View Full Version : The first thread I've created on the new board.
jjcourtright
05-09-2005, 04:40 PM
I'm looking for vacation suggestions. The wife-unit and I are looking to take a quick trip...3 or 4 nights. But we don't really know anything about anywhere except for Vegas. What do you do if you vacation in New York? Or California? It seems like you would spend alot of time driving either place. Where else do people go? We want to stay in the States in case we need to rush home for some child related reason. Help please.
Droogan_Leader
05-09-2005, 04:43 PM
Another consideration is your budget...how much are you looking to spend?
jjcourtright
05-09-2005, 04:44 PM
Sorry. $1500 is what we are shooting to stay under, but I think we are somewhat flexible.
Efexeye
05-09-2005, 04:47 PM
Sorry. $1500 is what we are shooting to stay under, but I think we are somewhat flexible.
What's wrong with Vegas? You should be able to get an airfare and hotel package for at least 3 nights for a total of about 800 bucks, leaving plenty of cash to blow on the Star Wars slots at the Mandalay Bay...
jjcourtright
05-09-2005, 04:50 PM
We did Vegas for our last vacation. I'm always up for Vegas, but the wife seems to be leaning away from it. I did find airfare and 3 nights at the Luxor for $650, so the price alone may force our hand.
Efexeye
05-09-2005, 04:53 PM
Yeah, I have fun in Vegas, too. $1500 is not a lot of money to spend on a vacation, but if you book far in advance and plan well, you should be fine doing whatever you want. How do you like to spend your vacation, going out and doing stuff, or sitting around and relaxing? When are you taking this vacation?
Droogan_Leader
05-09-2005, 04:56 PM
How about Mexico? I know it's out of the country, but not by far, and it's got to be dirt cheap to go down there for a week or so.
jjcourtright
05-09-2005, 04:57 PM
In typical Courtright fashion, this is all very last minute. I booked our honeymoon on a Thursday...we got married on Sunday. Got a great deal on that, so I assume that I will always have such luck.
Definitely sitting around and relaxing. Loungin'
Mexico is out of the question because we don't want to be out of cell phone range. We're panic-ers, and are worried about the kids.
What do you both enjoy doing?
I could give you ideas for places I know, but I'm not sure what you both are into.
You have many choices... Concerts, beaches, fairs, car shows, mini-golf, swimming, hiking, sailing, slots, horse riding, drinking, amusement parks?
Efexeye
05-09-2005, 05:00 PM
What I CAN tell you is that New York, especially Manhattan, is VERY expensive. Like, 14 bucks for a cocktail, expensive.
If you wanted, you could go to Michigan or Wisconsin, rent a cabin on the lake with a pontoon boat, fish, barbecue, hike, and generally have a great, laid-back time. You could also buy cases of beer for 14 dollars, as opposed to one stinkin' gin-and-tonic.
jjcourtright
05-09-2005, 05:02 PM
What do you both enjoy doing?
I could give you ideas for places I know, but I'm not sure what you both are into.
You have many choices... Concerts, beaches, fairs, car shows, mini-golf, swimming, hiking, sailing, slots, horse riding, drinking, amusement parks?We are really up for whatever. We just don't want to spend alot of time getting places. That's what I love about Vegas...everything you could want to do there is contained in a two mile strip. Is there anywhere else that is as localized as Vegas?
Efexeye
05-09-2005, 05:02 PM
Atlantic Shitty?
jjcourtright
05-09-2005, 05:04 PM
Exactly. Plus we would prefer warm temperatures.
Efexeye
05-09-2005, 05:12 PM
Exactly. Plus we would prefer warm temperatures.
Orlando? There is lots of stuff there (no gambling, though). I agree about Vegas- you get to make your own vacation. You can do whatever you want without ever getting in a car!
We are really up for whatever. We just don't want to spend alot of time getting places. That's what I love about Vegas...everything you could want to do there is contained in a two mile strip. Is there anywhere else that is as localized as Vegas?
The only localized strips I know of in upstate New York is Saratoga and Lake George.
Lake George is pretty packed in the summer, and you can find a range of things to do mostly all walking distance and prices vary (not everything is expensive if you search around). I'm sure they have internet site.
Saratoga is packed during August when the race track opens, though this is a very expensive place to visit and nearly impossible to find a vacant hotel nearby. They recently got a casino opened, but I haven't made it there to check it out yet.
karmattack
05-09-2005, 05:16 PM
As far as being localized, the only place I've been that compares to Vegas was New York. Like Efexeye said, NYC can be very expensive even though it's possible to get around that. I wouldn't suggest it as a place to chill and relax though. I've been all over, but I'm having a hard time thinking of any place that just stands out. I have that "Wherever I go, there I am" mentality. And hey, if you are going to vacation in the summer months, everywhere is warm.
