Four Peaks Mountain at high noon.

Four Peaks, part of the Mazatzal Mountains and located in the Tonto National Forest of Arizona, is a friendly and familiar sight to those of us living in the Phoenix valley. On clear days the peaks can be seen for miles, and they shine like a beacon after a snow fall (its highest point is at 7657 feet). They’re also the source for some mighty fine off-road recreation, if one is fortunate enough to have access to the appropriate four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Generally, my husband and I do not have access to such a vehicle. But last weekend we had to drop off our truck (a low-slung Trailblazer SS NOT fit for rough roads) at the dealership for repair, and the only rental vehicle available at the time was a four-wheel-drive Jeep Wrangler.

BINGO.

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A view of St. Kitts from the safari jeep

I always find that the best way to explore a place is through the eyes of locals.  You just can’t discover all of the nooks and nuances without the help of someone who lives and loves the place you’re visiting. Although St. Kitts is a tiny island, I gained  an in- depth perspective of its history and culture on a three-hour jeep tour with Greg’s Safari Tours. As a fifth generation Kittitian, Greg guided us through St. Kitts diverse terrain while supplying loads of historical and cultural tidbits. Read More »

A Friendly Goat at the Natick Community Organic Farm

My home town of Natick, Massachusetts is just fifteen miles west of Boston, making it a great day trip for families visiting Boston.  Guests can take the commuter rail right to the center of the town, or it’s a quick drive down the Mass Pike.

There are quite a few family-friendly locations in Natick, but our favorite is the Natick Community Organic Farm.  The farm itself is free – supported by the town and members.  My kids love seeing the goats, pigs, rabbits, and chickens on this working farm.  You can also visit the farm stand to purchase fresh eggs and produce.

Belkin Farm, a family farm with you-pick fruit and a kid fun area, is another big hit with our family.  While the biggest complaint among families is the cost (it can be expensive for a family of four), there are season passes that can make it more affordable if you are visiting more than once.

When you get hungry, check out Casey’s Diner, an old-fashioned diner located just outside of the center of town.  It only has a few seats and a small menu, but it’s a local institution.

Do you have some shopping to do? The Natick Collection (formerly the Natick Mall) is the largest mall in New England and offers stores ranging from Sears and Neiman Marcus.  It also boasts the regions only American Girl Store, along with the American Girl Bistro.

Finally, if you are considering staying overnight, I’d recommend the Crowne Plaza, located right across the street from the Natick Collection.

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig