need some ideas on where to go for a weekend getaway the 22nd and 23rd of October

Submitted by gjoakum221 t3_xtljbo in Pennsylvania

Me and my bf are looking for some ideas on somewhere to go and do. The weekend of the 22nd and 23rd. Planning on going into work early that Friday and then starting the weekend from there. We live in the. North eastern part of pa and we don't mind having to drive 3, 4 or 5 hrs away.. are there any fall themed activities like festivals or anything like that going on. We didn't really have a vacation or any type of getaway at all this mostly because of our schedules..

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stillwell6315 t1_iqqohaj wrote

My wife and i just went to Watkins Glen on Lake Seneca in NY. There's a great state park there and a main street with some really good restaurants. Not much in terms of nightlife but that's not really our thing.

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huweetay t1_iqqprhd wrote

Seconding this! Ben & Jerry’s was the extent of our night life. It’s a great place if you are into beer & wine. I still have dreams about the pumpkin beer at Grist

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stillwell6315 t1_iqqpzw4 wrote

Did you try BBQ at Nickel's? So good.

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dlatusek12 t1_iqqvgxk wrote

ANDDDD we also went to Nickels. Did you follow us? 😂

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huweetay t1_iqqqh1h wrote

Oh man no we didn’t, I’ll add it to the list for next time! Can’t wait for another trip

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gjoakum221 OP t1_iqqq3nm wrote

The nightlife used to be my thing but I am so conditioned now to be asleep by 10 because of work.... I am worried that it would be too cold at that time of year for the finger lakes but I will definitely keep that as a consideration

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PoiLethe t1_iqsswys wrote

I agree with you on that. Late October is a huge coin flip on if it's going to be rainy and freezing or bearable sweater weather. I'll second going to NY. I did a proper night life thing to weeks ago and went to a small concert in Elmira NY (The L). Corning is nearby with the glass museum and I think some hiking trails? Something outdoor related. And it's in that 3 hour zone away. I stayed at a hotel overnight. So it would be a good weekend getaway where you had the choice of being outside If it's nice or going to a museum if it's not and both things could take as much time as you want.

I've gone to the Corning glass museum three times at least.. probably same amount of times I've gone to Mystic aquarium and I personally would prefer the glass museum again over any aquarium, mystic or not. Plenty of variety, history, changes in Glass art featured, interactive glass creating activities of different levels, amazing gift shop.

I made a glass frame I hated when I was...12 I think. Just glass chips glued to frame to be heated and then shipped home later and it broke and I was glad lol. I could have made the glass bead at the time but I was too anxious then. There was also a small Cowboy history museum nearby, don't know if it's still there. Very cute. Next time was a school field trip. I signed up for making the glass flowers with the glass blower. I got to use the HOT tongs to shape the flower and choose two colors. Still have it. Also got to make a small flat suncatcher with glas chips sprinkles and rods, have it, its gorgeous (made a heron). Last year went with family and sisters bf for his birthday. Could have spent way more time than an afternoon. Watched the example of them making stuff, perused the gift shop for Christmas gifts and no money lol, huge price range, some books about Tiffany lamps and history of the area and nearby areas. Made a windchime, as did my brother. Got to use the glass breaker tool combo. Was not enough time to make what I wanted as an artistic type. Was there far longer than the kids in that time slot haha. Still turned out gorgeous, though not an obvious vine and water motif, love it anyways . Lots of good restaurants and shops around. There was more places to go that were in conjunction with the main glass museum that we didn't have a chance to check out in one afternoon.

I'd be curious to know if there's good Halloween events around there too. (The variety of glass pumpkins when we went in August was...gorgeous). So if you are into Halloween that would be a place I would guess might create some enjoyable halloween/harvest events.

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dlatusek12 t1_iqqvf76 wrote

My wife and I were just there last weekend from Latrobe, PA. What a beautiful town and state park. We did the wine trail around Seneca lake and the views were wonderful. Lots of neat waterfalls in the area as well. Well worth the drive

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yeags86 t1_iqqyj45 wrote

Went up there with my wife for the NASCAR race earlier this year. I’m not a fan but a former F1 driver I like drove in I guess what is kind of a guest car?

