25th wedding anniversary honeymoon/vaca

[Murphy101]

So sometime within the next 6-12 months we would like celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We never had a honeymoon and would like to have one. We have never had more than a 3-4 day weekend trip with the kids and we would like our honeymoon to be at least 1 full week away. Since baby girl will still be little, we may have to take her with us.

 

We just can't get excited about a cruise. They all look like the most boring thing ever to us. Dh is a foodie, but we both want to eat healthy too. And the "all inclusive" never seems to include anything we want to do. We like to go do things that are active, not passive enjoyment.

 

If you had to start in the middle of the United States, had one week, one infant, and wanted to celebrate your anniversary - what would you suggest? If you were comfortably sans infant, what would you suggest?

[Liz CA]

Hike, sightsee, urban or rural, mountains or water?

[Amira]

Mexico City. There is plenty to see there for a week's trip, you're in an entirely new place with a relatively short flight and no jet lag, and if your dh cares about food, Mexico is perfect. You can rent a car to get out of the city for day trips or explore in the city.

 

Or fly into Mexico City and then go to Morelia and/or Guanajuato. They're fun little cities to see and there's lots of hiking and outdoor things to do nearby. Guadalajara could be another fun option. Or Campeche.

 

Taking a baby to any of this cities would be fine and babies are always welcome in Mexico.

[creekland]

Any National Parks appeal?  Yellowstone?  Utah has Zion, Bryce, Capital Reef, and Arches all relatively close.  

 

Pacific Coast Highway?

 

Hawaii would be at or near the top for suggestions too, esp if you like hiking and/or beach walking.  Kauai is our favorite, or the Big Island is second. Both of those are rural islands.  Oahu is good if you don't mind crowds, but it is definitely crowded.  Only pick one island.  There's plenty to do on any of the major ones for a week.

 

Montreal?  DC?  (Suggestions if you like cities.  You'd need a passport for Montreal.)

 

We're not cruise or all-inclusive folks either, so I get what you're saying with that.

[ErinE]

I'll second Hawaii. Kauai is also my favorite, but Maui is lovely as well. Great hill, mountain, and beach hiking. Depending on the time of year you can see the humpback whale migration and even take a sailing excursion to see them, though the boats a forbidden from being too close.

 

I'd also recommend Yellowstone or Glacier National Parks. In September they won't be as crowded, but most of the passes will probably be open. They are a day's drive away from each other so you could see both on the trip. But one park could take up an entire week to explore.

[Murphy101]

Personally I don't mind going on *a* hike or two, but dh dislikes swimming and hiking bc he finds them boring. He would go to the beach, stare out and say it's pretty and then ask what we are going to do today bc just sitting on the beach wouldn't appeal to either of us and he wouldn't want to swim. He'd try scuba diving, but I don't know if he would enjoy it. I'd probably never be seen again as long as they kept giving me tanks. He hates camping unless it's at a holiday inn, so unless the cabin is really nice, he will veto that immediately.

 

We are thinking it would have to be either spring break 2018 or late May 2018. Our anniversary is in January, but we have many children in college classes so going during the academic calendar would be nearly impossible and a hiccup in scheduling could ruin the trip window.

[creekland]

Personally I don't mind going on *a* hike or two, but dh dislikes swimming and hiking bc he finds them boring. He would go to the beach, stare out and say it's pretty and then ask what we are going to do today bc just sitting on the beach wouldn't appeal to either of us and he wouldn't want to swim. He'd try scuba diving, but I don't know if he would enjoy it. I'd probably never be seen again as long as they kept giving me tanks. He hates camping unless it's at a holiday inn, so unless the cabin is really nice, he will veto that immediately.

 

We are thinking it would have to be either spring break 2018 or late May 2018. Our anniversary is in January, but we have many children in college classes so going during the academic calendar would be nearly impossible and a hiccup in scheduling could ruin the trip window.

 

We don't ever sit on a beach either.  We walk it while figuring out the rest of our day.  ;)

 

What sort of things do you like doing together?  This would help suggestions.

 

Hawaii offers a lot besides beaches.

