August 7th is National Lighthouse Day and if you’ve never thought about staying in one, this is your chance. In 1789, the United States passed an Act in support of all lighthouses, beacons, and public piers. Now 230 years later, several historic beacons offer affordable, family-friendly lodging along the East and West coasts of North America.
When compared to hotels, lighthouses are scenic, big enough for a family, and are often located near a lot of interesting attractions. Read on for the background on some special beacons where families can spend a night or two to enjoy the surroundings and learn about local history. Additionally, the U.S. Lighthouse Society has an online directory of other lighthouses that welcome overnight guests.
No matter your choice, these trustworthy sentinels of the night will leave a light on. Most are open year-round, unless noted.
Northeast Lighthouses that Welcome Overnight Guests
The Lighthouse Inn
Cape Cod
1 Lighthouse Inn Road
West Dennis, Massachusetts 02670
508/398-2244
Situated along the shore of Nantucket Sound, the Inn provides complete seclusion and relaxation in a seven-acre complex central to all points of interest on beautiful Cape Cod. They offer a wide selection of accommodations in cottages with fireplaces, Cape-style houses with guest rooms, individual suites, and rooms in the Main House underneath the still-functioning light from ca.1850.
Activities available include golf, tennis, fishing, summer theater, shopping and swimming. Kids can enroll in the “InnKids” summer program, where they enjoy kite flying, nature walks, swimming, magic shows, miniature golf and much more. The inn is open from May to October (early and late season rates fall), but note that the “InnKids” program only runs from the end of June through August.
Rose Island Light House
365 Thames Street
Newport, Rhode Island 02840
401/847-4242
Nearly lost to neglect and vandalism, this classic example of American maritime architecture once again welcomes visitors and keepers who cross the water to experience a uniquely independent way of life. Guests young and old relive a bygone way of life in old-fashioned keeper’s quarters restored to their original turn-of-the-century ambiance. Though it lacks the modern conveniences of electrical appliances and running water, it is rich in romance and history.
During the day, exploring the station from the windmill to the cellar cistern, you’ll learn about the working lives and amusements of lighthouse families from their own possessions and photographs. Overnight guests, who stay in the museum section, or ‘Keepers for a Week,’ actually participate in the adventure of lighthouse keeping, sleeping in the same rooms occupied by keeper families for over a hundred years. Up to four guests (not recommended for children under 5 years) will play a necessary, hands-on role in daily monitoring, and help with the simple chores which keep the station functioning. If you’re going to need the bunkroom, bring sleeping bags for the kids! There’s a long waiting list and a complex sign-up procedure.
The Lighthouse on Cape d’Or
Advocate Harbour
Nova Scotia, Canada B0M 1A0
902/670-0534
Located right on the edge of the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, the inn at the Lighthouse on Cape d’Or is actually the former Lightkeeper’s home. With fantastic views of the bay and plenty of outdoor activities, the Lighthouse on Cape d’Or offers visitors a cozy hotel alternative. The lighthouse is still in operation today so parents may want to bring earplugs for the kids in case the foghorn goes off during the night.
The inn has four guest rooms and two private baths. Each room has unique views of the bay and nearby cliff. Two are connected by a shared washroom, a wonderful option for large families. Mom and Dad can have their own room while the kids play and sleep right next door. The Lighthouse on Cape d’Or even offers a whole house rental, perfect for family reunions. The inn also has its own restaurant where families can watch the tides as they enjoy lunch and dinner. Families with picky eaters may want to bring food with them because other restaurants are a good distance away, but the staff is available to help make transportation arrangements.
Mid-Atlantic Lighthouses that Sleep Families
Salmon River Lighthouse Marina
6 Lake Extension Rd.
Pulaski, New York 13142
315/298-6688
At the mouth of the Salmon River and the shore of Lake Ontario, this is one of the best waterfront locations you can find on the entire Eastern Shore. Only a few hundred yards from the open lake through their new Federal Safe Harbor lies the area Sports Afield magazine calls one of the top two places in North America to fish. You’ll find a charter fleet, guest cabins, a tackle shop, boat rentals, marine repairs, marine gas and diesel fuels, transient slips for your own boat, and the historic Selkirk Lighthouse (known to some as the Salmon River Lighthouse.)
The actual lighthouse, open from April to mid-December annually, contains four bedrooms sleeping 6-8 people, complete with heat, bath with shower, towels, full kitchen with refrigerator and even cable TV. Other lodging on the premises (units available through vacation rental companies) includes two seasonal guest cabins which are fully furnished, heated, have three bedrooms and are completely handicapped-accessible.