Stayed with a friend who lives about 10 minutes out of the town. Beautiful area. I didn’t go out to vineyards but my wife and our friend did.

Definitely recommended for a long weekend. We have done a trip to one of the other lakes with a group of friends a few years back and spent our days checking out vineyards and breweries, and nights at the rented house with a fire pit.

It’s a great area and there is a lot of options and things to do.

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AnnVealEgg t1_iqsawzg wrote

Yes the Finger Lakes are great for a weekend getaway!

I also recommend Jim Thorpe

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W1neD1ver t1_iqql5c8 wrote

If majestic wildife is your thing...Elk rut in Benezette

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Dear_Steve_Jobs t1_iqqmve0 wrote

Seconding this! I also think the Kinzua Bridge is fun this time of year! Really anything in the PA Wilds is a sight to see.

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Fragrant_Jelly9198 t1_iqqubc8 wrote

Tell me more about this elk rut business

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W1neD1ver t1_iqqy5hg wrote

It's all here. https://elkcountryvisitorcenter.com/

Herds of elk in the semi wild. Semi because farmers have left fields unharvested as feed lots around viewing areas. Visitor center with lots of info and viewing. Camping and lodging abound. Photo op deluxe.

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udderendfarm t1_iqqrqc3 wrote

Going there this weekend. Been doing it for almost 30 years with my family. We rent a huge cabin and just relax. Highly recommend.

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justin7680 t1_iqravz7 wrote

Just visited foe the 1st time last month. Great area. Will be going back for an overnight stay soon.

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goplantagarden t1_iqqwfoc wrote

Lancaster, PA-- lots of god restaurants, shopping, central market, rooftop bars, antiquing, and many artists--both established and new. Short drive to many more historic sites and several hiking options.

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brilliantpants t1_iqr80m2 wrote

This is a great suggestion. Lancaster has really come a long way and I don’t think a lot of people realize how nice it is now. It’s a great weekend destination.

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justin7680 t1_iqral49 wrote

If you are headed that way stop by gettysburg. It's not all civil war stuff. They have a great little downtown square.

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KDE_Fan t1_iqrcrop wrote

Very busy time of year! I drive through Lanc Co country all the time & it is incredibly beautiful this time of year. Lots of the corn has been harvested or will be harvested in a month or so. Pumpkins & gourds are ready to be harvested & the stands & fields are full of colors as well as the trees.

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LadyNorbert t1_iqs5ohe wrote

I adore Lancaster and agree that this is a great option!

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Ogdog13 t1_iquyzs4 wrote

I am 3rd or 4thing the Lancaster, Denver, Adamstown area for those exact reasons! If you like antique and flea markets there is a row of em you can't beat on one street. And the history and hiking is great! The trees will be beautiful. Food is scrumptious. If you go on a Friday please hit the Green Dragon! It will take almost all day. And yes, the Renaissance Fair!!

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Least-Reference-2538 t1_iqqn8ab wrote

Jim Thorpe

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IrisOpen t1_iqr6qs3 wrote

They’re having their Fall Foliage Festival for the next few weekends. It’s an awesome town. I would probably call some places first because it gets really busy/crowded.

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LadyNorbert t1_iqs5kbv wrote

Jim Thorpe is fantastic and the Fall Foliage Festival is a lot of fun, but the traffic is insane. If OP wants to take this suggestion, I highly recommend getting a place to stay where they can park their car overnight, which the lot behind the train station does not allow.

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gjoakum221 OP t1_iqrcfwf wrote

Jim Thorpe is only 45 minutes from me been there quite a few times it's nice

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wearentalldudes t1_iqqskp6 wrote

http://pacanyon.com/

The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is gorgeous that time of year.

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KDE_Fan t1_iqrcclg wrote

10+ years ago I backpacked through the canyon for 10 days and it was BEAUTIFUL!. I think I got back Oct 14th so they are looking about a week later. Temps were pretty nice when I was there.

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AnnVealEgg t1_iqsbdq4 wrote

Do you have any recs on places to stay here? I’ve been wanting to make a trip there!

