Hi All,

We are planning on traveling from Florida to Georgia to Tennessee to Kentucky to West Virginia to Pennsylvania. I would like to make the most out of it. If you had to recommend a few things that would be a must do in your city, what would they be?

TIA. I greatly appreciate your help.

Judi

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"Try to see the glass half-full."

eventhough you didn't select my city (area) I will still add my 10

In and around North Orange County/Los Angeles

Disneyland
Hollywood
Newport Beach/Huntington Beach
Downtown LA
Fashion Island in Newport Beach, CA (Shopping)
Irvine Improv
The Greek Theater to watch a concert
Hollywood Bowl-concerts on the grass
Catalina Island
Ontario Mills -Huge outlet/Regular shopping mall

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-Kristi

Georgia
1.Aquarium
2. World of Coke
3. Stone Mountain
4.Cyclorama(if you like civil war history)
5. Six Flags
6.Callaway Gardens
7.Watch the Atlanta Braves play

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In PA:

Hershey Park - make sure you take the roller coaster type tour and beware of what a brain worm the song on endless loop is

Knoebels Amusement Park - Ely (I think) - best family amusement park ever (pronounced kuh-no-buhls)

Franklin Institute- (Philadelphia)

Hometown Farmer's Market -( Hometown) year round, two gigantic buildings, if you can't find it there, you don't need it, acres and acres of cool stuff, great Amish cheeses, best fresh poultry I ever had

The art museum in Allentown (can't remember what it's named) - it had an original Frank Lloyd Wright room (a study type of room) completely set up and you could sit on the furniture and touch everything

Outlet centers at York or Lancaster

Crayola factory tour - Easton - tons o fun for all ages

Moravian Cookshop/Bookshop - Bethlehem - schedule several hours by yourself to browse both sides - there's also Musicfest in Bethlehem

Valley Forge - make sure you go inside a soldier's hut and lay on the top of the triple bunks

Gettysburg

Thanks so much. I'm going to look into each of those things. It's going to be a fun trip. I want to see the best of what each state has to offer. This country is so beautiful & I want to eat great food & experience each states must sees.

Anyone out there from West Virginia, North Florida or Tennessee?

Thanks again!!!

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"Try to see the glass half-full."

Well, could you really visit TN and skip Nashville? Family fun all over the place as well as great stuff for adults, I just love that place and the folks there - every kinda slice o life you can imagine

As Julie said in Atlanta, the Coke museum, the Aquarium....and right there is also CNN world headquarters. Coke and CNN were ( I think ) in the teens as far as admission, the Aquarium was more. All 3 are within walking distance and border on Olympic Park which was neat just to walk through and know what had happened there !

We were there in November and if you are military, all have a discount available.

dl

I live in a small town in central Florida so I'm not sure there's 10 things you could do here. However, the surrounding area is full of things to do and all of these places are within an hour's drive or less.

Bok Tower - Lake Wales - Beautiful gardens - $10 or less
Lowry Park Zoo - Tampa - Small but interesting zoo. - $20 or less
Tampabay Rays Baseball - St. Petersburg - Various
Circle B Bar Ranch Reserve - Lakeland - Wildlife at its best. - Free
Walt Disney World - Lake Buena Vista - Various
Sea World - Orlando - Various
Universal Studios - Orlando -Various
Fantasy of Flight - Polk City - Air travel museum, balloon rides, more - $29 or less
Legoland (Coming Soon) - Winter Haven

and in my town (Auburndale) any of the lakes where you never know what you might see!

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Awesome ideas! Thanks so much!

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"Try to see the glass half-full."

If you're a zoo fan, 2 of my favorite zoos are the Philadelphia and Louisville zoos. There's all sorts of interesting racing/horse stuff to see around Louisville & Lexington.

TN-
1. Nashville heard their is lots to do
2. Go see a Greenville Astros baseball game. Wave to Dave Borkowski (the pitching coach, my cousin).

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I've never lied to you. I've always told you some version the of truth.

We don't live in any of those places, but we vacation almost every year in Pigeon Forge, TN. We LOVE it! Not sure what you are doing from a accommodations perspective, but there are some beautiful chalets for rent in the Smoky Mountains.

You can:

hike in the Smoky Mountains
white water raft on the Pigeon River
visit Wonderworks in Pigeon Forge
visit the aquarium in Gatlinburg
eat at the Apple Cider Barn
visit the local wineries for tastings

Just a few thoughts... Enjoy your trip!

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Kim

Knoebels Amusement Resort

Hershey's Park is great but expensive. Knoebels is a family place. You can park and get in for free and pay as you go with tickets or get a bracelet for all the rides. There's a campground and a pool there too. You can take a picnic or eat there.

Other ideas:
Lancaster and Gettysburg

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"Dance like no one is watching."