 

With many of the National Parks, there are lodges you can stay in, but if you're more interested in "a" hike or two, a week's worth of hiking or seeing sights might not be the most fun.  Yellowstone offers the most things besides hiking (aka - short walks to see incredibly different sights vs longer hikes to see things).

 

Or would a city be more your style?  Do you have passports?

[Murphy101]

We don't ever sit on a beach either. We walk it while figuring out the rest of our day. ;)

 

What sort of things do you like doing together? This would help suggestions.

 

Hawaii offers a lot besides beaches.

 

With many of the National Parks, there are lodges you can stay in, but if you're more interested in "a" hike or two, a week's worth of hiking or seeing sights might not be the most fun. Yellowstone offers the most things besides hiking (aka - short walks to see incredibly different sights vs longer hikes to see things).

 

Or would a city be more your style? Do you have passports?

We'd be willing to get our passports updated.

City or between city and more rural attractions would be fine. He adored Costa Rica on his business travels and much of it was like that.

 

As for what we like doing together.....

 

Idk. We make pretty babies?

 

We have little in common but some how it usually works out that we enjoy our time together anyways.

[Pam in CT]

We can't do sit-on-the-beach (we get hot and bored and start bickering) or cruise (my husband likes to be the one at the wheel, lol) either.

 

 

It sounds like you haven't had much sustained time alone together, but try to talk about what *kind* of time you each think might be restorative and refueling.  My husband generally likes urban stuff -- museums, historical sights, cafes, people-watching and I generally like more outdoor stuff -- hiking, natural formations, secluded contemplation overlooking some kind of water.  But we've found areas of overlap -- I do love me a good museum and he's happy on any kind of boat so long as he's at the wheel.  And we try to work out an itinerary that hits some of his and some of my interests.

 

Costa Rica is fabulous, so if you haven't been and he enjoyed it, you might look into it.  (My Spanish is beyond lousy and I'd be comfortable renting a car there, though it's also easy to arrange transport between locations if you'd rather go that route.  The roads we were on were all pretty good except the one up to Monteverde.)

 

Closer to home, Santa Fe and Taos are lovely that time of year.

[Carol in Cal.]

Lake Tahoe--stay at a beach front property in South Lake Tahoe and rent a car.

 

There is a tremendous variety of things to do locally and within a reasonable drive--1-2 hours gives you quite a range.

 

A nice place to stay is the Tahoe Beach and Ski Club, which has its own beach right on the lake, with gorgeous sunsets behind the nearby mountains to watch, and barbeques, tennis courts, hot tubs, pool, sauna, etc.  This property is a timeshare, so there are kitchen facilities in the condos, which means you can shop for groceries and eat inside instead of spending all your money on restaurants.  The restaurants are great, though.  

 

This local one is particularly good:   http://nepheles.com/

Fresh Ketch is also very good.

This local place is good for a casual lunch:  http://www.sproutscafetahoe.com/

 

A little further afield, my very favorite restaurant in the whole area is Adele's in Carson City.  And if you like historical stuff, Carson City is worth a visit.  It is the capital of Nevada, with the famed silver domed statehouse right there.  The state museum has the best geological displays I have ever seen, gold mining tour, and lots of historical stuff.  There are great antique shops in town as well.

 

Driving a bit further, Virginia City is the classic Mark Twain mining town, with old Western wooden sidewalks, and saloons, and shops and such.  It's a kick.  You can go on a little train ride from there in a steam train.  It's remarkable how the city clings to a very steep hill.  No gas for sale there--plan ahead.  (It's ridiculous, really.)

 

There are tons of little hikes in the Tahoe area.  Spooner Lake is a nice flat loop with nice scenery.  If you go to the Tahoe visitors' center, you can find guidebooks for families with kids, which guides toward the easier hikes with dramatic and accessible scenery.  Emerald Bay is the most gorgeous place I have ever seen, and you will probably recognize it from movies.  

If you go in the Fall, you might catch the salmon migration--I believe that is in October.  It's amazing, and the species is only found there.

 

Further afield Pyramid Lake is interesting, but I don't know that it's really worth the drive--I finally saw it last year, and although I'm glad I got it out of my system, I don't think I will go back as it is in a very desolate, desert place.  The Burning Man site is beyond it somewhere--I have not been there.  

