F-Body Europe

I am planning a family holiday in the US. Probably have to save to next year, but give me some suggestions what to do where to go.

I have a 6 year old boy who I want to take to the parks in Florida (OK its me who wants to go the the parks in Florida) but I would like to go to another part for a week.

Any info would be useful

*gg* - guess it's a wide field and mainly personal taste ...

Hint for parks in FL: _do not_ go during Spring Break (hotels don't honor rebate coupons during that time, also pretty crowded everywhere), when I was in FL last year, I heard on at least on occasion that they closed - I think it was - Universal Studios at 10:30 or something due to high number of visitors. Also, try to avoid the summer (which is probably hard if your kids are in school), as a) the crowd will let you wait forever to get to see something, and b) you'll be roasting in your own juices waiting ... I was through the parks several years back end of Jan/beginning of Feb, and it was great - longest wait was 45min, all the others less than 15min, nice weather (around 20 C).

What other places - apart from the obvious like Disney, Universal, Sea World, you have places like Kennedy Space Center (1h) or Bush Gardens (somewhere around 1h also) in the vicinity of Orlando. Or a trip over to the west to Tampa, which has quite a bit to see. Or a run down to the keys ... or, if you're there in early spring (like, up to middle of march) or fall, you can run over to some of the Manatee tours on the west coast ... they rent out wetsuits and stuff, with a bit of luck you can get to see some close up or even touch them ...

On the other hand, if you want to get out of FL, just head north, in a day's drive you can head to the Atlanta, GA area, with another half day's ride into TN with Memphis or Nashville (be sure to make a stop at Jack Daniel's - going north from Atlanta brings you right by it). The whole TN/NC has great views off the mountains - if you have the time, just head down some of the scenic roads there, it's just great ... and enough things to see ... just stop at any of the highway info stations, they usually have more than enough flyers of attractions ...

Another nice direction to go would be along the Gulf of Mexico to New Orleans ... don't know if you can really see enough in a week, but ... and on the way, there's always a lot of beaches you can stop at and do some swimming ...

(Hm, hope I didn't sound like a tour guide )

thanks Gary. Plenty of planning and LOTS to see and do!!!

Being from the Southeast myself I would echo the comments from the last email. Obviously going north would be the most logical thing from Florida, but Atlanta is an awesome city. It has been called the New York of the South. There is always something going on there...there is professional Baseball, Football, Basketball, and Hockey. There are also great shopping opportunities as well as a big water park and Six Flags Amusement park. Time of the year is the big factor there.

After that I would suggest New Orleans before Nashville having been to both places. You can see the influence that the Europeans (french) have had on the US. There are more shopping and sightseeing opportunities and you would also get to see the Mississippi River which is an amazing sight in itself. If you can go during the early part of the year (Jan-Feb) you can see New Orleans at Mardi Gras and all of that show. Just realize that New Orleans, and all of Louisiana is a different Culture than the rest of the US.

If you still had time I would suggest driving right across I-10 to Houston, TX (maybe four hours) and experiencing that part of the US Culture. You can get all the Western experience going straight across. Dallas is also a good scene, but in the interest of time you can get much of the same things accomplished in Houston with a shorter drive.

Good luck and let me know if I can help in any way...thats my part of the country!!!

Patrick

Me being the Cajun and all that, I would suggest going to New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Just DO NOT take the kids to the night parades. A whole lot of T&A flashing around. During the day it is good for the kids to see the nice floats and have the opportunity to take in the culture. Yes it is much different from the rest of the states, but worth seeing. You can also take the might Mississippi river boat rides and see the city from the water. There is also a very good sea aquarium on the board walk. I hope that this helps in some way.

Good point about the T&A...I did fail to mention that. I love the aquarium...havent been in a long time, but thought it was simply amazing!!!

I always liked the drive across I-10 toward Houston and seeing all the wildlife that direction. I was driving that way one time on that long bridge (cant remember the name-not lake pontchartrain) and saw a huge Alligator come out of the swamp and grab a deer and start its thrashing about. Just one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. It also happens to be the place I got my first speeding ticket. You dont think that cops are going to catch you on a thirty mile long bridge (or however long it is) and suddenly there are blue lights!!!! oops....

Patrick

What types of things do you want to do. If you can tell us that, I am sure there are several people on the board that can make suggestions. It would also be nice to know when you are going and how long you plan to stay. I you give us some info, we can help you out.

Hot Rod, I didn't know you were a Cajun. Where from? I'm not a real Cajun, but the Air Force did let me live in Louisiana for about 12 years. I was at Barksdale for about 10 years and at New Orleans for about 2 1/2. I love Louisiana. Great people, especially the Cajuns.

Jerry

Thanks for the comments so far. I think I'll need more than 2 weeks.

I'm not sure exactly when we are going, as I say, this is planning time.

As a family we like to see the sights of whereever we go - "when in Rome be a Roman"

So I would like to take my boy to some parks, but the idea of going somewhere like New Orleans sounds good.

When we are on holiday we like to see as much as possible, eat and drink loads and generally have a great time.

I would love to visit a cruise, tkae in some American car culture - have to get permission from Lynne though!!!

So really, we just try to make the best of visiting a new country. We love experiencing different cultures, so I would love to see the different styles of lief in the US

Being at the right place at the right time for a cruise might be hard - anyway, there's lot of F-Body cubs in the states, so you might catch a cruise or meet just about anytime ...
Otherwise, just take your son (and wife I presume) to the track, there's one virtually everywhere within some 30-50mi ride I recon ... get to see a LOT of cars there, too

Hey you might want to check in with these guys then. Or at least check out the board and see what is going on. http://www.cffb.net/_forum/default.asp . I just started posting there. This is where my wife and I are from, and plan on getting with them when I move back to the states. They might be able to give you some tips also. Good luck with the trip.

Rob

KC10A-- I'm from the deep southern part of Louisiana. A little town called Jeanerette. It is about an hour or so drive south of Lafayette. Lets just say that I can drive to the Gulf of Mexico in about 20 min. Down deep in the heart of Cajun country and contrary to popular belief we do not make people squeal like pigs!

Hey I am also a member of the Georgia F-Body Association. They just held their spring shootout this weekend, and I keep up to date on their events. I can keep you informed of those when you start looking at dates. Or you (or anyone else) can sign up with their list on Topica and then at http://www.gafba.com They have a car list and then a non-car list where they go over things that are not car related.... They are a great bunch of guys...

Keep us all informed on what you will do. And let me know if I can help in any way.

Patrick