Wednesday, March 31, 2010

What to do...

I need to go to the beach. NEED!!!

I've mentioned my issues of feeling trapped in the middle of the country before. I need an edge. Nearby. There must be annual sighting of a coastline.

I got both coasts in 2009, so I was good. But we are in a new calendar year, people, and it is TIME to plan for a beach!

So, the question is: do I load up my 5 kids and drive the nearly 12 hours from Salt Lake City to San Francisco this summer while we're out west anyway? OR do I drive the only 10 hours from Worthington, OH to anywhere on the Jersey shore some other time?

Pacific pros:
I can take my kids around my favorite west coast city and show them the beautiful CA coast.
I love the bay area. love love love.
We get to visit with wonderful friends that we wouldn't otherwise get to see.
Fabulous food. Everywhere. For cheap.

Pacific cons:
driving across NV in the summer. with kids.

Atlantic pros:
We can go see the place where my Grandma and Great Aunt (the sisters Lilyanna is named after) lived and visit the beaches I spent lots of childhood time on.
It's closer.
Lots of friends and family to visit.
Good pizza.
Frozen custard.

Atlantic cons:
It's the Jersey shore.
And I'm not sure if I'll make it out to CA any other time this year if I don't go this summer.

What to do??

8 comments:

Ellis said...

Of the two options, Jersey Shore sounds more reasonable.

I'd also consider Southern California. It's a shorter (time and distance) drive from SLC, has nice weather, nice beaches, and I hear there's a theme park or two that the kids may enjoy.

Jen said...

California, and take me with you. Oh, and get a suburban so you can fit another adult and carseat. I didn't even see the ocean when I was in NJ. :(

Valerie said...

I'm a California girl so I'm voting for the west coast.

Emilia said...

Southern CA is icky. I spent much time there as a kid, and parks aside I hated it. (Except for that one restaurant in San Diego that had a player piano with scrolls.) that was a favorite. but you're right. NJ does seem more reasonable... but SAN FRANCISCO!!!

hm.

Jen, if you find a suburban for us to rent on the cheap, let's do it. cuz that would be fun with your 2 month old and my 6 month old. (cuz we're crazy.) did I mention that I haven't yet mentioned this idea to Todd? I'm sure he'll be thrilled.

Unknown said...

I refer you back to the Atlantic Pro of "it's closer." Now having children of my own and having traveled only 4 hours away with them, I'm urging you to go to Jersey! :)

Jen said...

I don't even know what "cheap" means when it comes to renting cars, but I get discounts at all the major car rental places.

Carrie Nation said...

sounds to me like you want to go to cali.

never been to Jersey, so can't advise there.

but I'm generally a fan of doing what will make you (and Todd, don't forget) happy. good luck figuring out what that is. ;)

Jenn said...

Jersey Jersey Jersey - I vote Jersey - for selfish reasons anyway.... :)

Good luck in your decision making!

Hugs!