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SgtBaxter t1_iqsehwe wrote

Jersey Shore is on the south end, Wellsboro is on the north end. Cedar Run Inn is smack in the middle of the Pine Creek Trail.

Normally I bike the trail and take two days up, two days back. The trail is 72 miles so it's 30 some miles per day.

Cedar run is right on the trail, so take bikes and bike some of the trail. Ansonia Valley inn is also near the trail, about halfway between Cedar Run and Wellsboro.

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tsarcasm t1_iqtam6c wrote

Be sure to try the po-tay-toes at Cedar Run during dinner.

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Narrow_Dealer_9171 t1_iqu281t wrote

We just got back from an anniversary trip there. We stayed at a non-traditional B&B called 131 Main in Wellsboro. It was just perfect!

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Modern_rocko t1_iqqyuk3 wrote

If you’re looking for something really interesting, check out Cherry Springs State Park … it’s northern central PA, and is one of the 3 darkest spots in the country … you can rent a room Ata bed and breakfast and spend a night there under the stars… you will see the sky in a way that changes your life!! Just make sure it’s closer to a new moon than a full moon for full effect

One of the best weekend trips my girlfriend and k ever did.

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KDE_Fan t1_iqrd6df wrote

IDK how dark it gets, but when I finally saw the night sky the way it SHOULD be seen, it is a life changing experience!

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MaybeDressageQueen t1_iqqxg67 wrote

You could come to Lancaster. The Renaissance Fair is having events every weekend (get advanced tickets, they can sell out). Great way to spend a Fall day. Our friend group does the Oregon Dairy Corn Maize every year. Its a blast to do in the dark with flashlights. And there’s a lot of general shopping, restaurants, and city stuff to do in Lancaster.

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KDE_Fan t1_iqrd08u wrote

There's also some halloween themed tours in a few places throughout the county such as Field of Screams & some other "haunted hay ride" type places.

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MaybeDressageQueen t1_iqrj038 wrote

I didn’t even think about Field of Screams because I hate that kind of stuff lol!

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LadyNorbert t1_iqs5tyz wrote

Renaissance Faire actually requires advance tickets now, they no longer sell admission at the gate.

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Hib3rnian t1_iqqqwde wrote

Hershey Hotel - couples massage, butterfly garden, great restaurants, Hershey experience, Troegs brewing across the road. Really relaxing and quality couples times.

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Few_Question1417 t1_iqqlwyj wrote

Go camping at hickory run state park in the Pocono's. It is beautiful this time of the year. I was just there 2 weeks ago.

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SixethJerzathon t1_iqrxzv2 wrote

Corning new York is a cute, walkable town and the glass museum is awesome...they're also doing fall theme glass blowing. And if you go the right day they do a cute farmers market in town.

You could also do beacon NY. Cute, hipstery, high endish small town in the Hudson valley. Cool shops, good restaurants, hiking in the area.

Both options here have good foliage views if it isnt too late in the season

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PoiLethe t1_iqstjni wrote

I was just up near it to Elmira two weeks ago. Went to the glass museum last year. Totally worth it. Been three times and want to go at least a forth on my own or with and SO for more than an afternoon. It was my first thought for OP. Would do that over another aquarium any day.

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mntbrrykrnch t1_iqqwcqq wrote

Jim Thorpe. It’s beautiful in the fall. Has a lot of outdoor activities if that’s your thing. If not the town in itself is very quaint and is billed as “the Switzerland of America”

It is also not super expensive

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saketaco t1_iqs39d0 wrote

Wife and I just settled on Jim Thorpe for Halloween (long) weekend. We're not too outdoorsy anymore, but Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, Ghost tour of the historic jail and/or other ghost walks sounded like fun. We'll probably start with the Trick or Treat double feature at the Mahoning Drive-In. Always interested to hear other low-impact ideas.

A number of years ago we spent a weekend in Downingtown. There are a couple nice museums there. Spent a weekend near the PA ren faire. A day at the faire, a day antiquing, another day at a local flea market. Both were fun weekends.

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Least-Bag1626 t1_iqqw5vn wrote

I took my kids to kalahari. I'm in my 40s and had a great time. The restaurants are solid but staying there was a ripoff.

