hifive Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 I leave for vacation in 2 days, but still haven't decided where to go. My choices are: Shanandoah National Park in Virginia + the Nearby Luray Caverns or Chicago + Niagara Falls I've already been to Niagara Falls, but I really wouldn't mind going again. What does Shanandoah National Park offer? Has anyone been there? Does it have enough to occupy me for about 6 days? What I'm looking for are scenic areas where you get to see lovely mountains, etc. I don't care much for forests. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dablitz Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 niagara falls tbh enjoy your holiday m8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mueller287 Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 i went to shanandoah when i was little. i don't really remember whats there but i'm pretty sure it was cool lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hifive Posted June 28, 2004 Author Share Posted June 28, 2004 Hmm. So no one else? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.... Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 Chicago owns you. When you're in town make sure you go to Giordano's pizza....best pizza you'll ever have. Period. http://www.giordanos.com/storelocations.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuantumTrickery Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 Always worth seeing something new, over something you haven't seen before. I've been to Shenandoah, and its a great place if you enjoy the outdoors alot. Niagra is good for a couple key landmarks, but that's really about it, at least in my opinion. I'm an avid hiker, and the national park provides some amazing trails and scenery to see. Definitely bring a camera along. If i'm not mistaken they've also got guided tours on horseback. If you don't feel like walking or horseriding, take your car out on the tour they have. I can't remember the name of the driving trail, but its huge. The caves are worth a trip all by themselves. Depending on your budget / family size the caves run a bit pricy. Think it was around $35 between me and my wife, but the memories are worth it. Seeing the history of the caves and how they became was alot of fun for me, I love the scientific side of things. Definitely also check out the big shrub maze and the bell tower. I promise it won't be a disappointing trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lawtai Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 I'd go for chicago and niagra falls. There's always the ability to drive up to Toronto in a short amount of time, if you wanted to goto another big city. Chicago is also a great place with tons of things to do. It really does depend if you're more a nature type, then you might want to go to Shenandoah. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hum Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 :laugh: I vote Shanandoah National Park in Virginia .... nearest to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h2zero0 Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 Always worth seeing something new, over something you haven't seen before. I've been to Shenandoah, and its a great place if you enjoy the outdoors alot. Niagra is good for a couple key landmarks, but that's really about it, at least in my opinion. I'm an avid hiker, and the national park provides some amazing trails and scenery to see. Definitely bring a camera along. If i'm not mistaken they've also got guided tours on horseback. If you don't feel like walking or horseriding, take your car out on the tour they have. I can't remember the name of the driving trail, but its huge. The caves are worth a trip all by themselves. Depending on your budget / family size the caves run a bit pricy. Think it was around $35 between me and my wife, but the memories are worth it. Seeing the history of the caves and how they became was alot of fun for me, I love the scientific side of things. Definitely also check out the big shrub maze and the bell tower. I promise it won't be a disappointing trip. What type of views does it offer? Is it 'breathtaking' enough to warrant a 5 - 6 day stay? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuantumTrickery Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 I could have spent easily a couple weeks there hiking the trails alone. I was there just about 1 week, and felt I didn't get to see everything the park had to offer. I really wish I had access to my photos from the trip right now, as their website doesn't do it justice. Shenandoah National Park There's plenty to see though: Waterfalls, lots of wildlife, the night sky is pretty incredible too. I spent the one night hiking way up the mountain, watched the sunset and set up a camp underneath the night sky. Its crystal clear not having to deal with the light pollution of the city. I guess it all depends on what you are looking for. If you want the normal tourist traps like Niagra (shops, museums, food stands, flashy tours) this isn't the place for you. If you are into a total outdoors experience, it surpasses Niagra and the surrounding area in ever aspect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dallas Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 Niagara Falls, the canadian side Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h2zero0 Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 EDIT: Whoops! I posted this from another computer, and had this sn saved on it... This is still Squibbles. I could have spent easily a couple weeks there hiking the trails alone. I was there just about 1 week, and felt I didn't get to see everything the park had to offer. I really wish I had access to my photos from the trip right now, as their website doesn't do it justice. Shenandoah National Park There's plenty to see though: Waterfalls, lots of wildlife, the night sky is pretty incredible too. I spent the one night hiking way up the mountain, watched the sunset and set up a camp underneath the night sky. Its crystal clear not having to deal with the light pollution of the city. I guess it all depends on what you are looking for. If you want the normal tourist traps like Niagra (shops, museums, food stands, flashy tours) this isn't the place for you. If you are into a total outdoors experience, it surpasses Niagra and the surrounding area in ever aspect. This seems to be an incredible place if I was to go by myself or with friends. But I'm planning a family trip which includes parents and a 7 year old brother. Do you think they'd all be able to enjoy Shanandoah fully? Niagara Falls, the canadian side That's what we were thinking at first. The first time we went we stayed on the U.S. side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuantumTrickery Posted June 28, 2004 Share Posted June 28, 2004 I think its great for family too. The mention on their website a Junior Ranger Explorer Notebook (for kids 7 and above) which really gives them an interactive way to enjoy the outdoors. Kids love the outdoors anyways, far more than staring at storefront windows, or waiting in lines, etc. Most of Niagra is doable in a 1 or 2 day stretch tops. Bringing this whole experience i've had back up is making me think about taking my family for a return visit maybe this summer. Bright lights, big city...You can do that anytime anywhere. Go see something new, instead of something you are already familiar with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hifive Posted June 29, 2004 Author Share Posted June 29, 2004 What town/city is Shenandoah near? There's no way my family would camp out in the wilderness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hifive Posted June 29, 2004 Author Share Posted June 29, 2004 Nevermind. We've decided to go to neither one. We've finally decided to go to Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon instead. Much longer drive... But should be well worth it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuantumTrickery Posted June 29, 2004 Share Posted June 29, 2004 Excellent choice for sure! You are going to have an amazing time there. Some of the best sites you can see, and a great combination of the outdoors and more catchy attractions. Take some good pictures! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hifive Posted June 29, 2004 Author Share Posted June 29, 2004 Haha! Of course I'll be taking pictures! Thanks for all your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenmachine Posted June 29, 2004 Share Posted June 29, 2004 I can't remember the name of the driving trail, but its huge. Skyline Drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
insanekiwi Posted June 29, 2004 Share Posted June 29, 2004 on my first trip to the u.s. i also drove thru Shanandoah National Park. it's sooo huge and very nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanmcv Posted June 29, 2004 Share Posted June 29, 2004 Chicago pwnz. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darksoul Posted June 29, 2004 Share Posted June 29, 2004 if you like hiking camping and scenic drives do Shanandoah National Park, i try to get there once a month or so (i live about 45 minutes away). If you do go to shanandoah and there is a new moon do a night hike and go star gazing it is amazing if it is a nice night. if you like cities and lots of touristy stuff go to niagra, you prolly won't be borded but it all seems a bit contrived to me. edit: not to self, real all of the posts before replying :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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