OT: Need New Vacation Location

[DerekF]

Yeah, I spent about six weeks there working for Hydro Quebec. I love Poutine! And the beer is very good. But in October? What are your thoughts on that?

October in Quebec can be great. (Autumn is my favorite season so I'm biased on that thought!) The weather is quite seasonal, generally around 15C (not sure what that is in Fahrenheit) during the days, and the leaves will be in their full colour-changing glory. Here in Montreal, we've got Mont-Royal that "overlooks" the downtown core and the colours there are very nice from October to early November. For a more awesome view of the leaves, though, you can head out of the city to the Laurentians or the Eastern Townships (north and south of the island, respectively). The bright red and orange hues of the leaves in the rural areas can be a stunning (and cheap) sight to behold. Also, don't forget that the Greenback is still worth more than our loonie so your $$$ will go farther while you're here.

Oh, and I wouldn't worry too much about the French thing if you can't speak any. In most areas of the downtown area of Montreal, most people will understand you if you can only speak English, especially in the areas that are more "touristy".

Good luck!

 

[kmack]

Bill, I am heading to Maine this weekend. Have a look at this hotel. Not a resort, but apparently a nice New England location.

That reminded me. Look into lodging at Block Island RI. One of the best kept secrets on the East Coast.

I have not been there in years but my family went there regularly in the 19(mumble)'s.

 

[bmattock]

Just wanted to let you folks know that I'm investigating all the links you've provided, and thanks! I am starting to think that quebec sounds nice - maybe an hour's drive from montreal. My french stinks - that's why I enjoy using it! Bier, sea food plate!

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[DerekF]

One more link for your homework, Bill, in case you're still considering Montreal:

Official Tourism Montreal website

Lots of good info there, but the site's a bit heavy.

 

[bmattock]

One more link for your homework, Bill, in case you're still considering Montreal:

Official Tourism Montreal website

Lots of good info there, but the site's a bit heavy.

I'm considering something near Montreal, but probably not the city itself. Been there, many times! However, the mountains nearby - hmmmm, a real possibility! Anyway, thanks for the link, I'm checking it out!

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[bmattock]

FYI - I wanted to say "Thank you" to everyone who posted to give me ideas about where to go on vacation.

I think we have our destination set (drum roll, please) and the answer is....

Gettysburg, PA and the Pennsylvania Dutch Country!

As it happens, we're American history buffs, we love the fall colors of the NE, and this is not 'high season' in South Central PA. Prices are low, it is not too far from Baltimore (our friends are flying in there from Denver) and we're driving up from NC. With gasoline prices and so on, it seemed that closer was better. We still would love to do the Laurentians or Montreal or near there, but I think maybe next year.


We're going to drive up to Harrisburg/Hershey, stay two nights, then drive down to Gettysburg, where we have a highly-rated B&B for four nights, then the last night in Baltimore near the airport.

Anyway, I wanted to say thanks - and of course, if anyone has any experiences of their own from this part of the USA that they'd like to share, I'm open to suggestions!

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[rover]

Good choice Bill. Beautiful country and full of history as you know. If you are looking to make your vacaction into a Civil War history exploration you are within striking distance to Antietam, Harper's Ferry, and so many more National Historic Sites.

http://cwar.nps.gov/civilwar/

 

[dexdog]

Good choice Bill. Beautiful country and full of history as you know. If you are looking to make your vacaction into a Civil War history exploration you are within striking distance to Antietam, Harper's Ferry, and so many more National Historic Sites.

I second the recommendation for Antietam National Military Park and Harpers Ferry. The Monocacy battlefield is nearby as well, just a few miles SE of Fredericksburg, MD. Given the choice among the three, I'd go for Antietam.

Unsure whether I should admit to this, but G-burg is also the home of Boyd's Bear Country, i.e., The World's Most Humongous Teddy Bear Store (I believe that this slogan is trade-marked by Boyd's). I got dragged there by a friend...

 

[captainslack]

Bring LOTS of film to the Battleground. You're going to need it!!!!

Comfortable walking shoes, as well. You'll need them, too.

 

[childers-jk]

Bill,

I'm a little late on this thread, but I agree with your choice. I might add if you have time again. You should try New Mexico in the Fall. You could hit the Ballon Festival, or any number of things. As far as history, well, Santa Fe would be your stop. However, driving through New Mexico, anywhere, is great.

When you in Dutch Country, don't forget about Strausburg (sp?). They have a large collection of old trains. I have been to PA a couple of times, once summer, once Thanksgiving. I really enjoyed the visit. Oh, one more place for the chocolate lovers is Wilburs Chocolate Factory. I don't remember where that is eactly, but if I find a link I will post it or PM it to you.

I hope you have fun, and I wish I was going as well.

Jeff C.

 

[titrisol]

Also spend one day in the surroinds of QuakerTown, PA.
Lots of covered bridges in there.....

 

[bmattock]

Bill,

I'm a little late on this thread, but I agree with your choice. I might add if you have time again. You should try New Mexico in the Fall. You could hit the Ballon Festival, or any number of things. As far as history, well, Santa Fe would be your stop. However, driving through New Mexico, anywhere, is great.

When you in Dutch Country, don't forget about Strausburg (sp?). They have a large collection of old trains. I have been to PA a couple of times, once summer, once Thanksgiving. I really enjoyed the visit. Oh, one more place for the chocolate lovers is Wilburs Chocolate Factory. I don't remember where that is eactly, but if I find a link I will post it or PM it to you.

I hope you have fun, and I wish I was going as well.

Jeff C.

Jeff,

I lived in Albuquerque for a couple of years - about five blocks from the Balloon Fiesta Park! I agree, NM is fantastic! And no doubt we'll want to visit again - we have lots of friends there and we miss NM green chile!

I am checking into the trains, thanks. Old steam trains really get me fired up. LOL.

My wife has been telling me that if Wilburs is not on the list, she'll beat me to death with my own arm, after she pulls it off, that is. She even found a link to a place where she can take a bath in chocolate.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[bmattock]

Also spend one day in the surroinds of QuakerTown, PA.
Lots of covered bridges in there.....

I've never really been close to a covered bridge as an adult - when I was a kid, they were still around in Illinois and Missouri where I grew up, but they're all gone now.

I think they look great - not sure how to photograph them? Any suggestions?

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[kmack]

I've never really been close to a covered bridge as an adult - when I was a kid, they were still around in Illinois and Missouri where I grew up, but they're all gone now.

I think they look great - not sure how to photograph them? Any suggestions?

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

When you get to one you'll figure it out. That's the great thing about covered bridges, each one is unique.

I live only a few miles from the Monocacy Battlefield in Frederick Md. If you have limited time I would say skip it and plan a day at Harpers Ferry instead, it is only about 30 minutes further up Rt 340 and much more interesting.

If you do get to Frederick, you may be interested in The Museum of Civil War Medicine.

Polish up the walking shoes, remember to bring some good socks and grab some Ben-Gay for those calves 😉