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Travel articles below are reprinted from previously
published Kids' Guides.
Please consult the attached website links for the most up-to-date information.
FAMILY VACATION DEALS & TRAVEL NEWS
FEATURE ARTICLES
Charleston, South Carolina
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cheeca Lodge, Islamorada, Florida
Disney UpdateThe
Year of A Million Dreams
Miami Beach, Florida
Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona
San Diego, California
Smugglers' Notch, Vermont
Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson,
Arizona
KIDS' GUIDE FAVORITE
VACATIONS
TRAVEL WEBSITES
OF NOTE
Helpful websites to plan your next family vacation
Family
Vacation Deals
&
Travel News
Family Vacation Deals are updated
in January and June with the release of the new print version of the Kids'
Guide.
The website is updated periodically between those dates.
PLEASE NOTE: Special packages are offered for a limited time and
may be discontinued at any time. Rates and dates are subject to change without
notice. Please use links to individual destinations for current prices and
availability and to see new packages and offers.
FLORIDA | HAWAII | CARIBBEAN | EAST | WEST | SKIING | U.S./INTERNATIONAL
ORLANDO
The Orlando Magicard, valid for up to six people (excluding accommodations),
allows vacationers to save at 95 area establishments from attractions, accommodations,
restaurants and dinner theaters to ground transportation and shopping malls.
The card is available free of charge through the Orlando/Orange County Convention
and Visitors Bureau. Travel counselors can be reached for vacation-planning
information by calling 407-363-5872.
www.orlandoinfo.com, 800-551-0181
Spring Family Beach Break season at Daytona
Beach runs from March 10-May 22, 2008. Special packages, discounts
and offers good at dozens of participating Daytona Beach area hotels, attractions,
shops and restaurants are available.
866-845-1993
RESORTQUEST KIDS STAY, PLAY & EAT FREE PROGRAM
ResortQuest Hawaii's family program, ResortQuest Kids Stay, Play & Eat
Free, gives guests exclusive free offers at nearly 40 attractions, restaurants
and retailers across Hawaii's four major islands. The yearround program
entitles children (12 & under) to free activities, meals and merchandise
when staying at any ResortQuest Hawaii property when accompanied by one
paying adult. ResortQuest Kids Stay, Play & Eat FREE is a family-focused
extension of ResortQuest's popular Aloha Book, which provides discounts
and freebies valued up to $1,300. For a complete listing of offers by island,
visit www.ResortQuestHawaiiKids.com.
www.ResortQuestHawaii.com,
866-774-2924
BAHAMAS
Stella Maris Resort,
on Long Island in the southern Bahamas, offers spectacular diving, snorkeling
and fishing year round in its crystal clear, warm waters. Family-friendly
accommodations include ocean-view hotel rooms, one-bedroom cottages (both
with mini fridge) and 2, 3 and 4-bedroom bungalows (with full kitchen),
some with private pool, ranging in price from $170 to $630. Children 7 years
and younger always stay free. Children from 8-12 sharing an accommodation
with their parents are $20 per child per night. Cribs and babysitters are
available and the resort offers a special kid's menu.
800-426-0466
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC & MEXICO
Dreams & Sunscape Resorts & Spas, seven luxury family-focused
resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic offer a new Explorer's Club
as part of their all-inclusive packages. The fully supervised Explorer's
Club is open from 9am to 10pm for children ages 3 to 12. Teenagers will
find some resort programs designed specifically for their interests. Accommodation
options for families include swim-out suites or two-bedroom master oceanfront
suites as well as connecting rooms or other room categories. All-inclusive
rates at Dreams and Sunscape Resorts & Spas include accommodations,
meals, premium brand drinks, 24-hour room service, Explorer's Club, pools,
sports facilities, water sports equipment and instruction, entertainment,
taxes and gratuities. Babysitting is available but charged additional.
Dreams Resorts & Spas offer
luxury accommodations and extensive facilities, activities and programs
geared towards families and friends.
866-2DREAMS
Sunscape Resorts & Spas
offer family-oriented accommodations, plus a comprehensive line-up of facilities,
activities and programs to enhance family vacation experiences.
866-SUNSCAPE
JAMAICA
Club Mongoose, a children's program for ages 2-12, is complimentary
as part of the all-inclusive plans at Sunset
Resorts in Jamaica. The Resorts include Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort
in Ocho Rios, Sunset Beach Resort & Spa in Montego Bay, and Sunset at the Palms in Negril,
a newly renovated eco-friendly all-inclusive resort featuring whimsical
stilt houses scattered throughout a 10-acre tropical garden bordering the
Negril Royal Palm Preserve.
800-234-1707
MEXICO
Cabo La Estancia,
a luxury beach resort and spa in Cabo San Lucas Mexico, offers spacious,
private villas located on Mendano Beach, the only swimmable beach in Cabo
San Lucas. Families can choose from three types of villas-two bedroom-three
baths, three bedroom-four baths or penthouse units offering 5,500 square
feet occupying the entire eighth floor. Resort amenities include the Desert
Spa, infinity edge pool, kids program and babysitting services. Packages
and last-minute deals are posted on the resort's website.
310-577-8600
The Hilton Los Cabos
offers the Family Dolphin Adventure through May 31, 2008.
Package includes complimentary Cabo Dolphins apparel, a Hilton welcome backpack
for children upon arrival, daily breakfast and daily Hilton shuttle service.
The package also includes a private beach palapa for a day inclusive of
beach toys, chilled bottled water and fresh fruit basket. Rate for a 5-night
stay starts at $2,196 for four guests, excluding taxes. The Hilton Los Cabos
Beach & Golf Resort is a AAA Four Diamond resort featuring 375 luxuriously
appointed guest rooms and suites offering views of the Sea of Cortes, four
recently renovated ocean view dining venues, new Spa Oasis, draped beach
front palapas, two lighted tennis courts, "Vacation Station" children's
program, a full service fitness center and infinity edge swimming pool.
800-HILTONS
ROATAN
Anthony's Key Resort, a
PADI 5-Star Gold Palm Resort in Roatan, offers a popular Dolphin/Scuba Camp
in the summer for children ages 5-9 and 10-14. While parents enjoy scheduled
boat dives or snorkel trips to Roatan's world-class underwater sites, children
learn about interacting with bottlenose dolphins and will be exposed to
diving and snorkeling skills according to their age and skill level. Camp
begins on Sunday and ends on Friday. Children join parents for lunch daily
and parents are welcome to observe and participate in most activities. The
rate of $999 (2007) per child includes accommodations, three meals daily,
all dolphin camp activities, equipment and materials, based on one child
per adult staying in the same room. Consult website for 2008 family specials
and packages.
800-227-3483
ST. JOHN, USVI
Cinnamon Bay Campground is
an unspoiled island refuge set on the northern coast of St. John, USVI,
operated by Caneel Bay, a Rosewood
Resort. Surrounded by Virgin Islands National Park and located just steps
from the longest beach on the island, Cinnamon Bay offers rates fron just
$27 per night based on double occupancy. Affordable rates at Cinnamon Bay
start at the following for double occupancy: Beachfront Cottages $140; Beach
view Cottages, $125; Cottages: $110; Tents: $80; Baresites: $27; additional
person are $17 each, except for baresites at $7 each.
A campground in name only,
Cinnamon Bay offers a range of inviting accommodations, including 40 screen-lined
coattages, 55 durable pre-erected tents, and 31 bare sites for camp-it-yourselfers
with space enough for one large tent or two smaller tents. All accommodations
are private and serene, and less than a five-minute walk from the sands
of Cinnamon Bay Beach.
Cinnamon Bay can be reached
from St. Thomas via ferries from Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay,
SAt. John, and then a 15-minute taxi ride to the campground.
800-539-9998
ST. LUCIA
Coconut Bay Beach
Resort & Spa along St. Lucia's south coast allows adults to
enjoy quiet time without kids, families to spend time together and kids
and teens to spend time away from the adults in their own supervised areas.
Families stay in rooms close to the action of the recently launched CocoLand
featuring a water park and Kidz Klub. An wing for adults is situated near
the Kai Mer Spa and tranquil adult-only area, complete with cabana beds
and hammocks. At CocoLand, youngsters take nature hikes on Coconut Bay's
85 palm-fringed acres and participate in supervised arts and crafts. Teens
spend time with their peers at Da Buzz, the resort's club for 13-17 year
olds, complete with X-Box 360s, soda and snack bar, oversized bean bag furniture,
movies and organized activities.
ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
Caribbean Fun Tours is
offering a four-day/four-night Pirates of the Caribbean package with
an opportunity to explore the same islands and hidden coves featured in
the movie trilogy. The package includes accommodations at Mariners
Hotel with continental breakfasts; daily activities including two
full day tours of St. Vincent with a stop in Wallilabou Bay to visit the
Pirates of the Caribbean movie set; roundtrip airfare between Barbados and
St. Vincent; and a meet-and-greet upon arrival in St. Vincent. Rates start
at $1,200 per person, based on double occupancy. Package is valid through
2008.
784-456-5600
MAINE
Hog Island Audubon Center
in Muscongus Bay offers special youth and family camps this summer.
Set on a private island and run by Maine Audubon, the 330-acre preserve
in midcoast Maine provides an intimate setting for exploring nature.
Jun 22-28 Coastal
Maine Bird Studies, for teens ages 14-17
Jun 29-July 5 Family Birding Adventure, families
with children ages 6-13.
July 6-11 Family
camp, families with children ages 6-11
Aug 3-9 Youth
Camp, for ages 10-13
Aug. 30-Sept. 1 Labor Day Family Retreat
888-325-5261 ext 215
Linekin Bay Resort is
a family sailing resort that is virtually unchanged from its start over
60 years ago, offering a very family friendly, laid back, rustic environment
of years gones by. Groups range from families with young children to large
multigenerational groups. Special kids camp and discounted kids rates are
offered.
866-847-2103
LL
Bean's Outdoor Discovery Schools is offering the Maine Coastal
Camping Bike Tour this summer, a two day weekend excursion geared toward
family fun. Cruise the rocky coast and rolling country of Maine at a leisurely
pace with plenty of time to stop and take in all the experiences the Maine
coast has to offer. Families will camp in a private waterfront campground
in Freeport, where a traditional Maine lobster bake will be served. Bikes
and helmets are provided. Participants must be at least 10 years old.
Participants in the Island Kayak Camping
Trip can explore the natural beauty of Casco Bay and Freeport Maine.
Experienced guides lead at a relaxing pace on this three day escape. No
previous paddling or camping experience is necessary. All kayaking and camping
gear is included. Minimum age is 12.
MARYLAND
Baltimore
Harbor Magic Hotels (Pier 5 Hotel, Admiral Fell Inn and Brookshire Suites)
offer a Family Adventure Package which includes deluxe overnight
accommodations at the Harbor Magic Hotel of your choice with breakfast for
two adults and two children. The package also includes a Harbor Magic camera
and frame along wth a Harborplace & The Gallery discount book, a choice
of two ESPN Zone 40 point game cards, two adult and two child passes to
Ed Kane's Water Taxi, Top of the World Observation Level, or the USS Constellation.
www.harbormagic.com, 866-583-4162
MASSACHUSETTS
For a family adventure close to home, Zoar
Outdoor offers whitewater raft trips, canoe and kayak instruction,
rock climbing and camping/lodging in the Berkshire Mountains of western
Massachusetts along the Deerfield River. The area features many acres of
state land for hiking, biking, water sports and backroad driving and is
also a popular destination due to its growing number of artist's studios,
galleries, performing arts and restaurants. The Zoar Gap trip, featuring
class II and III rapids, is ideal for families (minimum age 7) and first-time
rafters. Half-day guided float trips are available for families and groups
with children 5 and over. Spring trips begin mid-April and continue throughout
the summer. A fly fishing program was added last year with guided float
fishing trips.