 

A steamboat tour of Lake Tahoe is always fun.

 

If you wanted to do one or two long day trips, I would recommend going over the pass to Placerville (down 50) or Jackson (down 88) for gold rush towns in the CA foothills with great mountain scenery to and from, and lots of cute little shops.  Or for a rather long but unique day you could head over to Nevada and then south on 395, down the eastern side of the Sierras, to and from Mono Lake, which is an unbelievable ecosystem.  Mono Lake is more saline than the oceans, and home to a ton of nesting birds on the tufa islands, and various other salt water lake creatures.  It's scenic in a completely different way than Tahoe.  You can go on a canoe tour of the lake, or do short hikish walks in the volcanic formations nearby.  There is a big obsidian deposit there, quite unique.

 

Back in town, there are casinos just across the state line, and they host a plethora of name bands and performers.  The last time we were there we saw Bill Murray with an improv group from Chicago.  On a particularly memorable previous visit some years ago we saw the Pointer Sisters and Roseann before she had her TV show.   And of course if you like to gamble it's all right there--very smokey, though.  

 

Edited June 22, 2017 by Carol in Cal.

[Liz CA]

We'd be willing to get our passports updated.

City or between city and more rural attractions would be fine. He adored Costa Rica on his business travels and much of it was like that.

 

As for what we like doing together.....

 

Idk. We make pretty babies?

 

We have little in common but some how it usually works out that we enjoy our time together anyways.

 

Sounds like beach or water rather than hiking in mountains. Could it work by picking one or two thing around a special interest for both of you. Example: If he was interested in maritime history, you guys visit some museums. If you are looking to visit all the fancy yarn shops, the next day everyone browses through yarn shops. Dh and I have different recreational interests so he may go play golf while I sink deep into bookstores. A few hours later, we meet for coffee. Evenings, we play card / board games.

If you live central, you could go to the Gulf of Mexico, the great lakes or even South Atlantic.

Of course, if you thinking of coming West and need rec's for seaside places - PM me and I send you a list. It's my specialty....:lol:

[Murphy101]

Sounds like beach or water rather than hiking in mountains. Could it work by picking one or two thing around a special interest for both of you. Example: If he was interested in maritime history, you guys visit some museums. If you are looking to visit all the fancy yarn shops, the next day everyone browses through yarn shops. Dh and I have different recreational interests so he may go play golf while I sink deep into bookstores. A few hours later, we meet for coffee. Evenings, we play card / board games.

If you live central, you could go to the Gulf of Mexico, the great lakes or even South Atlantic.

Of course, if you thinking of coming West and need rec's for seaside places - PM me and I send you a list. It's my specialty....:lol:

I was thinking I just might, then I saw the awful heat wave going on out west. Yikes. 😱 <--- melting

 

Dh likes baseball (huge Cubs fan), beer and whiskey tours, ziplining, rock climbing, amusement parks, he's a movie buff and likes good food.

 

I like reading, knitting, history and science stuff, almost anything in the water, hiking if I'm prepared ahead for it (I have to wrap my ankle and strategically put some KT strips on my left hip and lower back but then I'm good for several hours of hiking without too much punishment afterward.)

 

We both enjoy hands on classes, even if it's something we aren't normally in to. We are *usually* game to learn something new.

 

Neither of us likes gambling or smokey places. I have a low tolerance for loud crowded places. I can deal in short doses of about an hour and then I'm ready to escape. He'd love to go to Disney and I'd rather never ever.

Edited June 22, 2017 by Murphy101

[Liz CA]

The heat wave is more an issue in the central valley and inland places. If you were to go out to the coast you would not experience this. The West coast has the most beautiful weather in January, February and March (I like it any time of year :) ) but even in the summer months you would not be baking at the coast. There is a divine breeze - sometimes a strong divine breeze :)  and temps hover around F65 - F75.

Edited June 22, 2017 by Liz CA

[Garga]

My 25th was 2 days ago.

 

We considered a trip, but I was just too tired to even try to think of planning one. We ended up getting a new couch and ate a nice dinner at a restaurant with the word "Silver" in it's name. (Silver anniversary and all...)

