Geocaching might be fun.

This is great guys, I am starting a list!

Rococo, I am blanking, what is RL? I don't think we will do NYC, other than her coming to the office with me once maybe ... we just did a girls weekend in Soho and we go into the city pretty often.

White-water rafting! Hmmm, probably not locally in August I am thinking ... have to investigate.

Geocaching, very cool idea!

HBR - we did a few days at a CO dude ranch 2 yrs or so ago.

Outdoor movies would be sad with just two, LOL! But not a bad thing to have in our quiver.

Junco, that sounds so nice. ANd there are some local-ish thing we have never done. Also a good idea to see if I can break up the duration with a few days with a friend in tow! That might help a lot.

Auntjen, She has never been to a concert, but has seen several operas --- I think I owe her! Super idea. I also like the idea of making something.

Nini, a class is a fun thought. Your daughter has the right idea though, since her siblings will have a lot to brag about when they return, she definitely needs "something cool to talk about". That will be a guiding principle!

Well, the best times I spent with my Mom were shopping sprees where we'd spend 2 days at it....we loved bargain hunting and would hit the outlets and have a blast.

But I like the idea of cooking classes...check into the CIA boot camps at Hyde Park...I'd think that'd be great fun.

Spa days could be fun, but I think I'd enjoy that more with GFs than with my Mom.

While I'd love to go horseback riding, my Mom was always fearful of horses, so that wouldn't have worked for us. But maybe it would work for you.

But I'm thinking you guys travel so much that maybe an at home experience would be fun for a change....do some local hiking, maybe some baking, maybe some beaching, maybe some decorating? Or how about just heading to ME and chilling out there? Or how about a windjammer cruise up the coast of ME?

In mid-August, I would definitely spend at least a day or two doing some back-to-school shopping. My mom and I used to go every year. We would drive an hour to the closest "big city" with all the stores I wanted to go to. We'd stay in a nice hotel, eat at places my dad/brothers wouldn't want to go, and just have a nice time together.

What does your daughter enjoy? Sports, movies, music, outdoors?

I think no matter what you do, it is always really special to have some one-on-one time together. I hope you both really enjoy it!

A vote for white water rafting. Try the Yough at Ohiopyle, PA, with a side trip to Kentuck Knob and Fallingwater.

Will you be in ME? I would get a Yankee Magazine and see what kind of events are planned for ME, NH, VT.

We love white water rafting at the Ocoee River. A portion of it was constructed for kayak races during the Olympics several years back, but a portion is fairly easy guided rafting and great fun. It's not too far from either Chattanooga or Atlanta (you could rent a mountain house in north GA) and go for a day trip over a weekend. Several other fun things to do in C'nooga as well. Sounds like fun whatever you decide.

White water rafting is the first thing that came to mind before reading any replies. Exhilarating when I was younger.

OMG Outside! the Ocoee is amazing! And in my backyard... (but the Snake is better)

I haven't done the Snake but have done the Green and the Gauley (several times) and the Gauley is by far the awesome-est. going out west is a whole 'nother adventure. That would be a better in the spring though when the water is flowing more. And the Gauley is only open for ww for 6 weeks in the fall unless they have changed.

Vanderbilt Mansion, FDR Presidential Library and the CIA, all in Hyde Park and 5 minutes from each other. Then the Walkway Over the Hudson, a former railroad bridge. You need a reservation at the CIA unless you eat at the Apple Pie Cafe, which gets crowded in tourist time. If you do go to FDR perhaps you can watch some of the Ken Burns film, The Roosevelts.

Staycation - check out tripadvisor and other sites to find out what museums and other touristy activities are available in your area - hopefully you find things that you had no idea were there. For example, some cities have tours of the city on a WW 11 Duck boat - which is an amphibious vehicle used in WW11. You drive on the streets and then roll into the river for a tour along the waterway. Look for city tours on Segways or excursions into the countryside on bicycles. My favorite are tiny out of the way museums - I often find those more personal.

Love the Ocoee, but the Nantahala, though tamer, is nearby (IIRC about 2 hours away, much prettier, and closer to Asheville). It still has excitement and will also be much cooler in August. Both rivers are dam controlled, so the levels are reliable. For a real adventure, take advantage of some of the activities/lessons offered by the Nantahala Outdoor Center -- www.noc.com. How about a two day mother daughter whitewater kayak lesson? If you don't want to travel to the Smokies. I am sure there are some good whitewater schools in the Northeast. The only one I remember is Zoar Outdoors on the Deerfield River.