800-532-7483
The Inn at The Oaks,
steps from the Cape Cod National Seashore and the Cape Cod Rail Trail offers
family suites including pet friendly accommodations in the carriage house,
as well as king and queen size rooms. All guest rooms and suites have private
baths, A/C, TV/DVD, sitting area or activity table, telephone and wireless
internet access. Additional amenities include fireplaces, claw-foot soaking
tubs and refrigerators. In-season rates are $135-$280, off-season $105-$240.
877-255-1886
Boston
Visit www.bostonusa.com
for a complete set of Family Friendly hotel packages. For publications/brochures,
value cards and family-friendly discounts, visit the website.
888-733-2678
The Kids See & Do package at The Colonnade Hotel in Boston includes deluxe accommodations for two adults and two children in the 285-room European style hotel, a VIKids fanny pack stocked with welcome gifts for two children upon arrival, the choice of two adult and two children's tickets to either The New England Aquarium or The Children's Museum, a full American breakfast for the whole family, overnight parking and a late check out of 2pm on the date of departure. The Colonnade Hotel is conveniently located in Boston's fashionable Back Bay, steps away from a variety of family activities.Package rates start at $270 per night and are subject to availability.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
The Appalachian Mountain
Club offers week-long Family Adventure Camps during the summer,
plus year-round all-inclusive stays at AMC's Highland Lodge in the White
Mountains, New Hampshire, featuring expert-led activities, outdoor gear,
meals and lodging. A more rustic closer-to-home destination is AMC's
Mohican Outdoor Center in Sussex County, New Jersey, which is operated
on a self-service basis all year. See listing under Outdoors for
more info about the Mohican Outdoor Center.
The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel
offers a SKI FREE IN 2008 and FROSTY FAMILY FUN PACKAGE
for the winter. The Ski Free packages offers lodging, breakfast, lift
tickets to the alpine ski area and trail passes for cross country skiing
for $89 per night Sunday to Thursday, January through March, 2008. The Frosty
Family Fun Package, starting at $289, per suite, per night, up to four people,
offers full buffet breakfast for four in the dining room, resort activities
including ice skating, showshoeing, nightly entertainment, homemade cookies
and stuffed moose for every child. Visit the website for valid dates and
details. The Balsams is a four-star destination that boasts 202 guestrooms
and suites, four dining venues, nightly entertainment and children's programs.
866-380-6798
NEW YORK
Adirondacks
Getaway packages for the Lake George area in the Adirondacks are available
at www.visit lakegeorge.com.
NORTH CAROLINA
The Outer Banks Official Travel Guide & Getaway Card is available from
the Outer Banks official travel web site at www.outerbanks.org
or call the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau toll free at 877-OBX-4FUN (629-4386).
The guide includes sections highlighting cycling, the Civil War trail, and
running along the Outer Banks as well as information about campgrounds,
beach access, public boat ramps, fishing, lifeguard locations and more.
877-OBX-4FUN
ARIZONA
Arizona Tourism Center
with resorts in Sedona and Scottsdale is offering a package of 4 days/3
nights in a one bedroom suite (sleeps four) for $245. Five days/4 nights
in a one bedroom suite are available for $325. All resorts feature full
kitchens in one bedroom suites and larger. Amenities include pool, hot tub,
fitness, barbecue areas and an on-site activity center offering arts and
crafts for kids. Prices are subject to availability. Holiday and black-out
dates may apply. Travel, taxes and incidentals are not included. Travel
must be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Offer is good seven days a week.
877-444-8044
For parents traveling with kids, the Pointe
Hilton Squaw Peak Resort has many attractive amenities. An all-suite
resort, guests can choose from a standard two-room suite, a one- or two-
bedroom casita, a Grande Suite or mountainside Palacio, a 3-bedroom fully
furnished home overlooking the resort. The resort's Hole-in-the-Wall River
Ranch features four acres of cascading waterfalls, secluded waterways, three
new swimming pools, and a 130-foot waterslide. Located on 27-acres the property
is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert and bordered by the 3,000-acre Phoenix
Mountain Preserve offering immediate access to hiking, jogging and biking
trails. The Coyote Camp children's program is available for children ages
4-12.
800-876-4683
Xanterra South Rim, LLC,
operator of the lodges and other services in Grand
Canyon National Park at the South Rim, and the Grand
Canyon Field Institute offers a two-day, two-night "Learning
& Lodging" program which combines in-field adventures with naturalist
guides, comfortable accommodations in park lodges, in-park transportation,
one dinner, two breakfasts, two box lunches, retail coupons and a course
completion certificate. Group size is limited to 12. Children 10 and older
are welcome to participate when accompanied by an adult.
www.grandcanyonlodges.com,
click on the "promotions" link.
CALIFORNIA
The Hyatt Regency Huntington
Beach Resort & Spa offers a SophistiKids program featuring a
variety of games, crafts and water recreation. Travelers ages 8-12 can take
part in specially designed spa treatments, children ages 3-7 can join Camp
Hyatt Beach Club offering arts and crafts and games in a safe, supervised
environment. Toes on the Nose, located on the grounds of the Hyatt Regency
Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, offers individual or group surf lessons
and a Surf 'n Spa package. In addition to surfing lessons, Toes on the Nose
offers rentals including Nirve beach cruiser bicycles, surfboards, body
boards, wet suits, beach chairs, umbrellas and sand toys. Other Surf City
activities include beach bonfires, kite flying and s'mores on the beach.
800-729-6232, Huntington Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau
COLORADO
Drowsy Water Ranch
in Granby, Colorado, focuses on down home hospitality and old fashion fun
for families. The Rangerider program for kids 6 through 13 is built around
an instruction-based horseback riding program where they practice skills
in the arena before setting out to the backcountry on morning and afternoon
trail rides. The young riders work up to loping and all day rides as their
abilities improve. For children ages 5 and under, the Buckaroo program's
activities include horseback rides around the ranch, games, crafts and picnic
hikes while parents enjoy their day's activities. Naps and baby feeding
can be attended to by Buckaroo counselors. In addition to horse programs,
home cooked meals and evening family entertainment are included. Mountain
bikes, guided hikes, fishing, golf and all day rafting trips are optional
activities.
800-845-2292
Holiday Expeditions' family
rafting trip on the San Juan River this spring is suited for families with
children as young as five years old. Warm temperatures, mellow rapids, plenty
of time for natural play and exploration and historic Native American ruins
along the way make for an ideal family adventure. Family trips cater to
children by offering "kid kits," kid-friendly guides, meals and
hikes as well as reduced family rates. Visit website for spring departure
dates and additional river trips.
800-624-6323
Mesa Verde Country's family adventures include archaeology, trains, stagecoaches,
horseback rides, hands-on museum activities and Indian dances. The Mesa Verde Family Fun Package
for $529 per family includes two nights lodging at Far View Lodge inside
Mesa Verde National Park; two family breakfasts; half day ranger guided
tour of Mesa Verde's sites including Cliff Palace; family tickets for Balcony
House, laddery climb and tunnel crawl; family fun gift activity pack; tickets
for the whole family for Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad;
and optional add-on stagecoach ride in the Mancos Valley. Family rate is
for two adults and two children 11 years and under. Additional charge for
children 12 and above and more than 2 children. Taxes, surcharge and NPS
fees are not included. Offer is valid mid-May through mid-October, 2008.
Not valid with other discounts. Offer is subject to availability and inventory
limits.
866-773-5018
One of Southwest Ed-Ventures newest offerings is the Southwest Safari Camp. All gear including tents, daypacks, hiking poles, chairs and lanterns are provided by Southwest Ed-Ventures. Showers, clean lavatories, a large dining tent and many other amenities are provided for guests comfort. Guests will hike to remote ruins, canyons, and vistas led by an archeologist and his team, to learn through hands-on education and exploration. Hikes cater to travelers of all physical abilities.
Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch
near Loveland, is offering an Old-Fashioned Family Camp April 19-22,
2008. Camp includes 3 nights lodging, ranch-style meals and activities
like horse drawn hayride, ranch chores, games, contests, tournaments, pond
fishing, family softball game, fireside sing along, campfire, s'mores, trail
rides and more.
877-667-3999
Wilderness Trails Ranch
in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado has been operating continuously
as a guest ranch since 1950. Horseback riding instruction includes all day
and half day rides, trailblazing, cattle work and clinics for grown-ups
and an award-winning children's and teen program for ages 3-17. Week-long
all-inclusive vacations include accommodations in historic yet elegant log
cabins, all meals from ranch fare to gourmet cuisine, swimming, horse-drawn
hay rides, fishing, lake activities and evening entertainment. Spa services,
white-water rafting, guided fly fishing, guided excursions to Mesa Verde
National Park, and discounted rides on the historic Durango & Silverton
Narrow Gauge Railroad are available optional activities.
800-527-2624
Estes Park is the location of one of YMCA of the Rockies properties suited
to family travelers with facilities to accommodate family reunions. Outdoor
recreation includes fly fishing, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, outdoor
education programs and day camps.
www.ymcarockies.org
GRAND CANYON
Grand Canyon Expeditions offers
all-inclusive 8- and 14-day adventures through the Grand Canyon, including
special-interest excursions that focus on archaeology, history, ecology,
geology and photography. Guests ride the Colorado River's rapids, explore
side canyons and camp on the river's beaches. Tours are all-inclusive including
meals, beverages, sleeping gear, dry bags, tents, personal storage boxes
and transportation to and from Las Vegas, the point of origin. Trips are
scheduled May-August and are recommended for ages 8 and up.
800-544-2691
IDAHO
Warren River Expeditions, providing
white water rafting trips on Idaho's Main Salmon and Middle Fork of the
Salmon River, offers a 25% discount for kids 14 and younger.
800-765-0421
Destination Wilderness
of Idaho offers guided family trips, inflatable kayaks and kayaks
support trips on the Main Salmon River. Legendary whitewater, pristine scenery,
abundant wildlife, sandy beaches and hot springs are samples of what this
magnificent canyon has to offer.
866-872-5666
MONTANA
Resort Property Management has
a large selection of luxurious vacation homes and condos in Big Sky, Montana,
just 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park. The Kid-cation Vacation
Package includes the family's choice of a summer vacation home or condominium
in Big Sky's Meadow Village or up on Lone Peak; two-hour trail ride on horseback
at an area rance, fly-fishing in well-stocked trout ponds, a hayride and
BBQ down by the Gallatin River and a half day scenic float down the Gallatin.
The Kid-cation Vacation package also includes a Montana Kids Pack with area
maps, visors, games, snacks, water bottles and "moose trail mix."
To learn more, call 866-995-4455 or visit the website.
For a downloadable travel guide, packages and deals and vacation planning info about family-friendly activities in western Montana's Glacier Country, including Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake area, visit www.glaciermt.com.
SOUTHWEST U.S.
Dvorak Expeditions
offers kayak and rafting trips from a half-day to 10 days covering 9 rivers
and 29 canyons in five states. Specific dates are reserved for family rafting
trips where each adult paying full price may bring a child free or larger
families can participate on the trip at one special price. Exclusive 22-day
teenage (13-17 years) Whitewater Skills Course is availablem $1942. Guide
training courses (minimum age 18 years) are offered in spring; spring break
trips for college students; custom fly-fishing expeditions; youth group
trips; kayak, canoe and raft instruction are also offered throughout the
season.
800-824-3795
WASHINGTON
The new 2008 edition of the Seattle
TourSaver is available with 2-for-1 savings on things to do in Seattle,
the San Juan Islands and Victoria, BC. The booklet includes over 50 offers
worth $3,000 in savings. Its cost of $79.95 includes free shipping to U.S.
addresses. Purchase before March 15 for $59.95.
