Help me plan a Summer vacation

In My Humble Opinion
1

My wife has given me more or less carte blanche to plan a Summer vacation for us. Now that our kids are grown, we want to start taking two vacations, just the two of us-- Winter and Summer, every year. This past February we went to Jamaica and had a fantastic time.

For a Summer vacation, we want to see a bit of the good ol’ USA. So probably driving. One week. Thinking sometime in August. I haven’t decided, if we drive, how much we will rough it. My wife doesn’t mind camping, as long as it’s not more than a few days, so maybe I bring gear, we camp a couple days, then for the second part of the trip maybe we book a nice place to clean up and get pampered a little. Or no camping- still working that out. But we do want to experience outdoors, woods and wildlife for at least some of the trip.

We briefly considered travel by train, but my wife feels like it would be difficult to plan to see and visit things along the way from a train, that the train trip would basically become most of the vacation-- just seeing things from the train. Which doesn’t actually sound that bad to me. So travel by train is not 100% out, but down on the list.

If we drive, here are my thoughts so far on the 4 cardinal directions to choose from (from my home base of SE Michigan, driving probably no more than 500 miles):

  • North is kind of out, just because we did a vacation in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula last Summer, which was great, but something a bit different is in order.

  • For West, Wisconsin is a strong contender. Other than driving through, I’ve never really visited the great state of Wisconsin. I started a Wisconsin thread once, jeez, over 10 years ago now, when we were going to do a family trip to Wisconsin that never happened for various reasons. I’ve also read through this other Wisconsin thread, so I have a lot of Doper-approved ideas already if we do choose to go there, but please share anything new or unique, or whatever. If we DID do a train trip, it would probably be somewhere out West further, maybe out to Colorado and back?

  • South is a thought since we want to do this Kentucky cave kayak tour sometime. Then I could get in a visit to the US Air Force museum in Dayton that was a topic of this recent thread. But after that I got nothing. Also not sure how much time I want to spend in deep Red State America. And the cave kayak tour we could really do any time of year since it’s underground and always 50-some degrees. We could do a weekend trip in the Fall or Winter.

  • East…maybe? I’ve driven up and down the East coast a little bit and enjoyed it. I like lobster shacks. We did a D.C. vacation with the kids back when Obama was still in office and it was a very nice trip, but been there, done that, and don’t want to return in this climate. Also the coast might be a little further than I want to drive.

2

If you make it into Pennsylvania, you got amusement parks (Kennywood, Knoebels), candy factories (Sarris, in Canonsburg; Hershey, in Hershey :zany_face:) and breweries (Rolling Rock, Yuengling, many, many others). Probably camping of some sort every 100 yards (not from personal experience). And zombies. What else you need? :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

I’ve been itching to try renting a camper van/RV. If something goes wrong on the road, it’s not my repair costs. Camping without sleeping on the ground? Yeah, buddy.

Kentucky has more bourbon distilleries/tours than you can shake a stick at.

I’m a teetotaler, honest! Alcohol is expensive.

3

One week and driving sounds like 1 or more days getting there, 1 or more days getting back, and 3-5 days there doing whatever. Which sounds to me like a very bad ratio of overhead to payoff. This sandwich is all bread and no contents.

The RV community has their rule of twos. Which I can only paraphrase, but it’s something close to: never drive more than 200 miles a day, never be driving past 2pm, and never stay less than 2 days in one place.

A road trip mosey vacation, even if you’re in a car and intending to stay in hotels / motels would probably benefit from applying the same rule.

4

I’d consider the climate.

Summer vacation the south will be hot and humid (or hot and dry depending on where you are). Northwest/Northeast will be pleasant. Really not a lot to do in the Midwest. Are you camping or in hotels? Do you want nature/hiking or theater and fine dining? Do you prefer driving or flying? Do you want to laze about somewhere or explore?

No right or wrong to any of it. Just what you and the missus prefer.

5

Hmm…renting a camper van sounds like a very interesting idea. I’ve fallen down a few ‘RV Life’ YouTube rabbit holes. I don’t know if I’d want to do a ‘RV Life’ thing long-term, like after retirement, but getting a taste of it for a week would be fun.

