vacation planning
I would rather spend money on experiences than things, which is one of the reasons we spent a lot of time planning vacations. Living in Ohio, we try to keep our vacations within driving distance. I am still hoping for a vacation out west eventually. But for now, we stay in the Midwest and South.
The Beach
A beach vacation is still on my list of things to do. Before children, we took beach vacations in Florida and Georgia. But other than Mexico, my kids have been sand free.
We have indulged in water park vacations, in the Wisconsin Dells and several hotel-based water parks. There is something about water that restores the soul.
The Family
Both of our families live in Michigan, only four hours away. For many holidays and summer vacations, we drive up to swim in Grandpa’s pool, visit Grandma’s campground and garden at my inlaw’s. The kids love to see their cousins and grandparents. I am even able to visit with my high school girlfriends.
Better yet, family will occasionally come down to visit. My cousins and their kids would often come down for a long weekend. The men would golf, the girls would read in the hammocks and the kids would entertain themselves. And then we would all go to King’s Island, about 20 minutes away.
The Tradition
For several years, we have rented a cabin in the Hocking Hills over Father’s Day weekend. We cook S’Mores, play board games, canoe and watch Muppet marathons. My daughter often makes my husband a model cabin out of popsicle sticks, toothpicks or paper as a memento.
I have started the tradition of going to Atlanta alone in November, to write with my Glitter Girls. We stay at my friend, Mary’s house and write our hearts out–participating in NaNoWriMo. We have agreed whoever gets published first buys the others dinner.
The Splurge
Last year, we splurging by taking a Carnival cruise out of Alabama down to Mexico. While we liked the food, the port visit to Cozumel, the snorkeling and the time to read; but we came to find out that we don’t like people that much. Over 2,000 people in one place is just too much. We like our solitude.
The Friends
The very best part of the cruise vacation was the drive to and from the port. On the way to Alabama, we stopped in Atlanta and stayed with our friends, the Knapps. We had such a great time–grilling out, fishing at the hatchery, playing card games and visiting.
On the way back through Atlanta, we stayed with my best friend, Laurel and her daughter, Lucie. We hung out at Stone Mountain–my favorite place, tubed down the Chattahoochee and talked books. We enjoyed the hospitality and friendship far more than the packaged deal.
The Cabin
For the near decade before we had children, we stayed at the Calico Inn in Sevierville, TN every year. We loved the hosts and beautiful log cabin inn. We have been back to the Gaitlinburg area several times with the kids. We love the mountains, the cabins, the pancake breakfasts and the hikes.
Cabin vacations mean quiet evenings, hammocks for reading, grilled food and stargazing. Camping often means the same things but with a bug-phobic daughter, I’m not sure when we will reintroduce camping.
On the Road Again
This year’s vacation is still in its planning stages. Of course, we will go to Michigan and visit the family. We are also planning a white water rafting trip in Missouri with my brother- and sister-in-law, niece and nephew. I am always ready for a trip to Atlanta. We’d like to take the kids to Washington D.C. and the Grand Canyon soon. And I have always wanted to rent a houseboat–nevermind that I haven’t a clue how to drive one.