Search Results for: vermont

Where to go for spring break: affordable spring break ideas for families

If you live in a cold climate like me, you're probably ready for some fun in the sun. Or maybe you get plenty of blue sky, and want to experience snow one last time before summer. Either way, we have budget spring break ideas for you. Read on to learn where to go for spring break in the U.S....without breaking the bank. Then, check out our often-overlooked spring break ideas, compiled with … [Read more...]

Back to Ski: Smugglers Notch Resort for teens and advanced skiers

We covered Smugglers’ Notch amenities for young kids and babies last winter, but Vermont-based Smuggs has older kids, teens, and advanced skiers covered as well. In fact, this combination makes Smuggs an excellent resort pick for multigenerational family travel, so bring Grandma and Grandpa along, too. If you have expert skiers and older kids or teens in your midst, here’s what you need to know … [Read more...]

Family ski wear checklist: What you need and which brands are best

Ski season is upon us, and if you're a skiing family, you're busy cataloguing your gear and checking to see what fits each family member. If you don't ski often, you may not be outfitted yet at all. If you only ski once a year or so, we highly recommend using a ski wear rental service like Get Outfitted (see our full review), but if you plan to go several times this winter, it's worth investing in … [Read more...]

New Hampshire with kids: Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves

The Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves is a great location for exploration that families can take at their own pace. It starts with a three-fourth mile boardwalk through the gorge. You may remain on the boardwalk, or, if your kids love off-roading, you can explore the boulder caves. This is an excellent outdoor activity in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The Mysterious Boulder … [Read more...]

Educational travel: hotel programs that teach while vacationing

Will you be pulling your kids out of school this year for travel? You can admit it here...we do it too! While we believe that travel aids a child's education, we also value the lessons they're learning in school. Therefore, when we do take kids out of class, we try to find museums to visit or hotel programs for kids that offer classes, lessons, or special programming. Below, our favorite hotel … [Read more...]

Five unusual outdoor lodging picks for families

Ever wanted to stay the night in a yurt, overlooking the ocean? How about a rustic cabin in the mountains, a tree house in the woods, or even a fire lookout with sweeping views? All of the above are easily accessible to all travelers – no wilderness experience necessary! Extend the camping season with these year-round lodging experiences, and learn where and when to book them. Yurts: Comfortable … [Read more...]

Travel Gear We Use: Ski day accessories

Today on Travel Gear We Use, we're talking ski accessories. The following ski gear items are products we use either to make ski days more fun or more affordable. Both are high on my list when planning ski trips! Goggle Graffiti: Haven't heard of Goggle Graffiti, or seen it on the slopes yet? Neither had we, until we tried it out. These fun labels attach to your kids' goggles, and add both … [Read more...]

Flayvors Ice Cream at Cook Farm

Flayvors Ice Cream at Cook Farm is made on-site, at a family dairy in Hadley, Massachusetts. Located in the heart of the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, the dairy and ice cream parlor are in good company; this region is well-known for its farm-to-fork efforts. What we love: driving up to the ice cream shop, families first see the actual barns and cows that contribute to their ice cream … [Read more...]

How to find kid-friendly golf courses from California to Florida

Ever since my three kids--now 14, 12, and 9--took up golfing, we've planned some of our family vacations around the sport. Parents who golf--or parents of golfers--understand the unique challenge in finding golf courses for kids: you want to experience unique or famous golf courses while on vacation, but you also need to find courses that meet the needs of your kids. Nothing ruins your … [Read more...]

Outdoor exploration with kids: Eastern Mountain Sports Schools

 EMS is one of my favorite outdoor gear stores, and I look to them whenever we need something new for backpacking, hiking, or climbing. But did you know that they have special “schools” for climbing (rock and ice), skiing (avalanche training, back country, telemark), kayaking, and biking? These EMS schools are located throughout New England and New York and are available to everyone from experts … [Read more...]