Gahhh! Cabin Fever, Need Relief

[brewer12345]

Suffering from some winter blues and sick of being trapped in the house when I am not going to work. We usually head to a sunny place in February for a week, but it isn't happening this year due to a recent job transition and the need to do 2 out of state weddings this summer. I'd loe to get away for a 3 day weekend, but its not realistic to do that with 2 small kids if it involves getting on a plane. We looked at the Great Wolf lodge in the poconos, but 3 days would run about a grand not including food and incidentals. Anyone know of a getaway within a few hours driving distance of central NJ that might be a smidge more reasonable?

 

[Khan]

Could you just go for nearby walking/skating/sledding?

 

[Dawg52]

Could you just go for nearby walking/skating/sledding?

LOL, that sounds like something I would recommend.

 

[ziggy29]

Could you just go for nearby walking/skating/sledding?

Ah, yes -- the dreaded "staycation..."

 

[Sparky]

Suffering from some winter blues and sick of being trapped in the house when I am not going to work. We usually head to a sunny place in February for a week, but it isn't happening this year due to a recent job transition and the need to do 2 out of state weddings this summer. I'd loe to get away for a 3 day weekend, but its not realistic to do that with 2 small kids if it involves getting on a plane. We looked at the Great Wolf lodge in the poconos, but 3 days would run about a grand not including food and incidentals. Anyone know of a getaway within a few hours driving distance of central NJ that might be a smidge more reasonable?

You know, I'm in CT and have been feeling much the same - I'm looking at motel 6 (they take dogs for no fee) and looking at Pennsylvania Dutch area, once it gets a little warmer. Looking at about $38 per night.

 

[brewer12345]

Ah, yes -- the dreaded "staycation..."

"A fifth of bourbon, the Spice Channel, and Thou."

 

[Moemg]

I lived in NJ for many years and not sure where you go to get away in Feb .. We used to visit New Hope,Pa. as a getaway . If you have never been to Boston it's really not that far from Northern NJ and always lots to see and do . There is always Phila . which has a great children's museum .Washington , DC is a drive but the new American History museum is worth it . Otherwise hanker down and go on the family rafting trip in the summer that leaves from the Poconos . Your kids will like it and you will have fun. You could always try to get babysitters and go to the New Casinos in The Poconos .

 

[Urchina]

Long Island? There might be some reasonable off-season prices in Montauk or on one of the islands.

Shenadoah National Park is pretty and looks like it's about three hours away from you. Charlottesville (Monticello, nice town) VA is about five hours away (so longer) but also lovely.

And I'd second Lancaster, PA -- I loved Pennsylvania Dutch country when my parents took me as a kid.

 

[CuppaJoe]

Visit Manhattan as a tourist on day trips? Are the kids old enough for a Broadway show aimed at kids? Ballet? Movies? Ice Show? Museums? My personal favorite, hanging out in coffee houses?

 

[brewer12345]

Its the grey and cold that is the real problem. If it was just a matter of getting out of the house, it wouldn't be that big a deal.

New Hope is great. We usually head for Lambertville on the NJ side and walk over the bridge to New Hope. A bit chilly for that right now.

I may just have to be resigned to waiting for April when we can get the camper out again.

 

[Meadbh]

Light therapy, melatonin, get some outside exercise daily....the days are getting longer.

 

[Moemg]

Its the grey and cold that is the real problem. If it was just a matter of getting out of the house, it wouldn't be that big a deal.

Sometimes even the planning for vacation helps the blues ! Send for travel booklets and plan the spring outing !

 

[kowski]

How about Niagara Falls. Some real good motel deals there in winter as I remember. Or find a arboratum in your area, they used to help me in the dead of winter.

 

[73ss454]

Man do I know that feeling spending 58 years in NY. Maybe you can get a deal at a tanning place. (heh)

 

[BunsGettingFirm]

"A fifth of bourbon, the Spice Channel, and Thou."

Spice Channel is some 1990s. Please update future references to use YouPorn.

Ah, 3 days of vacation with one day ruined by snow. I was planning to go for a jog. It's bad enough without the snow because at least I can see the ice. With the snow, forget it. It will be another indoor exercise day. Maybe I'll swing by the local vegetarian restaurant to see if the hot waitress is around. Yes, that will be the highlight of my day.

 

[harley]

Shenadoah National Park is pretty and looks like it's about three hours away from you. Charlottesville (Monticello, nice town) VA is about five hours away (so longer) but also lovely.

It's a lot longer than 3 hours from Central Jersey to Shenandoah. Probably at least 5, maybe more. However, it is a nice area.

 

[heyyou]

As a followup to the melatonin, light therapy, and exercise suggestion, make the exercise vigorous. Follow with some heat (sauna or steam, but maintain your liquid intake) and some spicy foods like Thai curry. I just feel better after all those during cloudy, colder weather.

 

[crazy connie]

Rent a modest motor home and start driving. Stop at every historical marker labeled.

 

[Meadbh]

Try a couples spa for you and DW.

 

[TromboneAl]

You know, I'm in CT and have been feeling much the same

Swap. Just the houses!

 

[leftbucket]

idea

Anyone know of a getaway within a few hours driving distance of central NJ that might be a smidge more reasonable?

Longwood Gardens is in PA just across the state line from Wilmington,
DE. They've got a new expanded indoor fountain section for kids.
Very fun for all ages.

Cheers,
LB

 

[jambo101]

Cross country skiing in the Catskills.
Cross Country Skiing in New York - A1 Trails