I haven't been out of town except to see family (and you know that doesn't really count) since September. So, in an effort to remain sane and have a temporary change of scene, me and the fam are planning to hit the road next weekend.
The first problem was decideing where to go ...
We've limited our travels to no more than four hours driving one way. Realistically, we'd like to have the shortest trip possible. Too much travel time cuts into our fun quotient, and that's the formula for disaster. Most likely we will stay in Texas because only Oklahoma lies within that distance, and that state is really just like Texas-North with more Indians and bingo halls.
We've narrowed the choices to:
• Austin–lots to do, but a lot of people there to do them with
• Waco–suprisingly lots to do, but it's not cool to say you went to Waco
• Somewhere Hill Country-ish–wildflowers are toast now, but the open land is byootifool. But, what would we do?
• Wichita Falls–less to do than Waco, and even less cool to say you went to WF
• Weatherford–too quiet and not far enough away
• Glen Rose–same problem as Weatherford
• Granbury–same problem as Glen Rose
• Fort Worth–this would not be getting away, considering we live just north of it
• Dallas–too much to do, too many people, and not far enough away
• Tyler–roses and what else?
• Anywhere camping–considering our last in-tents trip, the Petite Filet will never go for it
• Jefferson–East Texas town with tons of bed&breakfast inns, but little to do for families
I think it will be Austin because there are kid-friendly things and stuff to see on the way to break up the drive. We won't be doing the bar-hopping thing with the Cutlet in tow (at least at night), and there's a variety of exciting places to go, things to see to fill our one- or two-night stay. I haven't been to Austin in years, which wouldn't matter because I have only seen chunks of it each time I go. Austin is surely a Capitol (and capital) idea.
With the place chosen, we'll need to start packing:
• Patience
• Snacks
• Extra socks
• Extra diapers
• Toys
• The right attitude
We no longer travel light.
I love Austin! I lived there for four years. I would move back if my brother didn't have any kids. I can't stand being that far from my nieces and nephew. I hope you have a blast! Be sure and get to the Barton Springs Pool! Very nice!
don't forget the nude beach, my mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law got dropped off the boat there one afternoon not realizing where they were.
hee hee. I love Austin too, traffic has gotten better with all the new highways.
I'm sure you'll enjoy the time off no matter what you do or where you go. Goodness knows you deserve a vacation!
Austin is fun-- you could go see the bats under the bridge (though the one time we went was the once in a million times they didnt come out.) I suggest going floating down the Guadalupe, though would the cutlet be too young? Now that would be a fun fun trip.
I used to live in Temple. I see it didn't even make the list. Good thinking.
Have fun. We went to Bethlehem, Pa last weekend for a wedding. Roaring good time - and we stayed for 3 days to make a mini vacation out of the trip.
"We no longer travel light." Yeah, that'll get worse but take it from me it will eventually get better. We just got back from a weekend in Longview visiting college-age daughter who's spending the summer there. Mainly we spent time with her and drove to Dallas to the Apple Store to buy Father's Day present:) BUT we went in the Focus (30 mpg!!) instead of the Econoline (not 30 mpg) and had plenty of room.
Have you considered Galveston or Corpus Christi? It's nice to be on the water this time of year...although it would be a far drive.