OMG I almost forgot. Benezette, PA to see the Elk. Awesome. I'd stay in Saint Mary at the Best Western, eat there in that town, and drive to Benezette as there is nothing much in that town in the way of nicer accommodations. The Best Western in St. Mary had a continental breakfast that was better than usual. Benezette is a rinky dink little town with just a diner in it that I would not recommend. There is a public bathroom attached to the diner. The elk walk around town. You can only take pictures. No feeding or touching. There are also places in Benezette that you can stay - like B&B's. Check Winslow Hill at Benezette for that.

We'd get up early, eat at the hotel, and drive in before the fogs had lifted. Makes excellent picture taking. If you have a good zoom lens, bring it. These guys are magnificent. Bulls are 700+ pounds.

http://www.pitt.edu/~cjm6/

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"Dance like no one is watching."

Fantastic ideas!! I looked into a lot of these and I'm trying to fit it all in. Atlanta - check, Tennessee - check, Kentucky - check, Pennsylvania - check.

Virgo, thanks for all the places. However, I'm trying to drive more than 2 1/2 hours before I stop. I will definitely keep those places in mind the next time I visit the mouse.

Can anyone recommend any places in Northern Florida along I-75?
Also, what regional food should I definitely have to have in any of these states or regions?

TIA!!!!

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"Try to see the glass half-full."

The Varisty is a place everyone knows in Atlanta. It is in downtown off of I-85, very close to Georgia Tech. It is hamburgers, hotdogs, and fries. Bring lots of Tums because you will need it.

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How could you forget Dollywood?

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When you don`t know what to do-Walk fast and look worried.

I agree with going here. I live nearby and there is not much else around. The best time to visit is spring during mating season when the males are bugling, but they are out and about any time of the year. There are a few bar/restaurants in Benezette that have really good food. There is also a gift shop that's worth the stop.

You could always head up to Bradford and check out the Zippo Museum. It is quite small, but interesting.

We went to the Zippo museum too. It was neat, and we bought a knife. The letters displayed from soldiers to the Zippo factory were especially neat, to me.

We went in mid October, and they were just about out of rut. The mountains and foliage were beautiful - terrific for picture taking. I don't remember any bars or restaurants in Benezette? Just the diner attached to the store/public bathroom.

I'd love to share some pictures but I don't know how.

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"Dance like no one is watching."

In PA...anything Polish would be good - halushki, pierogi, potatoe pancakes...

I will ask my inlaws if they know of anything off I-75 for you. Not sure they'll know much, but I'll ask.

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"Dance like no one is watching."

Judi...if your plans include Knoebels, I would recommend looking into spending the entire day - possibly camping there overnight. It's a sizable park, and the kids won't be happy about leaving. Check the website to see when it opens season wise, and daily wise.

Then, the next morning you can visit this place, which isn't too far away
:
Red Deer at Rolling Hills Farm
63 Pinnacle Dr, Catawissa, PA 17820 570-356-7482
E-Mail: reddeer77@hotmail.com
Come see majestic Red Deer! It's fun, educational and hands-on for adults and children. Tours: May through November or by appointment. Closed Sundays. Exit 232 off I-80, Route 42 S through Catawissa to Route 487S. Turn right on Apple Drive at Rohrbach's Farm Market. Proceed to stop sign, turn left, go 1.3 miles. Turn left onto Pinnacle Drive to first farm on left.

They're big too, and if you can't get to Benezette, this is a nice second choice. He names his deer after bible characters. "Adam, Samson, etc."

Rohrbach's farm (when open) is also a nice place to get a cold soda, snacks, fruits, and veggies.

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"Dance like no one is watching."

Thanks so much for the information!!! Knoebels is definitely on my list as well as getting to Benezette. Would love to go to Philadelphia as well. In GA, The Varsity is on the list as well as six flags. In KY, we'll be staying at Greenbo Lake State Park. Would love to go to the caves in KY. Any recommendations? TN definitely Graceland - not sure what else yet. I'm going to the Food Network site to check out must eat at restaurants for BBQ.

Judi

I value your opinions, keep 'em coming! Thanks again!

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"Try to see the glass half-full."

There's a bar/restaurant right in Benezette at the bottom of the hill and another one about 3 miles away in Medix's Run. You're right...fall is absolutely beautiful there.
Medix Run Lodges: Welcome

There's also the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon near Wellsboro
The Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce : Home

I have never been to Atlanta but it is a place I would like to see. There is so much history and great architecture there and I have always heard the people are among the most hospitable in the world.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

I haven't been to Hotlanta in ages, but always used to party all over the place in Underground Atlanta - is that still something to do or is my age showing?
Loved those elk photos!

Kentucky Caves............
Mammoth Cave
very nice campground but no hook-ups
great discounts for seniors with Golden Age Pass
Carter Caves State Park
a couple of smaller caves.
KY state parks are very nice and free to enter
Other things of interest
General Butler State Park
a beautiful look-out area with a great view of the Ohio River
a small Vanity Fair Outlet in town
Versailles, KY, US 60,
bed and breakfast that looks like a castle. Prices have just been reduced,
but still expensive! Nice to view from the road.

