Vacations Blog

1. You watch LOST wearing a Hawaiian shirt and sipping Mai Tais.

2. You find yourself driving by travel agencies that aren’t even on your way home.

3. You send people postcards from the corner market.

4. You only buy travel sized bottles of shampoo, aspirin and liquor.

5. You cover your carpet in sand and ask everyone to call you “Little Buddy.”

6. You make your kids wear flotation devices on snow days.

7. You keep your dirty laundry in a suitcase.

8. Whenever you leave the house you pretend you’re lost and can’t speak the language.

9. You’ve spray painted your snow-covered yard green.

10. You wear your sunglasses at night and your name isn’t Corey Hart.

11. You’ve replaced your office chair with a beach towel.

12. No matter where you are you tell people that what happens there stays there.

13. It’s 32 degrees outside and you just got a bikini wax.

Photo by Whit Honea

I want to tell you a secret. Something known only to some very intrepid souls and the locals. Want to know the best time to visit Martha’s Vineyard? No, not during the summer, though that is an ideal time. No, the best time to visit The Vineyard is now. In the winter. Trust me.

My wife and I first spent a few days there following a New Year’s Eve wedding in 1998. A weekend away for just the two of us was certainly intriguing (and welcome after the holidays), but admittedly, I was a bit skeptical of her choice for a long-weekend getaway destination. The Vineyard in January doesn’t bring to mind sitting poolside while cabana boys bring fruity drinks with tiny umbrellas (um…I mean lots of beers) nor does it conjure up sitting fireside after several hours of packed powder. To my less knowledgeable self, the Vineyard in January is biting winds and subzero wind chill; it’s empty storefronts and shuttered restaurants. It’s a ghost town. Well, it is and it isn’t.

The Black Dog Tavern, Vineyard Haven

Most people know about The Vineyard as a summer playground for the rich and famous. US Weekly and People have no shortage of stars to photograph in Edgartown or Oak Bluffs from June to September. They might even find some stragglers in October. But come winter, they are off to warmer climes leaving the island to the locals and those with a fondness for quiet. During our first visit, we stayed at Martha’s Place, a B&B in Vineyard Haven, a quaint place on Main Street and only steps from downtown. Most of the shops were still open and are exclusive to The Vineyard – Riley’s Reads, Menemsha Blues, CB Stark, among others – and the owners are always willing to engage in some small talk (or full-blown conversations) while you browse. Need a bite to eat or a good cup of coffee? MV Bagel Authority is the island’s premiere bagel shop with locations in Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. For something a little more substantial, hit the world-famous The Black Dog Tavern down by the harbor. If you decide to check out more of island – up-Island if you will (and you will want to) – there is The Black Dog Cafe outside of Vineyard Haven on the way to Chillmark or Aquinnah. You should know, however, that if you want alcoholic beverages with any of your meals, you will probably have to bring your own as Vineyard Haven is a dry town.

Lifeguard Tower in the snow - www.mvol.com

To the east, and about a 10-minute drive along Beach Road from Vineyard Haven lies historical Oak Bluffs. During the summer months, Oak Bluffs is a bustling and thriving oceanfront resort. It is also home to many historical and nationally recognized landmarks: the Flying Horses Carousel , the oldest operating platform carousel in America; The Campground, once home to the Methodist summer camp famous for its open-air revivals, now renowned for the Gingerbread-style cottages surrounding the Tabernacle and the yearly Grand Illumination in August. But like any  summer resort, the winter months see marked decline in visitors – the perfect chance to get a feel for what’s around and decide if you want to brave the summer throngs. There’s no shortage of places to stay in Oak Bluffs – it is a resort town after all – the trick is finding those that are open year-round if you want to set up camp in town. Dining is less of a challenge. Want a good, diner-style breakfast? Linda Jean’s on Circuit Avenue is just the ticket – even in the winter months nearly every seat is taken. For something a little lighter, across the street you’ll find Mocha Mott’s for a great cup of coffee and some pastries. If you’re interested in pub grub, Seasons is a decent bet, just expect a slower pace than usual. If you’re like me, you enjoy a good craft beer and will not be disappointed by the offerings at Offshore Ale Company on Kennbec Avenue, open seven days a week year-round. The IPA is a great choice. For nightlife, check out The Lampost and Rare Duck or go a little more low-key at one of the island’s movie theaters.

