Short Vacation Ideas

[Rocketscientist]

Hey all! I'm looking to take the woman and get outta town for a long weekend, hopefully someplace with lots of nature, woods, fresh air, peace and quiet. I'm trying to do this relatively cheap and within an 8-10hr drive of Valparaiso, NWI. Any suggestions or experiences to share?

Thanks in advance!
RS

 

[RyanGSams]

I've never been, but Hoosier National Forest should fit the bill. Are you planning to camp or stay in a hotel?

 

[Rocketscientist]

Hotel, cabin, etc. Love to camp, but later in the summer.

 

[wabash]

turkey run state park

 

[wtfd661]

turkey run state park

 

[Cemetery-man]

Hmm. NWI... Tell her you're taking her to a nice place with outdoor attractions, wildlife, etc. and get a motel next to Cabela's. Lots of outdoors things to see there!

 

[JetGirl]

Another vote for "Turkey Run".

 

[sugarcreekbrass]

Turkey Run is a great spot. A lot of nice hiking trails. Growing up around Parke Co, I was just used to the surroundings. My wife and I have gone to Brown Co a couple of times. A lot of different outdoor ideas at either place.

 

[bradmedic04]

Wisconsin is well within that distance. I used HomeAway and got a cabin last fall. Dead silent, peaceful, didn't see another soul outside my family.

 

[CountryBoy19]

There is also Brown County State Park (Nashville is close-by if your wife like to shop), and Hoosier National Forest (Deem Wilderness Area is in that sweet spot of being fairly remote yet used enough that it has some decent trails and if something should happen and you require assistance it's not so remote that nobody will ever come by.).

 

[dprimm]

Brown county. Versailles state park has lots of trails as well. Less busy later in the summer, except for the pool.

Want to leave IN? Mohican state park. Ohio carry rules, but the park is incredible. Did the 100k mtb race twice and love it there.

 

[KittySlayer]

Hocking Hills southeast of Columbus OH.

 

[nightgaunt]

8-10 hr drive you mentioned?? Isle Royale...there is even a lodge on the island. Lots of hiking and tons of spots to tent camp, even some shelters.

 

[Mr Evilwrench]

Spring Mill Park down by Mitchell has a lot of stuff in it, pioneer village, trails, caves, camping, an inn, and you being a rocket surgeon and all, there's a Gus Grissom memorial/museum.

 

[Bigtanker]

Gatlinburg Cabins - Pigeon Forge Cabins - Auntie Belham's Cabin Rentals

My sister stayed in one of these cabins last year. The are in the middle of BFE, outside Gatlinburg, TN.

Cabins are about a mile apart IIRC.

 

[IrishSon of Liberty]

A quiet weekend with the misses huh?

Big Bone Lick

 

[mrjarrell]

Lake Cumberland down about Somerset, KY. Beautiful area and a great lake. Deer all over the place. It is a dry county, so you'll need to bring your own booze for the vacation.

 

[Leadeye]

Another Spring Mill suggestion, lots to see in the park.

 

[hoosierdaddy1976]

10 hrs will just about get you to Asheville or Maggie valley, North Carolina. Beautiful area, can't wait to get back.

 

[Rocketscientist]

Thank you for all the wonderful suggestions everybody! I hear Smoky Mountain Knife Works calling my name, and I'm all out of Davy Crockett whiskey, so Gatlinburg is the winner for now. You've definitely given me some ideas for our next few trips. That Bone Lick place sounds nice!