WYOMING
TETON VILLAGE
Teton Mountain Lodge, completed in late 2002, is a full-service hotel
offering luxury rooms and condominium suites, all located slopeside at the
Jackson Hole Mountain resort and less than a mile from Grand Teton National
Park. A blend of 79 condominium units that break into 128 hotel suites and
rooms allow the Lodge to combine luxury hotel services and amenities with
the convenience and flexibility of condominium accommodations. Teton Mountain
Lodge has been recognized as one of the top 50 family resort properties
in North America by Travel + Leisure Family magazine.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Programs offered by the Yellowstone Association Institute include multi-day
Lodging & Learning programs at park hotels and Field Seminars at the
organization's field campus. A complete listing is available at www.YellowstoneAssociation.org
307-344-5566
Xanterra Parks & Resorts has added a families-only session
to its "Fun on the Fly" program in Yellowstone National
Park. The new two-day fly-fishing package is designed just for families
with children eight and over. The program includes two days of field instruction
from certified instructors from the Yellowstone Fly Fishing School, two
nights of loding in Frontier Cabins at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, all fly
fishing equipment, two breakfasts, two lunches, one dinner, in-park transportation
and a welcome gift. With the exception of the families-only program, participants
must be over the age of 12. Fun on the Fly is offered June 13-15, June 27-29,
July 18-20 and Aug. 15-17. The families-only program is offered Aug. 1-3
and a women-only program is offered Sept. 5-7. Price is $849 plus tax based
on double occupancy. The price for children between 8 and 11 years old in
the families-only program is $669 plus tax.
307-344-5566
ADVENTURE U.S. & ABROAD
Boundless Journeys,
an operator of high-quality, small group adventure trips worldwide, offers
many trips appropriate for families. Their most popular is the 8 day/7
night Costa Rica: Rainforests and Volcanoes Family Adventure. 2008 planned
departures are April 13-20, July 6-13; 2009 dates are February 15-22 and
April 12-19. Peaceful and stable, Costa Rica is recommended as an ideal
first family adventure to an exotic location. The wildlife, culture and
geography offer phenomenal learning opportunities and fun activities abound
at swimming pools, butterfly farms, swing bridges and zipline tours. Accommodations,
expert local guides, transportation in Costa Rica and meals are included.
Normally priced at $2895 per person for adults and $2595 per child 7-11
years old, Boundless Journeys is offering a $100 per person discount for
Kids' Guide readers on 2008 and 2009 trips. Other trips recommended for
families include Tanzania: Migration Safari and Peru: The Sacred
Valley and Machu Picchu.
$100 per person discount for Kids' Guide readers
800-941-8010
COSTA RICA
NatureAir is the world's first
carbon neutral airline and the only domestic airline in Costa Rica that
offers children ages two to 11 a 25% discount off the listed ticket price.
NatureAir's vacation department can also create a family package for all
fitness levels, personal tastes and budgets. For a complete list of schedules
and prices, visit www.natureair.com
FAMILY HOSTEL
800-733-9753. Learning vacations organized by the University of New Hampshire
continuing education department for families with school age children (especially
ages 8-15). Intergenerational
Elderhostel provides low-cost vacation opportunities for active
grandparents and their grandchildren (suggested age 8-12, one child per
adult). www.learn.unh.edu/interhostel,
877-426-8056
TRUSTED
ADVENTURES
Trusted Adventures is a group of seven experienced, like-minded, owner-involved
adventure travel companies who formed an alliance in 2005 to offer a way
for families to identify and book top quality adventure travel vacations.
The group is dedicated to the promotion of ecologically sensitive and responsible
travel and collectively offers over 300 trips to 80 destinations worldwide.
Members include:
· Austin-Lehman Adventures,
offering luxury multi-sport adventures throughout the Americas. New for
2008 is a family adventure program in southern
Africa and another out of Whistler,
BC. 800-575-1540
· Euro-Bike & Walking Tours,
has been leading active cycling tours and guided walking trips in Europe
for over 30 years. 800-321-6060
· Myths and Mountains,
offers cultural journey to Asia, South America, Antarctica and Africa.
800-670-6984, www.mythsandmountains.com
· ROW Adventures,
offers rafting and active travel in Idaho, Oregon and Montana since
1979. 800-451-6034, www.rowadventures.com
· The Wayfarers,
offers worldwide walking vacations since 1984. 800-249-4620, www.thewayfarers.com
· Western River Expeditions,
offering whitewater rafting vacations in Grand Canyon, Arizona, Utah and
Idaho for over 45 years.
· Wildland Adventures, offering
authentic cultural and natural history explorations worldwide. 800-345-4453,
www.wildland.com
For more information, visit Trusted
Adventures online at www.trustedadventures.com
ASIA TRANSPACIFIC JOURNEYS
Sea kayaking among islands off the coast of Thailand, a dinosaur dig
in Mongolia, riding an elephant through the jungle in search of tigers in
India, and exploring the Great Wall of China are experiences that offer
families a multi-cultural immersion for kids to soak up concepts ranging
from geography to natural history. THe current exchange rate makes travel
to Asia especially appealing. Land costs start at $1,000 per day per family,
and includes lodging, nearly all meals, tranfers, visa fees, tips, entrance
fees, medical and emergency insurance and a comprehensive pre-departure
packet. For 2007/2008 Asia Transpacific Journeys itineraries of Small Group
Trips and Custom Journeys encompass over 20 countries in Asia and the Pacific.
Some trips also support global conservation and cultural preservation. Asia
Transpacific Journeys owns non-profit Asia Transpacific Foundation, established
in 1988, works with rural Asian communities to provide clean drinking water
through locally made ceramic water filters.
800-642-2742
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Ecoventura, a family-owned
small-ship adventure company, offers designated departures over school breaks
and during the summer for families to explore the Galapago Islands. Supervised
water games, snorkeling and sea kayaking instruction are geared toward the
younger set. Children can visit the bridge and learn about astronomy, navigational
charts and knot tying. Naturalist guides present information on Ecuador
ecology, geology, marine mammals and reptiles and the history of the Galapagos
Islands and Charles Darwin. Kid-friendly food is available and special parties
are planned.
International Expeditions, a leader in nature travel, is offering 10-day journeys to the Amazon and the Galapagos for families. Galapagos Islands journeys, with departures on July 4 and 18, bring guests face to face with some of the world's rarest and most exciting wildlife. Departures for the Amazon Voyage are scheduled for July 4, 11, 18 and 25. Among the assets that make International Expeditions Family Voyages special are IE's Family Directors, custom-crafted, family-friendly itineraries, special pre-trip materials for young explorers, and IE's hallmark guides who know and love their destination. A kid-centric menu with favorites like chicken fingers, pasta and waffles will appease even the fussiest eaters, while adults dine on international and local cuisine.
TRAFALGAR TOURS
Established in 1947 Trafalgar Tours has 59 years of experience providing
worldwide vacations to Europe, Britain, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand,
South America and Asia. Trafalgar's packages include accommodations, breakfast
daily plus many other meals, sightseeing, luxury touring on modern coaches
and the services of a tour director. Packages for the entire family include
getaways such as "Footprints of the Southwest," "Canada's
Rockies" and "An English Christmas." Trafalgar
can also arrange a personalized tour for families, or with Trafalgar's
"Travel with Friends," groups of five or more receive significant
savings.
866-544-4434
WALKING & CYCLING VACATIONS
Many parents cross taking a vacation to Europe off their list of things
to do at least until their children are teens. But Breakaway
Adventures, a tour company specializing in walking and cycling overseas
vacations, regularly has families with children of all ages travel on its
more than 200 tours. Co-owner Carol Keskitalo says, "I usually like
to talk to the parents about what the kids like to do and how active the
kids are to help them choose something suitable." However, she does
offer these recommendations which are likely to hold both parent and child's
interest and not wear out either.
Amboise to Chenonceau Walk in the Loire Valley of France
"This is a relaxed holiday with very low key and kid-friendly hotels,"
says Keskitalo. The walk takes families past many castles, chateaux and
interesting villages, likely to pique a child's interest.
Dordogne Gastronomic Walk or Dordogne Gastronomic Cycling in Dordogne,
France
"The region is really unchanged by time and seems just like it was
600 years ago," says Keskitalo. "I always tell parents this is
a very fun and educational way for kids to really feel and see a part of
the world that is so different and untouched by modern society." On
this trip, kids can go canoeing in the off days, visit prehistoric paintings
in the Lascaux caves and check out a mechanical toy museum in Souillac.
Tuscany Cycling
A good choice for older children and teens, as this trip is more mountainous
and difficult.
For more information and detailed itineraries, visit www.breakaway-adventures.com
or call 800-567-6286.
WIMCO VILLAS
Wimco Villas celebrates publication
of the new Vendome Guide to Italy by offering folks who book villas
in Italy directly with Wimco by Dec. 31, 2007, for travel by September 2008
complimentary first night in-villa provisioning. The guide features insider
information and vacation recommendations in Tuscany, Umbria, Capri and the
Amalfi Coast. Villas are organized by categories including best villas for
families, within walking distance to a village, villas with air conditioning
and fully staffed luxury villas.
888-817-9920
Moguls Mountain Travel has packaged participating airline and resort information on their website at www.moguls.com under "Vacation Deals" or call 800-666-4857.
COLORADO
Save 15% on newest slopeside lodging at Winter
Park, Colorado. Rates at Fraser Crossing and Founders Pointe start
from $73 per person per night. Minimum four-night stay required. Located
at the entrance to Winter Park Resort, rates at the Vintage Hotel are $69
from Feb. 1-March 13, based on double occupancy. Rate may vary based on
arrival date, unit type and availability. From March 29-30, Winter Park
Resort and Burton team up for two intensive days of classes, six hours of
coaching and video analysis at Burton Learn to Ride Women's Camp.
$185 includes equipment. 970-726-1564.
800-979-0332
Vail Kids Snowsports School
offers both private and group instruction for children of all levels. Kids
can pick up a Vail Kids Adventure Map in any of the Children's Snowsports
School locations, a guide to adventure areas such as Crazy Coyote's Cavern,
Dragon Breath's Den, Magic Forest and the hidden trails kids love that meander
off the main trails. Families can play well into the night at the Adventure
Ridge activity center on Vail Mountain. Activities include a multi-lane
tubing hill, kids snowmobiling, bungee-harnessed rebound trampolines, snowshoe
tours, ski biking, nature talks, family movie nights and family dinner theatre.
800-404-3535
IDAHO
In Sun Valley, Idaho, kids 15 and under Stay & Ski Free from January
1-28, 2008 and March 2-end of season 2008, when staying in a participating
Wood River Valley lodging property, limited to one child per paying parent.
In addition to outstanding skiing, the Sun Valley/Ketchum area offers ice
skating at the Sun Valley Lodge ice rink, snow shoeing, tubing, sleigh rides,
cross country skiing and snowmobiling.
MONTANA
Big Sky's River Rock Lodge in Montana is offering a Ski Value Package
for the 2007-08 winter season. The charming Montana-style lodge is nestled
within Meadow Village in Big Sky-just down the mountain from the slopes
at Big Sky and Moonlight Basin. The Ski Value Package includes an all-day
lift ticket to the slopes at Big Sky or Moonlight Basin, guestroom accommodations
at the Inn, continental breakfast and complimentary transportation to the
ski slopes. Priced from $84 per person per day for quad occupancy, and $111
per person per day for double occupancy, the Ski Value Package is based
on availability and extends through April 15, 2008. Kids age 10 and under
stay and ski for free.
