Best Ski Towns: Luxury Vail ski vacation

It's impossible to have a 'best ski towns' series and not include Vail, Colorado. There's a reason Vail has been absent from our list thus far...it's already on everyone else's list. That said, Vail deserves a place on ours as well, because with perhaps the exception of Deer Valley Utah, Vail and its neighbor and Vail Resorts partner, Beaver Creek, offer up the most luxurious ski vacation … [Read more...]

Where to eat in Breckenridge (in any season)

Breckenridge, Colorado is not just a ski town. It's also a hiking town, a mountain biking town, a fall leaf peeping town, and yes, a foodie town. Here's where to eat out, whether you're in town for the snow or the trails. With the kids: Need apres-ski or hiking spots big on fun, deck-space, brews for mom and dad, and a casual ambiance? Here’s where to go in town. Breckenridge … [Read more...]

Grown-up Getaway: What to do in Breckenridge in fall

Why would you go to Breckenridge in fall? As one local resident, mountain bike pro, and chef put it, "Why wouldn't you?" Autumn is a special time in this Colorado mountain town. When I arrived in mid-September, I half-expected a ghost town: after all, Breck is known for skiing. Instead, I found a town alive with a quiet, happy hum of activity: tourists and locals alike were enjoying the fall … [Read more...]

Where to hike in Breckenridge with kids

Think Breckenridge, Colorado is only a winter ski destination? No way! This mountain town is a great pick for summer and fall travel as well, offering historical significance, museums and culture, great dining, and, our personal favorite, excellent hiking for families. When families arrive in Breck, they'll find maps with literally dozens of hiking trails accessible right from town. Many of … [Read more...]

Breckenridge winter vacation tips

I am lucky enough that I have now spent time in and around Breckenridge, Colorado in summer, fall, and winter. All are wonderful times to visit with their own merits, but winter certainly is a popular choice. With a world-class ski resort and magical winter atmosphere comes an increase in visitors and potentially challenging driving conditions. Here’s what you need to know to have an amazing … [Read more...]

Guide to skiing Breckenridge with teens (by teens)

Breckenridge Mountain is a huge ski resort with something for absolutely every type of skier and rider. On our latest trip, we went with our teens and pre-teen, who are all expert skiers and riders. I thought I’d let them tell readers their favorite places on the mountain from their perspective. If you have older kids and teens who like steeps and deeps, this is the post to read! Note to … [Read more...]

Vail luxury ski hotel: Sonnenalp hotel review

I have been lucky enough to stay in many luxury ski hotel properties, from Whistler to Tahoe to points east. My stay at The Sonnenalp, a Leading Hotels of the World property in Vail, Colorado, met the expectations that properties like the Fairmont or the Ritz Carlton had set for me, but also exceeded those expectations in subtle ways. What do I mean by this? The Sonnenalp Hotel, which is a true … [Read more...]

What to do with kids at Lake of the Ozarks

The Lake of the Ozarks is a well-known Midwest destination for summer fun and recreation. With 84 square miles of water, 1100 miles of shoreline, and a host of on-land attractions, the Lake has something for everyone. Here's a taste of what to do with kids at Lake of the Ozarks: The Bagnell Dam Strip: This classic taste of the Lake offers fun, touristy attractions like old-time photos, a … [Read more...]

Keystone lodging review: The Springs at River Run Village

During or latest winter Keystone ski trip with kids, we stayed in a two-bedroom condo in River Run’s The Springs. At the end of our trip, my nine-year-old declared it the best ski lodging he’d experienced. Why did he rate it above other ski-in, ski-out resort lodging? Three reasons: 1. the Springs pool, 2. the proximity to the River Run Gondola, and 3. the fact that it’s surrounded by … [Read more...]

Missouri with kids: Eco Adventure Ziplines

If you’re crossing the state of Missouri on I-70, plan ahead to make a pit stop at Exit 175 (Hermann/New Florence). Five miles off the highway is Eco Adventure Ziplines. It's a perfect introduction to high-flying adventure for first timers as well as a great attraction for more experienced high-flyers interested in the natural beauty of this area. From booking to departure, this is an … [Read more...]