As for your location suggestions, I do like Pennsylvania. Took a very nice drive from my home state to Philly for a work-related thing one October years ago, and the rolling hills of Pennsylvania were beautiful peak Fall colors. I did consider bourbon distillery tours if we do go south, but that’s not really my wife’s thing.

I am kind of used to the “spend a day driving to [destination], spend a day driving back” kind of trip since I have gone to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula pretty regularly, but the ‘rule of twos’ thing does sound like a good guideline for a ‘road trip mosey’, thanks.

As mentioned in my OP, most likely driving, very slight possibility of train travel, no flying. Haven’t decided between a mix of camping & hotels, or all hotel. Want to do nature/hiking/exploring/kayaking etc. but a museum and a couple fine dining meals in the mix would not be unwelcome.

ETA: Oh and…

This is a good point. Being high Summer, we should probably take advantage of more northern locales.

6

I know this is heretical around here but I would suggest asking an AI for an itinerary. Give it the dates you want to travel and tell it how you want to travel (driving or plane or trains) and (roughly) where you want to travel as well as things you like to do and it will generate a decent itinerary for you.

I would not rely on it at all but it’s a helpful start to planning your trip to wherever.

7

Ha, that might be fun just for kicks 'n giggles. I’ll try it and report back what it recommends.

8

That sounds like 2 weeks minimum to get that all in at a comfortable unrushed pace. IIRC you’re retired. Why are you shoe-horning it into one week?

Said another way, and I may be repeating myself a bit from upthread, this sounds like you’re planning to stuff 10 pounds of vacation into a 5lb bag. Which is generally a recipe for a lousy time.

9

My wife & I did a 2-week camping/fishing/site-seeing trip last fall that targeted Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. We didn’t have time to include Door County which I truly regret and will rectify that if we go back for a 2nd visit. But we did stay at Devil’s Lake SP (very nice), visited Circus World in Baraboo (highly recommend), and then went up to the Apostle Islands (also highly recommended).

From there we went over to the Minnesota side of Lake Superior and did Grand Portage National Monument and Voyageurs National Park. We had to skip Isle Royale because we were there the week after the ferries stopped running. :sob: But my favorite stop in MN was Lake Itasca State Park and the headwaters of the Mississippi River. It was very cool to be able to simply step across the river that I spent the 1st 35 years of my life living near the mouth of! However, that may be further west than you were wanting to travel on this trip.

One other place that we missed that you might like to add, especially if you like small airplanes and can wait until August, is Oshkosh WI. The experimental aircraft museum is supposed to be really good, and the annual fly-in in August has been on my wishlist for many years. Sadly, it too was cut from our itinerary due to time constraints and traveling later in the fall.

10

Hey, AI might take over my job and eventually subjugate me into slavery, but in the meantime it does give some good travel advice! Here’s ChatGPT’s Wisconsin recs:

My prompt:
ideas for a road trip vacation to Wisconsin, driving from southeast Michigan. One week in August 2025.

ChatGPT’s response:
Embarking on a one-week road trip from Southeast Michigan to Wisconsin in August 2025 offers an exciting opportunity to explore diverse landscapes, charming towns, and vibrant cities. Here’s a thoughtfully crafted itinerary that balances scenic drives, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures.

:automobile: Day 1–2: Milwaukee – Urban Charm & Lakeside Vibes

Distance from West Bloomfield: ~4.5 hours (280 miles)

Begin your journey in Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest city, known for its rich brewing history and lakeside beauty.

Highlights:

  • Lakefront & Art Museum: Stroll along the lakefront and visit the Milwaukee Art Museum, renowned for its stunning architecture.TravelWisconsin+4Vogue+4Wikipedia+4
  • Historic Third Ward: Explore this revitalized district filled with boutiques, restaurants, and galleries.
  • Mars Cheese Castle: A must-stop for cheese enthusiasts, offering a variety of Wisconsin cheeses and local delicacies.
  • Local Breweries: Sample craft beers at local breweries like Lakefront Brewery or MobCraft Beer Brewery.Map of Us+9Vogue+9Thrillist+9

:evergreen_tree: Day 3: Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive – Glacial Landscapes

Distance from Milwaukee: ~1 hour (60 miles)

Embark on the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, a 115-mile route through glacial landforms offering hiking, biking, and camping opportunities.