866-995-4455
River Rock Lodge's sister
company, Resort Property Management,
offers a large selection of luxurious vacation homes and condominiums
available for rentals, many with ski-in, ski-out opportunities. Its Winter
Fantasy Package for 2007-08 includes skiing at Big Sky or Moonlight Basin,
a Dinner Sleigh Ride at Lone Mountain Ranch located nearby, and a SnoCoach
Tour of Yellowstone National Park. The package is priced from $540 per person
for a 4-night stay, and includes lodging in any house or condo within Resort
Property Management's inventory. Select black out dates apply, including
December 21-January 5, 2008. The Winter Fantasy Package continues through
April 15, 2008. Tax, gratuities and park entrance fee is extra.
866-995-4455
March 2008
FEATURE ARTICLES
Mention Charleston, South Carolina, to anyone who has been there and you always hear good things. It is a city renowned for its southern charm and hospitality, historic preservation, stately homes and gardens and host of family-friendly activities. We set out last spring to discover its charms for ourselves and learn why it consistently ranks as a top ten travel destination in the U.S. by readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine. In October, 2007, Charleston was honored with the number three position by the magazine.
JAMES ISLAND COUNTY
PARK
Our first stop was James Island County Park. From downtown Charleston,
it is a 15 minute drive across the Ashley River. The Charleston area is
naturally divided into distinct regions by the many rivers and waterways
that wind through the lowlands. Historic Charleston is located in a sheltered
harbor off the Atlantic at the junction of the Cooper and Ashley Rivers,
a strategic location which accounts for its important role in so many key
events in American history.
We checked into one of ten vacation cottages available for rent at James Island County Park, ideal accommodations for nature lovers and campers. The kids were immediately distracted by the anoles sunning themselves on the side of our cottage and, so began what would become a major preoccupation of this leg of our trip -- the quest for lizards. Each cottage has three bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and bath and sleeps up to eight people. Two bedrooms have queen size beds and one small bedroom has just enough room for a bunk bed. Our cottage was clean and in good condition, furnished with heavy duty pine furniture and equipped with TV, telephone, cooking utensils, flatware, dishes, bed linens, blankets and bath towels. The cottages are built on stilts and overlook the Stono River marsh. Relaxing in the rocker on the screened porch, watching the sunset and the burnt orange, brown and golden sawgrass sweeping across the lowlands was the perfect end to the mild spring days. Our mornings usually began with a walk out on the dry marsh. The hard sand was perforated with small holes made by fiddler crabs and we found neat piles of oyster shells and tracks, telltale signs of a raccoon who had visited during the night.
The park facilities are superb and include several miles of walking and hiking trails, freshwater lagoons for boating and fishing, paved trails for rollerblading or biking, playgrounds and a spray play area and SplashZone family water park. Bicycles, pedal boats, kayaks and hydrobikes are all available for rent. The green trail from the cottages leads to a picturesque floating fishing/crabbing dock on the creek. The park also contains a full-service campground. Round trip shuttle service is provided to the downtown Charleston Visitor's Center, nearby Folly Beach County Park, and the Folly Beach Fishing Pier for $5 per person.
FOLLY
BEACH
Folly Beach, at the west end of Folly Island just twenty minutes
from downtown Charleston, is an offbeat, laid back beach town that bills
itself as the "Edge of America." The fishing
pier, another facility operated by the Charleston County Park and
Recreation Commission, is an impressive sight, extending more than 1,045
feet into the Atlantic Ocean and rising 23 feet above sea level. Fishing
passes, rods and shelter rentals are available. You can't help but notice
the unusual brown color of the ocean, particularly against the backdrop
of a clear blue sky and white sand. We learned later that this is always
the case due to the silt flowing from the rivers, creeks and lowlands, and
is a vital ingredient to the area's ecology.
KIAWAH ISLAND
The posh, gated refuges of Seabrook and Kiawah Islands are further down
the coast. Most of the 10-mile-long barrier island is private, but luxury
accommodations include 600 private villas and homes and The Sanctuary at
Kiawah Island, a 255-room oceanfront hotel and spa. An expertly designed
community, Kiawah Island has won awards for conservation and use of the
natural environment in its development. The stunning homes are hidden among
the live oaks, pines and palmetto palms of the maritime forest. Kiawah Island's golf courses along
with those at Seabrook Island and Wild Dunes have established Charleston
as a premier golf destination. Kiawah Island boasts five professional golf
courses by Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Gary Player and Clyde Johnston
and will be host to the Senior PGA in 2007 and APAGA Championships in 2012.
More than 30 miles of bike trails, marsh creek canoeing and kayaking and
a nationally acclaimed tennis program are also available.
If you're not staying at a villa or home here, you can catch a glimpse of them if you visit Beachwalker County Park, another Charleston County Park facility, that provides public access to the island's gorgeous, pristine beach.
ANGEL OAK
On your way to Kiawah and Seabrook Islands, a short detour to the Angel
Oak is a worthwhile stop. Owned and operated by the City of Charleston Department
of Parks, the Angel Oak is a live oak tree estimated to be 1,400 years old,
America's oldest living tree east of the Mississippi. Live oaks do not grow
particularly tall, but have wide spreading canopies. The angel oak stands
65 feet high and provides 17,000 square feet of shade under its massive
limbs that gracefully arch to the ground and are braced with metal bars.
A small visitors center and gift shop is on site.
MOUNT PLEASANT
We continued our tour of the area by crossing the newly constructed Cooper
River bridge which connects downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant, Sullivan's
Island and Isle of Palms to the north. The new 3.5 mile bridge is the longest
cable-stayed bridge span in North America and offers spectacular views of
the harbor. Bike rentals are available accompanied by EZ-Read maps or take
a "Tour at Your Own Pace" MP3 historic guided tour offered by
the Charleston Area Convention
and Visitors Bureau. Patriots
Point Naval and Maritime Museum is just on the other side of the
bridge in Mount Pleasant. The imposing 888-foot. aircraft carrier Yorktown
is the flagship of the battle group with a destroyer, Coast Guard cutter
and submarine also on display along with 25 aircraft, Congressional Medal
of Honor Museum and Cold War Submarine Memorial. Veterans lead guided tours
of the museum.
BARRIER ISLAND ECO-TOURS
One of our family's favorite activites was the Barrier
Island Eco-Tours leaving from the Isle of Palms marina. Naturalist-guided
boat excursions range from 2-5 hours and accommodate groups from 2-49 people.
Fishing trips, blue crabbing clinics, kayak trips and dolphin discovery
tours are options. We chose the Capers Island Wildlife Exploration which
took us to Capers Island Heritage Preserve, the closest undeveloped barrier
island to Charleston. Along the way, we cruised through a winding maze of
salt marsh creeks and learned about the rich marine environment along the
tidal creek beds. At high tide, the marsh meadows teem with fish, shrimp
and crabs. As the tide ebbs, fish find shelter in the creeks and inlets,
while scores of fiddler crabs scuttle across the exposed muddy flats. Oysters
line the sides of the creek. Our naturalist/captain pulled a crab trap and
net from the water and the kids clamored to see the marine creatures up
close. Once at Capers Island, we walked an inland trail and passed a freshwater
pond where an alligator pair and many babies lounged at water's edge. Our
naturalist pointed out evidence of a bobcat and otters and explained the
unique maritime vegetation. He also noted that heat and bugs often prevent
summer visitors from walking in the interior of the island. Past the forest
and dunes, the trail opened onto a beautiful beach known as the "bone-yard,"
named because of the old bleached tree skeletons and stumps rising up out
of the smooth white sand. On the way back to Charleston, Shems Creek in
Mount Pleasant's Old Village is a good stop for outdoor dining, fresh fish
sandwiches or other seafood and watching the sunset and returning shrimp
and fishing boat fleets.
PLANTATIONS
We would not have considered our trip to the old South complete without
a visit to a plantation. There are several nearby that offer different degrees
of preservation and focus. While the history of many plantations begins
prior to the Revolutionary War, almost all plantation houses were burned
down during the Civil War, so few structures are original today. Some of
the area's most preserved plantations are located west on Highway 61 on
the Ashley River.
Drayton Hall is the only surviving plantation house. It was saved from destruction during the Civil War because a small pox flag was hung outside the house. Today, the house, whose construction began in 1738, remains in nearly original condition, without running water, electric lighting or central heating. It is not furnished so its architectural elements are clearly visible. Admission includes a guided tour of the house, self-guided nature walks and an African-American focus program.
Middleton Place boasts America's oldest formal landscaped gardens, with the original garden dating from 1776. A gentleman's guest wing beside the family residence serves as a house museum. Carriage tours of the elaborate gardens and grounds, house tours, and craft demonstrations in the Plantation Stableyards are offered.
Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens in Mount Pleasant is America's only working plantation. Fruits and vegetables are still sold at the Farmers Market on Highway 17. Nine original slave cabins are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The current plantation house was built in 1936 and is open for tours.
Magnolia
Plantation and Gardens is still home to the Drayton family, now
in its eleventh generation. Thirty-minute tours of the restored house are
available as well as self-guided walking tours and tram tours of the grounds,
Once a 500-acre rice plantation, it is now an incredible wildlife preserve
abundant with alligators, turtles, herons, snowy egrets-and lizards.
The Audubon Swamp Garden is adjacent to Magnolia Plantation. Entrance is included in Magnolia Plantation's admission fee. Visitors traverse the blackwater swamp over a series of boardwalks and bridges. Moss-draped cypress and tupelo gum trees rise up from the eerie blackwater which conceals an occasional alligator speckled with bright green algae. Binoculars would have been helpful here. You'll see many nesting herons and egrets, alligators and keep an eye out for turtles and otters.
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
From the cottages at James Island, we moved to the moderately priced boutique-style
Holiday Inn Historic District
in downtown Charleston. There we could park the car for the next few days
and just walk-by far the best way to explore the city's historic neighborhoods,
shops and hidden streets and alleys. The City Market, an open air market,
is on North and South Market Streets. Vendors sell everything from new merchandise
to antiques, handmade art and crafts to sundries and souvenirs. There you
can see local women weaving exquisite seagrass baskets, an art form that
has been passed down since Colonial times when the coiled baskets were used
for winnowing rice. South of Broad Street you will find the city's most
affluent neighborhood, some of Charleston's oldest and grandest houses and
a good place to view the harbor. Accommodations downtown range from inns
and bed and breakfasts to full-service hotels, but you won't find any highrises
here. Charleston retains its historic charm because visionary planners allowed
nothing to be built higher than the many church steeples that dot the skyline,
one of the reasons for Charleston's nickname of "The Holy City."
Originating in 1670, Charleston has a rich and colorful history and, today, everyone seems to be an eager guide. Local residents and professional tour guides alike share stories of the colony, plantations, wars, earthquake and hurricanes, architecture and food. You can choose a boat, carriage or walking tour. Topics range from gullah tours which explore the history and stories of African-American Charlestonians to history, architecture, pirate and ghost tours. Our family chose a daytime ghost tour given by Tour Charleston LLC. Based on the local best selling book, The Ghosts of Charleston, the walking tour captivated even our 10- and 16-year-olds. Our theatrical tour guide clearly enjoyed his job as he recounted fascinating stories about strange happenings at historic buildings and graveyards all within an area of a few blocks.
If you are in Charleston in the spring, be sure to check out the Historic Charleston Foundation's Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, scheduled for March 13-April 12, 2008. The Historic Charleston Foundation has been instrumental in preserving the city's architecture and historic treasures, largely through proceeds generated by the Festival tours. A month-long schedule of special events includes afternoon and candlelight evening walking tours, a rare opportunity to tour the interiors and gardens of approximately 150 historic private houses in twelve colonial and antebellum neighborhoods during the peak of the city's blooming season. Each tour focuses on a different neighborhood or street, encompassing townhouses and mansions of all different architectural styles. Our tour focused on Tradd Street, one of the original carriage ways laid out in the 1680 "Grand Model" of Charles Town. Today, it holds the greatest concentration of early 18th century houses in the city. One home was more extraordinary than the next and it was fascinating to see how these historic buildings have been preserved while they have been adapted to contemporary living. Well supervised children over the age of 6 are welcomed on the house tours. The Historic Charleston Foundation on 40 E. Bay Street has a fine gift shop, books, brochures and maps for self-paced walking tours.
