USA east coast

[Glaucus]

Woot just booked flights, not as good as pheebs planned trip :(, but still excited

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3235/1321010262861.jpg

Rather than just showing off though, I'm looking for opinions/advice in several areas.

Basic idea, but not set in stone.

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/8528/1321014755583.jpg

First thing is advice on car rental. Now we really want a convertible, but mustang is to small. Would the Chrysler Sebring be any good?
If no converitable, what American car would be the best suited. Im not going to America and driving a focus even if it's the better choice.

Anyone know any amazing steak houses in newyork or Washington. You know the ones which dry age the meat for months and have to cut the mouldy bits off.

Also want to go up in the mountains, spotted the soupy line drive, anyone done this. Is it good or would it be better doing a different route?

Any advice on cheap centralism hotels for Washington, new York and something still Resonable but nice somewhere in the southern keys. Also do American hotels not do twin rooms?

Anyone know any big festivals happening in the general area for those dates?

Any idea on how best to buy train ticket from new York to Washington. Is it like uk, where it's much cheaper to book in advance, or can you turn up on the day?
Other than new York, Washington and keys west, we don't want to be tied down to much.

Hmm so many questions..

[Kitten]

Peter Lugers steakhouse in Brooklyn. Unmissable!

http://www.peterluger.com/

[Glaucus]

Sweet, wasn't that the one on hestons in search of perfection.
Any idea of prices? Non on the menu, I have to convince the other 3.

[Will]

It's expensive - but worth every penny.

[Glaucus]

Wha ball park are we talking about for steak sides and a couple of drinks? £100 each?

[Will]

Steak for 2 people sharing was around $90 or so. That's just for the steak, obviously individual steaks will be a bit different in price. Add side dishes and drinks, and so on you're aiming for at around $80 per person excluding tips. Ok, so not really expensive, but still £50 a head or so for a steakhouse.

[Glaucus]

Sweet, I take it you need to book in advance.

[Will]

Yarp. Won't do any harm. :) Sometimes it seems to be v.busy, sometimes it's dead quiet... only been a couple of times but once there was no one there, the other time we waited an hour to get a table.

[Will]

PS

Looks like a fantastic trip!

US hotels do twin rooms - I've certainly stayed in many that are.

AS for cars, probably best asking in OcUK motors. :)

The only trains I've ever taken in the States are the subways in NY and the BART in San Fran - and didn't find it expensive paying on the day. So can't really help you there - busses like greyhounds are dead cheap though.

[TinkerBell]

Agree about Peter Lugar. Amazing steak, best to book ahead. You don't want to be disappointed if you get there and can't get a table. Was very busy when I went. Also you need to have the cash to pay for it. They don't accept Cards. :) Looks like a fab trip :)

[Pheebs]

Woweeeeeeee! Looks mega :D Photos galore please (especially of the nommy steaks! Om nom nom nom nom!)

[Mark]

Might want to consider the car a day earlier as I'm not sure you'll see much in Washington on foot. Especially handy if you want to go to the Smithsonian (it's on my to-do list).

It'd be great if there was a launch at KSC while you were there (seen one myself), but it's impossible to tell this far out. Still, it's a good day out nonetheless and whatever you do, ride the launch simulator. It's not rough - otherwise I'd not have gone on it (twice) - but it is fun. :)

PS - If you're in Orlando, drop me a line nearer the time as I may be able to get you a discount at Charley's Steak House. I'm sure it's no Peter Luger (not been :(), but it's no Ponderosa either.

Enjoy!

PS - What on earth made you choose Delta? (spit)

[Glaucus]

The fact it was £452 return, from different airports.

[Glaucus]

Well it's not long now, can't wait getting excited.
But my insurance does not cover jet sking and over sports.

Anyone used sports insurance before, because I've found very few companies and the prices are mad.
Not sure I want to risk it with American prices.

Also traveling extremely light, so is there any great shopping places between the keys and Miami?
Not sure what I want but some clothes would be here at and possible kitchen stuff, computer stuff, general electronics. Depending on prices.

Got three nights in this place
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/2531/oceanviewcottageseahors.jpg

:D

[Will]

Yeah had to take out insurance when going to the States when skydiving - there are plenty of good insurers out there for extreme sports. :) Harris Beaumont were the people I used.

[Glaucus]

Any idea which one you used?

[Will]

Harris Beaumont. :)

[Glaucus]

Thanks, but doesn't appear to cover sea kayaking or sea jet ski. Just inland.

[Will]

Ah ok - well there are undoubtedly many others out there. :)

[Kitten]

Can't offer any advice I'm afraid except to say PETER LUGERS again ;) ... and have a fantastic time! We're heading to Washington (State, not DC) and NYC in November, all being well. Can't wait!