Efexeye
05-09-2005, 05:17 PM
Come to Orange County! Stay with D and I! That's REAL cheap! Disney is here, the ocean, we are 1/2 way between San Diego and Los Angeles, you could meet Fangirl....and we'd only charge you 100 bucks a night! ;)
jjcourtright
05-09-2005, 05:19 PM
I was just on Expedia and The OC was one of the choices. Neither of us are big on the Disney thing. Swimming and Sitting seems nice. The OC would be recommended then?
Efexeye
05-09-2005, 05:21 PM
I was just on Expedia and The OC was one of the choices. Neither of us are big on the Disney thing. Swimming and Sitting seems nice. The OC would be recommended then?
Definitely. And seriously, you can stay with us, if you like. (Not that I've asked Denyse, but, dammit, I'm the MAN! I GET TO DECIDE IF IT'S OKAY OR NOT!)
Hooboy, gonna pay for that one...I wonder which of the cats Denyse will boil as my punishment? ;)
jjcourtright
05-09-2005, 05:22 PM
The cats are yours, and not hers?
Efexeye
05-09-2005, 05:23 PM
The cats are yours, and not hers?
I guess now they are OURS, but they began life as MINE, yes. I had them flown out here from Michigan just before I moved.
Jason_Brown
05-09-2005, 05:33 PM
NYC is great. Tons of stuff to see. My last two vacations have been there. Use the internet to shop ahead for a decent room rate. Call ahead for free Daily Show tickets.
Denyse
05-09-2005, 05:39 PM
Definitely. And seriously, you can stay with us, if you like. (Not that I've asked Denyse, but, dammit, I'm the MAN! I GET TO DECIDE IF IT'S OKAY OR NOT!)
Hooboy, gonna pay for that one...I wonder which of the cats Denyse will boil as my punishment? ;)
The cats are mine...I'd never boil them. You on the other hand...
And we'd love to have you. Lots to do, great restaurants, lovely beaches and if you aren't into the Disney thing there are lots of other places to go that are within a short diving distance in off peak traffic hours. If you do decide to come, however, you should check out flying into either Ontario or LAX, as John Wayne-Orange County airport does tend to run on the high side, price wise.
jjcourtright
05-09-2005, 05:43 PM
Isn't Ontario a little bit out of the way...although Canada and California do both start with a CA, so I can somewhat see your confusion.
Efexeye
05-09-2005, 05:44 PM
Isn't Ontario a little bit out of the way...although Canada and California do both start with a CA, so I can somewhat see your confusion.
No, smartass, there is an Ontario, California, too... :p
DarthMaulRat
05-09-2005, 06:33 PM
If you're into the whole nature thing, Bryce Canyon, the Badlands, Yellowstone, and Zion National Park are all somewhat close to each other. I'm a hike/camp kind of vacationer, so if you're hoping to sleep with air conditioning at night, then don't listen to my suggestions.
FanGirl
05-09-2005, 06:38 PM
I second the whole come here thing. I could show you around Hollywood and Los Angeles and what not. The only problem with LA is you would definately need a rental car. Although, one night I will happily drive to take you drinking.
OR you could check out San Diego. Considerably cheaper. Plus you know that Ryall character lives down there. I'd be willing to drive down for a nice dinner as I'm sure the others would. San Diego is gorgeous plus you have the zoo and a trip across the border to TJ just to say you left the country for vacation.
actualsize
05-10-2005, 02:44 AM
Exactly. Plus we would prefer warm temperatures.
Hermosa Beach, Ca., about 5 miles south of LAX - close enough to take a taxi from the airport. A small beach town, walking distance to muchos bars, the Comedy & Magic Club, which has great comedians every night, and Jay Leno doing stand-up every Sunday, practicing the coming week's monologue material.
You can stay at the Beach House - a really nice hotel (but $200 a night - perhaps more for Ocean facing) RIGHT ON the concrete "boardwalk." Rooms overlooking the sand, and the strand below - a concrete bike path on the edge of the sand, have views of sunsets, skate punks, sand volleyball courts, butt floss, and rollerblade chicks. You can rent bikes or blades, eat and drink at 100 places and never have to drive, walk to the end of the pier, and lie in the sand every day. Or stay in your room (get 2nd floor balcony or higher) and listen to the waves all night...
A cheaper, and merely adequate place is the Sea Sprite. Similar location, but not a really nice, elegant place. Motel 6 by the sea kinda vibe. Bring your own towels.
My wife and I have stayed at the Beach House on our anniversary, and it was 'da bomb.
Close enough to efexeye, fangirl, etc, (45minutes) but right on the beach. If you need to get home quick, a taxi ride to LAX is only 10 minutes. private message me for more info, if you want it.
Charleston SC is supposed to be nice... Lots of B 'n B's, big ass aquarium, naval museums, splendid golf courses, and a bunch of other stuff I really don't know about.