Our favorite town, and the one that caused me to fall in love with The Vineyard, is Edgartown. This tony

Edgartown Lighthouse in the snow - www.mvol.com

harbor town was once one of the primary ports of the whaling industry and where the captains of those vessels built the grand mansions that line Water Street on both sides. Again, there are plenty of places to stay in Edgartown – from the historic Harbor View Hotel to the modest conveniences of the Clarion Carriage House Inn – and many of them are open year-round and offer some great (read: affordable), off-season rates. As in Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven, many shops are still open, but may be on winter hours, typically several hours on the weekends. For your dining pleasure, Edgartown is loaded with gret places to eat. David Ryan’s and News from America Pub are two great choices and you won’t be disappointed. But the one that captured our hearts is The Wharf Pub on Main Street. During our first trip, we popped in for lunch and ended up staying for several hours, striking up conversations with the bartenders (locals) and other patrons like us enjoying the Island’s solitude in January. Since this initial visit, our trips to the Vineyard aren’t complete without a significant stay in this great pub.

To get to The Vineyard, take the ferry operated by the Steamship Authority in Wood’s Hole. If you plan on taking your car over (I recommend that during the winter months), you should plan on making reservations in advance as standby travel is not guaranteed. Enjoy yourself. Oh, and dress warmly. Trust me.

Sally, Conrad and Cat (Photo Universal Studios/Dreamworks)

Like Sally and “Conroy”, I find myself perched at the living room window moping and watching the inclement weather outside.  But instead of rain, it’s snow and there’s no Cat coming to my rescue.  No, my salvo is a furry rodent named Phil.  Punxsutawney Phil.

This coming Monday is Groundhog Day.  And the only hope I have of lasting another winter in America’s Bitter and Cold-Blooded Heartland lies in hands of what would ordinarily be considered a menace to the farming community.  A freaking Groundhog!  Yep!  You got it.  My will, my resolve to last, is at the mercy of that hairy little critter and whether or not he sees his shadow come February 2.

No shadow and winter can end as it should–soon.  But if that little fur faced demon happens to catch a glimpse of anything long and dark then I’m gonna be needing to fill a prescription.  I’m not so sure I can handle an extra six weeks of Arctic Bliss unaided.

Phil

For over 100 years, the little community in Punxsutawney, just northeast of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has held special observances on Groundhog Day in a little area known as Gobbler’s Knob.  Though popular in it’s own right, the town and it’s celebrations were made even more so by the movie “Ground Hog Day” starring Bill Murray.  For the life of me, I can’t imagine getting up at 3:00 in the morning to stand in sub zero temperatures for four and a half long hours waiting for a prognosticating rodent to give me a shred of hope that winter will soon be over.  I don’t care how good the hot chocolate is.

Phil’s not the only groundhog in this gig, either. He’s just the most famous.  Here’s a few other groundhogs that you may or may not be aware of.  Of course, if you ask me they all look the same.

• Jimmy the Groundhog of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin , USA
  

  Jimmy

• Wiarton Willie found in Wiarton, Ontario, Canada
  

  Willie

• Staten Island Chuck found in New York City, New York, USA
  

  Chuck

• General Beauregard Lee, PhD found in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
  

  General Lee

• Dunkirk Dave in Dunkirk, New York, USA
  

  Dave

• Malverne Mel and Malverne Melissa found in Malverne, New York, USA
  
  

  Mel

• Brandon Bob of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
  

  Bob

• Balzac Billy of Balzac, Alberta, Canada
  

  Billy

• Shubenacadie Sam of Shubencadie, Nova Scotia, Canada
  

  Sam

• Gary the Groundhog of Kleinburg, Ontario, Canada
  

  Gary

• Spanish Joe of Spanish Ontario, Canada
  

  Joe

• Sir Walter Wally of Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
  

  Sir Walter

• Pardon Me Pete of Tampa, Florida, USA
  

  Pete

• Octoraro Orphie of Quarryville, Pennsylvania, USA
  

  Orphie

• Holtsville Hal of Holtsville, New York, USA
  

  Hal

• Buckeye Chuck of Marion, Ohio, USA
  

  Chuck

List courtesy of Wikipedia, links by UpTake

I feel certain that the festivities involving each of these fine groundhogs is nothing short of splendid and each town is a treat to visit even without a groundhog day.  Take, Punxsutawney, for instance.  There is  groundhog festival every year around July 4th.

