July Holidays

[Trekhawk]

Looks like my DH will get a couple of weeks off work at the beginning of July so we are going to head off somewhere with the kids. The question is where? This wont be a cycling holiday just a family trip to see some sights. Rather than tell you where we havent been (that list would be huge). I will list the states we have been to. We would like to try to visit as many parts of the US as possible before we go home so all recommendations would be appreciated. Remember it will be summer so I would prefer not to fry while on holidays.

States Visited

California
Nevada
Utah
Arizona
Idaho
Wyoming
Montana
South Dakota
Oregon
Washington State
Washington DC
Alaska
Hawaii

We will probably fly and rent a car. We dont mind cities but prefer the wilds.

Thanks
Leslie:)

[fixedgeargirl]

May I humbly recommend you spend the Independence Day holiday in my hometown, Crested Butte, Colorado?

The main street of the little burg is closed for the day for a DIY parade that is an absolute hoot. (They used to run it down the street then back up so it would amount to something timewise, but that practice has recently been abandoned b/c now it actually does take an hour.) After the parade come the street games and water fight. Food booths, crazy costumes and smiles, smiles, smiles :D ! Of course it's in a stunningly beautiful part of the world and surrounded by miles of singletrack. You could round out your visit with a trip to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame ;).

And if I'm there I'll introduce you to my delightful Aussie friend, the one who says "Geezer" :p .

fixedgear/chamber of commerce/girl

[miffy'sFuji]

After seeing Crested Butte, I'd recommend driving towards the San Juan Mntns and staying at a dude type ranch. There are a lot of choices, and some that won't break the bank. Also in the vicinity are a lot of national monuments and parks (Hovenweep, Mesa Verde, Colorado Monument - depending on where you stay).

[Crankin]

Just my prejudiced opinion, but there is nothing like an old fashioned Fourth of July in New England.

[Veronica]

Yep my vote was for a trip to Maine.

V.

[Surlygirl]

Yep my vote was for a trip to Maine.

V.

I'll second that, Acadia National Park is a wonderful place for kids. And you could rent bikes and take them on the carriage trails. (No cars). My kids love it.

[Trekhawk]

Thanks girls for the destination tips. They both sound like wonderful places to visit.:)

[bouncybouncy]

OH BOY!!! family vacation!!! the 2 choices mentioned sound like fun to me...i have never been to either (i have been to colorado numerous times and love what i have seen...can't imagine it being bad) and new england area has always been on my list of places to go!

any other place i would recommend you have been...

hope you all have fun...whooopie!!!1

[DeniseGoldberg]

Thanks girls for the destination tips. They both sound like wonderful places to visit.:)

If you're seriously considering Maine and Acadia National Park, I spent several days in the park during my two tours last year. Obviously going there with your kids and the thought of going hiking or biking the carriage trails is different than what I did - but maybe some of my wandering might whet your appetite. My June trip was focused on downeast Maine, and while my September trip was mainly on PEI, there were a couple of days in Maine at the end. My journals (including what could be some teaser photos...) are at http://denise2005downeast.crazyguyonabike.com and http://denise2005pei.crazyguyonabike.com. If they bring up any questions - just ask!

Happy trip planning.

--- Denise

[Veronica]

Here's a link to our photos of Acadia from 2002.

V.

http://www.tandemhearts.com/maine/acadia-2002/index.html

[Trekhawk]

Thanks girls I will check out the links.
Does the Maine area have lots of bitey bugs out in summer?

The reason I ask is because in some parts of Canada and Alaska that we visited in summer we were nearly eaten alive.

[crazycanuck]

HEy trek...

Being bitten by the buggies in Canada is part of the Canadian Experience....:D

I was going to suggest driving to Alberta, Sask & manitoba but i notice you'd driven through the states you listed to get up there...

Why not do the south? I really wanna visit Texas, Mississippi, Missouri & others...Just to hear the accents & for the v interesting history.

c

[Trekhawk]

HEy trek...

Being bitten by the buggies in Canada is part of the Canadian Experience....:D

I was going to suggest driving to Alberta, Sask & manitoba but i notice you'd driven through the states you listed to get up there...

Why not do the south? I really wanna visit Texas, Mississippi, Missouri & others...Just to hear the accents & for the v interesting history.

c

LOL - It was only a couple of places that we had the bitey drama but those suckers were big. Its not just Cananda, like I said Alaska had its share of big bitey bugs. In Denali we hiked in the back country and the bugs sure were friendly there too.

We definitely want to visit Texas and some of the other southern states just not in summer. Im thinking they are good places to see when the weathers a little cooler.

PS - We hope to get back to Canada before we leave - its so beautiful.:)

[Surlygirl]

I've never found Acadia to bad as far as the bug thing. Usually at sunset the mosquitos but nothing a little bug spray or campfire smoke can't fix. We have camped at Seawall with the kids, rode the carriage trials on bikes, hiked may trails and there are a couple of beaches, kayaking, sailing, you name it. There are also some nice shops in Bar Harbour and there is always the mini golf, amusement type stuff off island which frankly we avoid.
Oh and don't forget to have popovers and tea at the Jordan Pond House. My kids like the popovers stuffed with ice cream and hot fudge sauce. :D