Highlights:

  • Lapham Peak State Park: Hike to the observation tower for panoramic views.Only In Your State
  • Holy Hill Basilica: Visit this historic church perched atop a hill, offering stunning vistas.
  • Old World Wisconsin: Experience 19th-century rural life with interactive exhibits.Pitchfork+1La Cucina Italiana+1

:wine_glass: Day 4: New Glarus – Swiss Heritage & Craft Brews

Distance from Kettle Moraine: ~2 hours (100 miles)

Discover New Glarus, a village that celebrates its Swiss heritage through architecture, cuisine, and culture.

Highlights:

  • Swiss Cuisine: Dine at local restaurants offering authentic Swiss dishes.Wikipedia+1Vogue+1
  • New Glarus Brewing Company: Tour the brewery and sample their renowned craft beers.
  • Swiss Heritage: Explore the Swiss Village Historical Museum and enjoy traditional Swiss festivals if timing aligns.Wikipedia

:ocean: Day 5–6: Door County – Coastal Beauty & Outdoor Adventures

Distance from New Glarus: ~2.5 hours (140 miles)

Head north to Door County, known for its picturesque coastlines, charming towns, and outdoor activities.

Highlights:

:musical_notes: Day 7: Eau Claire – Music & Nature

Distance from Door County: ~4 hours (220 miles)

Conclude your trip in Eau Claire, a city that blends musical heritage with natural beauty.

Highlights:

  • Bon Iver’s Roots: Visit locations significant to the band Bon Iver, including Justin Vernon’s home studio. Pitchfork
  • Outdoor Activities: Explore the Chippewa River State Trail for biking or hiking.
  • Local Dining: Enjoy farm-to-table meals at local eateries.

:world_map: Trip Summary

Day Destination Distance (miles) Key Highlights
1–2 Milwaukee 280 Lakefront, Art Museum, Breweries
3 Kettle Moraine Drive 60 Hiking, Glacial Landforms, Historic Sites
4 New Glarus 100 Swiss Heritage, Craft Beer, Local Cuisine
5–6 Door County 140 Coastal Views, Outdoor Activities, Dining
7 Eau Claire 220 Music History, Nature Trails, Local Dining
11

Cool isn’t it? Also, spooky and a little scary. :slight_smile:

Certainly a helpful start to a travel plan.

ETA: Note you can ask for more detail and it will work with you. So, you can ask for (say) more things to do when in Milwaukee (and you can refine it be telling it the things you like to do). Really is spooky how good it can be BUT double-check whatever it tells you if you want to do that thing…the AI gets stuff wrong.

12

Yes, and it’s all scarily apropos things my wife and I would like to do- almost no clunker ideas in the mix (other than the Bon Iver stuff, maybe. Not familiar with the band at all).

Thanks, great ideas! I would love to kayak around the Apostle Islands, but even though kayaking is one of my wife’s and my favorite activities, she’s leery of open-water kayaking.

I wish, but retirement is 5 or more years out for me probably. Longer for my wife. I don’t think what I’m suggesting is too much-- we did something similar last year in the U.P.-- driving around from place to place. We had a very loose agenda, which I like-- we didn’t know from one day to the next where we’d be staying. I like trips like that, but it makes my wife nervous-- she wants more planning to make sure we always have a place to stay.

13

Pennsylvania can be hot as blazes with 3200% humidity.

I can’t wait to use this.

14

FWIW I asked Claude (AI which I subscribe to) and here is what it answered (using your prompt).

Here’s a comprehensive Wisconsin road trip plan for your week-long August adventure:

Pre-Trip Planning

Best Route Strategy: Take I-94 west through Michigan, then connect to various Wisconsin highways. Total driving time is roughly 12-15 hours spread across the week, with the longest single drive being 3.5 hours from Door County to Milwaukee.

Accommodation Booking: August is peak season, so book accommodations 2-3 months ahead. Consider mixing hotels, vacation rentals, and possibly camping for variety and cost savings.

