Skiing with kids: Diamond Peak ski resort

If you've skied in Lake Tahoe with kids, I'm betting it was not at Diamond Peak ski resort. Why? Because this Lake Tahoe local favorite is just enough off the beaten path that not enough visitors discover it. It's very accessible, located, in fact, right in Incline Village on the northern Nevada side of the lake, and lower-than-average ticket prices beckon. Diamond Peak has seven lifts in … [Read more...]

Guide to Las Vegas with kids: family-friendly Las Vegas vacation

There was a time when I didn't think of Las Vegas as a family-friendly trip idea, but in the past few years, Vegas hotels and attractions have made strides to be more kid-oriented. Whether your family trip focuses on Las Vegas entertainment, outdoor recreation, or dining (or all of the above), the following advice can help make your trip to Sin City much more wholesome. During this time of … [Read more...]

Grown-Up Getaway: Downtown Las Vegas and Fremont Street

If your usual Las Vegas stomping grounds include only the Strip, or if, like me, you think 'been there, done that' when it comes to a Las Vegas getaway, a stay (or even just a day) in historic downtown Las Vegas may be just what you need to see this city from a different perspective. Downtown Las Vegas is located toward the 'top' of the Strip, above the Stratosphere, and retains some of the … [Read more...]

Grown-Up Getaway: How to spend a weekend in Reno, Nevada

I know...you thought I was going to say Las Vegas, right? But I prefer Reno, Nevada to Vegas any day...this medium-sized city is nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and offers plenty to do in the outdoors in addition to gaming and entertainment. Here's what to do and where to go...with some unexpected surprises along the way! Grown Up Getaway: Reno Nevada Where to stay: You … [Read more...]

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe review with kids

Incline Village, on Lake Tahoe's north shore, offers plenty of condo and vacation home rentals but only one truly premiere destination resort. The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe has everything you're looking for in a luxury property, and unless ski-in, ski-out lodging is a must for your family, the location cannot be beaten. You're within a five-minute drive to Diamond Peak ski resort, and within … [Read more...]

South Lake Tahoe lodging for families: Aston Lakeland Village

I might as well admit it: I'm a North Lake Tahoe girl. I grew up near North Tahoe, and because of this, I simply know the area better. While I do love skiing at Sierra-at-Tahoe and Kirkwood on the South side, my heart--usually--belongs to the North. Why 'usually'? Because until a spring skiing visit last year, I didn't know Aston Lakeland Village existed. Aston Lakeland Village is exactly what … [Read more...]

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Just 20 minutes from the bright and bustling Las Vegas strip, Red Rock Canyon can be a welcome respite from the crowds, especially in the spring or fall. (If visiting in summer, try to make it a morning expedition.) Start at the visitor's center, located at the start of the scenic loop drive. The Canyon Interpretive Association puts on occasional classes and programs, so check when you … [Read more...]

Family-friendly Vegas hotel: Marriott Vacation Club Grand Chateau

Is Las Vegas a family-friendly destination? While I believe there are better vacation choices for families, there are plenty of reasons families find themselves here, from conventions to shows to sport tournaments. And when you do go, you'll need a family-friendly Vegas hotel. We just returned from Marriott Vacation Club Grand Chateau, and let me tell you: we'll never stay anywhere else in … [Read more...]

Most haunted destinations in the US (and why kids should visit)

Curious about touring one of the most haunted destinations in the US? The following family travel destinations have tales to tell. Visit with ghosts in mind, or opt for a spirit-free experience with educational tours, historical sites, and kid-friendly attractions. Gettysburg, PA: It's no wonder Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is haunted, given the significance of this intense three-day Civil War … [Read more...]

Why Reno, Nevada should be on your family travel radar

Never considered spending family vacation time in the Biggest Little City in the World? I get it: Reno, Nevada is usually a stop-over for road tripping families, a pit stop en route to Tahoe, Vegas, or the San Francisco Bay Area. However, Reno has grown in both population and stature, helping this 'little city' deliver big on family-friendly attractions. The city is affordable (hello, casino-hotel … [Read more...]