Travel / Vacation thread

[greyhammer90]

Heading to fish in Canada very soon, a weekend road trip to DC in the summer for the moon landing anniversary, but my big one is Belgium in October.

 

[greyhammer90]

Destin was amazing. I still can't believe the sand there, I've never seen anything like it. We had a great time, the experience is much more laid back than the typical Mexico vacation.

We went deep sea fishing and caught ~70 fish. Mackeral, snappers, trigger fish, and a 7.5' shark.

We fought the shark for ~35 minutes, and got it to the surface. When the deck hand grabbed the line and sinker to pull it next to the boat, it snapped off, so we didn't get our hands on it, but it was still amazing to see.

Deep sea fishing is one of the best things in life. Best I've ever caught was a 30 pound tuna. Fought that fucker for nearly an hour.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Going to Chicago for a weekend in July (family stuff so very little fun out and about) then St. Louis the weekend after (buddy's wedding, very little fun out and about). That's about all for the summer for me, might spend a couple days with some friends in a beach house just before the 4th.

 

[NorthDakota]

Destin was amazing. I still can't believe the sand there, I've never seen anything like it. We had a great time, the experience is much more laid back than the typical Mexico vacation.

We went deep sea fishing and caught ~70 fish. Mackeral, snappers, trigger fish, and a 7.5' shark.

We fought the shark for ~35 minutes, and got it to the surface. When the deck hand grabbed the line and sinker to pull it next to the boat, it snapped off, so we didn't get our hands on it, but it was still amazing to see.

What restaurants did you go to?

The sand is wild lmao. Feels like walking on cocaine.

 

[Irish#1]

Just back from a 7 day from in Hawaii. Man nothing compares to Hawaii with how relaxing and beautiful it is. Waikiki has changes a little since the last time I went but the north shore of Oahu is the spot to be at and all future trips to Oahu will be in the North Shore for the majority of the time.

Next up is DC in Oct. any tips on DC will be helpful. Food recommendations as well.

Not sure your interest level, but you might consider visiting Manassas and the Bull Run battlefield. It was worth it IMO.

 

[NorthDakota]

Not sure your interest level, but you might consider visiting Manassas and the Bull Run battlefield. It was worth it IMO.

I did both Manassas/Bull Run battlefields and it was 100% worth it.

 

[Irish#1]

Destin was amazing. I still can't believe the sand there, I've never seen anything like it. We had a great time, the experience is much more laid back than the typical Mexico vacation.

We went deep sea fishing and caught ~70 fish. Mackeral, snappers, trigger fish, and a 7.5' shark.

We fought the shark for ~35 minutes, and got it to the surface. When the deck hand grabbed the line and sinker to pull it next to the boat, it snapped off, so we didn't get our hands on it, but it was still amazing to see.

Glad you liked it. One of our sons got married there. We rented a house on the east end across the street from the beach. It was large enough to hold all of the kids, spouses, grandkids and my in-laws. Every had their own room. Had its own pool. The wife and I hit it up again three years ago after staying in Pensacola. Definitely relaxing.

Be glad you didn't get the shark in the boat. I could see you posting about getting bit. lol

 

[ACamp1900]

Not sure your interest level, but you might consider visiting Manassas and the Bull Run battlefield. It was worth it IMO.

I did both Manassas/Bull Run battlefields and it was 100% worth it.

Do they have specific locations sectioned off for either battle (1v2) or is it all just a collective battlefield?? Admittedly, even as a civil war buff, I'm unaware how close the two battles were fought, as if on the same exact ground, or simply in close proximity to each other.

 

[Ndaccountant]

Singapore, San Antonio, Kiawah island, back to singapore, visit family in the Midwest. All between now and start of August, which is when I and the fam move to Singapore for the next few years.

 

[RDU Irish]

Most people where I live can’t wait to get to Destin & the 30A. It has beautiful beaches and it’s not a bad drive for us but my wife’s not a big “beach” person and me & the kids can take it or leave it. We do however like to travel to Bald Head Island which is just a ferry ride away from Wilmington, NC. It’s very relazing...almost secduded but you still get beach, golf, etc. Useless trivia: It’s actually the location where “Weekend at Bernies” was filmed.

Never been to Bald Head. I am a big fan of every beach between Wilmington and Myrtle. I particularly like the south facing beaches. Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach is supposed to be the best surfing on the east coast - a bit crowded for my taste. Going to Topsail in August - hoping we like it b/c it is shortest drive of the options out there. Can be annoying that you need to book most places a full week - not always feasible. Plus each beach has a bunch of different rental companies so searching for houses can be a freaking chore.

