lwclec072

My boyfriend and I are trying to plan a little mini vacation for us, like a long weekend, maybe 3-4 days. We currently live in Louisville, KY, and have a couple different states in mind, Michigan or Maine. We want something with a little history culture involved and something suited well for couples.

We currently have 500$ put back we're estimating about 100$ in gas for the trip (round trip) to MA and 60$ (round trip) MI, we might stay at least 1-2 nights in a hotel so we can make it an enjoyable stay in a nice hotel.

Anyone have any ideas? I really want some place near a nice lake or coast, but he wants something w/ a little more than a view but he is open to being on the water with activities around, we do not want something really hectic, no big city, maybe a little town or a city nearby so we could drive up one day, something relaxing and serene.

We're open to absolutely any suggestions outside of those two states though nowhere any further than 15 hrs from Louisville.

Any suggestions would be great!

dfrostnh

One of the problems of traveling to New England is the traffic congestion around NYC and then thru CT and MA because everyone goes away for the weekend. It will help a lot if you can start on Thurs and be in Maine by mid-afternoon. The toll booths on Rt 95 in NH and ME contribute to traffic backups. 1 1/2 days of travel each way doesn't seem to be worth it esp because once you are in Maine you will want more time.
A little closer would be Portsmouth NH or aim for southern Maine coast or NH's Lakes Region.
I think it would be worthwhile to take a break coming and going that you both would enjoy. Maybe a nice lunch and museum stop. From PA we have headed toward Albany NY and then Bennington VT over Hogback Mtn to NH. There's a small classic car museum at Hemmings Motor News where my husband likes to stop, for example. A quicker route is thru CT and western MA. Yankee Candle is a fun stop.

SAnParis2

As a former Louisville resident we used to go here quite often & it should fit your requirements & budget. Think B & B though, not hotel. http://www.kelleysisland.com/

Citylghts

There are many places around the Great Lakes that would fit the bill. In Michigan, you can try Grand Haven, Saugatuck, Grand Haven, Traverse City or Mackinac.

You could spend a couple days biking and relaxing on Mackinac Island to escape, then head to Mackinaw City or Traverse City for something in-between on your way back. Check www.mackinac.com or www.michigan.org.

In addition to Kelleys Island, you may want to explore some of the other islands around Put-In-Bay.

kybourbon

I don't think you can drive to Maine for $100 in gas. You would also need to overnight somewhere on the way. I'm in the Lexington, KY area and have driven to Boston a couple of times (about a 16 hour drive) the last few years(before gas prices went up) while my daughter was a student there. You will also have quite a few toll roads/bridges that will add to the cost. I think you need to at least double (probably should triple) your estimate of $100.

Mapquest will likely route you through Cincy/Cleveland/Buffalo, not NYC/CT/95. I've done both routes.

sunshinegirl53

If you have not been to MIchigan before, you may enjoy a visit to the Grand Traverse Area including Traverse City, then venturing north to Petoskey ( beautiful views of Lake Michigan) and then North to the Mackinaw Bridge. There are many bed and breakfasts or quaint hotels in all of these locations. If you go to Mackinaw, you may enjoy a trip to Mackinaw Island on a boat ( 20 minutes to Island) and stay on the Island. There are no cars allowed on the isalnd and it is fun to bike it, rent a horse and buggy, take a historical tour of the Island and eat fudge samples in all of the shops.
You can continue South after that and stop in Frankenmuth which is a German town with a huge Christmas store and world famous chicken dinners...nice hotels there too.
Not sure if 3-4 days is enough for all of that but if not a visit to MAckinaw would be fun for you.

dsgmi

The west side of Michigan, as Citylights suggests, is a good one as well as Traverse City or the Torch Lake area. Torch Lake is the most amazing shade of blue - caribbean-like! There are lots of towns all around the lake with different lodging options.

I think you're underestimating your gas budget, however. To go from Louisville, KY to Traverse City, MI is approximately 575 miles each way. At 25 MPG and about $3 a gallon for gas is almost $70 each way.

We just visited Maumee State Park outside of Toledo where they have a beautiful lodge and cottages to rent. The scenery is lovely, right on the lake, they have bicycles to rent and it's about 1/2 hour to Toledo if you wanted to take in a Mudhens game (in season) or visit the Toledo Museum of Art (beautiful facility, great collections, wonderful glass pavilion) or the Toledo Zoo if so inclined. Many of the cottages look out over the highlands style golf course. There's also a lighthouse nearby that you can tour. http://www.maumeebaystateparklodge.com/

If you want scenery, you might try the Hocking Hills area of Ohio. I know there are lots of cabins to rent. Hiking is one of the main activities there.

For the same drive, you could head the other way and get a cabin (I don't know pricing, though) in the mountains of Tennessee or head to Asheville, NC which is gorgeous, lots to do, etc.