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Square dancing is friendship set to music!

Stone Mt., GA! Take the scary gondola to the top and enjoy breakfast at the top while taking in the gorgeous views

Lookout Mountain---Chatanooga, Tn. on I75
Tombstone Junction, just off I75 near Tn-Ky line (mock western town)
Cumberland Falls off I75 near Tn-Ky line

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Barb


My GOD Bless our Country and our Troops, and rid the World of terroists.

SIx Flags has been running a special where everyone pays kids price of $29.99
Tickets: Six Flags Over Georgia.

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Check out my homepage http://julie.mycoupons.com/

When we're in Atlanta, I'll be visiting with my cousin. She found that deal for us at Six Flags. Thanks for the heads up.

This is becoming quite a trip. So many places to see, so little time. Thanks everyone for all the suggestions.

We're so looking forward to it. Keep the recommendations coming. I greatly appreciate it.

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"Try to see the glass half-full."

I shouldn't have! We're not big amusement park fans, so it's not an area of interest for us, but I should have listed it. Thanks for the reminder.

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Kim

Ill second all the places Virgo has listed and Add Gatorland to the list.

Lake Wales is the home of Floridas Natural Orange Juice and while they do not do tours per se you can go to the Cottage House and see the movie on how they make juices and some of the old equipment and sample their juices they have a new one Cranberry Ruby Red and the only place I can get it is the Cottage House and I dont even get in the door when they have my Juice ready to ring up.

Any of the lakes in Polk County are great places to see birds and other animals.

Heck come see me in my complex and I can take you out the back 40 as we call it and you will see wild boar running around.

Once Legoland opens the Gardens will still be there since they are protected under law and they cant do away with the old Cypress Gardens, and if you drive around Winter Haven enough you just might run into 90 ++ yr old Banana George who still gives his fans bananas he was a mainstay at Cypress Gardens water skiing show.

You just missed Sun n Fun in lakeland

There is minor league baseball in Lakeland

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~ Christine ~
Grammie to Trinity Lorayne Jean Keens Born June 9, 2011 Loving my awesome guitar picking 100% Country Boy boyfriend Kenny !
RIP Daddy~ 01/24/1930-06/01/2007 I miss you !
Dont Think you Can .. know you can ~ Jeff Hardy

Talked to my mil about Florida, and this is what she sent back:

I HAVE BEEN TO HOMASSA SPRINGS WILDLIFE PARK AND WOULDNOT MIND GOING AGAIN. CENTRAL FL. VISITORS BUREAU.....800 587 6667 OR VISITCENTRALFLORIDA.ORG. ANOTHER PLACE IN THE SAME AREA WEEKIWAHEE SPRINGS STATE PARK. ALSO MOUNT DORO A TOWN 29M. N. OF HIGHWAY 441.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THIS STATE IT IS LARGE BUT THE CENTER OFF 75 NARROWS SO A LOT OF PLACES ARENT THAT FAR.

WISH I COULD BE MORE HELP BUT AFTER SHE CROSSES INTO FL. THERE IS A VISITOR CENTER WITH LOADS OF INFO AND FREE OJ.

(I'm not sure I'm following her but hoped that you could) lol

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"Dance like no one is watching."

I HAVE BEEN TO HOMASSA SPRINGS WILDLIFE PARK AND WOULDNOT MIND GOING AGAIN.

I agree! It was really nice!

You will be coming soon enough when you and Catherine visit me! I agree with all of the places that Julie listed (hi Julie!)...I'd probably skip Callaway Gardens and add CNN to the list...CNN, World of Coke, and the aquarium are all within walking distance so one day you could do all three...Six Flags is great fun...Atlantic Station is nice and you have to try The Varsity! A trip up to the Georgia mountains would be nice...check out Helan, GA...beautiful place. Have a great trip! ~Lisa

Philadelphia (I used to live in South Jersey...right over the bridge for 30+ years)...

Independence Hall, Carpenters Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Old City Hall, and the Betsy Ross House.

Philadelphia Art Museum, The Franklin Institute, and the Museum of Natural Science

Reading Terminal Market and the Italian Market

South Street...have a cheesesteak at Pat's...not sure if Jim's is still there, but that one was my favorite. In the airport, buy some soft pretzels...eat with lots of mustard!

Penn's Landing...the waterfront area is beautiful.

Hershey, PA

Lancaster, PA...beautiful in the fall

~Lisa

We are set. Thanks so much everyone! I really appreciate all of your recommendations. I think if will be a fun if I take pictures of many of the places you all suggested & post them when I return. Should be a lot of fun!

Thanks again!

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"Try to see the glass half-full."