Summer!  Now that’s more likely to be a time you’ll find me visiting.

But right now, it’s winter.  It’s cold.  And I don’t care if you throw in a traditional spam burger with the hot chocolate, nothing is going to drag me out to watch someone wake up a hibernating groundhog predict the weather.  Just tell me what he said.  I’ll make a note of it and then file it with all of my other 63% accurate weather reports.

Paradise Inn at Mount Ranier

Snow Scene From Paradise at Mount Rainier

Photos by: Lee Coursey

Parts of New England are getting up to three feet of snow this week. Can you say white Christmas?

Because of Christmas and the New Year, there’s also a week off from school for most kids at the end of this month. Can you say Christmas vacation?

For a lot of folks, a winter vacation means skiing. And, although some of the best skiing in the country is admittedly in the West, some of the best family destinations for skiing are in New England. These six states offer nearly ninety ski resorts with a wide range of trails for all levels, great scenery, local attractions, and activities for downhill skiers, cross country skiers, snow boarders, snow mobilers, ice skaters, and even non-skiers looking for great amenities like spas, indoor pools, game rooms, and great restaurants and entertainment.

Everyone has their own “top ten” or “best” list, and there are some notable exclusions here.  Stowe, for one, is usually in any list of top Vermont ski resorts.  The five here, however, come up again and again as the top New England destinations for family skiing.

Smuggler’s Notch

Skiing at Smuggler's Notch in Vermont

Located in Vermont, Smuggler’s Notch is a year-round resort that has been catering to families for over thirty years.  My own family and I have even visited in the fall.  With indoor pools and hot tubs, game rooms and play rooms, child care, great restaurants, indoor and outdoor activities, entertainment, on-site lodging (rooms with one through five bedrooms are available) and more, the resort is a great hub any time of year for visiting Vermont attractions. For skiers, three peaks—each appealing to different skiing and snowboarding levels—all lead to the base village.

Okemo

Also in Vermont, Okemo offers over 100 trails with most for intermediate skiers. Not to leave anyone out, there are also novice programs and a few runs for advance skiers. Other family attractions include a wide variety of kids’ programs, a snow park, snow tubing hills, and an ice skating arena.

Bretton Woods

The Mount Washington Hotel in New Hampshire

Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, this is the state’s largest ski resort with over 430 acres of skiable terrain—including both downhill and cross-country skiing. Bretton Woods specializes in creating beginner and intermediate runs for family skiers. Again though, the advanced skiers won’t be left out. Bode’s Run—an expert’s only run—was designed by Director of Skiing, Olympian and World Cup Champion Bode Miller. In addition to great family programs and activities, Bretton Woods also offers a variety of accommodations that include The Mount Washington Hotel—one of New England’s finest.

Killington

Another Vermont resort, Killington is the largest in the East.  Like other great family destinations, Killington also offers something for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers.  Because of its size, the resorts attracts more than just families.  But also because of its size, there’s a whole lot to do here both on and off the mountain in the local area.

Sugarloaf

Skiing above the tree line at Sugarloaf in Maine

Sugarloaf is the second-highest peak in Maine and offers the only skiing above the tree line in the East—and the longest continuous vertical drop in New England.  Sugarloaf is a great family ski destination, but—being deep into Maine (about four hours north of Boston)—there’s not much surrounding it.  Because of that, vacationers to Sugarloaf are likely to stay on the resort and take advantage of its restaurants, shops, entertainment, and activities for the whole family.

Whatever your plans are for the holidays, have fun, be safe, and enjoy any vacation time you get.

Deer In Wintertime at Highbanks

The chill of winter is settling upon us in America’s Heartland and already we are enjoying the sequela induced by cabin fever. That’s sarcasm, people. Anyone with children surely knows that whenever you sequester five energetic and bored children to the indoors for any extended period, come springtime you’ll be needing a handyman, or a general contractor. Thank the heavens for the Central Ohio Metro Park System.