Myrtle Beach is a shit show.

 

[koonja]

What restaurants did you go to?

The sand is wild lmao. Feels like walking on cocaine.

We went to Boschamps which was great. We ate at the Back Porch twice because it was beach walking distance from our place. We then ate at a local BBQ place, but that was basically it.

We also ate our "catch" right after deep sea fishing. We took ~25 mackerel and did the Hook and Cook, I just can't recall the name of the place. But that was a great experience too, literally doesn't get any fresher than that.

 

[gkIrish]

Went to Ireland for a week in April. Amazing experience.

Was in Austin this past weekend for a wedding and will be in California for a wedding next weekend.

Won't be going anywhere else for the next 1.5 years as I am getting married in October 2020 and I'm broke. Hopefully can do a honeymoon summer 2021 somewhere awesome.

 

[calvegas04]

I use to live in DC and here are a few tips.
1) Bring your lunch and eat at the back of the Lincoln Memorial. It's peaceful and away from most of the crowds
2) Space & Air by Dulles is great and stop by Great Falls National Park on your way. About 30 minutes outside of DC depending on traffic.
3) Contact Mt. Vernon to see if you can raise the flag at sunrise. Check their website and email them.
4) Chinatown Express is a good place to eat on the backside of the Verizon Center (or whatever they call it now). Roasted duck in the window and hand stretched noodles. The fresh noodle soup is amazing.
5) Old Alexandria pub crawl. They say the founding fathers drank at some of these places, who knows, but still fun.

Thanks, we are looking at staying in Old Alexandria, would you recommend that? Reason why is we would like to get a few day trips in outside the city. Im thinking about Baltimore to Fort McHenry then hit up the Guinness Brewery on the way to Annapolis for Dinner. Another day up to Gettysburg and then another possible Civil War battle field or possibly Great Falls and the air and space at IAD

Not sure your interest level, but you might consider visiting Manassas and the Bull Run battlefield. It was worth it IMO.

For sure love history, taking my dad as well and he has always wanted to visit some of the CW battlefields. We are for sure going to Gettysburg, is there one other you would recommend over the others in the area?

 

[NorthDakota]

Do they have specific locations sectioned off for either battle (1v2) or is it all just a collective battlefield?? Admittedly, even as a civil war buff, I'm unaware how close the two battles were fought, as if on the same exact ground, or simply in close proximity to each other.

Yes they make it very clear for you. Grab a map at the building and you have zero problems finding what you are looking for.

Not the exact same ground, same general area. Within a few miles of one another. 2nd Manassas is a fascinating battlefield.

 

[NorthDakota]

We went to Boschamps which was great. We ate at the Back Porch twice because it was beach walking distance from our place. We then ate at a local BBQ place, but that was basically it.

We also ate our "catch" right after deep sea fishing. We took ~25 mackerel and did the Hook and Cook, I just can't recall the name of the place. But that was a great experience too, literally doesn't get any fresher than that.

Boshamps is the move. Big fan, I take all my visitors there. Cant recall if I've even at the Back Porch or not. Glad you had a good time down here.

 

[The Polish Irishman]

Thanks, we are looking at staying in Old Alexandria, would you recommend that? Reason why is we would like to get a few day trips in outside the city. Im thinking about Baltimore to Fort McHenry then hit up the Guinness Brewery on the way to Annapolis for Dinner. Another day up to Gettysburg and then another possible Civil War battle field or possibly Great Falls and the air and space at IAD

You can stay at the National Harbor and take a boat to Old Alexandria and National Mall. Or Uber. Parking can be a pain in the summer. Annapolis is great and I won't step another foot in Baltimore. hated it.

 

[Irish#1]

Do they have specific locations sectioned off for either battle (1v2) or is it all just a collective battlefield?? Admittedly, even as a civil war buff, I'm unaware how close the two battles were fought, as if on the same exact ground, or simply in close proximity to each other.

I had limited time (business) when I visited Manassa. Only a little over an hour so I was rushed and only made one battlefield, but wanted to go so I could at least soak up a little and say I was there.

Thanks, we are looking at staying in Old Alexandria, would you recommend that? Reason why is we would like to get a few day trips in outside the city. Im thinking about Baltimore to Fort McHenry then hit up the Guinness Brewery on the way to Annapolis for Dinner. Another day up to Gettysburg and then another possible Civil War battle field or possibly Great Falls and the air and space at IAD

For sure love history, taking my dad as well and he has always wanted to visit some of the CW battlefields. We are for sure going to Gettysburg, is there one other you would recommend over the others in the area?

