The following pit stop is submitted by Jessie Voigts of WanderingEducators.com. Heading to Wisconsin, north of Chicago, and stopping to shop at Gurnee? Or perhaps spending some time at Six Flags? We’ve got the perfect place to stay: Key Lime Cove, in Gurnee, Illinois. Key Lime Cove is a Key West-inspired waterpark and destination hotel. It includes a Key West-themed marketplace, restaurant, … [Read more...]
Exploring the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
September 9, 2011 By
Directly along Oregon's stretch of coastal Highway 101 lie the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: miles of sandy hills and valleys awaiting exploration! Never heard of it? I'm not surprised...many don't realize these mammoth mountains of sand are so close at-hand for Northwest visitors! The biggest of these dunes are about 10 miles south of Reedsport near the town of Lakeside in Eel … [Read more...]
A stay at Central Oregon’s Pronghorn Club
August 24, 2011 By
An unique and beautifully luxurious oasis in the heart of Central Oregon's high desert, Pronghorn Club offers families the comfort and convenience of vacation homes, the fun of a family resort, and the excitement of a full-scale outdoor adventure outfit. The primary draw of the Pronghorn Club is its signature Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and (private) Tom Fazio course. Charlie (the … [Read more...]
San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina
August 19, 2011 By
The Marriott Marquis and Marina is located in the heart of San Diego, California's Gaslamp Quarter, situated directly on the bay. It does not include beach access, but the water is in easy reach via the harbor, where kids can watch the boats and parents will appreciate the family-friendly dining. A major convention hotel, families can count on plenty of business and conference traffic … [Read more...]
Disney done right: a stay at the Disneyland Hotel
August 11, 2011 By
Until last week, my family and I had never stayed on-site at the Disneyland Resort, despite numerous trips to the theme parks. After last week’s stay, I may never visit Disney any other way. Our night at the newly improved Disneyland Hotel granted both tangible and intangible perks I don’t think I could do without! We arrived at the hotel in the morning before park opening, and the front … [Read more...]
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
August 10, 2011 By
The following pit stop is submitted by reader Erica Smith. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is located along the shores of Lake Michigan and is easily accessed from I-94. With 15 miles of beach, outdoor activities, and park programs, there's plenty for families to do. Stop for a few hours en route on I-94, or make it an overnight! Things to do: Hike the sand dune of Mt. Baldy, then … [Read more...]
Summer in the Sierras: guide to rustic lodges
July 26, 2011 By
The term 'mountain lodge' can mean many things to traveling families. It can conjure up images ranging from five-star luxury to bare bones accommodation, swimming pools and children's programs to communal meals and do-it-yourself maid service. We love it all, but when we truly want to escape civilization and immerse ourselves in nature, we book a week at one of the following family-owned and … [Read more...]
New York City with kids: a stay at Affinia 50
July 4, 2011 By
We chose to stay at Manhattan's Affinia 50 for our kids' introduction to New York City, and within moments of checking in, I knew we'd made the right decision. It was instantly made clear to me that Affinia 50 does things differently than standard big city hotel chains: they're small enough to be personal, but large enough to provide the amenities families need. First off, they deliver on … [Read more...]
Boston with kids: a stay at Marriott’s Custom House
June 28, 2011 By
Marriott's Custom House is hands down the most unique Marriott Vacation Club property I've ever seen. Originally built in 1847 as a--you guessed it--custom house for 1/5th of the world's wealth brought in at the busy harbor, the hotel is one of the most impressive historical buildings in all of Boston, and yet its one-of-a-kind features are seamlessly integrated with Marriott Vacation Club's … [Read more...]
The Four Seasons Vancouver: kid-friendly luxury
June 15, 2011 By
Last week, had I been asked to describe the Four Seasons family of resorts, I would have used phrases such as 'exceptional reputation', 'luxury accommodations', or 'famed attention to detail'. After spending three blissful days at the Four Seasons Vancouver, I can add: 'family-friendliness'. Surprised? You shouldn't be. The same qualities that make the Four Seasons Vancouver an outstanding … [Read more...]
