarloaf, and Sunday River.

It is God's country up there, one of my most beloved places in the world. I'd go any time, although if you want to go in August, you might be too late. It can get crowded, and Route 1 is your major way around if you stick to the coast, so there can be traffic. I've hit only the biggest highlights, if you decide you want to go, and narrow it down a bit, I can give you more to work with. Generally, for a newbie, I'd suggest the Rockland/Rockport/Camden area or Acadia, but it won't be cheap. Or you could stay a bit more southerly and find a place in one of the towns just south of Portland, so you have access to the "city" but still get the coastal Maine, small town feel.

[rubato]

The San Juan Islands are nice. Good for biking, lots of water, short trips to Vancouver Island BC.


yrs,
rubato

[Miles]

If you choose Maine perhaps you could hook up with Steve, he could probably give you some advice. He may even put you up for a few days.

[BoSoxGal]

I think you mean editec.

[dgs49]

We are close to finalizing plans for Bar Harbor (or someplace nearby on that island). I have found reasonable airfares, reasonable car rental fees, and there are a ton of places to stay, we just haven't picked one out yet.

I'm looking forward to this. We'll do Hilton Head Island during hurricane season.


Thanks for the suggestions. I think I'll pass on looking up steve-itec.

[BoSoxGal]

Let me know if you'd like spacific recommendations of must-sees. I think you will have a lovely time seeing Acadia - it's stunning.