We didn't think funds would allow us to take a vacation this year, but now we think we are going to go. I am looking for vacation ideas. It will be my husband and I and my fourteen year old son. We live in Ohio and don't want to travel too far. We still want to keep it kind of low key and cost will be an issue. I won't list all the vacations we have done, but we have done Disney, Gatlinburg, Myrtle Beach, Niagra Falls.
So I am looking for some suggestions. We have done lots of state parks so I would prefer not to do an OH state park again and I think my son wants more than that.

Hi Sue, another Ohio Sue here :)
Have you thought of places like Gettysburg or the DC area??
Your son sounds like he's at a good age for that kind of stuff. (but that's just a guess of course)
Living in Ohio has made summer vacations a long trip in our family it seems. :(

Hello Sue, Have you ever done Branson, MO? We have been there a few times and really did enjoy it. We found prices quite reasonable there too. The one downside for us is the heat and humidity, but being from Ohio, you are probably used to that.

What about going up to Boyne Mtn? It wouldnt take that long to get there ( up to MI ) and there are alot of things to do & see up there. The surrounding towns are beautiful, not to mention alot of wonderful quilt shops, lol. I think all three of you would have fun there!

Michigan has the five Great Lakes and numerous smaller beaches. You can camp or stay in a motel. Port Huron is one place to check out.

Drive to Dearborn, near Detroit, and spend the day at Greenfield Village, a historic village with the Henry Ford Museum (cars and planes) next to it. The village has Thomas Edison's place, the Wright Brothers' bicycle shop, a glassblower's shop, that kind of thing.

Or come to central Pennsylvania. See Gettysburg, see Hershey. Hershey has the chocolate museum, etc, but it also has an amusement park, botanical gardens, and a LQS. Hotels are expensive, but you can stay a bit outside for much less.

Dearborn was one of the ideas I had thought of. We went to the Silver Lake area once and loved the dunes. In fact my son and I were discussing if we wanted to do that again. I had also thought of Traverse City area but don't know if there would be enough for my son and husband in that area. I grew up on Lake Erie so I know Port Huron area.

I would add to this... go to Mackinaw Island - UP, Mich. What a great place to visit. :P Not sure where in Ohio you live so don't know the distance, but I am sure you could find some info on the Web if you do a search for Mackinaw Island, MICH
Also, Frankenmuth, MI - great place!

Sue, come on over to Maine, not too far for an auto trip. You'll love our coastline. Have some lobster and fried clams too!

Annie
:)

The Island is always a nice trip, but Greenfield Village is a don't miss. When my son was 14 we took his best friend with us on vacation. It worked out well for all concerned. Funny, we went to Ohio. A professional ballgame, the Football Hall of Fame, etc.

How about Niagara Falls? It's not too far from you.