Travel

[Traceybakes]

The coastal area of southern New Jersey is beautiful.  Ocean City and Cape May are lovely towns. Full of charm.  Nice places to stay, shop and yummy food.  Also fun things to see.   Whatever you decide to do hope you enjoy it! 

[Carmie]

IMO, Cape May is a wonderful place. I will be there for two weeks in September.

But, for two women, one of whom is 80, how will this will work out? It is not gonna be simple. And, October is not a good month to visit.

You are almost two hours from the Phila airport...that means you need to rent a car and drive.  Parking in Cape May is not easy and mostly it is not free.  You pay at meters by downloading an app on your phone.

The Washington Street Mall Stores are not what they used to be...There are lots of ice cream places and candy stores. The boardwalk has nothing on it anymore except an arcade. The restaurants are expensive and many require reservations.

Cape May is dead except for the weekends in October.  There really isn't much to do. Shopping isn't what it once was either unless you need sweatshirts.  You need a car to visit the winery or Cold Spring Village or visit the Zoo.

What two ladies need is a place where they can fly in, be transported to their destination and be there where everything is simple and easy.  I wouldn't think they would want to drive for hours after flying.

If it were me, I would look for a cruise or a destination vacation that is all inclusive...perhaps on of the islands like Belize.

You can usually find a three night trip to Hawaii for under $1000 including air, hotel and breakfast.

October is a slow season for many destinations and the prices are low.  Try some place exciting.

[roeroe1005]

If you decide on Cape May, fly into Atlantic City Airport instead of Philly.  CM is about 45 mins south.  The only downside is that you would need to rent a car.  On the way to CM, visit Stone Harbor.

In CM, you can take the ferry over to Delaware (80 mins); visit Rehoboth and hit the outlets.  

Early October is beautiful in CM - rates are lower, kids are at school.  I used to take my nephews over the Columbus holiday as it was Victorian Week and early Halloween events (Elaine's).

I also agree with Charleston or Savannah.  I took a "senior trip" to several years ago and enjoyed both.  

Also just throwing out there - Rhinebeck, NY.  

Enjoy planning your trip!

[Zaimee]

@amyb  I agree that Mohonk House in upstate NY is a great getaway. 
Stayed there twice. Beautiful  rustic mountain setting. Horseback riding, paddle boating, miniature golf, SPA and delicious meals. Great buffet food. Varied entertainment in the evening. The weather will be great and fall leaves.

I attended college at SUNY New Paltz but never visited  due  to it not being in my student budget!!! DH surprised me with a stay several years ago. We enjoyed it so much we returned again.

[beach-mom]

@house_cat - I completely agree with @Mz iMac's suggestions. 

I also thought of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I've never been, but I've always wanted to go.

Do you want to meet someplace halfway? There are so many beautiful places to visit!  

[kathie66]

How about the Don CeSar Hotel in St. Petersburg Beach? It is a beautiful hotel and beach. 

Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham, MA. A beautiful Cape Cod Resort

Red Jacket Beach Resort, South Yarmouth, MA. Another Cape Cod Resort

The Bear Mountain Inn, Tomkins Cove, NY

Mohonk Mountain House in NY is beautiful!!

Cold Spring, NY in Putnam County a quaint walkable town. You can fly into Stewart Airport in Newburgh NY would need to rent a car and drive 30 minutes.

Millbrook, NY another quaint walkable town in Dutchess County. Also fly into Stewart Airport about 45 minute rental car ride to Millbrook.

Half Moon Bay CA beautiful coastal town 20 minutes from SFO Airport.

Have fun wherever you choose to go!

[Hoovermom]

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@TheMemphisVette wrote:

helen GA

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@TheMemphisVette:  Has Helen come back to life?  A while back we went and I was very disappointed.

[Seminole2]

I would suggest:

Asheville, Biltmore and everything they offer up
Helene GA a lot to see and do. Relax
Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain Gergia

[house_cat]

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@Seminole2 wrote:
I would suggest:

Asheville, Biltmore and everything they offer up
Helene GA a lot to see and do. Relax
Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain Gergia

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Funny you should suggest Asheville, it's where I live!

I agree it's wonderful, but way too close to the family I'm trying to run away from!

Just kidding....

Maybe not.

[ScrapHappy]

Since you mentioned October, my first thoughts was beautiful fall foilage.  My favortire time of year (though I live in the wrong area).  My best friend and I went to Vermont in October many years ago and I loved it.  Another poster mentioned Branson, MO.  I came across The Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail at Top of the Rock which is right near Branson.  It's sight seeing but driving a golf cart.  Plenty of videos on YouTube.  I would imagine it would be absolutely beautiful in October.  How about a cruise?  There are short cruises for 3 to 4 days.  Then cruises for 5 to 7 days.  Just hop on board, everything is taken care of for you.  Spa on board, shopping, activities, etc. and if you want to , get off the ship at port of calls that interest you.  Another poster said Carmel California and that was going to be my suggestion as well.  I lived there for 16 years.  It's beautiful.  Specifically I'd stay in Carmel by the Sea.  Very unique town with shopping and a lot of charm.  Beautiful beach right there.  Carmel by the Sea is right there near Big Sur, Monterey and Pacific Grove.  One more place:  St. Augustine FL.  I've never been there but would like to someday.