Mid-April Road Trip From Chicago

[Drifter]

Would like to take my wife and children(girls,2 and 8) on a road trip this April. Any suggestions? I have the whole week of 4/11-18. Was thinking maybe Smoky Mountains. Anyone every been? Too crowded? I'm open to any suggestions. Thank you.

[Foy]

......is not only the title of a classic (pre-Buckingham and Nicks) Fleetwood Mac LP, but it also describes the Smokies scenery in early Spring.

Hello Drifter,

If you seek respite from Chicago's blustery early Spring weather, you might need consider going farther South or at least somewhere in the lower elevations. Generally speaking, the tempratures in the mid-to upper elevations at GSNP will be just like that which you left behind in Chicago. The deciduous trees may be hinting at budding out, but will be for the most part completely bare. There is a distinct possibility of a late snowfall or an ice storm. Then again, it's possible the Smokies could see a series of bluebird days with temps in the 60s-70s in April.

That said, I'd be mighty surprised it GSNP was crowded in mid-April. Your children are young enough to enjoy the touristy stuff in Gatlinburg, TN, so they'd probably rate the destination as a winner even if the weather made the Park itself inhospitable.

If you're willing to travel a somewhat farther, kids always seem to enjoy the Myrtle Beach area of SC. Millions and millions of Canadians and New Jersey-ites can't be wrong, can they?

Enjoy the planning and the trip!

Foy

[Drifter]

Very intelligent, insightful response, just the kind of thing I was hoping this site could offer. I like the Myrtle Beach idea. Golfed there once and it seemed very family oriented.

[Foy]

Very intelligent, insightful response, just the kind of thing I was hoping this site could offer. I like the Myrtle Beach idea. Golfed there once and it seemed very family oriented.

Yes, Myrtle Beach is quite family-oriented. I was perhaps uncharitable to the provenance of so many of the Grand Strand's visitors. It is clearly a popular destination, and the Spring weather is much more likely to be enjoyable than in the mountains. Nearby are smaller, more intimate beach communities between Wilmington, NC and the NC-SC state line. Many find Wilmington itself to be a desirable destination. Check and see when the annual Azalea Festival is scheduled for this year.

Regards,

Foy

[Drifter]

Foy, how's Hilton Head, besides expensive?

[Foy]

......I've been to HH's "stepsister" Kiawah, near Charleston. I thought Kiawah was very nice and all reports are HH is even moreso. I guess it's mostly a matter of personal tastes. HH might be described as very high end, la-de-dah, and perhaps some would find it downright pretentious. Kiawah perhaps somewhat less so. Myrtle Beach might be said to appeal to more of the middle class/working class, as would most of the NC beaches.

I don't personally enjoy the uber-landscaped frilliness of Kiawah and what appears to be the look of HH. The Myrtle Beach highrises and amusement parks don't appeal to me, either. I'm more on an old-style cottages, fishing piers, crabbing in the Sounds, and surf-fishing type, so NC's beaches appeal to me. Not being a golfer, the courses have no effect on my choices.

Kiawah is much navigable by bicycle, but yours are a bit young for that, I guess. I suppose it's safe to generalize and say if you like high-end resorts and all the amenities, HH or Kiawah are good choices. Something a bit more pedestrian, MB or the NC beaches.