Some day you should take your entire crew to the Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho. It is a multi day true wilderness trip, but there are some good outfitters running trips. IMHO it beats the Colorado through the Grand Canyon, hands down. But I prefer more Alpine areas.

LOL mtn. Ralph Lauren, the townhouse on 72nd & Madison. And Dylan's Candy Bar. If she hasn't seen Wicked she might enjoy that. Or Phantom of the Opera.

I love the idea of a class together. If you don't want to commit to a multi-day class, I have seen one day photography classes, one day cooking classes, drop in yoga, etc.

I have seen chocolate tours of San Francisco offered, I imagine there are similar of NYC. Maybe a tour with a particularly interesting angle?

High tea? Or dinner at a fancy/trendy restaurant?

I think a pop concert is a great idea. I took ds for his ninth birthday to an American Idol concert and he was so, so, so happy. And I bought him a concert t-shirt and then he got bragging rights at school too. It was a big deal to him.

Rococo, I wondered if you meant RL, but wasn't sure since we are talking a 12yo. We usually see one or two plays a year, and always one on our annual "girls weekend". So she has seen Wicked, Matilda, Once, etc ... and on the most recent trip, Kinky Boots.

For all the whitewater aficianados, my DH and I have done some of that, and I think if we go again we will all go.

I am leaning toward a concert, and it so happens the one we want to see will mean a road trip. So i think along the way we will do a spa day and maybe some kayaking or some such. We will probably go away for 5 days or so, and then maybe do a class. I was thinking she'd enjoy a makeup lesson (how to apply kind of thing) but OTOH it's a tad early for that!

We did a makeover for my daughter at 12, best thing ever. They talked about healthy skin with her a lot and they did mascara and lipgloss. They tried a light foundation, she couldn't stand the feel :). 3 years later she takes great care of her skin and gets dressy by putting on mascara :) I think going for quality early and seeing friends make some hideous mistakes cured all desire to do more.

Cool, AmyK, where did you go?

Yes, if she was older I would have suggested Barney's. Sounds like you're getting a plan. Outdoors is always good. There's tennis camp, too.

Newport, RI, mansions tour?

Stand up paddle boarding. That's what I want to try this year. In a calm river or lake, though. No surf.

Tibb, I thought about that, I think that will be an option, too. We will prob spend some time in Maine and we can do that on the way.

Gray, great idea, and we can do it right here on the LI Sound. My two older ones have been, but not this DD.

Okay, I have the dumbest, un-hippest question ever. So, for the artist we want to see, and the dates that work for us, we can either go to Raleigh, NC or to Buffalo, NY. I can make either work, but I'd rather to go to Raleigh. Here is my dumb question. In Raleigh, all the seats are General Admission. That means we stand, no? In Buffalo, it is at a state fair and they actually talk in terms of seats and rows, so I think you sit. I don't think we would want to have to stand the whole time, so I guess its Buffalo. But what if it rains at a state fair?

I guess you could always find out what the rain policy is....they must have a website or you can call? The state fair sounds like it would be more fun for your daughter....spend the afternoon at the fair then go to the concert. You can go to Niagra Falls as well. Even if you've been before it's always a magnificent sight. There's probably some interesting places to visit along the way as well. I went cross country with my mom at that age one summer to visit relatives and I'll never forget that trip.

Joanie,

I wanted to do Raleigh because we would fly down, then drive back and stop in DC, Baltimore, Philly and see family in PA and friends in NJ on the way back to CT. All places she has been but still places where there is lots to do. But I don't want to stand for 90 minutes.

If we do Buffalo, I will probably fly there or into Toronto. We have seen Niagara falls but we did a jetboat tour instead of Maid of the Mist and I think that was a mistake. It's pretty much a straight line from Buffalo to where we are on the Maine coast, so I thought maybe we would stop in the Fingerlakes (did someone here say they'd been to the Mirbeau Inn and spa?) and even Saratoga and then end up at our house in Maine.

I don't blame you for not wanting to stand. A few years ago I wanted to see someone at a club downtown but when my kids told me it was standing only that was it!

Either way, it sounds like a fun mom/daughter trip.

lol.. well, I was thinking your daughter would have friends over for an
outdoor movie night but I get that this is a great time for just the two
of you!

Still, a concert is so much more memorable-- I have great memories of my first concert.

If it is the venue I think it is in Raleigh, there is seating. If it is somewhere else, remember that outdoor venues often don't have seating because you set up on a blanket. I'd check out the venues. You should be able to check the venue web site and/or call to confirm. I definitely think Raleigh would be the way I'd go.. with some fun stops along the way home. Love the finger lakes but State Fairs just don't do it for me.