Another good stop for families is the South Carolina Aquarium, located in a new complex on Charleston Harbor, also the site for the Fort Sumter Visitors Center and tours. Through interactive exhibits and a 350,000 gallon Great Ocean Tank, the Aquarium tells the story of South Carolina's diverse aquatic habitats following a trail that begins in mountain streams and travels down to piedmont rivers, coastal swamps and salt marshes into ocean waters.
There are so many outstanding restaurants in Charleston you will never be at a loss for a memorable meal. From kid-friendly barbecue at Sticky Fingers or outdoor dining at Fleet Landing on Charleston Harbor to down home southern cooking at the Hominy Grill or Jestine's Kitchen to creative, gourmet fare by renowned chefs at Peninsula Grill, Fig, Charleston Grill, Hanks Seafood Restaurant and so many more, deciding where to eat may be your hardest decision of the day.
-April 2007
Disney Update
The Year of a
Million Dreams
Being in the
right place at the right time is the key to spending a night inside Cinderella's
Castle this year during Disney's
"Year of a Million Dreams" giveaway. A lavishly appointed
bedchamber, salon and bathroom off a private marble-floored lobby sits four
stories above the Magic Kingdom in a space within the castle originally
envisioned as in-park accommodations for the Disney family. Eligible Walt
Disney World guests will be selected randomly at a park or Downtown Disney
by early afternoon most days through the end of 2008 to spend the night
in the new Cinderella Castle Suite. Upon acceptance of their prize, the
selected guest and up to five members of their party head back to their
hotel to pack an overnight bag. Their day of royalty begins with a photo
session on Main Street where they are proclaimed royalty for the day and
led down Main Street to their suite. The Royal Concierge checks them into
the suite and gives them a formal tour. The guests become Grand Marshals
of the "Disney Dreams Come True" parade, have dinner at Cinderella's
Royal Table, enjoy VIP views of the nighttime parade and "Wishes"
fireworks spectacular, and for up to two hours after the scheduled close
of the park, the family will have access to the Magic Kingdom with a VIP
Guest Relations cast member. In the morning, the winning family is awakened
by a personalized wake-up call from Cinderella and when the clock strikes,
the family returns to their planned vacation. In typical Disney fashion,
every detail in the suite contributes to immersing the guest into Cinderella's
17th century fairytale. Just a few of the incredible details in the suite
include:
· Cinderella's Coach mosaic tile floor in the foyer contains more
than 30,000 tiles, including 3,400 24-carat gold and more than 120 white-gold
pieces.
· The foyer contains a custom-made, priceless glass slipper by Steuben
Glass.
· A painted portrait of Cinderella changes to a television above
the fireplace in the Royal Bedchamber
· A 600-pound antique limestone fireplace in the bedchamber is 17th
century Gothic molded from an original wood fireplace from France.
· The Royal Bath features a grotto-inspired design with a domed ceiling
of twinkling stars
On Oct. 1, 2007, Disney Parks announced that its Year of a Million Dreams celebration begun in 2007 will extend through 2008 at Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and, through 2008, a million more dreams,both large and small, will be awarded to eligible guests and mail-in participants. If you are not in the park this year, you won't be chosen to sleep in Cinderella's Castle, but you can still enter to win one of Disney's million dreams through a mail-in entry at www.disneyparks.com/rules or www.disneyparks.com/2008rules. Disney fans can also flip through and browse the Disney Dreams Catalog at www.DisneyParks.com/DreamCatalog.
MONSTERS, INC.
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club recently opened in Tomorrowland in
the Magic Kingdom. The attraction brings Disney's animation technology to
the next level with Mike Wazowski, the one-eyed hero from Monsters, Inc.
acting as host, engaging audience members in the comedy routine and selecting
text messaged jokes from the crowd.
FINDING NEMO
The film "Finding Nemo" comes to life in an all-new musical stage
show, "Finding NemoThe Musical" at Disney's Animal
Kingdom. Featuring original songs by Tony Award-winning "Avenue Q"
co-composer-creator Robert Lopez and a cappella musical "Along the
Way" co-creator Kristen Anderson-Lopez, the 30-minute show immerses
guests of all ages in the story of Nemo through a dazzling production that
combines puppets, dancers, aerialists and animated backdrops.
The theme park's newly enclosed Theater in the Wild becomes an undersea environment through innovative lighting, sound, special effects and the theatrical puppetry of Michael Curry, who co-designed the detailed character puppets seen in the Broadway version of Disney's "The Lion King."
"The Seas with Nemo & Friends" pavilion (formerly The Living Seas) at Epcot continues the Nemo story. Guests enter the pavilion and board "clamobiles" for an undersea voyage in a colorful world of coral and amazing animation technology that makes Nemo appear to be swimming with real marine life inside the pavilion's 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium. Inside the pavilion, "Turtle Talk with Crush" features Disney's new, interactive animation that has the laid-back sea turtle talking with the audience in live, unscripted conversations. Crush calls on guests and asks them questions about themselves and the human world in this first-of-its kind real-time animated show.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
Guests learn cheers and dance moves, wave pom-poms and sing along to the
hit songs of "High School Musical" in the new "High School
Musical" pep rally at MGM Studios. The new show turns the whole street
into a rockin' party as music fills the air.
HOTEL MAKEOVERS
Three "deluxe"-category resorts--Disney's Polynesian Resort,
Contemporary Resort and Wilderness Lodge--have received major refurbishments
and remodeling to guest rooms. 400 guestrooms at the All-Star Music Resort
have been transformed into 214 suites that offer a new "value"-category
option to guests. The family suites comfortably sleep up to six persons
and feature a master bedroom, generously sized kitchenette, two full baths,
microwave, coffeemaker and counter refrigerator, two 27" flat-screen
TVs, privacy vanity drapes, pack and play cribs and custom furniture.
DISNEY TRAVEL
Disney Cruise Line will reposition the Disney Magic cruise ship to the
West Coast for the summer of 2008, offering seven-night cruise vacations
to the Mexican Riviera.
With Disney's Magical Express, guests of Disney hotels check their bags at their hometown airport, bypass baggage claim at Orlando International Airport and board motor coaches to Walt Disney World Resort, while their bags are delivered directly to their resort room, after check-in. This year, over 90% of Disney airline partners will enable passengers leaving Orlando on domestic flights to check their luggage and receive a boarding pass before departing their Disney hotel, thus avoiding airport check-in lines.
Following the success of the Disney Cruise Line in the family vacation
market, DIsney now offers Adventures by Disney, a selection of 12
guided family land vacations to destinations in Europe, Central America
and the United States. Itineraries include excursions in Ireland, Austria,
the Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, England, France, Costa Rica and the United
States. For information, contact your travel agent, visit www.adventuresbydisney.com
or call 866-242-8740.
www.disneyworld.com
407/W-DISNEY or visit local travel agent
June 2007
Miami Beach Area
A Culture and
Beach Combo
If you want to combine some culture with your beach vacation, then Miami Beach may be a perfect destination for your family. The beaches rival those on many islands. They are wide with fine, sugar-white sand and the Atlantic Ocean takes on the blue and green hues of the tropics. The city itself has undergone a renaissance as outdated landmark hotels have been renovated and expanded to meet today's resort needs or replaced by ultra-modern high-rise condominiums. Magnificent homes carrying multi-million dollar price tags line the Intracoastal Waterway, one more breathtaking than the other. Miami is a mosaic of cultures, sites and sounds, a lively blend of Cuban, Caribbean, South American, Jewish and European cultures.
SOUTH BEACH
Back in the 1930s and 40s, more than 800 Art Deco structures were built
on the southern tip of Miami Beach. Today, the historically designated Art
Deco District represents the largest collection of Art Deco architecture
in the world. Displaying pastel colors, neon lights and sleek, geometric
lines, the Art Deco district, known as South Beach, serves as the backdrop
for one of the world's most eccentric and in-vogue neighborhoods. Buildings
once in disrepair have been restored and converted into restaurants, hotels,
clubs and boutiques. For families, it's worth a trip in the morning while
the partyers sleep and when you can clearly see the wonderful architecture
and actually get a seat in one of the many outdoor cafes on Ocean Drive.
A beautiful beach and oceanfront park are directly across the street.
COCONUT GROVE
Settled in 1873, early Coconut Grove was built by West Indian craftsmen
from the Bahamas. Their influence is evident in the many Caribbean style
houses, tropical landscaping and street names found in the neighborhood.
As the area gained recognition by the upper class, many Northerners built
their winter residences there. In the 1950's, Coconut Grove began to attract
artists from the U.S. and Europe and the Grove soon had an international
reputation as an artists' colony. Like the rest of the city, Coconut Grove
has undergone a renaissance in recent years. Under a dense canopy of lush
trees, the area is noted for its whimsical homes, busy marinas and many
cafes, art galleries, restaurants, antique shops and fashion boutiques.
VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS
A tour of Vizcaya Museum and
Gardens, the winter home of International Harvester vice president
James Deering, provides a fabulous glimpse into the lifestyle of the super-wealthy
in the early 1900s. Built between 1914 and 1916, Vizcaya was designed in
the style of Italian Renaissance villas Deering had visited, then adapted
to the subtropical climate of South Florida. Now a National Historic Landmark,
the villa features more than 10 acres of formal gardens, terraces and fountains
overlooking Biscayne Bay and 34 rooms of 15th through 19th century antique
furnishings and decorative arts. Virtually all of the decorative elements
including furniture, lighting fixtures, doors and fireplaces were purchased
by Deering on shopping expeditions in Europe. Adults and older children
will be amazed to see the opulent lifestyle and architecture of bygone days.
Other excursions for families include:
· Miami Metrozoo,
voted one of the top ten zoos in the country for service and curriculum
by Travel and Leisure magazine, is five times larger than the average U.S.
zoo with 300 acres showcasing more than 1,300 animals in cageless, naturalistic
environments.
· Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium, located across from Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, features changing, hands-on science exhibitions, planetarium shows, a Wildlife Center for birds of prey and reptiles, and an exhibition displaying artifacts from the Smithsonian.
· Miami Seaquarium, one of South Florida's premier attractions, features marine life shows with Killer Whale Lolita and TV star Flipper, exhibits and attractions in a landscaped park overlooking Biscayne Bay. The Seaquarium offers a Water and Dolphin Exploration program which includes a swim with the dolphins for an additional fee (52 in. height minimum). A new children's wet/dry playground area called "Salty's Pirate Playground" consists of a two-level pirate ship located at the center of a shark-filled moat.
· Monkey Jungle, now in its 3rd generation of family ownership, is home to nearly 400 primates, most running free in a 30 acre preserve.
· Parrot
Jungle Island is located along the MacArthur Causeway connecting
downtown Miami and South Beach. The 18.6 acre park with over 500 species
of plants and 3,000 animals features a trained bird show, Everglades habitat,
Serpentarium (reptile facility), petting barn and aviaries.
· Everglades National Park
The Everglades, the only subtropical wilderness preserve in North
America, lies just to the west of Miami Beach. The "river of grass"
is made up of vast expanses of sawgrass prairie and hardwood hammocks. The
habitat provides shelter for many threatened and endangered animals and
is the only place crocodiles and alligators exist side by side. In fact,
because of its great variety of plant and animal life, the Everglades has
been designated a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve
and a Wetland of International Importance. Trails for walking and canoeing
as well as boat and tram tours with park rangers as guides give visitors
a close-up view of the wildlife. The park is best visited December to April
as mosquitoes can be unbearable at other times of year.