Our Nations Capital is always nice. Lots of great museams and fun bars in the Georgetown area. You could try to catch a Nationals game, or visit old town Alexandria.
bwdial
05-10-2005, 01:07 PM
Flori-duh. If you play golf, it's about to be low season, so the rates will be great if you can stand the heat. If you don't play golf...well, to hell with you. ;) :p
Strange, but I've never really been on a vacation other than two cruises. My childhood vacations were always built around some sort of business meeting.
RobinHoodDaffy
05-10-2005, 01:38 PM
I was going to suggest my favorite vacation spot, but you said warm. Not in the Pacific Northwest, not yet. However, if you ever want a nice cold beach to stroll along on, I love Astoria, Oregon. I am going there on my vacation next month. It is a beautiful small town with a really cool feel to it, and besides every where you walk you see sea lions, and that is pretty darn neat to me.
Besides, you get to feel like you are in The Goonies because it was filmed there, and the owners of "the house" have signs to lead you up to go see it, as long as you are respectful. They filmed Kidnergarden Cop there too, but that is not nearly as cool. Yeah, the goonies are good enough for me.
jjcourtright
05-10-2005, 03:18 PM
Thanks to everybody for their suggestions...and now I'm going to ignore them by going to Vegas. The price dropped since yesterday, and now we can do 3 nights at the Luxor with airfare for only $310/person. Can't pass up that deal.
jjcourtright
05-10-2005, 03:19 PM
I was going to suggest my favorite vacation spot, but you said warm. Not in the Pacific Northwest, not yet. However, if you ever want a nice cold beach to stroll along on, I love Astoria, Oregon. I am going there on my vacation next month. It is a beautiful small town with a really cool feel to it, and besides every where you walk you see sea lions, and that is pretty darn neat to me.
Besides, you get to feel like you are in The Goonies because it was filmed there, and the owners of "the house" have signs to lead you up to go see it, as long as you are respectful. They filmed Kidnergarden Cop there too, but that is not nearly as cool. Yeah, the goonies are good enough for me.
I got through the first paragraph of your post and thought, "He's recommending Astoria, yet not mentioning Goonies?" Good thing you redeemed yourself.
Efexeye
05-10-2005, 03:23 PM
Thanks to everybody for their suggestions...and now I'm going to ignore them by going to Vegas. The price dropped since yesterday, and now we can do 3 nights at the Luxor with airfare for only $310/person. Can't pass up that deal.
Thanks a lot, JJ! See if I help you again! ;)
RobinHoodDaffy
05-10-2005, 06:42 PM
I got through the first paragraph of your post and thought, "He's recommending Astoria, yet not mentioning Goonies?" Good thing you redeemed yourself.
I shudder to think you doubted me. [shudders]
FanGirl
05-10-2005, 08:29 PM
I'll be in Vegas June 3-5th. Which days you going to be there?
Denyse
05-10-2005, 08:36 PM
Ohhh...Let's all go! We could do some REAL damage in Vegas!
Efexeye
05-10-2005, 08:40 PM
Ohhh...Let's all go! We could do some REAL damage in Vegas!
HELL YEAH!
actualsize
05-11-2005, 01:12 AM
I might be talked into it...
Gotherella
05-11-2005, 01:20 AM
Road Trip!!!!!!!
jjcourtright
05-11-2005, 03:18 PM
We're going May 22nd through the 25th. So, sadly you will have to choose between hanging out with FanGirl and hanging out with me.
...I'm going to lose aren't I?
FanGirl
05-11-2005, 06:08 PM
Yea, well, they should probably go when you are there. I'm going have a whole herd of people celebrating my friend's 30th bday. So my attention will divided anyway.
Have fun. Remember to play the slot machines that face the aisles. They pay off more because people will see you winning and want to play.
jjcourtright
05-12-2005, 03:07 PM
Slots? Blackjack and poker, baby!
Efexeye
05-12-2005, 03:10 PM
At least with slots, you spread out your losing over a period of time. With blackjack and poker, if your luck is bad, you go broke QUICK.
jjcourtright
05-12-2005, 03:39 PM
I'd rather lose my money quickly while having fun then lose it slowly while not having fun. Plus you get waaaaay more drinks at the tables then you do at the sluts.
Efexeye
05-12-2005, 03:48 PM
I used to be a slot-hater, too, but they can actually be pretty fun- as long as you play the touch-screen slots. Universal Monsters, Star Wars, Men in Black, Terminator 3, The Price is Right and Creature from the Black Lagoon are some of my favorites.
Oh, and I never have a problem getting a drink while playing the slots...and the tables in Vegas can be intimidating, if you're not as experienced as the rest of the table they bitch at you a lot.
jjcourtright
05-12-2005, 04:08 PM
I'm well past the point of be intimidated. Usually I become a-hole drunk and become the intimidator. Then I become careless drunk and lose all my money. At least that's how it happened when I was in Vegas with the boys. The wife does a pretty good job of keeping me in check.
When I think I'm too good [she] puts me in check.
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