Detailed Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Travel Day + Wisconsin Dells Arrival

Drive: Southeast Michigan to Wisconsin Dells (4-5 hours) Route: I-94 W to I-90 W, exit at Wisconsin Dells

Evening Activities:

  • Check into accommodations (consider Wilderness Resort for families, or boutique options like Sundara Inn & Spa for couples)
  • Dinner at Ishnala Restaurant (scenic lakeside dining) or Del-Bar (supper club experience)
  • Evening stroll through downtown Wisconsin Dells

Day 2: Wisconsin Dells Full Day

Morning: Upper Dells boat tour (2 hours) - see famous rock formations like Stand Rock and Witches Gulch. The scenery is breathtaking with 150-foot sandstone cliffs.

Afternoon Options:

  • House on the Rock (2-3 hours) - bizarre and fascinating attraction with the world’s largest carousel, infinity room extending over valley
  • Scenic State Park 35 drive along the Wisconsin River
  • Water activities: rent kayaks or visit water parks if traveling with family

Evening:

  • Dinner at High Rock Cafe (upscale) or Wisconsin Dells Brewing Company
  • Optional: Tommy Bartlett Water Show (seasonal entertainment)

Day 3: Travel to Door County

Drive: Wisconsin Dells to Door County (3 hours via Highway 23 N to Highway 42)

Afternoon in Door County:

  • Stop in Sturgeon Bay (gateway to Door County) for lunch and Maritime Museum
  • Drive scenic Highway 42 up the bay side, stopping in Egg Harbor
  • Check into accommodations in Fish Creek or Ephraim area

Evening:

  • Explore Fish Creek: browse galleries, waterfront park
  • Dinner at The Cookery (farm-to-table) or Alexander’s Restaurant

Day 4: Door County Peninsula Deep Dive

Morning:

  • Peninsula State Park: hike to Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, climb tower for panoramic views
  • Visit historic Ephraim village (Norwegian heritage, white buildings)

Afternoon:

  • Cherry orchard tour and tasting (Seaquist Orchards or Door County Trolley tour)
  • Winery visits: Simon Creek Vineyard or Parallel 44 Vineyard
  • Browse Scandinavian shops in Sister Bay

Evening:

  • Traditional Door County fish boil at The Old Post Office or Pelletier’s Restaurant
  • Sunset at Sunset Park in Ephraim

Day 5: Door County to Milwaukee

Morning:

  • Optional Washington Island ferry trip (full morning adventure) or
  • More relaxed morning at Whitefish Dunes State Park

Afternoon Drive: Door County to Milwaukee (2.5 hours via Highway 57 S to I-43 S)

Evening in Milwaukee:

  • Check into downtown hotel (consider Historic Pfister Hotel or modern options near Third Ward)
  • Dinner in Historic Third Ward: Cafe Benelux or Harbor House
  • Evening walk along Milwaukee Riverwalk

Day 6: Milwaukee Full Day

Morning:

  • Harley-Davidson Museum (2-3 hours) - comprehensive look at American motorcycle culture
  • Lakefront Brewery tour and tasting (highly rated, fun atmosphere)

Afternoon:

  • Milwaukee Art Museum (stunning architecture with “wings” that open/close)
  • Explore Historic Third Ward: shopping, galleries, cafes
  • Visit Milwaukee Public Market for local foods

Evening:

  • Brewers game at American Family Field if playing (check schedule)
  • Alternative: dinner at Ardent or Bacchus (upscale) or casual at AJ Bombers
  • Nightlife on Water Street or Brady Street

Day 7: Madison Experience

Drive: Milwaukee to Madison (1.5 hours via I-94 W)

Morning in Madison:

  • Saturday farmers market around State Capitol (if traveling Saturday - one of nation’s best)
  • State Capitol building tour (free, impressive architecture)
  • Walk State Street connecting Capitol to University of Wisconsin campus

Afternoon:

  • Rent bikes and ride Capital City State Trail around lakes
  • Visit Memorial Union Terrace for lakefront views and local beer
  • Explore University of Wisconsin campus and nearby neighborhoods

Evening:

  • Dinner at L’Etoile (renowned farm-to-table) or Graze (contemporary with lake views)
  • Stroll around Lake Mendota or Lake Monona

Food & Drink Highlights

Must-Try Wisconsin Experiences:

  • Fish boils (Door County specialty)
  • Cheese curds everywhere (fresh, squeaky ones)
  • Bratwurst and local beer pairings
  • Supper clubs (old-school Wisconsin dining tradition)
  • Craft breweries (Wisconsin has incredible beer culture)
  • Butter burgers (culinary staple)

Brewery Recommendations:

  • New Glarus Brewing (if you can detour - famous for Spotted Cow beer)
  • Lakefront Brewery (Milwaukee)
  • Wisconsin Brewing Company (Verona, near Madison)

Outdoor Activities by Region

Wisconsin Dells: Hiking Devils Lake State Park (30 minutes away), water sports, scenic drives

Door County: Lighthouse tours, beach activities, hiking Peninsula State Park, kayaking, fishing charters

Milwaukee: Lakefront walking/biking, festivals (check August events)

Madison: Extensive bike trail system, lake activities, campus exploration

Packing Considerations for August

Weather: Expect 70-80°F days, 50-60°F evenings. Pack layers, light rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear for lake activities.

Special Items: Camera for scenic shots, bike clothes if planning cycling, nice dinner outfit for upscale restaurants.

Budget Considerations

Accommodation: $100-300/night depending on location and style Dining: $15-50 per person per meal depending on venue Activities: $10-30 per attraction/tour Gas: Budget for ~800 miles total driving

Money-Saving Tips:

  • Pack picnic lunches for scenic spots
  • Check for festival/event schedules (free entertainment)
  • Consider vacation rental for partial week to save on dining out
  • State park passes for multiple park visits

Alternative Routes & Extensions

If you have extra time or want variations:

  • Add Apostle Islands (northern Wisconsin) for sea caves and island hopping
  • Include Taliesin (Frank Lloyd Wright’s home) near Spring Green
  • Detour through Galena, Illinois (historic town) on return trip
  • Add Lake Geneva for resort town experience

This itinerary balances natural beauty, cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and Wisconsin’s famous food and drink culture while keeping driving times reasonable and maximizing your vacation enjoyment.

15

The more I think of it, the more I like this idea. I checked out some camper vans for rent-- they run about $290/day. About what a hotel room would cost.

Then I remembered my friend owns a small-to-medium sized travel trailer in very good condition that he’s been trying to sell for a couple years, and has in storage somewhere. He’d probably lend it to me for a week. I’d offer him a few Benjamins for the privilege.

Cool, that one includes the Wisconsin Dells, which I would like to see, but my ChatGPT advice did not include that.

16

If you do do the train trip, Glacier National Park is one place you can get to by train relatively easily, although I’m not sure where you’d be starting from and how long it would take you to get there. Apparently Amtrak even sells Glacier NP vacation packages. I’m not sure how you get around the park once you’re there, but I assume there are shuttle buses or something like that.

17

Thanks, that does sound like a great trip! We have an Amtrak station in Ann Arbor Michigan, or if we had to we could drive to Chicago and start from Union Station.

Coincidentally, I just did a train trip out west agenda prompt to ChatGPT (it had some other ideas but did mention the Glacier trip in “Optional variations”). Copying @Whack-a-Mole since they gave me the AI prompt idea:

My Prompt:
Advice for a travel adventure on Amtrak from Chicago to somewhere out west. One week in August. Include ideas for scenic stops along the way.

ChatGPT response:
A one-week Amtrak adventure from Chicago out west is a fantastic way to see the country at a relaxed pace while enjoying some of America’s most beautiful landscapes. August is a great time for this—warm weather, long days, and epic views.

Here’s a sample itinerary and some advice for a memorable trip, with scenic stops along the way:

:admission_tickets: ROUTE: California Zephyr

Chicago → Denver → Glenwood Springs → Grand Junction → Salt Lake City → Reno → San Francisco (Emeryville)

The California Zephyr is widely considered one of the most scenic train routes in the U.S. You’ll pass through:

  • The Rocky Mountains
  • Colorado River canyons
  • The Utah desert
  • The Sierra Nevada

:spiral_calendar: Sample 7-Day Itinerary (with Highlights)

Day 1: Depart Chicago (Afternoon or Evening)

  • Board the California Zephyr at Union Station.
  • Settle in, grab dinner in the dining car, and watch the sunset over the Midwest.
  • Overnight onboard (consider a roomette or bedroom for comfort).

