We’re not beach people.
My wife and I lived in Orlando for about 8 years. Sometimes, we’d drive over to New Smyrna Beach to eat at a place called Chases. The food was basic but good, and when we finished eating, we’d take a walk on the beach.
It was nice.
But we never went to the beach. We just didn’t see the point. We were like Clark Griswold taking his family to the Grand Canyon in Vacation. We’d stare for a few minutes then say, “OK. Let’s go.” We’d rather go camping and hiking or visit a city and tour old homes and museums than sit in the sand and read a crappy novel.
Well, a few months ago, our 10-year-old daughter started begging us to take her to the beach. “Everybody went to the beach on break except me,” she’d say.
So, we decided to split the difference this summer and drive to Savannah.
My wife and I could do some heritage tourism, and we could take the kids to Tybee Island.
We got to the beach about 10, rented an umbrella, slathered on the sunscreen and then –
– and then, it was 4 o’clock and time to pack up.
How’d that happen? Well, it turns out that the beach is a whole different experience when you have kids. We splashed in the waves and built sand castles, and we never once got bored.
On the way back to our hotel, my daughter said, “I want to come here again.”
My wife and I still aren’t beach people, but I told my daughter we’d definitely be back.
So did you eventually make it to Savannah? If not, please promise yourselves you’ll go. It’s fun and quaint and laid waaaay back. Plus? Best pralines in the world.
Glad you enjoyed your trip!
We stayed in Savannah. We got in late, took the kids to The Pirates House for dinner, went to Tybee the next morning … and then the kids got sick. Stomach flu. We spent our last 2 days in the hotel room. My wife and I took turns going out exploring (we’d been there a couple times before we had kids). You’re right about the pralines!
That’s interesting… We live in Tampa and are 20 minutes from the beach but never seem to go. Good to know that might change with kids
Skinny, EVERYTHING changes when you have kids! Seriously, though, I think it’s easy to overlook the attractions in your own backyard. We knew folks in Orlando who’d never been to Disney, and we know folks here in Nashville who’ve never been to the Opry.
I’m a bigger fan of Charleston. There’s Charleston then you could hit Folly Beach or vice versa.
You know, when we’re in Savannah, we think Savannah is better, but when we’re in Charleston, we think it’s the best. We haven’t tried Charleston’s beach, though. That might be the thing that finally tips us one way or the other.
Sounds like a win-win trip to me. Glad it went so well
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