You're only 30 minutes from Manassas if your in Old Alexandria. Haven't been to Gettysburg yet, but on the list. This isn't anywhere near where you will be, but anyone that likes to visit CW sites must get to Andersonville. It's out of the way in Georgia, but once you pull in, you immediately know it was worth the trip. Thought provoking and humbling. I've been twice.

 

[P_Rose]

If you guys are looking for a travel group to participate with, one of my buddies from the Air Force and some of his friends started a travel group. it all started with their love for travel. They also have clothing company. This group tries to do vacations budget style. Check out the links below.

https://www.flightlifegroup.com/
www.runwayboyz.com

 

[Irish#1]

Singapore, San Antonio, Kiawah island, back to singapore, visit family in the Midwest. All between now and start of August, which is when I and the fam move to Singapore for the next few years.

You're going to be wore out by the time August rolls around. What's up with Singapore if I may ask? You're not fleeing the authorities are you? lol

 

[NDRock]

Summer is here. Trips?

Currently on the Austria/Italian border. Heading to Venice and then Florence before making our way back to Munich. Ten days in all with the wife, kids, and my parents. So far, great trip.

 

[koonja]

Boshamps is the move. Big fan, I take all my visitors there. Cant recall if I've even at the Back Porch or not. Glad you had a good time down here.

IDK how I forgot this, but 3 nights we went to AJ's. Once was after the board walk and we just chilled outside to live music. 2 other nights were hard core partying, dance floor, followed by hangovers. But we had a good time at AJ's everytime. Never ate there though.

 

[NorthDakota]

Thanks, we are looking at staying in Old Alexandria, would you recommend that? Reason why is we would like to get a few day trips in outside the city. Im thinking about Baltimore to Fort McHenry then hit up the Guinness Brewery on the way to Annapolis for Dinner. Another day up to Gettysburg and then another possible Civil War battle field or possibly Great Falls and the air and space at IAD




For sure love history, taking my dad as well and he has always wanted to visit some of the CW battlefields. We are for sure going to Gettysburg, is there one other you would recommend over the others in the area?

Antietam is only 70 miles from DC and home to the bloodiest day in the Civil War. Antietam is only an hour or so from Gettysburg it looks like as well.

 

[Irish#1]

IDK how I forgot this, but 3 nights we went to AJ's. Once was after the board walk and we just chilled outside to live music. 2 other nights were hard core partying, dance floor, followed by hangovers. But we had a good time at AJ's everytime. Never ate there though.

The Crab Trap on old HW98 is a little pricey, but good.

True story...........On our last visit there the wife and I eat there. When we were done we took the stairs down to the beach. There were a couple of kids about 10-12 years old playing corn hole. As we walked by, I asked them if I could show them how to play. They handed me a bag and I nailed it dead center without hitting the board. As soon as it went through, I said, "And that's how it's done" and walked away. The look on their faces was priceless.

 

[NorthDakota]

IDK how I forgot this, but 3 nights we went to AJ's. Once was after the board walk and we just chilled outside to live music. 2 other nights were hard core partying, dance floor, followed by hangovers. But we had a good time at AJ's everytime. Never ate there though.

AJ's is for clowns. You are banished. Stay away from the Panhandle now, y'hear??

 

[ACamp1900]

AJ's is for clowns.

So you like it then??

 

[ClausentoTate]

Antietam is only 70 miles from DC and home to the bloodiest day in the Civil War. Antietam is only an hour or so from Gettysburg it looks like as well.

I've been through Antietam and Bull Run a few times, but I also highly recommend Harper's Ferry. It's a bit further out but the little town is historical and it's also a main landmark on the Appalachian Trail. The hike is relatively challenging, especially in the summer, but not necessary if you're with someone older.

Definitely see the Udzar-Hazy, it's the best airplane museum I've been to and is way better than the other one. Great falls is pretty meh in my opinion.

 

[NorthDakota]

So you like it then??

Ouch! That's not very nice.

 

[koonja]

AJ's is for clowns. You are banished. Stay away from the Panhandle now, y'hear??

Its a little party-heavy. But keep in mind our group age ranged from 32 to 35, so we let loose a couple times.

 

[Irish#1]

Its a little party-heavy. But keep in mind our group age ranged from 32 to 35, so we let loose a couple times.

Let loose once a year so you can hang onto to that last thread of youth!

 

[NorthDakota]

My family has rented a house in Kennebunkport to celebrate my sister turning 30. I suppose I will go to that maybe hang out with W and Laura.