OT- Where do you MGO on summer vacation?

Submitted by uofmdds96 on
Sunday we are headed down to Myrtle Beach, SC for the week. We have be to the same resort, Kingston Plantation, for the past 8 years. It is convenient, 2 hours by plane from DTW, and predictable. There are always new things to do for us, since it is a tourist trap filled area. Last year, thanks to Trip Advisor, we went 4 wheeling in North Carolina. We have Myrtle waves waterpark, Broadway at the Beach, NASCAR go karts, alligator adventure... On and on. We know the restaurants and get a condo. Walmart is down the street for stocking up on meals and beach stuff. A CE course that is there originally drew me there, and draws me back, but I might consider another venue next summer. Where does everyone else go to year in and year out?

Rabbit21

June 21st, 2013 at 3:40 PM ^

Wife and I are originally from the West and have kids so every summer we get summoned home so the grandparents get grandkid time.  I'd like to take a big trip somewhere but the guilt the mother-in-law can lay down on my wife is epic.

The family trips we do get to take are weekends up north or to Chicago so my son can nerd out with the Dinosaur skeletons and of course, Sue at the field museum.

MAgoBLUE

June 21st, 2013 at 3:43 PM ^

I really can't stand going to the same place twice.  Maybe I just haven't found a good enough vacation spot.  I'm going up to Maine this weekend.  Portland to be specific.  Gonna go to a beer fest and probably eat no less than 3 lobsters.

dmarch

June 21st, 2013 at 5:06 PM ^

Are you from Florida by chance?  I've been in the seafood business 20 years and I think the only people who've met that share this opinion are from Florida.

Unless you're talking about cold water spinys, of course!  But who can afford them any more.

markinmsp

June 21st, 2013 at 5:08 PM ^

 Also one of my favorite, a small local bar/restaurant in downtown Portland. I think it was called J's Oyster. Place was a local hangout on the piers between some massive very "touristy" white ship converted to Italian restaurant (don't go!) and the Harbor Fish Market. It was recommended by the locals and is literally that just a bar with great food. The view is nothing to rave about, just a row of tables along a window and U-shaped bar.  Wife had a cup of lobster stew and a classic lobster roll. The stew, much like chowder, was thick, and full of large chunks of lobster. The roll had a toasted bun and large perfectly chilled lobster chunks. I had the seafood bouillabaisse, very tasty with huge chunks of sea scallops, clams, mussels, shrimp and lobster over just enough pasta shells. Last ate there a couple of years ago and still judge seafood soups/chowders/bisques against it.

 Also, if you get a chance head up to Acadia National Park with a pair of hiking boots and if you are an art lover I highly recommend a quick stop at the Wyeth center-Farnsworth Museum, Rockland, ME and Olson House, in Cushing(of Christina's World fame) Wonderful selection of eastern painters including all the Wyeths, Homer, Inness, and Bellows. (Then you can always hit any of the "Lobster Pounds" on the way back. Had never had as large a lobster before.)

 

Edit: Yes, enjoyed grace and loved fore street also, but have always had a fondness for local divey places with good food.

Wenham Wolverine

June 22nd, 2013 at 1:46 AM ^

That very touristy white ship has some damn good food, and isn't bad at all for a date. Not saying you need to go there, but if your SO likes the look of it, you'll probably have a good time.

Just down the street from there is some of the better sushi in Portland, a place called Sapporo. Haven't been in a couple years but they used to do half price sushi after 9pm.

Ponypie

June 21st, 2013 at 3:57 PM ^

Sometimes the TSA folks will look kindly on a family with a youngster that age (we were essentially "waived through" a couple of lines when we flew with our 18 month old son back in 2001). Things may have changed, but there are some agents with hearts who will help expedite certain processes.

The best thing, if possible, is to have an aisle seat with the tyke in your lap so that you can walk about from time to time. Ignore any and all stares from fellow-passengers, especially if your child begins to cry.

Bless God you are not changing time zones, so jet lag and other sleep interruptors will be less of an issue.

In the end, of course, much depends on the temperament of said youngster, so experiences will certainly vary. Pressure changes are one of the big problems; if there is something he/she can chew on during take-off and landing, that's great. There are things called "earplanes" that equalize pressure for infants and toddlers.

Final thought: Board last so that you are sitting in the plane for the least amount of time possible.

Vaya con Dios.

ESNY

June 21st, 2013 at 8:53 PM ^

Do not bring out the ipad or iPhone until after takeoff, so bring lots of non electronic toys. Trying to take an ipad away from an infant during takeoff is a bad scene.



Also bring enough food for what seems like 3 days. Don't want to be stuck with just applesauce when the kid want pretzels or crackers or some other random food item.



Lastly buy one of those pull back airplanes from the newsstand. Keep then busy for hours.

MGoblu8

June 21st, 2013 at 4:15 PM ^

We flew from Miami to Columbus several times for between son's 1st and 3rd birthdays. We were really nervous the first couple of times because my son is a bit of a handful. He really did great every time though. Just feed them before you get on and keep them occupied. That's been my experience.

Abomb4480

June 21st, 2013 at 4:54 PM ^

You are right! I live here and work in Mackinaw City. If you have the chance, take the drive down the Tunnel of Trees on M-119 between Harbor Springs and Mackinaw City. Absolutely beautiful scenic drive. Only state highway in Michigan with no lines and no shoulder.

SCarolinaMaize

June 21st, 2013 at 3:48 PM ^

Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg, TN - usually rent a cabin off the beaten path.  They have all sorts of tourist trap thing for the kids, trout fishing in the mountains, and scenic drives.  Usually have some friends from MI come down and share the cabin.  We started going there over Myrtle Beach because it's usually 10deg cooler in the mountains, and I like seeing the bears, bobcats etc.

This year (Next week) we're heading home to MI.  Spend some time in Midland with the family, go up near Wolverine and meet our friends at their cabin, then go the Bay City Fireworks.  Can't wait, except for the drive through the Worst State Ever.

kurpit

June 21st, 2013 at 3:47 PM ^

I camped up near Munising/Pictured Rocks, went on some little hikes, and went swimming in Lake Superior last summer and hope to do it again. It's a gorgeous place and doesn't hurt the wallet.

Never

June 21st, 2013 at 3:50 PM ^

Jamaican by birth, so easier to play tourist if you're already quite familar with the lay of the land. Typically spend time on the north coast by uncle's abode in Oracabessa, but west will do (Hanover or Westmoreland) if the objective is to find a slower, more laid-back vibe. Other option is all the way to Treasure Beach/Alligator Pond for the best seafood on the island at Little Ochee or just to again experience pristine beaches that have yet to be sullied by development.

TIMMMAAY

June 21st, 2013 at 5:43 PM ^

Curious what the reason is that you choose the north coast? Is it the scenery? I know there is a lot more varied topography there, and in the east of the island, but I've always gravitated south, and west. The West End is my go-to spot, but away from town (I like it quieter). We started with the all inclusive garbage, but in the last five years have gotten away from that completely and are soo much happier when we go now. I love going to the little local dives and just talking to whoever is there. It's great. 

Any tips are much appreciated. 

 

dmarch

June 21st, 2013 at 3:50 PM ^

We just moved to Big Sky, Montana in March.  I don't see myself roaming to far from here.  Just a beautiful area.  Only 50 miles from West entrance to Yellowstone Park.

Ask me this question again after spending a winter here!

wigeon

June 21st, 2013 at 3:52 PM ^

i second the straits comment above.

this year, though we're renting a house on Swan Lake in NW Montana, 10 days of pure awesomeness.