My first Five on Friday

Hey y'all

So this is a new thing for me.... One of the blogs I follow does a 'Five on Friday' post every week, and I love reading them!  I have been wanting to join in for a while, but never had the determination to do so.

This week is different.  I am looking for help and advice.  We are planning a BIG road trip in June.  I have been researching hotels, rental houses, things not to miss, and other things to take in when planning a 3000 mile drive.

Below are five of the destinations we want to hit on our road trip. I have ideas about what to do in each of them, but I would love some input from those who have been there, done that.  My biggest dilemma is accommodation.  There are five of us, so it is tricky.  At least we have a decent car with entertainment....

Here goes:

1. Washington D.C.

Photo credit here

There are so many things to do in Washington D.C. and the majority of them appear to be free!  The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is a must for us.  Obviously we want to see the monuments and the White House.  The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is another one I would like to hit, as long as the boys have the stamina....  I am having trouble deciding where to stay.  We either hit the bank account, and stay down town, where we can walk to most places.  Or we stay a few miles out, it is a lot cheaper, and there is a greater chance of a pool. Decisions, decisions


2. New York

Photo credit here

Who doesn't want to go to NYC?  We want to see Lady Liberty.  I have been advised Times Square is great for the kids to see.  And Central Park.  A friend has recommended a carriage ride.  But is it any good for 3 boys who would rather spend their time glued to a Kindle???  We want to go to the zoo, who doesn't? The prices of the hotels though, they scare me slightly.... I have looked in to airbnb.com, but am unsure.  Has anyone used this site before??


3. Boston

Photo credit here

I have been slightly infatuated with going to Boston since watching Larry the Cableguy's series on America.  It looks like such a historically rich diverse city.  And very beautiful in places.  Rizzoli and Isles has also added to my infatuation.  We would really like to stay on a house boat. I have found some on VRBO.com, but again, they are not cheap.  We feel it would be worth it, and the boys would love it.  So, what should we do there, and are there any family friendly, local restaurants you would recommend?


4. Chicago

Photo credit here

So this came into our itinerary quite late.  Paul has already been here, and says it is a great city.  He does not want to stay in the city itself, maybe somewhere a bit further north, near where the picture is.  It would be great to have a lake beach for the boys to play on.  Hotels are a bit more reasonable, but it depends on the type you want.  Any recommendations gladly accepted!  And what would you do, other than the beach with an eight, five and three year old???



5. Kentucky

Photo credit here

Ok, on our way back south, we are going to stop somewhere in Kentucky, after stopping at the  Indianapolis Motor Speedway for some pictures. We are not sure where in Kentucky to stop, heck, I don't even know much about the state!!!  Suggestions welcome, the more the better.  Hotels, vacation rentals, resorts, restaurants and things to do.  These are all things I need to look into....


So there you have our holiday plans, so much to do.  We have actually booked one place so far, a resort in New York State, which we booked through Living Social.  I have been keeping my eye on LivingSocial.com and Groupon.com  So far, none of their 'deals' have been terrific, so I am putting off booking.  Paul has just sold his golf clubs, so I actually have some cash to start booking now....

My friends say I am great at planning trips and vacations.  There are so many options and variables in this one, I feel completely bogged down in it all......

Thanks for reading, I hope to get some comments and suggestions from the lovely people on the Link-up

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