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AMAZING AMERICA
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Affordable (And Amazing) Vacation Destinations For 2009
By Tom Cannon
Everyone loves a great vacation, but given the current economic crunch, finding an amazing vacation spot, that is also affordable, is a real challenge. The fact is; most families can't afford to spend a week touring Europe's hotspots, Asia's wonders, or staying at America's top resorts. So what are your options? Most people think it's a choice between spending money you don't have, or wasting your valuable vacation time on a destination that promises to bore you to tears. If those were the only options available, I'd stay home, too. But fortunately for all of us, they're not.
So cheer up, because it's time to reveal some amazing vacation spots the whole family can enjoy, and best of all, they won't break your budget in the process.
1. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
This tiny town, picturesquely nestled in the Smoky Mountains is my family's all-time favorite vacation spot. Not only is Gatlinburg conveniently located, and affordable, but best of all, your family will never run out of exciting, adventurous and entertaining things to do.
Where to begin: Park your car, and check out Gatlinburg's ever-bustling Main Street. You'll be amazed by how many fun things are available to kids of all ages. Play arcades, buy candy, go up the Space Needle, shop, play an exciting round of mountainside mini-golf, or dine at some surprisingly nice restaurants, too. But wait, the fun is just beginning; be sure to check out the Star Car Museum, Ripley's Aquarium, and the Believe It or Not Museum, which are always popular spots for everyone. Of course, no trip to Gatlinburg would be complete without riding a chair lift, or gondola high up the mountainside for a breathtaking view.
Need a break from the endless activities of this mountain paradise? An easy solution to that dilemma is waiting for you right on the edge of town. All you need to do is pack a basket lunch, and drive a couple blocks to the edge of town, where you'll immediately be surrounded by an incredible wild place, called the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Some of my favorite "natural" destinations include: Chimney Tops Picnic Area, Newfound Gap Scenic Overlook, and Cades Cove. Before you go, however, I'd recommend stopping at the Sugarland Visitors Center along the way, to pick up maps, discover the history of the area, and get some helpful tips and suggestions to insure a safe and exciting time outdoors.
Nearby Places to See: Pigeon Forge is just a short drive away from Gatlinburg, and that means go-karts, helicopter rides, and Dollywood! Never been to Dollywood? Then you're in for a treat, because this theme park is 100% family friendly, offers more rides than you can "shake a stick at," offers excellent musical entertainment, down-home cooking, and "laughs by the bushel," around every turn.
Shopping: Shopaholics and budget-conscious parents will be delighted to find numerous outlet malls awaiting them in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.
Solitude: Looking for a little quieter place? Then Townsend is definitely the spot for you. Tubing, hiking, and relaxation top the list of things to do on the "quieter side of the mountain," as it is locally known. Another great out-of-the-way place my wife and I love spending at least one day, is the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Not only can you buy great pottery, paintings, and woodcrafts, but in several shops, you can actually watch them being made (Be sure to get a map/ brochure before you head out).
Nature: Adventure-seeking families will find excitement galore in Gatlinburg. Hundreds of miles of trails give hikers many options to choose from, including a lengthy section of the Appalachian Trail. (Advice: Talk to Ranger, or visit a local hiking shop before heading down the trail, so you're properly prepared for the adventure). Whitewater enthusiasts will find world class rafting opportunities, just a short drive from town, on the Big Pigeon, Ocoee, Nantahala, and French Broad Rivers. Nature-lovers who want to see bear, deer, turkeys, fox, elk and maybe even a wolf, are in luck, because the GSMNP is a great place for viewing nature in natural habitat. (A good rule of thumb: don't disturb the wildlife - just enjoy the view)
Fairs and Festivals: Gatlinburg hosts some great events, fairs and festivals too. Like the Craftsmen's Fair (July and October), Harvest Festival, Winter Festival, and many more. My wife and I have vacationed in Gatlinburg for many years, and we've never grown tired of it, in fact, the more we go, the more we fall in love with this amazing vacation destination. For more information visit: eventsgatlinburg.com
When to go? July, August, October and December are some of the most popular months. But June provides cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds. My wife and I love going anytime of the year, and always find plenty of things to do and see. If you decide to go off-season, be sure to check schedules for Dollywood, and other area attractions, as they do have limited days/ hours of operation.
Whenever you decide to go, be forewarned: Gatlinburg is addictive. Extremely addictive! I don't know if it's something they put in the water, or the bazzilions of fun things to do, but a single visit can hook you for life!
2. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
What's so special about huge piles of sand along the shores of Lake Michigan? If that's all you expect to find when you venture into Michigan's beautiful north country, you'll be pleasantly surprised, because the whole area is literally jam-packed with exciting and fun things for the whole family to do.
While swimming and water-sports monopolize the spotlight; hiking and fishing opportunities don't trail by much. The Sleeping Bear Dunes shoreline features some of the best beaches I've ever seen. And best of all, this land of white sand and cerulean blue waters is far less crowded than most resort areas.
Island hopping: Ever been on an island? Take the ferry across to North Manitou Island, and discover a great little paradise. Not an island adventurer? That's no problem, since the mainland has more than enough activities to keep you and the family busy for weeks on end.
Nature: If you and your family love the great outdoors, enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, biking, canoeing, swimming, or just love scenic places, then Sleeping Bear Dunes is a must-do vacation option, because it offers something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Want a little fun in the sun? Pack a picnic basket, and head for Platte Beach. The beach is a great place to catch some rays, read a book, or build sandcastles. On Platte Beach, there's a surprise that's sure to please; while you're relaxing in the sun nearby, the kids can slowly float down stream, across the white sandy beach, and right into Lake Michigan. Be sure to repeat the short ride, over and over again - it's great!
