Where to find authentic cajun food in SW Louisiana

In much of Southwest Louisiana, alligators outnumber people, residents still live off the land to an impressive degree, and local cuisine is well-loved and much applauded. In fact, the Lake Charles, Louisiana area features a type of southern cuisine not experienced anywhere else. From cracklins to boudin to crawfish boils, SW Louisiana's authentic cajun food is truly an attraction in its own … [Read more...]

Where to eat in Breckenridge (in any season)

Breckenridge, Colorado is not just a ski town. It's also a hiking town, a mountain biking town, a fall leaf peeping town, and yes, a foodie town. Here's where to eat out, whether you're in town for the snow or the trails. With the kids: Need apres-ski or hiking spots big on fun, deck-space, brews for mom and dad, and a casual ambiance? Here’s where to go in town. Breckenridge … [Read more...]

Grown-Up Getaway: Wine and dine in Lubbock Texas

Last spring, we outlined the perfect Grown-Up Getaway to charming Fredericksburg, Texas, in the Hill Country. Now we’re back with one more--perhaps unexpected--Texas getaway: Lubbock. Everywhere I went in Fredericksburg, I was told by winemakers that their grapes came from this city in the West Plains. So naturally, I had to go see Lubbock for myself. If you've driven through Lubbock, Texas … [Read more...]

Five best things to do when you visit Miami

By far one of the most enticing things about visiting Miami, Florida is the fact that no matter when you go, you can almost always count on getting some sunshine. Yes, south Florida enjoys warm sunny weather all year round. Now couple that with the fact that it has some of the best beaches in America (starting, of course, with the iconic Miami Beach) and you have a beautiful destination worth … [Read more...]

Planning a trip to Door County with kids

The moment I heard Door County, Wisconsin described as ‘the Cape Cod of the Midwest’, this family-friendly destination made perfect sense to me. Despite the fact that Lake Michigan served as the ‘ocean’ in this comparison, the description was spot-on. Door County, the narrow ‘thumb’-shaped peninsula of Wisconsin, is comprised of scenic shoreline, quaint villages, and rolling farmland. It’s Cape … [Read more...]

Germany with kids: Five Bavarian cities not to miss

If the Germany of your imagination is storybook towns, medieval villages, vineyards and church steeples, you need to include the region of Bavaria (and its subsection of Franconia) in your European trip plans. After touring Germany with Vantagetravel.com, I compiled a collection of not-to-miss destinations throughout Bavaria that will satisfy kids' need for fun and exploration and parents' … [Read more...]

What to do with kids at Lake of the Ozarks

The Lake of the Ozarks is a well-known Midwest destination for summer fun and recreation. With 84 square miles of water, 1100 miles of shoreline, and a host of on-land attractions, the Lake has something for everyone. Here's a taste of what to do with kids at Lake of the Ozarks: The Bagnell Dam Strip: This classic taste of the Lake offers fun, touristy attractions like old-time photos, a … [Read more...]

Where to eat in Oceanside California

Forget fast food chains or cookie cutter restaurants. Oceanside is brimming with inventive cuisine from earnest, hardworking chefs and restaurant owners, all with a story to tell. You won't go hungry, whether you're in town with your family for some beach time or on a grown-up getaway or solo adventure. Here's where to eat in Oceanside: Breakfast: Elena’s Cafe French Crepes: this hole in … [Read more...]

Three things to do in Acadia National Park with kids

Acadia National Park may be quite a hike from the nearest urban center or major airport, but this beautiful corner of downeast Maine offers families unlimited adventures, from bikes to boats to hiking trails and, if you’re lucky, the earliest sunrise in the continental US! Acadia is a relatively small park, and offers a lot of short, gentle hikes (and some tough ones as well) in addition to their … [Read more...]

Downtown dining in Palm Springs with kids

Palm Springs may be a more appealing destination to adults than kids—after all, it’s known for golf, spas, wellness retreats, and shopping—but we found the downtown area to be surprisingly kid-friendly. We saw many other parents with kids in tow, and our own kids really enjoyed the city. Whether you spend your Palm Springs day at the tramway, Joshua Tree National Park, or the local water park, … [Read more...]