Grass
River Adventures takes private parties deep into the Everglades
Conservation area on smaller airboats which enable them to go farther and
offer longer tours than typical airboat tours. Their airboats are 14' long
and can carry up to 6 passengers. A standard trip is 2 hours. Half day,
full day and night rides are also offered.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Sonesta Hotels and Resorts (800-SONESTA)has three properties in the Miami
Beach area, each located in a neighborhood that provides a distinctly different
flavor of the city.
Trump International
Sonesta Beach
The 32-story Trump International Sonesta Beach resort was built in Sunny
Isles, just north of Miami Beach, on the last remaining stretch of beachfront
property to be redeveloped. The resort is conveniently located halfway between
Fort Lauderdale and South Miami Beach, approximately 17 miles away. Its
chic, contemporary style attracts business travelers and groups, but families
are cheerfully welcomed and it has many amenities to offer them. Hotel rooms
are oversized at 450-550 square feet. Junior suites and one and two-bedroom
suites are also available featuring full kitchens, washer/dryers, decks,
pillow-top mattress beds and stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway
and Atlantic Ocean from the floor to ceiling windows that span the entire
length of one wall. The beautiful beach is complete with swaying palms,
wait service, umbrellas, water sports desk and air-conditioned cabanas available
for rent. The pool deck overlooking the beach features an outdoor bar and
patio food service next to a free-form pool that meanders around cascading
waterfalls and rock formations. The Aquanox Spa offers a varied menu of
luxurious spa treatments including massage therapy, total skin care and
body treatments. A complimentary Just Us Kids program operates year round
for children ages 5 to 12 and offers a daily schedule of activities and
field trips supervised by trained counselors.
Sonesta Hotel and Suites Coconut
Grove
The Sonesta Hotel and Suites Coconut Grove has been newly transformed into
a warm, contemporary, boutique hotel in the heart of Coconut Grove Village.
In the evening the urban lobby is aglow with candlelight. The Panorama Restaurant
and Lounge and Pool Bar both located on the 8th floor offer spectacular
views of Biscayne Bay, Coconut Grove and the sunset. Just steps from the
hotel are the fashionable shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife
of CocoWalk. For families, one and two-bedroom suites are the best bet.
They include a separate living/dining room, 112 baths and fully equipped
kitchen. A shuttle service is available to area attractions and to the Sonesta
Beach Resort Key Biscayne for beach access.
Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne is just a few miles east of downtown Miami across the Rickenbacker
Causeway. It is a secluded community and natural refuge encompassing only
two square miles in all. Technically, one of the first islands in the Florida
keys archipelago, much of the marsh, mangrove forests, dunes and beachfront
have been preserved as parkland. Bill
Baggs Cape Florida State Park is located on the southern tip of
Key Biscayne. The beach there is consistently ranked among the top ten beaches
in the United States. The park offers biking and hiking trails and free
tours of the restored 1825 lighthouse, the oldest standing structure in
Miami. Crandon Beach in Crandon Park also lays claim to being named one
of the best beaches in America for kids because the multiple sandbars offshore
make the water shallow for a long distance and there are no riptides. Turtle
walks are held annually in August or September when sea turtles hatchlings
are released back into the sea. Guided canoe trips, kayak and snorkel trips,
bike and beach tours can be arranged through the Eco
Adventures Tour office at Crandon Park, 305-365-3018. Key Biscayne
is also home to the famous Biltmore Hotel of the 1920s and is within five
minutes of the Miami Seaquarium and close proximity to all the attractions
of Miami Beach.
Resorts mentioned above offer special family packages and significant discounts off-season. Visit the Sonesta website for further information and see Family Vacation Deals above for special offers from other hotels in Miami.
May 2005
Kick Back in the Florida Keys
Far from the hustle of Orlando
lies the tranquil, laid-back world of the Florida
Keys, a 126-mile chain of islands that extends from the tip of Florida's
mainland down to Key West, the southernmost city in the United States. The
narrow highway to the Keys begins in northern Key Largo, traverses 42 bridges,
and offers magnificent vistas of Florida Bay on one side and a serene Atlantic
Ocean on the other. The landscape alternates between tall, flowing grasses
of the salt marsh, narrow inlets and harbors, and stretches of funky souvenir
stands and low-rise commercial centers. Green and white highway markers
tell you where you are and how far you have come starting at Mile Marker
127 just past Florida City and ending with Mile Marker 0 in Key West.
Our family's destination in the Keys was MM82, Cheeca Lodge, in the town of Islamorada on Upper Matecumbe Key. Cheeca Lodge is a small luxury resort ideally suited to families. Its history began in 1946 when the Islamorada Olney Inn was built on the site as a retreat for fishermen. The next owners were the heirs of the A&P grocery chain, Carl and Cynthia "Che-Che" Twitchell, who totally rebuilt the inn and renamed the resort "Cheeca" by merging their names. Cheeca was purchased by Coca Cola bottler Carl Navarre in the 1970's and he still maintains a home on the property. Today, Cheeca Lodge is managed by Vail Resorts of Vail, Colorado, and is part of Rockresorts, the luxury arm of Vail Resort's hotel brands.
Cheeca Lodge is tucked awa
y off the highway and
easily missed if you aren't actively looking for it. It is one of the few
resorts in the Keys with an oceanfront beach. 203 guestrooms and suites
are divided among the main lodge and low-rise villas clustered throughout
the 27-acre property. Outlying villas overlook landscaped gardens or the
9-hole par 3 golf course. The most popular rooms are those with an ocean
view in the lodge or in the nine newly renovated beachfront bungalows situated
in a quiet area right on the coral sandy beach. The new bungalows feature
a vaulted cathedral ceiling, hardwood floors, new furnishings, and a private
screened balcony with stairs leading down to a beachside garden patio with
table, chairs and hammock. One and two-bedroom suites are located in the
outlying villas and include a sofa sleeper, screened-in porch and fully
furnished kitchen.
Upon check-in, guests are given a short tour of the property-the Atlantic's Edge Dining Room, the Curt Gowdy Lounge, the Ocean Terrace Grill, the tennis courts, the golf course, the Avanyu Spa, the jacuzzis, the lap pool, the free-form swimming pool, and finally, the beach. Out the sliding glass doors of the main lodge, past the outdoor terrace bar, the majestic palms sway, the calm, crystal-clear waters glisten in a dozen shades of green and blue, and you have been at once transported to a tropical Caribbean island. It is time to kick back, relax, and settle in.
As it has for centuries here, life focuses on the water. The Keys are
home to some of the world's most sought after fish, from blue marlin, sailfish
and dolphin offshore to bonefish, tarpon and permit in the shallow backcountry.
Islamorada is known as the "sport fishing capital of the world"
with more than 600 species of fish thriving in the surrounding waters of
the ocean and bay and a large number o
f expert guides
in residence to help you find them. Cheeca Lodge has been an important fishing
destination since its early beginnings and continues the tradition today
hosting the George Bush/Cheeca Lodge Bonefish Tournament every year as well
as the Annual Sailfish Tournament. Deep sea fishing charters, party boat
trips and back country fishing charters can all be arranged through the
Sports Desk or concierge. The Sports Desk is also the place to sign up for
other watersports including snorkeling trips, hobie cat, kayak and deck
boat rentals, windsurfing rentals, diving trips, and parasailing trips,
which all leave from Cheeca Lodge's own 525' wooden pier. Pool floats, cabanas,
and a limited number of bicycles are available for use at no charge.
Guests can also sign out fishing poles to use for catch-and-release fishing. We lost our 13-year old for hours to the pier. The fishing kids became fast friends and the non-stop action on the pier kept them coming back for more. They caught grunts, snappers, barracuda, and a small hammerhead while the pelicans and cormorants anxiously waited for just the right opportunity to steal bait and devour released fish. At night, the most serious fishermen were still out on the pier angling for tarpon. Fishing captivates the talk and attention of visitors and locals alike. Even if you are not a fisherman when you arrive, you will at least leave with a new appreciation for fish and the art of catching them.
Catch and release fishing is encouraged for all fishermen in the Keys
unless you plan on eating it. Most restaurants will happily cook your catch
to your specifications or their own. We found many fine restaurants in Islamorada
that offered beautiful bayside or beachfront dining and superb dishes made
with a delicious mix of tropical fruits and fresh, local seafood. We looked
forward to trying a new restaurant each evening. The Islamorada Fish Company,
boasting the best sunset view on the bay, is a popular place for kids around
eight o'clock each evening when an employee emerges with a bucket of scraps
from the kitchen and throws them into the bay to feed the nurse sharks and
other fish that hang out under the pier of the open-air restaurant.
The entire coast of the Keys was designated a National Marine Sanctuary in 1990, encompassing 2,800 square nautical miles. North America's only coral barrier reef and the third longest barrier reef in the world lies just six miles offshore. The clear, shallow waters and abundant marine life make diving and snorkeling the reefs, canyons, and shipwrecks in the Keys a favorite pastime. Cheeca Lodge offers dive and snorkel trips daily to several reefs including Cheeca Rocks and the Donut Hole, patch reefs in shallow waters about a mile into the Atlantic from the Lodge. We were excited this would be the first time our whole family could snorkel together. Our six year old was finally a good enough swimmer to tackle the deeper water on her own. Unfortunately, the sighting of a large hammerhead shark cruising the bottom of the twenty-foot depth caused my son and a number of others to frantically swim back to the boat and never return to the water again that day. For those of us who remained, we experienced a magnificent reef and an awesome number of fish in a kaleidoscope of color.
Our daughter especially enjoyed Camp Cheeca, Cheeca Lodge's camp for children ages 4 to 12. The camp offers half day and full day options with children ages 4 and 5 welcome at the morning session and ages 6-12 welcome for both sessions. Camp Cheeca has its own clubhouse on the property for snacks, lunch, arts and crafts, videos and other indoor activities. Outdoor activities typically revolve around the water and may include exploration of the resort's saltwater lagoon, catch 'n release fishing, nature scavenger hunts, shell hunts, or snorkeling. Kids activities are also offered on an hourly basis for all ages. Potty-trained kids can come to Kids Night Out held every Friday and Saturday nights from 6 to 10pm where all ages watch movies, have pizza, play games, and make arts and crafts projects.
From golf, tennis, swimming, and watersports to the spa, fitness center, and fine dining, Cheeca Lodge offers plenty of luxurious amenities, all in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere and glorious tropical setting. Perhaps this is the reason over 70% of its guests return year after year.
Rates per room range from $159-$1,675 depending on size, view, and season.
Midweek vacation packages May 1-Dec. 23, 2003: $169-$379, higher on weekends,
based on availability.
A NOTABLE SIDE TRIP
Blending into the northern boundaries of the Florida Keys and
Florida Bay is the Everglades,
a vast "river of grass" providing a sanctuary, as well as a breeding
and feeding ground for many species of birds. The great egret, snowy egret,
great blue heron, roseate spoonbill, anhinga, endangered wood stork, bald
eagle, and 170 species of birds have been observed here. It is the only
place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist. You can learn
about the area's rich diversity at the Everglades National Park main Visitors
Center located at the park entrance. Exhibits, brochures, activity schedules
and information on boat tours and canoe rentals are available. The Anhinga
Trail at the Royal Palm Visitor Center winds through a saw grass marsh and
is less than a half mile long, 30 minutes round trip. It is a wonderful
trail for both children and adults to easily see a good variety of Everglades
wildlife. Those with patience and a keen eye can see even more if they look
carefully for the fish, alligators, turtles, and birds hidden in the water,
sawgrass, and trees.
-June 2003
Against a backdrop of natural beauty, surrounded by beaches, mountains and desert, and graced with average year-round temperatures of 70 degrees, San Diego makes a great vacation destination with much to explore and plenty of unique attractions for families. It has several major regions for lodging, each offering a different perspective on the city.
