Vacations Blog

A view of snow covered dunes at Whitefish Dunes State Park

 If you long for the winter wonders pictured on holiday cards, head to Door County, Wisconsin where snow and fun abound.   I enjoyed an invigorating press trip to  Door County’s  snow-coveredshores, where I witnessed the peninsula’s jaw-dropping  beauty. Start your frosty frolics with a visit to Whitefish Dunes State Park.  An 865 acre nature preserve, Whitefish Dunes State Park boasts the highest sand dunes in Wisconsin and is the original home of eight Native American villages dating from 100 BC to the late 1800s.  The best way to view the park’s  scenic highlights is a snow shoeing hike through  the miles of pristine trails.  Three local shops rent snow shoes according the weight, so don’t be shy about announcing your pounds!  Snow shoeing guarantees a vigorous workout so be prepared to strip off some clothing layers.

Ice skating at Millennium Park

A dip in temperatures means that Chicago weather is moving back to its natural state but it also means that it’s the season for ice skating in Millennium Park. A Chicago tradition for 9 years, skaters can spin around the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink until March 14, weather permitting and it always does. Glide around the 200 feet long and 80 feet wide rink with the glistening  Cloudgate “Bean” sculpture as the backdrop. Skate rental is $10 if you don’t bring your own. I defintitely recommend bringing a scarf, hat, mittens and thick socks to shield your skin against the notorious Chicago wind. Read More »

Sun Valley, Idaho, is a great place to visit, whether you seek a romantic weekend getaway, or a fun-filled family vacation. My husband and I just returned from a quick trip last week, and even though we were only there a short time, we came up with a list of our favorite outdoor activities in Sun Valley:

Biking
Sun Valley, a planned resort community near Ketchum, Idaho, boasts miles of paved and unpaved bike paths, perfect for leisurely rides into town for ice cream, or an over-the-bar, single-track mountain bike adventure up one of the many trails in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. I rented a bike from one of the local shops and headed out with a group to conquer the Copper Basin – my personal recommendation? Go for a higher-end bike with multiple shocks. That single track can get a little bumpy!

Fly Fishing
The river runs right through town, and during the summer, locals hire out as guides to tourists interested in learning or perfecting their fly-fishing technique. My husband went out with Silver Creek Outfitters on the Big Wood, just above the Magic Reservoir, and enjoyed an afternoon of catching (and releasing!) rainbow trout. Although, he did add that it was a good thing the scenery was so beautiful, as sometimes the fish did not cooperate!

Horseback Riding
Just north of Ketchum, in Galena, Idaho, several outfitters offer guided trail rides ranging from 1.5 hours to all day. Our friends took their daughter up one afternoon and enjoyed a lovely trail ride with spectacular mountain views.

River Rafting
Alas, the water was very low in the Snake River when we visited, but early in the season, white water rafting is an exciting way to see the Sun Valley. With Class II and III rapids perfect for family adventures, and Class IV rapids for those seeking more thrilling rides, river rafting looked like a great activity. Next time we will make sure we visit in May and June, when the waters run high.

Ice Skating
That’s right, ice-skating. Even in the summer, the ice rink at Sun Valley Lodge offers open-skate, private lessons, and ice hockey. And for those of who would rather leave this sport to the professionals, Saturday nights during the summer, Sun Valley is host to The Sun Valley Summer Ice Show, featuring Olympic and World Champion skaters.

In between these activities, we also took in a tennis lesson or two, went swimming in the pools, and enjoyed a few retail therapy opportunities. Sun Valley also offers golfing, hiking, and other family activities. We are already planning a winter trip, with all the cold-weather sport options!