re: Frustrated with lack of long weekend trip ideas for family.

I rarely drive for any trip longer than 5 hours these days, but I get what the OP is asking. First, if you have a family of 5 flying definitely is not cheaper. Second, travel time flying door to final destination vs 6-7 hr driving time is pretty comparable for a family trip, especially if you have kids and need to get a rental car.

Lots of great options in 7-8 hr drive range including mountains, lakes, amusement parks, historic sites, pretty much everything but desert and snow skiing. And for those saying NO has a crappy location, maybe, but I bet most of the US would love to be within 6 hours of world class beaches and warm water you can swim in 8 months of the year.