Coronado Island is a seaside community with some of the most beautiful
beaches in southern California. It is a low, narrow peninsula that separates
San Diego Bay from the Pacific Ocean and is easily accessible from downtown
San Diego by a 2.3 mile bridge or ferry service. The U.S. Navy Air Station
occupies the northern tip of the Island, and the remainder is made up of
miles of powdery white sand beaches, charming homes on quiet tree-lined
streets, and specialty shops and restaurants in its historic downtown. The
island has a long history as a resort
community
that began with the building of the grand Hotel
del Coronado in 1888. Its developers, Elisha
Babcock and Hampton Story, set out to create a resort that would be the
"talk of the western world." At that time, California was separated
from the rest of the country by vast unsettled territories and wealthy travelers
would journey for seven days by train to stay there. The Del was one of
many luxurious railroad resorts, but today it is one of the few that has
survived and still flourishes as a world-class hotel. It is a living legend
having hosted countless celebrities and dignitaries including fourteen U.S.
presidents.
The Victorian hotel with its white clapboard and distinctive red-roofed turrets is a landmark on Coronado Island. White wicker rockers grace the front porch and a staff of bellmen in derbies and topcoats greet guests. The two-story lobby is dark with vintage paneling and is adjoined by a library on one side and two dramatic banquet rooms on the other. Their vaulted ceilings are architectural marvels, constructed of tongue and groove pine fastened without the use of any nails. The original Otis #61 elevator in the lobby is one of the first fully functioning electric elevators manufactured in America. The antique brass cage is still hand-operated by men wearing uniforms similar to those worn by the monkeys in "The Wizard of Oz." The rear of the lobby opens onto a sunny courtyard garden.
The Hotel del Coronado will be strangely familiar to fans of the classic Billy Wilder movie, "Some Like It Hot," or even to those who have seen or stayed at the Grand Floridian in Disney World. The Disney hotel is a replica of the Del, only two times larger. A three-year $55 million restoration of the hotel has been recently completed and the original Victorian building is pristine--polished and gleaming from floor to ceiling. As you walk down the freshly carpeted hallways, however, you can still feel the undulating floors beneath and can't help but feel reverence for the rich history that surrounds you. Rooms are light and airy with Victorian decor and ceiling fans. Oceanfront rooms have balconies looking over the pool, tennis, dining terraces, and out to the expansive beach beyond. The atmosphere is warm and friendly to families. In season, there are family pool activities, kids arts and crafts, and Tent City Kids Camp which offers supervised afternoon and evening programs for children ages 4-12. Additional resort amenities include a spa and fitness center, tennis courts with lessons and clinics, boat rentals and instruction, and other activities. The Sheerwater seaside restaurant offers fine dining at the hotel and features a children's menu. Downtown Coronado is just a short walk away and offers a variety of casual and fine dining.
The Loews
Coronado Bay Resort is another popular destination
for families. The low-rise resort occupies its own private peninsula on
the San Diego Bay about four miles outside of downtown Coronado. Silver
Strand State Beach on the Pacific is across the highway and is accessible
by guests via an underpass or complimentary shuttle. Loews Resorts nationwide
have reached out to families with their "Loews Loves Kids" program
and, in addition, the Loews Coronado Bay offers a supervised kids program
for ages 4-12 on holiday weekends and in summer. Half day and full day programs
are available with evening programs on Fridays and Saturdays. Activities
include marshmallow roasts, family cooking classes, dance lessons, ice cream
socials, basketball shootouts, family snorkeling, and Dive-In Movies, where
both kids and parents enjoy a family movie from a lounge chair or innertube
in the pool. The resort's marina offers wave runner, sailboat, and paddle
boat rentals. And if you can ditch the kids, the Gondola Company offers
romantic cruises through nearby canals accompanied by a serenading gondolier.
Roller blades and bicycles are also available for rent to take advantage
of Coronado Island's 15-mile bike path that extends the entire length of
Coronado, from the Bridge, past the Loews, to Imperial Beach. The resort's
pool area features an adults only pool, whirlpool, and two long interconnected
pools surrounded by lounge chairs and attractive gardens. There are two
restaurants, a poolside eatery, and a small general store offering deli
sandwiches, picnic lunches, coffee, sundries and snacks.
Mission Valley, another lodging region, is minutes from Old Town San Diego, Sea World, and Balboa Park. Hotel Circle Drive, located at the intersection of several major arteries to the city in the heart of Mission Valley, is a collection of moderately priced accommodations offering more than 6,000 hotel rooms. At the Handlery Resort, rooms are available surrounding a new courtyard pool or in detached motel buildings. Guests have access to an adjoining swim and tennis club with an Olympic sized heated pool and children's pool.
Mission Beach and Pacific Beach define the stereotypical southern California
beach scene. Teens and college students will enjoy the young crowd and non-stop
beach action. A three-mile concrete boardwalk connects Mission Beach and
Pacific Beach and teems with people biking, rollerblading, skateboarding,
jogging or just plain strolling. Surfers fill the water and volleyball and
sun enthusiasts fill the beach. The area is densely packed with tiny beach
bungalows, and eateries, shops, and clubs dot the boardwalk and surrounding
blocks. The Catamaran
Resort offers
a unique location one block from Mission Beach and right on Mission Bay.
Multi-colored parrots perch in the trees along the resort's lush garden
walkways and the rooms are furnished in dark wood and tropical motifs. The
heated pool is small considering the size of the resort, but water activities
focus on either Mission Beach or Mission Bay where the resort offers surfboard
and many boat rentals and lessons. Bayside rooms feature patios and walk-out
access to a 27-mile bike path that encircles Mission Bay Park, a once marshy
mud flat turned major aquatic playground.
Sea World was our first stop on the sightseeing agenda. We enjoyed Sea World's focus on education and the kids loved the opportunity to interact with the animals and view them so closely. At each exhibit, a staff member gave an introductory talk and was available to answer questions. We found the extra cost of a behind-the-scenes "turtle feeding tour" unnecessary as it didn't offer much more than that included in the regular admission fee. Feeding stations are open to purchase food at different times throughout the day for the bat rays, bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions and harbor seals. Stand-out exhibits were the Wild Arctic, Shark Encounter, and the shows, especially the Shamu Adventure, which highlighted the spectacular natural behaviors of killer whales. The Wild Arctic is an elaborate recreation of an Arctic expedition beginning with a simulated jet helicopter ride, disembarking onto a realistic arctic research station that brings you face to face with polar bears, beluga whales, walruses, arctic foxes and seals. The Shark Encounter leads visitors underwater in a 57-foot acrylic tube while sharks, rays and tropical fish swim overhead. Shamu's Happy Harbor, a playland, was a welcome addition to the park as it gave our 5-yr. old a chance to unwind and adjust her attitude.
Pet's Rule is a zany new show this summer featuring primarily shelter-adopted dogs, cats, birds and a few pigs. Nightly entertainment runs throughout the summer with special Shamu shows, sea lion shows, live bands, and fireworks.
Legoland in California is one of only four Legolands in the world.
The original is in Denmark with others in England and Germany. It is a colorful
theme park designed for families with children between the ages of 2 and
12. Rides and scenery are crafted to look like Legos and throughout the
park, you will find huge, real Lego masterpieces like Albert Einstein's
head or a 15-ft. giraffe. Miniland USA depicts life from Washington D.C.
to the California coast in detailed, animated reproductions of American
landmarks and cities built from 20 million Lego bricks. The Coast Cruise
takes you around the lake near MiniLand to view Lego recreations of the
Wonders of the World. Many rides are "kid-powered," with the kids
pedaling, driving, steering, and pulling to make them work. Our favorite
ride was the Dragon, a gentle roller coaster that first winds through a
medieval castle of Lego dragons, knights and wizards. The Lego Adventure
was also notable, a walk-through search for keys on an imaginary archeological
expedition to ancient Egypt and the Arctic. With the exception of two roller
coasters, the majority of rides at Legoland appeal to preschoolers and young
elementary ages. Master Model Builders can be seen at work in their headquarters
at Miniland, and they are available for questions at the Lego Clubhouse,
where children can build with Legos or ages 10 and up can sign up for a
free Mindstorms workshop. The gift shop is a treat for Lego enthusiasts
because it has the largest assortment of Legos and Lego merchandise in the
country. The new attraction for 2002 is Lego Racers 4D, an interactive movie
experience with 3D imagery and special theatre effects.
San Diego's Balboa Park is a vacation unto itself. Encompassing 1,200 acres, the park is a mecca of horticulture and cultural arts. Fifteen museums are housed in beautiful Spanish Baroque-style buildings constructed for two expositions held in 1915-16 and 1935-36. It is also home to the San Diego Zoo, one of the world's best zoos, featuring nearly 800 species of animals in its 10 acres. Our family appreciated the bus tour, a 40-minute guided trip that gave us a good overview of the zoo, and allowed us to return to exhibits of interest and take the walkways through climate zones not accessible by bus. The express bus allows you to hop on and off at five locations around the zoo. Hua Mei, the first surviving giant panda born in North America, is a miracle of science and represents hope for the survival of giant pandas in the world. She and her parents are on exhibit here while on loan from the Republic of China.
The San Diego Wild Animal Park, another facility of the Zoological Society of San Diego, is located 30 miles north of the city and is well worth the drive. Established 25 years ago as a large animal breeding facility for the San Diego Zoo, the 2,100 acre sanctuary is home to 2,500 animals, many from rare and endangered species. A 50-minute guided monorail tour lets you observe the wild animals as they roam free over the rolling hillsides and rocky slopes, similar to their native habitats in Africa and Asia. Walking trails through lush botanical gardens with exotic plant species lead to animal habitats in the rain forest or on the Kilamanjaro Trail. In the aviary, visitors can hand feed nectar to lorikeets, beautiful rainbow-colored parakeets. Two-Park Tickets can be purchased for both the Zoo and Wild Animal Park.
Birch Aquarium, the public education center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography is a small, but beautiful aquarium and oceanography museum on the rugged cliffs overlooking La Jolla and the coastline. The Hall of Fishes exhibits marine life from the cold-water Pacific Northwest to the tropical south Pacific. Oceanography is explained through hands-on exhibits that allow children to ride an earthquake machine, read a seismograph, explore how waves are made, and shop in the ocean supermarket, a scanner that identifies hundreds of items containing ingredients from the sea. A climb to the beach below yields wonderful tidepools to explore at low tide. Sunset Cliffs on the Pacific side of Point Loma peninsula is another exceptional spot for tidepooling. The rocky shoreline is ideal for discovering flowery anemones, shore crabs, elusive octopus, spongy deadman's fingers and many other sea creatures. Cabrillo National Monument on the top of Point Loma commemorates the European discovery of San Diego Bay in 1542 by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and also provides a spectacular 360 degree view of the area.
Old Town State Historic Park marks the first mission established in San Diego in 1769. Free walking tours begin at the Visitors Information Center. Original and restored buildings now house period and souvenir shops. The area is best known for its Mexican restaurants, giant margaritas, and strolling mariachi bands.
Ticket packages and discount tickets for all major attractions are available through the Visitors Bureau in San Diego and Coronado Island.
-June
2002
Valley of the Sun pampers families
Phoenix, Arizona, known for its fantastic winter weather and desert scenery, is often referred to as the "Resort Capital of the World" due to its large inventory of luxurious total-destination resorts. There are almost thirty self-contained resort communities that mix shops, restaurants, activities, meeting space and luxury accommodations. Many have kids' clubs so parents can enjoy some time off from parenting and enjoy the many amenities the resort and area have to offer-- amenities like spas, golf, tennis, shopping, and sightseeing.
While not for every family, The
Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale
offers the ultimate resort experience for those who desire extraordinary
service and luxurious amenities. The Phoenician's painstaking attention
to detail and service consistently earns it top honors including a 5-star
rating from Mobil Travel Guide and rating as one of the top 10 U.S. resorts
in Zagat Survey 2001. The spa, golf and tennis have all won similar accolades.