Metro Parks operates 15 parks year round in seven Central Ohio counties. Educational and recreational opportunities abound for patrons of all ages and best of all, facilities and the programs are available free of charge. Thanks, voters. Don’t get the wrong idea about that statement. According to the park executive director, the Columbus (Franklin County) Metro Parks system has the largest land area, 23,500 acres, of any of the parks in Ohio but by far the lowest per resident expenditure (less than $20 a year per resident) and lowest tax millage. The Metro Parks system enables anyone to enjoy Ohio wildlife and nature year round.

Grace and Mary Innis Inniswood Gardens

Shag Bark Hickory at Inniswood Metro Gardens

What’s more enticing, is that the Metro Parks are conveniently located in you own backyard, there’s no need to travel far for a perfect wintertime getaway. And with literally hundreds of programs and activities scheduled this winter, you’re sure to find something to your liking.

Winter Hiking Series at Metro Parks

Nature programs will teach young and old how the animals survive the cold Ohio winters. Twelve of the fifteen parks have designated pet trails. It’s not just Susie and Billie with cabin fever. Fido and Fluffy need to get out, too. There are over 140 miles of trails to explore. The annual Winter Hikes Series will be kicking off Saturdays in January and February. Guided or self-guided hikes are available with refreshments and for the hearty–a decorative patch if you complete at least seven of the thirteen scheduled hikes.

When conditions are favorable most of the parks have cross country skiing trails. Several others have excellent hills for sledding: Batelle Darby Creek, Blacklick Woods Golf Courses, Highbanks, Sharon Woods or Blendon Woods (kids only). Call the park office, 614-891-0700 to verify conditions are right. Batelle Darby Creek and Blendon Woods also offer skating ponds.

Diehard golfers will be happy to know that Blacklick Woods Golf Course is open year round. From November through March it’s not necessary to call for a tee time though you may want to call the pro shop and verify that the course is actually playable. 614-861-3193.

Don’t let the chill of winter keep you locked indoors. Now is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the wonder of nature. The cool air and serenity of a secluded trail can be invigorating.  Columbus’ Metro Parks offer the perfect wintertime escape and just what the doctor ordered for that nasty case of cabin fever.

Hiking the Snow Covered Trails

Park hours are generally 6:30 am until dark. Click here for specifics. Photos: Ed Lamaze, and courtesy of Charmaine Gray, Diana Morse and Kim Leach via ParkScope Metro Parks Guide.

The Silver Valley of North Idaho used to be known for its mining.  Over a billion ounces of silver have been taken out of mines in the area since the 1880’s.  But times change, and now the Silver Valley is becoming better known for its recreation.  Leading the way is Silver Mountain (notice how everything has the word silver in it?), a world-class ski resort in Kellogg, Idaho, that just recently opened up the beautiful new Morning Star Lodge and an adjoining 42,000 sq. ft. waterpark, called Silver Rapids.

Lazy river, at Silver Rapids Waterpark

Having just spent the weekend there, my family can tell you that there is no better way to beat the cabin fever of winter than with a trip to an indoor waterpark.  Silver Rapids is exclusive to guests of the lodge, which keeps down the crowds and makes for a more relaxed experience.  This is the first time I could float a lazy river and actually be lazy.  Usually I’m being jostled and splashed by swimmers on all sides.

The lack of crowds meant no waiting for any activity except the Flow Rider, a continuous wave of water that was perfect for bodyboarding and surfing.  But even that line only had 2 or 3 people in it at a time.  My son was able to keep at it until he had mastered the art of bodyboarding.  My daughter practiced shooting baskets on the “water court” for an hour, then ran the floating obstacle course like a young Lara Croft.  Both days we were in the waterpark, it sometimes felt like we had the place to ourselves.  Even when Santa Claus made an appearance, we didn’t have to contend with a line to sit on his lap.

Flow Rider, at Silver Rapids Waterpark

After awhile I started wondering if our “good thing” was unique to this waterpark.  Certainly, any park that is only open to guests of its hotel or lodge is going to be less crowded.  But, how many of them are part of a ski resort where a majority of the guests are hitting the slopes all day?  Silver Mountain has a built a unique addition to its resort.  There are only a handful of ski resorts with indoor waterparks in the U.S., but I’m sure more will follow as people see what an awesome combination it is.

For my family of non-skiers, all we cared about was that the water was 82 degrees while the outside temperature hovered around 35.  What better way to spend a winter vacation?

Morning Star Lodge, just outside the indoor waterpark

Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark

Even Santa enjoys the warm indoor weather

All photos by Phil Corless