New York / DC and where else?

[TheEverdelightfulsamantha]

Wise travel people - We have 16 nights flying in and out of JFK in July - DH and I, DCs aged 8 and 11. we have all been to NYC and love it, kids haven’t been to DC before and would love the museums and the Whitehouse etc - but where else should we go? I was thinking it would be good to have a bit of beach time - Montauk? And some mountains - Shenandoah? But generally v open to suggestions of places we might enjoy - historic, nature, wildlife, Americana, or just cool! Assume we will hire a car outside of cities, but would also consider the train. Kids are good car travellers so long distances not a problem though we have found it’s best to not have too many single nights in places…

I spent a Summer in Maryland on a summer camp about 25 years ago and definitely went all over but can’t remember much, bit of a blur!

hi

the Catskills, Niagra Falls, Rhode Island or drive down to Boston and Cape cod maybe?

We do Boston and Rhodes Island this year.

You could look into Massachussets, Cape Cod etc.

Easy to go from NY to Boston by train and then rent a car. Or even take a car from NY and drive the whole route.

You can go down to Virgina, either Virgina Beach or towards the mountains. Jefferson and Washington's plantations for sightseeing, historical Williamsburg?

We looked into it but as DD was keener on NY and Boston then Virginia.

DC is incredible and depending how into things your children are you could easily spend a week at the incredible museums. Air and Space is out of this world and easily an entire day! Other Smithsonian's are equally incredible.
You can book a free tour of the Pentagon in advance too.

Train is a great way to travel. Definitely do DC.

We've done NYC and Orlando - easy to do an internal flight.

Or upstate NY - Adirondacks?

I love Ogunquit in Maine. Either fly in / out of Boston or get a short hopper flight from DC or NYC to Portland, MA.

Gorgeous sandy beach and lovely restaurants and boutiques, walk to Perkins Cove and have a lobster roll, day trip out to Kennnebunkport etc. A real contrast to the big cities and you’ll probably be the only Brits there.

I also worked at summer camps - did five years. My kids now go to summer camp In Pennsylvania each year!!!!

Check out Maryland's eastern shore beaches; easy trip from DC.

From NY you could get the train to Boston or even to Portland, Maine. Mid-coast Maine offers a lot, including many lovely beaches.

Cape Cod National Seashore is spectacular (not as touristy as other parts of the Cape), but keep in mind July is high season so will be crowded.

Cape Cod would be lovely especially if you've done 2 cities (it will be hot). The Jersey Shore is also lovely.

Great call on the Pentagon @Mumofcats5 - I didn’t know that was possible!

We have been to Boston a few years ago - did a loop taking in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine which we loved - so all these suggestions are spot on in terms of places and activities we would like, thanks so much! We didn’t make it to cape cod on that trip so that’s a possibility.

off to look at the Catskills, Adirondacks, Virginia and West Virgina…

@DibbleDooDah Great that your kids get to experience that! Such a unique experience- nothing really like it in the UK in terms of freedom for kids. I did feel a bit sorry for the kids who were dropped off for the whole 8 weeks though, but they seemed to relish it!

Internal flight (2hours ) down to Charleston. A beautiful city

Or Wilmington NC also gorgeous

Disclaimer - I haven't been but in my fantasy NY/DC trip once my kids are older I have Philidelphia on my list!

Just thought I would update in case anyone can benefit from this thread in the future. We have decided on NYC, Philadelphia, DC (by train) - then pick up a car, go to the Outer Banks, and then to Shenandoah before driving back to NYC to fly home - getting excited!

We have friends in Atlanta, and in Raleigh, so we had a great trip a few years ago starting in Atlanta, Then Savannah, Charleston and ended up in Raleigh

The mountains of North Carolina are incredible. The Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville, NC are wonderful. In Asheville you could go to the Biltmore Mansion/Estate which you would all love.

I didn't even see this before I posted. You definitely need to go back to Raleigh and then head west to the mountains. You could even take your kids to Dollywood, Dolly Parton's theme park. I haven't been, but I've heard it fantastic.