Day 2: Denver, CO

  • Arrive mid-morning.
  • Spend the day and one night in Denver.
  • Highlights:
    • Denver Botanic Gardens
    • Red Rocks Amphitheatre
    • Walk around LoDo and Union Station

Day 3: Glenwood Springs, CO

  • Take a morning train from Denver to Glenwood Springs (one of the most scenic legs).
  • Arrive by early afternoon.
  • Highlights:
    • Soak in the famous Glenwood Hot Springs
    • Hike Hanging Lake if time/permits allow
  • Overnight in Glenwood Springs

Day 4: Grand Junction or Salt Lake City

  • Option A: Stop for a few hours in Grand Junction, rent a bike or car to explore nearby wineries or the Colorado National Monument.
  • Option B: Ride through to Salt Lake City, arrive in the evening.
  • Overnight in SLC or on the train if continuing on.

Day 5: Scenic Ride Through Nevada → Arrive Reno

  • Enjoy desert and mountain views through Nevada.
  • Arrive in Reno, explore downtown or visit Lake Tahoe (1-hour away, optional rental car).
  • Overnight in Reno or nearby.

Day 6: Arrive San Francisco Bay Area

  • Take the last leg of the Zephyr through the Sierra Nevada.
  • Arrive in Emeryville, transfer via Amtrak bus or BART to San Francisco.
  • Spend your final night in SF.
  • Highlights:
    • Golden Gate Park
    • Fisherman’s Wharf
    • Sunset at Ocean Beach

Day 7: Fly Home from SFO

  • Catch a morning or midday flight back to Chicago or your home city.

:luggage: Travel Tips

  • Book early: Roomettes and bedrooms sell out fast in summer.
  • Pack light: Trains have luggage racks, but you’ll appreciate mobility for your stops.
  • Bring snacks and entertainment: The observation car is a gem, but Wi-Fi is limited.
  • Use Amtrak Vacations or USA Rail Pass (if you want flexibility or multiple stopovers).

:sparkles: Optional Variations

  • Shorter Adventure: Only go as far as Glenwood Springs or Salt Lake City, then loop back.
  • Alternate Route: Consider the Empire Builder from Chicago to Glacier National Park in Montana if you’re drawn to alpine scenery instead of deserts.

Want help booking a route, picking hotels, or crafting a version based on your specific interests (e.g., hiking, food, hot springs, photography)? Let me know!

18

@solost I’m a big fan of Letchworth State Park in western NY (about 1 hr SE of Buffalo) which is just over 300 to almost 400 miles from Detroit depending upon whether you go above or below Lake Erie. Some magnificent waterfalls, hiking, camping, rafting, ballooning (over a 100+ high waterfall). Head further East for Watkins Glen / Ithaca for some more gorges, or south into PA & Cherry Springs state park, one of the darkest sky places in the US for some incredible nighttime views (assuming it’s not cloudy)

That sounds like a rule for the retired/permanent RVers. Even in an RV that can’t be much more that 4 hrs on the road every other day. One needs a lot of time to get very far that way.

19

Interesting… I just took a look on a map. We’ve gone out that general way to Niagara a couple times from Detroit via Canada, since it’s a shorter trip to Niagara through Canada. But if we drove to Letchworth State Park we could meander the roads along the bottom of Lake Erie, which I bet would be a nice drive. Stop in Cleveland for the day maybe, check out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Only drawback-- that would take us right through Sandusky, and my wife is a big coaster junkie-- she’d probably insist on a day at Cedar Point, and I am honestly over roller coasters and 2 hour waits for them in the hot sun :face_with_crossed_out_eyes:

20

I know it’s a fair bit of driving, but here’s one idea: head south. Spend the night in Huntsville, AL, and visit the US Space and Rocket Center - if you’ve never seen the Saturn V in-person, this alone is worth the trip. And then hit the following while heading north:

Nashville (stay near Broadway)
Corvette Museum
Mammoth Cave
Cincinnati (including Union Terminal)
Air Force Museum