So, my husband and I are already a little tired of this Chicago weather and are looking to get away somewhere at least a little warmer within the next month. Trouble is, we don't want to fly with our one-year-old. Anyone have any suggestions on where we can drive for a little slightly warmer R&R that's not clear down to Florida?
Flying with a one year old is actually easier than driving as they can get up and run around if they want to. My parents live in Ireland and so I have taken my 2 yr old to Ireland 6 times since she was born and it really isn't so bad. So if you want warm, I would fly. None of the neighboring states or short drives are to places where it is warmer. Just take a portable DVD player and some toys eg etch a sketch. Good luck.
There is an island off the coast of Charleston, SC called Seabrook Island. It is right next to Kiawah Island. We drive there every year with our kids and it's not bad. We usually divide it into two days, stopping somewhere in Kentucky or Tennessee. The great thing about Seabrook is it is a gated island, so it's private - it truly feels like you are getting away (they have villas/condos/houses you can rent). It has a huge beach that is never crowded - and at this time of the year, I'm sure it will be deserted. It's usually in the low 60's this time of year, so you have to bundle up if you go to the beach, but there are lots of things to do there (they have 2 golf courses on the island, an equestrian center, and Charleston is about a 45 minute drive).
Hi J.-
I know how you feel. I don't handle the Chicago winters very well and I always plan a getaway around late Feb or so. My suggestion would be Pigeon Forge, TN. The weather will only be in the 50's in mid to late February but I just found a neat resort called Westgate Smoky Mountain that has a cool looking indoor water park for the kids. Pigeon Forge is almost 600 miles away so the trip would take about 11 or 12 hours (with stops) but I think it would be a nice getaway. Another option would be Atlanta, GA. That would be a 13 or 14 hour drive but the weather would be about 60 in late Feb and they have Stone Mountain which is a neat historical site and has a really fun "old mining town" like park. Good luck and I hope you can get away!
Charleston SC is a great place which would be much warmer, but again it's a long drive...a good day and a half. The suggestion for TN would be good also. You don't have to go to south Florida...St. Augustine is one of my favorite places...touring the old hstoric area is fun. They have the trams that you can get on and off whenever you want.
