East Coast Trip

AsSiMiLaTeD

My wife and I are sizing up a couple different road trips for the Late-September / Early-October timeframe.

One trip we're looking at is heading west and I think we're good there, as in we know exactly where we want to go. If we go this route I'll hit up a couple of you locals out there about good things to do while we're in the area of the Grand Canyon.

The other is heading East, and I'm not as familiar with that part of the country. The only place I've been to over there is New York City. So, I have some questions and am looking for any general advice.

We're not looking to do the 'fun in the sun' thing, so Florida is out, we're thinking cooler and so a little further north.

I'm thinking we'd like to head east and drive through somewhere like KY or TN, we'd spend the night somewhere on that route. Our first main stop will be Washington DC, so basically what I'm looking for is the best scenic drive from Dallas to DC.

We want to spend a couple days in DC and maybe a day in Baltimore. What are the 'must-do' things in that area? I know she wants to go see the White House, beyond that I'm not sure what. Any suggestions on where to stay?

From there we're going to head up to NYC and spend a couple days there. We've been there before and have a good idea of what we want to do, so I'm good there.

From there we were thinking we'd like to head into the New England area, but I'm thinking we're going to be a couple weeks before autumn hits, and that's what we'd really want to see. Any thoughts there? If I wanted to head north from NYC, what would be a good place to visit?

From wherever we end up at, we're going to head over to Niagara Falls and check that off our list. I've heard that the Canadian side of the falls is better to visit, is that still the case, and I assume we'd need a passport for that?

From Niagara we're going to head back towards home, stopping in Indianapolis on the way and I get to watch my Colts beat up on the KC Chiefs in a home game. Then from there we're headed home.

Sooooo, any thoughts or advice, other places I should visit or things to consider?

I know we've got a lot of polkies up in that area, so I appreciate your insight.

shawn474

A trip to the National Zoo in DC and the National Aquarium in Baltimore is a must! If you have a few days here, the Smithsonian and Holocaust Museum should be on your to do list as well.

Serendipity

When you are in NYC you can stop by - I'm a short bus/train ride from Manhattan - you're definitely welcome here.

ESavinon

Serendipity wrote: »

When you are in NYC you can stop by - I'm a short bus/train ride from Manhattan - you're definitely welcome here.

Where in the city are you located?

bruss

the canadian side is way better than the us side of the falls. There is so much to do and see in DC you could spend a long time in the various museums alone..

As far as the colts beating the chiefs... Hopefully we can at least make it respectable but i doubt it. We drove by that lucas oil stadium and it is really impresssive. I would love to see a game there

treitz3

If the dates are between Sept. 10th - 21st and you will be near the TN and NC border, LMK. I've got something in mind that you and your wife definitely would not want to miss.

mdaudioguy

If you're into a more rural outdoor scene, Gettysburg battlefield is a little over an hour northwest of Baltimore. Lot's of history in Philadelphia, too. Williamsburg, VA is a cool place to check out colonial history.

jtgranby

This would be a great place to stay on the way. Just over the TN border on the NC side of the smokies. Beautiful country http://www.jonathancreekinn.com/maggie_valley_motel_rooms.html

Like Shawn said National Zoo,Smithsonian Museums and the White House. There is a Holiday Inn at 6th And C ST SW that is within walking distance of the Smithsonian Museums and the Capital building. Remember 99% of the museums are free so splurge on a convenient palce to stay.I wouldn't stay outside the city as you would spend a major amount of time on the freeways getting to the city in the AM. Our rush hour is miserable. If you want any more specific info on DC just ask.

Jim

cfrizz

For DC, pick 1 or 2 at the most of the Smithsonian museums to visit, you would need a month just for all of them by themselves. I recommend the Air & Space museum that is one cool place!

Go over to Arlington Natl Cemetary & see all the Kennedy graves as well as the Changing of the Guard ceremony @ the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, very impressive sight.

JimKellyfan

I was going to recommend Barker's Brew Pub in Fredonia, NY, but it closed in 04. ( sad to see that, loved that place ) But up that way, en route to Buffalo, there are a lot of wineries along the way, from Erie, Pa on up through route 90. If you are coming up from the DC area to there, the Finger Lakes region has a ton of wineries to go to. Definitely have to hit the Anchor bar in Buffalo on a Saturday night, they usually have jazz playing or the like. I checked their website, and looks like Friday is a winner too. Link here: http://www.anchorbar.com/news.php

also:
The football hall of fame and the rock n roll hall of fame should also be on your return route in Ohio.
For NYC, check out CBGB's bar, as well as Hayden planetarium for an evening out. Central park is great, maybe check out Coney Island amusement park.
Have a great time, hope this helps.