spamorama!

the renting-a-condo-option would be great but I don't want to bring food, prepare meals, etc. Just because you are in a condo with a kitchen doesn't mean you HAVE to cook. The advantage of the condo is the multiple bedrooms & bathrooms. The kitchen can stay unused. I'm not sure if I'm reading this right but it sounds to me that there is not a real concensus on what to do. Just that you want to get away for a day and a night. I hightly recommend that you discuss what you want to do before you do any further research. Even if you have more than one option, such as everyone would be agreeable to either shopping or skiing. Then you can search for places that are condusive to those activities. You don't want to do a bunch of research, settle on the "perfect" place, then find out one of the girls doesn't want to do that particular activity. Since you mentioned your friend was a foodie, that brought to mind a few more possible activities. Cooking Classes. If you can find a one day cooking class on a Saturday in a nearby area, you could tailor your trip around that. Another idea, a food tour. Last time I visited my son in NYC we did two food tours. One was Pizza in Brooklyn - we ate at two different pizza places in Brooklyn and visited several locations where movies were shot. Great tour (all on a bus). The other one was a food walking tour of Greenwich Village. We walked around, visited several interesting restaurants and markets, and got lots of samples. One more idea, wineries in the Finger Lakes in New York. I've never been but plan on doing a two day trip there in March. LOTS of B&Bs in that area as well. I also highly recommend meeting at one of your houses and all driving to your destination in the same car. That makes the getaway start from the minute you leave that house instead of a couple of hours later when you arrive. Is there a reason you are all planning to drive separately?

So great to read everyone's experiences. Mine were much the same-- however, I went to Wilson College, a small women's college in south central PA so we didn't have the advantages of the schools in the big cities-- or those in Western MA/Boston where the environment of academic excellence is unmatched (IMO). Like Sue, I didn't set out to go to a women's college. If I had, I'd probably have selected one that was in a different region and a little more focused on science/math-- however, I have NO complaints. Because women's colleges are so focused on providing opportunities to women, I had many advantages such as being able to work with my professors to design my own major, run my own lab/studies and build the kind of curriculum and experience that prepared me for graduate studies-- and, in fact, helped me to receive a full scholarship in a highly competitive PhD program. When I started college, I was pretty confident and was quite comfortable (and quick) to speak my mind. What I lacked was the maturity and compassion to use my "voice" effectively. Through the many leadership opportunities and guidance of my peers and mentors, I learned how to use my voice to not just speak out -- but to speak out in a way to educate, influence and lead others. I learned to not just identify problems but to provide solutions-- because I was a part of the solutions. These skills have been invaluable not just in my careers but in my personal relationships. I've had the opportunity to get back in touch with some of the students and professors recently as we rally to support the college, students and alumnae in facing the possibility of going coed. It has been a great reminder of what a great group of women we were... and are. We're professionals, business owners, teachers, lawyers, doctors. We're community leaders, mothers, activists, scientists and artists. We're passionate and wise and we know how to get things done. When I was first contacted about the possibility of the college going coed, I had to ask myself if attending a women's college had benefited me. I've been in male-dominated fields my entire life-- through two different career paths. Had my women's college education prepared me for that work? I wasn't sure.. until I started reconnecting with my old classmates. We are all different and have gone down very different paths-- but there's just something different about this group. I've struggled to identify it and name it (which is why I haven't posted here for a few days). These women have such a strong sense of themselves and the worlds around them -- and hokey as it sounds, they are generously and passionately committed to sharing their experiences and giving back to other women. It's been humbling.. and inspiring. And that's the other thing I gained from going to a women's college-- a great appreciation and admiration for other women. I think it's made me a better friend, sister, daughter and manager. Thanks again sharing your thoughts and experiences! I've enjoyed them all.. and best wishes to all those with daughters and loved ones heading off to school!

Dedtired, keep in mind only the state run musuems are guaranteed to be free. I am sure others will be participating (like the 3 I mentioned), but you should check before you go. Satine, if I had to choose one it would be the Ephrata Cloister. The history is fascinating and buildings date back to early 1700's. I do like Landis Valley quite a bit (Oprah Winfrey's Beloved movie was filmed at this museum). It is larger than the Cloister and more to see - more walking too. And the Strasburg Railroad is nice but never held an appeal for me. Starsburg Railroad and Landis Valley do attract a lot of children. The Cloister can be much more difficult for young ones to be still and understand the concept of what went on there. But I love it all seasons. Have fun!