Ausable Chasm in the Winter

This Christmas break my family hopped in our Toyota Prius and road-tripped to the Lake Champlain region of the Adirondacks.  Although the ski conditions near our home in Massachusetts were just awful due to the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been experiencing, the conditions were great in the Adirondacks.

To start, we traveled to Plattsburgh by way of Vermont, taking the Grand Isle to Plattsburgh ferry.  It was incredibly easy to take the ferry, which runs every few minutes twenty-four hours a day, and saved us lots of time.  Once we arrived in Plattsburgh, it was just a short drive to the Comfort Inn and Suites, where we were staying for our trip. Read More »

‘Tis the season!

No, I’m not talking about turkey – or even tinsel or mistletoe. It’s the season for embracing the cold and strapping on your skis (or snowboard, if you prefer) to hit the slopes. Grab the kids and head to one of these winter wonderlands.

Keystone, Colorado

Known as a slightly less glamorous (but just as powdery) version of Aspen, Keystone might provide a better bargain for family travelers.

Where to Ski: Keystone Ski Resort

Located within the White River National Forest, this ski haven has 3 peaks, 135 trails, and 20 lifts to transport snow bunnies of every age and ability.

Where to Stay: Inn at Keystone

This hotel provides a great value for families and easy access to the slopes for skiiers.

Stowe, Vermont

Get the views and the weather synonymous with New England winters in this idyllic Vermont town.

Where to Ski: Stowe Mountain Resort

There’s nearly 40 miles of snow-covered trails to be conquered between Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield, including the 3.7 mile long Toll Road.

Where to Stay: Stowe Mountain Lodge

When you’re not becoming master of the elements, relax at the spa or warm up in a Jacuzzi tub. This is the perfect place for those who like a little luxury with their adrenaline.

Park City, Utah

Where to Ski: Deer Valley Resort

This resort limits the number of lift tickets sold daily and provides ski classes for kids and adults, making it ideal for families still building their confidence on the slopes.

Where to Stay: Arrowleaf at Empire Pass

Reserve two or three bedroom suites with ski-in/ski-out access to the mountains. You won’t find a full-service spa on site, but you can have a raging fire in your own condo.

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Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa

There’s nowhere better to visit in the summer than Vermont.  With gorgeous weather, beautiful scenery, and loads of things to do, it’s perfect for a family vacation.  Last month, my family visited Stowe, Vermont for the first time, and we had a great time.

Things to Do in Stowe

There are loads of things to do in the summer in Stowe, including an alpine slide, zip lining, miniature golf, and shopping.  You can also visit some of the factory tours in nearby Waterbury, Vermont (including Ben and Jerry’s).  The whole area is so relaxing and beautiful, and you could easily spend a long weekend there in the summer.

Places to Eat in Stowe

Just about every restaurant in the Stowe area is kid-friendly.  My favorites include the Dutch Pancake Cafe (for breakfast) in the Grey Fox Inn, Gracie’s, and Piecasso for gourmet pizzas.

Places to Stay in Stowe

There are so many hotels, resorts, and inns located right in Stowe.  We stayed at the Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, which offers a kid’s playground, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, games, and the best spa I’ve ever visited!  It’s centrally located, and would be good for a ski vacation also.

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

Disclosure: I received a complimentary two-night stay at Stoweflake, including a dinner, spa treatment, and breakfast.

the missed boat

Vermont is such a pretty state. My husband and I spent part of our honeymoon at a bed & breakfast in West Townshend and loved the area. The green trees and rolling hills are a beautiful backdrop for any outdoor activity you may choose. Silver Lake State Park is the perfect location to take a little trip for those outdoor games. The park is located in Barnard which, according to the website, is a classic Vermont hill town. Read More »