You'll have a great time no matter which venue you choose-- and it will be a great excursion!

I'm impressed Funky, if you know venues in Raleigh! I don't think there is seating, or even if there is, its not available anywhere at any price because all the tickets I see for sale say GA. I'm using Seatgeek. Its at the Ritz in Raleigh.

Ahh, a blanket would be so nice!

That is where I assumed you were going-- but I thought they had seats (I had tickets to a show there many years ago but we weren't able to make it). I see in their FAQs that there is no seating. Bummer.

Would you consider another stop on the tour? Nashville would be very cool.. and there's seating there!

I am sure the state fair would be fun in its own way-- and I absolutely adore the finger lakes-- so whatever you decide will be a great and memorable trip!

ah I see my confusion. They DO number tickets as if they were seats.. but no, no seats. :(

I checked the outdoor venues I know in the mid atlantic and there wasn't anything I thought a 12 yo might like.. Hershey Stadium isnt my favorite outdoor venue but it is cool to see the amusement park in the background. Unfortunately Maroon 5 is the only band that comes close and I don't think "the kids" are into them. I especially like the Mann in Philadelphia and the Merriwether Post Paviliion between Baltimore and DC but neither seems to have something that will work for you. I'd stick with your artist.. and go with the venue that best fits your plan for the 10 days.

Raleigh in August is going to be very hot and humid. But so is DC and some other places you mentioned. I know you all travel alot and you always have everything planned out. Why not just spend some time at the Maine house - just hanging out with your daughter? Get up in the morning and ask "what would you like to do today"? I'm not one for having everything planned out. Maybe you could stop on the way and take a day to a nearby city for shopping, make-up and/or mani-pedi's, that kind of thing. Your daughter would probably adore just spending time with you. Good time for long walks on the beach - just the two of you, some good mother-daughter talks. Do you sew? If so, does she? Could be a nice time for you to have a little project - if not sewing, try a craft together. Eat your favorite foods, etc. Just hanging out and chilling together sounds heavenly to me.

Are you near an animal santuary? These are usually rescued animals, and our santuary in Austin includes wildlife also. Usually a petting zoo too. Do NOT bring a straw purse~the goats won't leave you alone! lol

Volunteer at a local animal shelter.....or two! Or call to find out if blankets/towels are needed and go to every thrift store in town or ask friends for donations.

Have a lemonade stand in your neighborhood and donate your $$ to a local shelter, human or animal.

Volunteer at a nursing home. Offer to read to someone who is blind or cannot hold a book/newspaper.

Do something that makes a difference. ;)

usually general admission just means no reserved seats, you just get the seats that are available when you arrive. so if you want the best seats you get there early and stand in line to be first. I'm sure there will be seats in NC.

If this is a child who likes to shop, why don't you two play "Christmas in July?" Go shopping for all the peripheral relatives and employees you have to buy for----take your time and get really thoughtful presents, wrap them even more beautifully than usual and put away. Watch a favorite Christmas movie and try out / perfect a new Christmas cookie recipe or two. This might be a nice interval of a few days to break up the hot summer. Not an original idea, btw......the girls' camp I attended (and DD attended years after) had an annual Christmas in July celebration complete with secret Santa gifts made by the givers. DD and I both loved this incongruous summer activity!

KSWL, I like Christmas in July, instead of doing it when you are rushed!

Oly, I did some googling and it seems that a lot of venues are SRO, and even if not, GA means get there many hours in advance .... uhh, no! Way too spoiled for that.

Patty, She already volunteers weekly, and she is helping with fundraising efforts for the same charity that the rest of the family is traveling to volunteer with. So I want to do something for her.

Tina, she will have plenty of chill time the rest of the summer. I think it's important that, like an earlier poster's DD suggested, I give her something to "talk about" when her sibs come back with tales of their exotic adventures. I do like the idea of doing some sort of project together, too ,though.

At any rate, we are all booked. I chose a little 6-day trip, which still leaves us with 11 more days to do other stuff. So maybe we can still do supping and a makeover, and visit family too.

But I ended up booking tickets at the Buffalo state fair because I could get 3rd row center, and an actual seat. We will fly in, then drive back to CT over a number of days, stopping at a spa in the Finger Lakes and then, interestingly enough, Saratoga Springs to see harness racing. These are areas she has never seen before, and should be nicer weather than Raleigh, and oh, yeah, we get to sit down at the concert by choosing this venue!

