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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

FLORIDA

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

HAWAII

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

CARIBBEAN

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

EAST

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

WEST

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

U.S. / INTERNATIONAL

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

SKIING

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

Discover
Charleston

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

The Other Florida ­

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 away 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 of 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

San Diego lures families

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 Cod­A Natural Escape

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