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webauteur t1_iqri6yk wrote

New Hope is probably a long drive for you but it is a great town for tourists with many restaurants and boutiques. You can walk along the canal. You can also cross a bridge into New Jersey to explore Lambertville.

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imagranny t1_iqruzfr wrote

PA Renaissance Fair and then take in some of the Amish country or hang out in Lancaster city. Many great restaurants in Lancaster.

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-TheFarce- t1_iqqn7qw wrote

You might be a week or so past peak foliage that weekend, but still try Jim Thorpe.

Perhaps the best PA destination in teh fall.

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gjoakum221 OP t1_iqqqba0 wrote

Jim Thorpe is only 45 minutes away from us and we've been there quite a few times over the years.. but it was a really good suggestion thank you

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Philos50 t1_iqqvffv wrote

Something sexy? Cove Haven?

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bontakun82 t1_iqqvzgm wrote

If you don't mind driving 6 hours I'd go to Salem.

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sweedishchef8286 t1_iqrb4na wrote

Grand Canyon of PA. It'll be a perfect fall foliage. I recommend staying at Penn Wells Hotel in Wellsboro.

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jayswaz t1_iqrd7zv wrote

20 Can’t Miss Events in October

https://www.discovernepa.com/articles-and-stories/20-cant-miss-events-in-october/?utm_source=DiscoverNEPA+Followers&utm_campaign=ca27000d87-EMAIL_OCTOBER_2022&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_083cd3b481-ca27000d87-469445633

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gjoakum221 OP t1_iqrtq85 wrote

Unfortunately there is only 1 event going on on those dates and it's something that's not so great.. been there

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TheManInTheSocks t1_iqreoaq wrote

Ricketts Glen State Park has camping and stunning hiking with something like 20 waterfalls along the trail.

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Interesting-Deal1101 t1_iqqs3df wrote

Seven Springs used to hall fall festivals. They were sold last year so not sure if they are still having them. But lots of things on the mountain- the ski lifts were open, shopping, wine, hiking. Something for everyone.

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PGHNeil t1_iqr29on wrote

When I was a kid growing up in W-B we would go down to the Bloomsbury Fair.

For couples stuff IIRC Niagara Falls is something like 5 hours away. We would try to get out of NEPA any chance we’d get.

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LouRebel t1_iqr2gyq wrote

Also cherry grove national park. Moved from Pa 5 years ago and then found it through pictures. The night sky there is unbelievable

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mirage-bot t1_iqr3c1p wrote

T and 6th Anderson Anderson

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YayAnotherTragedy t1_iqr8g6t wrote

Allegheny National Forest is absolutely beautiful in the fall. I second the Kinzua Bridge recommendation.

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dnh007 t1_iqrcc90 wrote

Going to the shore is always great thus time of year. Rehoboth is always my go to.

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[deleted] t1_iqrlrut wrote

[deleted]

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gjoakum221 OP t1_iqrtxxd wrote

Salem is almost 9hrs from. I would love to go there but I think it's something that I'd like to plan for longer than just 2 nights

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keystothemoon t1_iqrodsy wrote

I just spent a really relaxing weekend around Jim Thorpe. I stayed in a pretty cheap Airbnb in weisport just outside Jim Thorpe and spent the weekend biking up and down the D&L trail. During the time you want to go there, it’ll be prime leaf-peeping season. Gonna be beautiful up there.

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gjoakum221 OP t1_iqrsc4t wrote

We don't live far from Jim Thorpe and have been there many times..

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moist-astronaut t1_iqrumq1 wrote

here is a list of a bunch of fall activities in and around center county throughout october

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poostainsunlimited t1_iqrwh6t wrote

You could stay at the nature in at bald Eagle state park, it’s gorgeous! The pumpkin chuck festival is that weekend. They cannon pumpkins into the lake, it’s pretty cool. Lots of food and craft vendors

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MaeEliza t1_iqs0gt9 wrote

Beacon, NY. Great restaurants, amazing hiking. DIA Beacon is one of the coolest art museums in the US in my opinion.

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crazy-puff t1_iqs72t7 wrote

Anywhere in New England

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wisevirgin t1_iqsh20n wrote

There’s a high lifestyle of casino goers that play the slots, earn free rooms and comps.