Fairs and Festivals: Sleeping Bear Dunes is a great base-camp for local festivals and fairs, too. The National Cherry Festival in Traverse City is a regional favorite, as is the Lilac Festival on Mackinaw Island, and Muskegon's Summer Celebration. For more information visit: http://www.mynorth.com/.
Nearby Places to See: The Leelanau Peninsula is an amazing place to see, and a drive your whole family will enjoy. Be sure to check out some of the lighthouses in the area. They are very photogenic, but they also provide great picnic, swimming and hiking opportunities. What else to see? I recommend visiting Empire, Fishtown, Glen Arbor, Frankfurt, North Point, Glen Haven and Sutton's Bay. They may be small, but you'll find lots of fun things to do and see, in them.
Shopping: Traverse City is not far away, and offers lots of shopping opportunities (a nice outlet mall and an indoor mall), and are perfect solutions on a rainy day.
When to go? Summer is the most popular time, and will provide you with limitless fun-n-sun outdoor opportunities. But don't overlook the other seasons of the year. Autumn at Sleeping Bear is splendid, with some of the best fall colors, anywhere. One of my favorite times to visit Sleeping Bear is in the middle of winter. What is there to see and do in winter? While some places will be closed, some great ski resorts are nearby. Of course, you can always rent snowmobiles, cross-country skis, or do more restful things, like rent a cabin with a great view, pour yourself a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and enjoy watching the snow fall.
Any time you decide to go to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, though, you will meet friendly people, experience breathtaking scenery, and enjoy more fun stuff than you and your family will have time for anyway!
3. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
You can relive history in Gettysburg, home of the famous Civil War battlefield, site of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, and one of the prettiest, historical small towns in the USA. Nestled serenely in the gently rolling hills of Central Pennsylvania, Gettysburg offers history buffs an excellent glimpse of the past. Surprisingly, however, Gettysburg is much more than an epithet to days gone by. It's a great place to experience nature, shop, dine, relax, or enjoy local festivals and fairs.
Shopping: Gettysburg is a great place to shop for books, antiques, and war paraphernalia. But it also has an excellent outlet mall, and sports a nice variety of specialty stores, too.
Solitude: Hoping to find some peace and quiet? Then Gettysburg won't disappoint you. Though it is a bustling little town during the summer months, the Pennsylvania countryside harbors scores of out-of-the-way places for much-needed rest and relaxation.
Tour: Whether you're a history buff, or not, I believe every American should tour the Gettysburg Battlefield National Park. What's the best way to do it? Buy a Driving Tour CD at one of the local shops, hop in the van, and drive through this amazing place. There are some great sites to see along the route. One of my favorites is Little Round Top, the Peach Orchard and the Devil's Den.
A word to the wise: Please respect the battlefield memorials and monuments. Remember; brave Americans gave their lives to preserve this union, so it's the least we can do to respect the place that honors them. Don't think of Gettysburg as a giant cemetery, for it is a place of living history that reminds us of the cost and value of our freedom, but at the same time, let's not desecrate such hallowed ground.
Nature: Gettysburg offers ample opportunities for day-hikers. Rolling hills, gentle streams, and open pastures reward hikers with wonderful views, and lots of wildlife. A less-strenuous section of the Appalachian Trail is nearby.
Canoeing, fishing and nature-viewing enthusiasts will be delighted with the possibilities that abound in this region. Deer, turkeys, fox, and plenty of small game abound here.
Fairs and Festivals: Gettysburg is a great place to take in some great festivals and fairs, too. As it is home to The Gettysburg Festival, the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, and Apple Blossom Festival. The area also plays host to Antique Shows, Quilt Shows, and Car Shows.
Nearby Places to See: A better question to ask might be; what's NOT nearby? Need proof? Pull out an atlas and take a look at the region surrounding Gettysburg. What will you find? Less than two hours away, you will find Philadelphia, with it's amazing history, great food, and lots of fun things to see and do. Baltimore and a dozen Chesapeake Bay towns are only an hour's drive away, as is Lancaster County and Amish country.
But why stop there? When Washington D.C., the Atlantic coast, and New York City are so close by. Before you go wandering too far away from Gettysburg, however, I'd like to point out some local places to see, that will make traveling further afield unnecessary. Like what? The town of Hershey, PA comes to mind. It is known as the "sweetest place on earth," and just one visit to Chocolate World, Hershey Park or the Outlet Malls is sufficient to keep you coming back for more.
History: While Gettysburg is arguably the premier battlefield memorial park, there are others in the area that Civil War enthusiasts won't want to miss. Antietam, Harpers Ferry, and many others, are close by, and well worth touring.
When to go? An excellent time to go, of course, is during the summer. It can get pretty hot and muggy in August, but if you're like me, hot weather is just fine. But I've been there during every season, and there's always plenty to do and see.
If you and your family are history-lovers, then be sure to map out your adventure before going, because the area abounds with history, and you don't want to miss something great. That's why I rate Gettysburg as a can't-miss vacation option, because it offers something for everyone, regardless of individual vacation tastes.
Final word: Now that you've had a chance to read about these amazing vacation destinations, the choice belongs to you. Having personally been to them all, I can assure you how amazing each of them will be for you and your family. So what are you waiting for? Start making plans for your family right away - because vacation time, in one of these amazing places, will be here before you know it.
About the Author:
Tom Cannon is an author, and lives in eastern Tennessee. He has written numerous books, including; Two Faces in the Mirror, Mountain Empire, We Speak to Nations, Servants of the King, and Changing Natures.
You can buy books, or read more blogs by visiting: http://tomcannon.org.
Email the author at: drtomcannon@hotmail.com
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