 

If we'd had gone on a trip, it would have been to NYC. So, my suggestion would be NYC. Take a 2-hour bus tour to see the touristy things. Do the touristy things (top of the Empire state building, central park, eat food from a vendor on the street, etc.).

 

If I'd have had more energy to plan it, I think we'd have loved it. But we'd have waited until fall, because I don't want to go traipsing around a city in 90 degree heat.

Edited June 22, 2017 by Garga

[Anne]

In your shoes, I would brainstorm with my dh about new things we might like to do together.  My dh and I also don't have a lot in common although we do enjoy each other's company.  We have a list going of things we might like to try together.  Another idea is the Taking Turns approach.  One day, a museum for me, the next day, a baseball game for him.  Perfectly okay for either one to bring a book/device for the moment when he or she is done with the day's activity.   :lol:

 

Anne

[lmrich]

Do you like museums? DC would be great, if you do. 

 

Congratulations on 25 years. We celebrate this year too and can not decide where we want to go. I want to go everywhere! I thought Quebec looked really nice and seems to have that European vibe without being a long plane ride away....but I really want to go to Ireland, Germany, Scotland, Sweeden, Peru, Spain... everywhere which is hard to do in 5 days and on a budget!

[Storygirl]

Since he loves the Cubs.... what about Chicago? Tons to do there -- museums, fabulous food, a waterfront, parks.

 

Or if you want to go the other direction, San Fransisco would be awesome as well (minus the Cubs, of course).

[Murphy101]

Do you like museums? DC would be great, if you do.

 

Congratulations on 25 years. We celebrate this year too and can not decide where we want to go. I want to go everywhere! I thought Quebec looked really nice and seems to have that European vibe without being a long plane ride away....but I really want to go to Ireland, Germany, Scotland, Sweeden, Peru, Spain... everywhere which is hard to do in 5 days and on a budget!

We would LOVE to do a European tour, or even just one European country, either Ireland, Germany, or Italy. But alas, I'm uncomfortable traveling there in the current political climate and don't have enough money/time anyways. I agree that one week is not enough time to get there, enjoy being there, and get back. I think half the week would be spent just getting there and back.

[creekland]

We would LOVE to do a European tour, or even just one European country, either Ireland, Germany, or Italy. But alas, I'm uncomfortable traveling there in the current political climate and don't have enough money/time anyways. I agree that one week is not enough time to get there, enjoy being there, and get back. I think half the week would be spent just getting there and back.

 

Canada then?  Montreal, Toronto, Quebec City, Ottawa, Halifax, Vancouver... all are possibilities with abundant options of things to do in them or nearby.  Our dollar is strong against the Canadian dollar right now.  (This means make sure you're looking at costs in US dollars or it will appear about 1/3 more expensive than it is.  1 dollar US = 1.32 Canadian at the moment.)

[Frances]

Except for the Cubs, I think San Diego would have everything on both of your lists. We've loved both of our visits. If you want to go out of the country, Vancouver and/or Victoria BC also fit your interests. That's where we went for our 25th and it was wonderful.

Edited June 22, 2017 by Frances

[fairfarmhand]

New orleans

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Murphy101]

Canada then? Montreal, Toronto, Quebec City, Ottawa, Halifax, Vancouver... all are possibilities with abundant options of things to do in them or nearby. Our dollar is strong against the Canadian dollar right now. (This means make sure you're looking at costs in US dollars or it will appear about 1/3 more expensive than it is. 1 dollar US = 1.32 Canadian at the moment.)

Hmmm... off to go look at Canada. Especially in summer that might be quite nice.

[Ottakee]

Another option is Monterrey Bay area in California.  We looked at that and besides the nice drives, some hikes, etc. we were going to go to Alcatraz as that always interested my husband. 

[Garga]

Hmmm... off to go look at Canada. Especially in summer that might be quite nice.

 

Friends of ours went to Prince Edward Island, where Anne of Green Gables lived, last year. They loved it. It was gorgeous. They plan on going back because they loved it so much.

[kroe1]

I think the baby is the problem. That rules out the fun stuff like mountain climbing, white water rafting, and even biking to some extent.

 

My answer to every trip is to turn to Disney. Check out Adventures by Disney. Even if you do not do the tours, you can get some great ideas.