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thelazykitchenwitch t1_iqsia2h wrote

Come to McKean County! Visit the Kinzua Bridge, visit our wineries and distilleries, eat at a local restaurant, tour the Zippo Museum and enjoy the PA Wilds.

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jabberwonk t1_iqsu1hy wrote

Colebrookdale Railroad in Boyertown, then maybe out to Lancaster. Should be peak foliage or just past. There's also a weekend in New Hope Pa. (could do that with Boyertown easily enough as well). Further away I'm sure Falling Water is absolutely spectacular during the fall as well.

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Necessary_East_1288 t1_iqsvfw9 wrote

Don’t know why nobody said this yet but go to Pittsburgh and hit fright night at kennywood or the “phantom fall fest” I think they’re calling it now

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higher_limits t1_iqty4xh wrote

Nothing to add other than to say saving this thread because it is a treasure trove of amazing seasonal things to do around the state! For all its issues we really do live in a great part of the country.

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Magj0y t1_iqumfch wrote

Honestly, keeping your options open might be your best plan.

You may be able to catch peak fall foliage in Gettysburg or s. Of Philadelphia. The weather can also be drastically different in these areas as well. If you like Halloween stuff, there's a lot in the Lancaster area along with of course, wineries.

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Magj0y t1_iqumgn8 wrote

Honestly, keeping your options open might be your best plan.

You may be able to catch peak fall foliage in Gettysburg or s. Of Philadelphia. The weather can also be drastically different in these areas as well. If you like Halloween stuff, there's a lot in the Lancaster area along with of course, wineries.

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turfly1995 t1_iqqlhgy wrote

The power of research. Spend a little time and you will get your answers or just post on here and have other people do the work for you.

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gjoakum221 OP t1_iqqqn4q wrote

I will do some research on my own but I also enjoy reading about others experiences as well

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Your_Coffee_Table t1_iqrci49 wrote

Or you could just not comment on the post and keep it moving.

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turfly1995 t1_iqrcn7p wrote

But that wouldn’t be Reddit now. I can express my thoughts just like the original poster.

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JimmyEatWhirl t1_iqrdkku wrote

No you're right, not having some dingus contribute nothing of value to the conversation and essentially say "JuSt GoOGlE iT!" wouldn't be reddit at all.

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basement-thug t1_iqsydna wrote

Tell us you're miserable without telling us you're miserable.

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turfly1995 t1_iqsyiww wrote

I am just tired of lazy ass fucking people

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basement-thug t1_iqt94s1 wrote

I'm an engineer. I'm reaaally into doing my own research. Like if I want to know how to replace a part on a car. Things where there's a right way and a wrong way. It's not personal.

But for things that are more nuanced like lifestyle choices, experiences and such, I absolutely value the opinions of others based on their experiences. If you try to Google something like this you're going to end up with all sorts of websites that will deliver a description largely based on who is behind it. There's a ton of info on places on the web that are trying to sell you on visiting somewhere to spend your money because they are backed by or influenced by the travel industry.

The group here are going to give feedback without incentive. So for something like this, I would do the same thing. It's not laziness, it's using the correct sources for the research based on the situation.

There's no need to comment, you are not obligated to respond. Being someone who hates laziness I'm assuming you have a mountain of other things you'd be more productive at than making other people feel small for asking for opinions from people.

So try to lighten up and be part of the solution not the problem. It's okay to ask other for advice. It doesn't make you lazy, it makes you curious. You should spend some time reflecting on your impulses.

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turfly1995 t1_iqtcby0 wrote

Everyone has their own personal opinions. What I may think is enjoyable may not be enjoyable for someone. Just you do you. Don’t rely on anyone else. Everyone knows this is Reddit and most of the crap on here is crap.

All I am saying is do it yourself. It’s not that hard. You know what you like and what you don’t like. The time it took to make the posting, the op could have found the information they were looking for. Stop looking for handouts.

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basement-thug t1_iqtg3t1 wrote

You should stop while you're ahead behind. You completely glossed over everything I said as evidenced by your uninformed statement. Why am I not surprised.

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