Vacation Planning

Vacation planning is the joy of my life (after Nina and the girls of course). I don't know how everyone else feels about this but as soon as I get home from a vacation I immediately start planning the next one. I think I like the planning as much as or even more than the vacation. This is especially true after a vacation to Utah and Idaho to visit family. Any extended stay with either of our families is sort of taxing and not really very relaxing. I always tell Nina after these trips that our next trip is going to be something touristy and not a family visit. Needless to say I am in the midst of planning our next vacation. Unfortunately, I don't have an idea of where to go. This last trip has convinced us that flying with two girls, enough luggage for all 4 of us, two car seats and several carry-ons is not all that much fun. Of course gas is 5 million dollars a gallon and the van is sort of a gas pig (though very comfortable and good to drive long distances so I don't regret buying it) so long car trips are questionable. I have a bit of a conundrum here. I am thinking that I want to do some little weekend trips to things within half a days drive of here. I am looking for suggestions of what you folks have done and would recommend. Also, don't be surprised if Nina and I ask you to come along on our little weekend outings. The more the merrier as far as we are concerned. So long.