 

Here are just a few things I have done with them:

 

1. Chased by a black bear.

2. Had a whale touch and tip my little boat.

3. Met my most favorite athlete and got to eat lunch and spent 4 hours with her.

4. Sled dog riding.

5. Danced with Eskimos.

6. Got caught in the middle of a herd of bison while biking. Scary!

7. Had a picnic by a waterfall.

8. Horseback riding up a cliff. Scary!

9. Saw the Milky Way for the first time.

10. Toured Yellowstone with a park ranger.

 

My list could go on, but, I thought I would stop at 10. You really need to ditch the baby. Lol. Surely one of your older children can pass the babe around for a week.

[unsinkable]

I was thinking I just might, then I saw the awful heat wave going on out west. Yikes. 😱 <--- melting

 

Dh likes baseball (huge Cubs fan), beer and whiskey tours, ziplining, rock climbing, amusement parks, he's a movie buff and likes good food.

 

I like reading, knitting, history and science stuff, almost anything in the water, hiking if I'm prepared ahead for it (I have to wrap my ankle and strategically put some KT strips on my left hip and lower back but then I'm good for several hours of hiking without too much punishment afterward.)

 

We both enjoy hands on classes, even if it's something we aren't normally in to. We are *usually* game to learn something new.

 

Neither of us likes gambling or smokey places. I have a low tolerance for loud crowded places. I can deal in short doses of about an hour and then I'm ready to escape. He'd love to go to Disney and I'd rather never ever.

Chicago?

[Ottakee]

I have to agree with those that suggest finding someone else to watch the little one. It will.bw very hard to enjoy an anniversary trip with a little one in tow and the gear you need for her, and schedule to keep, etc.

 

DH and I did not get an overnight out for over 10 years and I really regret that. The kids would have been fine and we would have been better off for having that alone time

[Murphy101]

I think the baby is the problem. That rules out the fun stuff like mountain climbing, white water rafting, and even biking to some extent.

 

My answer to every trip is to turn to Disney. Check out Adventures by Disney. Even if you do not do the tours, you can get some great ideas.

 

Here are just a few things I have done with them:

 

1. Chased by a black bear.

2. Had a whale touch and tip my little boat.

3. Met my most favorite athlete and got to eat lunch and spent 4 hours with her.

4. Sled dog riding.

5. Danced with Eskimos.

6. Got caught in the middle of a herd of bison while biking. Scary!

7. Had a picnic by a waterfall.

8. Horseback riding up a cliff. Scary!

9. Saw the Milky Way for the first time.

10. Toured Yellowstone with a park ranger.

 

My list could go on, but, I thought I would stop at 10. You really need to ditch the baby. Lol. Surely one of your older children can pass the babe around for a week.

Well she's breastfed, soooo, nope none of them are doing that for a week. LOL

[kroe1]

Well she's breastfed, soooo, nope none of them are doing that for a week. LOL

And I take it pumping is out of the question?

[StephanieZ]

Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda. 

 

They have a kids' program, seem very family friendly, but we went just grown ups, so I can't confirm specifics. 

 

HEAVEN ON EARTH. 

 

They're closed for renovations (why? it was perfect before they began renovations!) but they'll be done this fall. 

[Murphy101]

And I take it pumping is out of the question?

No way. She won't take a bottle no matter what's in it and though I can nurse super fat babies, I can't pump worth a damn. Idk why. It'll take me an hour just to get a few ounces even with a hospital grade pump. Which reminds me... I oughta just sell that pump I never use.

[Murphy101]

Chicago?

Dh says no. He says the Cubs and some food are the only things he ever enjoyed there on his business trips.

[Murphy101]

We are rather excited about British Columbia. It seems to have a bit of everything for both of us and the likelihood of nice climate in late May/early June. I've got some time before final decisions would have to be wrt to baby girl. Maybe I will take one of the grown boys and we can tag team having her along... Dh and I could do something like a rainforest hike without her in the morning and then do something we can take her along for in the afternoon while son goes and does his own thing... or maybe she won't be like the others and will be weaned and sleeping in her own bed by then. Nearly a year is a world of difference in baby time.

Edited June 23, 2017 by Murphy101