Their Mary Elaine's Restaurant, featuring modern French cuisine and nightly
live jazz, was rated "America's Top Restaurants" and first place
ranking in Arizona from Zagat Survey 2001.
The Phoenician, dramatically situated at the southern base of Camelback Mountain, opened in 1988 and features 654 lavishly decorated rooms with stunning Italian marble bathrooms. Accommodations at the 250-acre resort include guestrooms, suites, casitas, and villas. The terrace off the opulent main lobby offers a panoramic view of nine swimming pools tiered on three levels. The pools include a glistening oval pool tiled in mother-of-pearl, an edgeless pool, relaxation pool, and children's pool with a 165-ft. waterslide. The Phoenician Golf Club includes a championship 27-hole golf course, driving range, putting green, and golf shop. Clinics are offered daily and private instruction is available. The Tennis Garden features an automated practice court and 12 courts with four playing surfaces. The Center for Well-Being Spa offers comprehensive programs and ala carte services including massage and bodywork therapies, energy therapies, skin care treatments, salon and fitness services.
And what to do with the kids with all these enticing grown-up activities? The resort offers the Funicians Kids Club year 'round for ages 5-12. Their own whimsically decorated clubhouse is filled with activities to engage the kids. A daily theme gives a framework to the day and the children select activities, games and recreation from a long menu of options. Half and full day programs are available. Evening programs are available on holiday weekends. Teens ages 13-17 can join in the Funicians Kids Club for a full day as an official Teen Camp Counselor. Special activities are also planned for teens for the holidays, summer vacation and long weekends. Babysitting services can be arranged at the Concierge Desk with advance notice.
In addition to the award-winning Mary Elaine's restaurant, the resort offers The Terrace Dining Room, a more family-oriented, but still elegant restaurant serving classic cuisine with a contemporary edge. Casual dining includes a Cafe & Ice Cream Parlor, poolside restaurants, and the 19th Hole at the golf course which serves snacks, sandwiches, cold drinks and burgers.
The Phoenician's commitment to exceptional service was evident in every detail during our stay. When we sat down by the pool, we were immediately brought a pitcher of ice water and cups. To order drinks or food by the pool, we simply raised the flag on the back of the lounge chair and a server appeared. The chocolates provided at turndown service are flown in fresh, three times a week from Belgium. If a visitor requests a sewing kit, a seamstress is sent to the room instead.
A subtler, but still luxurious vacation can be found at
the Wigwam Resort in the town
of Litchfield Park, about 25 miles outside of Phoenix. Litchfield Park is
a tiny 3.5 square mile plot of land with The Wigwam Resort at its center.
The Wigwam is the city's largest employer. Built in 1918 as a company lodge
for visiting Goodyear Tire executives, The Wigwam Resort opened to the public
in 1929 with 13 rooms housing 24 guests. Today the resort features 331 casita-style
rooms situated on more than 450 acres of lush gardens and manicured lawns.
The existing fireplace lounge and areas of the executive offices date back
to the Wigwam's early beginnings and the lobby retains much of its original
charm with rustic, but elegant Southwestern decor.
Of the 190 golf courses in the Greater Phoenix area, The Wigwam Resort boasts three championship 18-hole courses. The Blue and Gold courses were designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr, and the Red course designed by Robert "Red" Lawrence. Other amenities at The Wigwam include a fitness center and a full service tennis club featuring nine plexi-pave courts, all lit for night play. Personal instruction and clinics are available as well as kids summer tennis camps. There are two swimming pools, the main pool featuring a water slide, volleyball, whirlpool and cabana poolside grill. The more intimate courtyard pool is surrounded by suites and lush gardens.
Camp Pow Wow offers organized activities for ages 5-12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. year 'round. Half-day and full day programs are available. Activities may include arts and crafts, tennis and golf clinics, swimming, or holiday baking. A minimum of two children is required to hold camp.
Dining at the resort includes the Arizona Kitchen, acclaimed for its authentic Arizona cuisine, The Terrace Dining Room, and the Grille on the Green overlooking the 18th green on the Gold Course. Children's menus are available in The Terrace Dining Room and Grille on the Green. For our kids, the highlight of their dinner was the golf cart taxi ride to the Grille on the Green.
The Wigwam has earned its own share of honors including four stars and five stars from AAA and Mobil Travel as well as awards for the Gold golf course and the cuisine at the Arizona Kitchen.
Other resorts in the area with kids' programs include The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, with a new 6,000 sq. ft. water recreation area; the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch, featuring a 2.5 acre water playground and family camps; the Pointe Hilton Resort at Squaw Peak with a lazy tubing river; and the Sheraton El Conquistador in Tucson.
Peak season in Greater Phoenix is November through April with shoulder seasons in May and September through October. Fantastic deals on accommodations and golf can be found in abundance in summer (when the average temperature reaches a dry 100°). Rates are a fraction of peak-season rates, often reduced more than 50%, and many resorts offer summer value packages combining luxurious resort stays with outstanding golf.
-December 2001
Cape Cod has long been a favorite destination for New England families. Its gentle lapping bay waters, vast marsh lands and misty harbors soothe the spirit. It is easy to see why people who come to know the Cape develop such a strong connection to it.
When we arrived on a a glorious fall weekend, we appreciated the fact that we did not have to wrestle with summertime traffic. While there are two bridges that cross Cape Cod Canal onto the Cape, there is only one major highway (Highway 6) that traverses the peninsula. Described as an arm, the cape is divided into the upper arm, or upper cape, encompassing Barnstable, Hyannis, Yarmouth and other towns closest to the mainland; the elbow where the pristine village of Chatham is located; and the lower cape made up of Eastham, Wellfleet, and Truro with Provincetown at the fist.
Two smaller two-lane highways traverse the Cape north and south, each area possessing a clearly distinct personality. Route 6A to the north was originally a stagecoach route and is now a two-lane road that winds through small towns steeped in history and classic New England architecture. This north side is the "quiet side of the Cape" with grand homes of former sea captains, antique shops, art galleries, and inns. If you travel the roads just off the highway, you will discover small cottages, sleepy harbors and quiet beaches.
Route 28 on the south side contains the commercial areas and malls as well as the golf centers, water parks and entertainment centers that kids love.
Families will find accommodations on the Cape to suit any size and preference. They include historic inns, bed and breakfasts, resorts, motor lodges, houses, cottages and bungelos.
The Cape Codder
Resort, located on Rt. 28 in Hyannis, is one resort that offers amenities
for families and a good mid-Cape location for sightseeing trips in any direction,
including Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.
The resort is owned and operated by the Catania family, also owners and operators of the Dan'l Webster Inn in Sandwich, the John Carver Inn in Plymouth and seven Hearth 'n Kettle family restaurants throughout southeastern Massachusetts. They purchased the Cape Codder in December of 2000 from Sheraton properties and since then, have been renovating every aspect of the resort from room furnishings and restaurants to a new indoor wave pool.
The pool features two-foot waves, two water slides, waterfalls, kiddy play area and two saunas. Sliding glass doors open onto an outdoor sundeck and dining area.
There's something to be said about having an indoor pool on the Cape. Nor'easters and tropical storms pound the cape regularly making the weather unreliable and guests unhappy when it does not cooperate. The indoor pool insures activities for the kids even in the event of bad weather or, better yet, off season.
Other facilities include a fitness center, spa, tennis courts, volleyball, playground and game room. The resort's restaurants include V.J.'s Grille Room, serving aged steaks and seafood; the Grand Cru Wine Bar, offering 20 different wines by the glass, classic cocktails and a creative menu of appetizers and desserts; and a Hearth 'n Kettle family restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Water is the theme of a Cape Cod vacation. From swimming to beachcombing, clamming to fishing, outdoor activities fill the day. The Cape Cod National Seashore extends 40 miles from Chatham to Provincetown. The Coast Guard Beach there is consistently ranked as one of the ten best beaches in the United States. The coastline stretches unspoiled for miles along the Atlantic. Visitors Centers in Eastham and Provincetown have orientation movies, exhibits, and information services. Ranger-led expeditions, hikes, history programs, and family programs are held throughout the year.
The Cape offers at least five major cycling trails and dozens of lesser trails to enjoy. Bicycle rentals are available near trail access points. The Cape Cod Rail Trail, a former Penn-Central right-of-way, travels for 25 miles from Wellfleet on the lower Cape to Dennis mid-Cape.
Whale watching is a major Cape Cod industry. Stellwagen Bank, an underwater plateau of sand and gravel located a few miles from the tip of Cape Cod, provides an outstanding habitat for sea life and plankton and attracts large numbers of fish, humpback whales, fin whales, right whales and minke whales. Excursions depart from Plymouth, Barnstable and Provincetown Harbors. We chose to leave from Provincetown, the closest port to Stellwagen Bank. Competition among whale watch cruises is fierce and we were skeptical of the promises made in all the advertising. But we reluctantly booked a 4:00 trip thinking that at the least, we would enjoy a beautiful sunset cruise. We chose the Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown operated by the Center for Coastal Studies. The Center is a private, non-profit organization started in 1976 by scientists and citizens whose goal is education, research and conservation of whales, seabirds and coastal ecosystems. They are also authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service to assist whales entangled in fishing gear at sea. To our surprise, the trip surpassed even the on-board naturalist's expectations. We saw dozens of humpback and minke whales and were even lucky enough to see a humpback breach-a truly awesome spectacle, made even more magnificent by the light of the setting sun.
-December 2001
Western adventure at Tanque Verde Ranch
When the last dreary days of winter
linger, there's nothing better than a trip that promises warm sun and clear
blue skies. Arizona fit the bill for our family this spring. Tucson,
our first stop, is renowned for its superb weather, boasting over 300
days of sunshine a year, more than any city in the U.S. The air is remarkably
dry with low humidity and even though daytime temperatures can get high,
the temperature drops at sunset providing cool, comfortable evenings.
Tucson lies in the Sonoran Desert, a lush desert as far as deserts go due to the eleven inches of rain the area receives on average annually.
As a result, over 1,300 kinds of plants and 300 species of animals are indigenous to the Sonoran Desert, most notable of them, the magnificent saguaro cactus. This sentinel-like cactus has come to symbolize the southwest and is native only to Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. A saguaro cactus is 50 years old before it produces its first arm and some are over 50 feet tall and over 200 years old.
Saguaro National Park, encompassing over 90,000 acres east and west of Tucson, is a preserve for the largest concentration of saguaro. Visitors Centers tell its story and both east and west sides of the park offer loop drives, hiking and bike trails, and interpretive programs.
The vast desert landscape cries out for horses, cowboys, ranches and such, and we found them all at the historic Tanque Verde Ranch just outside Tucson. Speedway Avenue, a major thoroughfare, narrows a few miles past town, then abruptly ends at the Douglas Spring trailhead for the Saguaro National Park and a small sign marks the entrance to the Tanque Verde Ranch. The setting could not be more spectacular. We were in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains, bordered by the Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest, and the desert lay before us dressed in its spectacular colors of spring-blossoms of magenta, orange, purple and gold burst from the cactuses.
The Tanque Verde Ranch was founded in 1868 and
now serves the tourist industry as a four star resort. The main buildings
retain their rustic charm with high ceilings, timber beams, and wide plank
floors. Seventy-four adobe casitas in clusters of three and four are built
up the desert hillside. Accommodations are comfortable, many with fireplaces,
all with porches or patios and bird feeders, and, pleasantly, no TV. Ranch
facilities include outdoor and indoor pools, children's outdoor wading pool,
tennis courts, whirlpool, sauna, exercise room, nature center, group meeting
rooms and Arizona's largest riding stable.
There are over 120 trained horses at the ranch. Morning and afternoon rides are