She is very psyched about going to her first ever concert, and surprised I would suggest it. I admitted it was not my idea!

Thanks everyone, as always!

Sounds great!

What a wonderful trip!! Have a great time.

Hope you have a great time! It will be a great trip that she'll cherish!

So fun! Who are you seeing?

Meghan Trainor? I think that should be a pretty bubble-gum crowd! Plus I like her songs, too.

This site is geared toward younger children, but I think even adults who are free-spirited would enjoy many of these activities, like yarnbombing! https://magicalchildhood.wordpress.com/tag/ways-to-make-the-day-magical/

mtn- I grew up in the Saratoga area, spent many evenings at harness racing- fun. BTW harness racing is also something to do in Maine at Scarborough Downs. Since you will be going to Saratoga in August the regular season will also be open. The town I grew up in is Schuylerville. At the time of the revolutionary war, it was actually called Saratoga and it is where the General Burgoyne surrendered to General Gates. I remember vividly cross country practice always included running up the monument steps. To this day I remember there are 184 steps.

A couple of regional suggestions, see if you can fit in the Corning Glass Museum. RE the fingerlakes region I recently read What She Left Behind by Ellen Wiseman and got re-fascinated with the histrory of the treatment of the mentally ill. I say re-fascinated because when I was around your daughter's age I read everything I could about Nellie Bly and of course her expose about Blackwell's Island was pivotal in her life. This might make interesting tie-ins. And as you approach home territory, the Storm King Art Center and its fabulous sculpture garden is one of my most favorite places in the world.

Local, Glad to hear an endorsement for harness racing! It's a bit unorthodox, but I went a few times as a kid and enjoyed it, and it's so Saratoga. I have been to Saratoga for a wedding and liked the little town, but wasn't able to catch a race that time.

Storm King is super but we have been a number of times, although I know they have some new fountains on exhibit.

Corning Glass is a fabulous idea, but I just mapped it and it is 4hrs (roundtrip) out of our way, alas. If I hadnt already booked everything I might have changed things so that we drove up and went that way, but its too late now. Bummer, I've always wanted to go. : (

Seneca Falls, NY! Home to a thought-provoking national historic site about women's rights. Also, the town is REALLY cute (the townspeople think it was the model for Bedford Falls in It's A Wonderful Life. In addition to the museum, you can tour historic houses such as the one belonging to Elizabeth Cady Stanton. The best part is that you can spend an afternoon doing the museum stuff and then have dinner. Not boring or overwhelming at all.

http://www.nps.gov/wori/index.htm

http://www.therealbedfordfalls.com/

3 rd row center seats should be great. Don't be surprised though if everyone stands. My kids surprised me for my birthday and bought 8th row center seats for Michael Buble' and everyone stood for most of the show. I'd expect that at a Bon Jovi concert but Michael Buble? I was recuperating from having both knees replaced and standing on a concrete arena floor wasn't exactly the most comfortable experience.

Wear comfortable shoes and hopefully you will only have short people in front of you!

Oh goodness, Maire!

I do expect that, at least if its a good concert, there will be a lot of standing. But I least want the option! As well as the territory.

Mtn - I'm curious. Since you have 2 girls close to that age group - what do they think of Taylor Swift? My 8th grade niece called her 'a bubble gum money making robot' yet several of my girlfriends have younger granddaughters (ages 5 through 10) and they all adore her. Personally I wouldn't recognize her music but I do find her public persona intriguing.

Maire

Harness racing, that brings back memories, lol. My uncle was so passionately devoted to it that he moved to Saco (Maine) to pursue racing full time. It's fun to watch.....for a limited time IMO. The crowd experience is more fun than the racing, and it will probably be loads better in Saratoga than in Maine, iykwim.

there are so many fun summer festivals in august... I would try to find a festival or 2 or 3 in the NE area to check out! so many cute little NE towns!

and then see what the area has going on in the evening too-- lots of small cities have (free) outdoor concerts in the summer - many that we have gone to were so enjoyable-- usually picked up something for dinner and had a picnic while listening to concert...

relaxed summertime fun!!

maire-I love Taylor Swift! I have a 12 year old son who is not interested-so I always get invited to go with all my girlfriends and their 12 year old daughters to her concerts!

I'm taking my 14 yo DD to see Taylor Swift next month :) She's very excited -- her first concert.

Mtn, it was I who stayed at the Mirbeau Spa in Skaneatles. Loved it, but I doubt that kids are allowed. You could check, but I got the sense that it was one of those no-kids places. Skaneatles is a beautiful little town, though, and there are other hotels/inns right downtown.