The Saugerties Lighthouse
168 Lighthouse Drive
Saugerties, New York
845/247-0656
Within sight of the Catskill Mountains and the Rhinecliff-Kingston Bridge, this lighthouse B&B is just a 10-minute walk from the little village of Saugerties. The Saugerties Lighthouse, built in 1869 on the site of an 1838 lighthouse guarding the mouth of Esopus Creek (see its foundations on a small island nearby), fell into disrepair after its light was automated in the 1950s.
Since its reconstruction in 1990, it has operated as a museum on weekends and holidays in summer, served by a small motor launch for those who want to approach by sea. The two-bedroom B&B is open year-round; each simple bedroom has a double bed, and there is room for two children’s air mattresses as well. Linens are provided, but guests must tidy up their bedrooms when the museum and lighthouse tours begin. Families may use the small kitchen, common bath and phone; there is no TV or air conditioning. This quiet seaside locale boasts a nature trail, a stirring climb to the top of the light, and fields for pets to roam (pets are permitted if both rooms are rented by the pet owner).
A Very Special West Coast Lighthouse Hostel
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel
210 Pigeon Point Rd.
Pescadero, California 94060
650/879-0633
Perched on a cliff 50 miles south of San Francisco, the hostel combines the serenity of an oceanside retreat with the cooperative spirit of hostelling. The four, three-bedroom houses next to the ca.1872 landmarked lighthouse have overnight lodging for up to 50 hostellers of all ages, starting at only $31/bed. Each house has three male or female bunkrooms; four separate private rooms may be reserved for families and couples at $60-$100.
While at Hostelling International’s Pigeon Point Lighthouse, families can visit the only U.S. mainland breeding colony of elephant seals, or nearby parks filled with majestic redwoods. Hike, picnic, explore tidepools and windswept beaches, watch for migrating whales (December-May) or visit nearby Pescadero Marsh. Book early, especially for weekends as this area near Half Moon Bay is a magnet for outdoors loving families.
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“We could change our clothes less often and the world more often.”
Wow. Just… wow.
Congratulations :]
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Thanks for writing. I hear you and respect your view point. I guess it's all in the attitude and approach. Just concerned that the spas may promote a self-centered attitude, but you don't think so and that's cool.
Best
I love holidays and weekend breaks. Recently we stay at an authentic Castle in France.
It would be good to have more chains like Premier Inn, especially in Europe
Inn
Give Kids the world
Dreams for some, Nightmears for others
Everyone that visits Give Kids the World comes out very please, that's because of the great treatment and better yet for its facilities, well thats what people see from the outside what goes on inside is a different story. The worse this that could ever happend to any one trying to provide for their home, I am a ex-employee and I want the world to know while you may see all of us with a smile in our face, thats not what we truly feel. In this company there is what's called competition for power, also hatred between employees and most of all ethnic racism there is no such thing as employee relationship due to the bad administration that depends on what people can say there for approving of those they like and getting rid of those that they don't that many not occure with all hispanics only with those thats are not liked.The sad part about all of this is that every conversation White American has with their Group is no simpler then how they are going to get rid of the next guy without even investigate anything about that person as has happend in the past few months all put together but a group whos leader is Richard Bortula (profecional racist) and has use people like Jhon Bushko to put together stories about all the hispanic which get carried out to the person in charge of executing their employees no matter how profecional or respectful they are whith out any respect the person I am talking about is Neal McCord Acompanied by the person in charge of human resorces Taberi Scott(another racist). She is in charge of dismising inocent hispanic for no operant reason yet the other American who have been know for several offences and untocheble for these two people. The last thing is when Richard Bortula uses two other latins to accuse another latin of racism that leading to his dissmisal and not giving him any explanation not even the benefit of the doubt. Ladies and Gentelments unfortunately this is an institute were the main goal is to provide well being and happy relationships but all of this happenings is due to the administration once again. All I have to say is, what kind of dreams is a kiss going to have when his or her dad cant buy them a chritsmas present, This is not a dream this is a Nightmear.
I know a natural supplement for flu and colds. It is not like cough and cold preparations in the stores which only deal with symptomatic relief. It strengthens our resistance to the viral infection.
This natural supplement is Sinus Eliminato Complex.
Sinus Eliminato complex is made up of Carpinus Betulus (Hornbeam) buds, Rosa Canina (Dog Rose) young shoots, Sambucus Nigra (Black Elder) buds, Populus Nigra (Black Poplar), Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) and Juglans Regia (Wlanut) buds.
Fecka (2009) has isolated tannins and polyphenols from Rosa Canina. Polyphenols act as antioxidants. They protect cells and body chemicals against damage caused by free radicals, reactive atoms that contribute to tissue damage in the body. In addition, polyphenols also activate the key enzyme (AMP kinase) that can exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activation of inducible inflammatory proteins that normally occurs once the innate immune system has been activated.
A study done by Roschek et al (2009) has shown that Sambucus Nigra (Black Elder) has flavonoids which bind to and prevent H1N1 infection.
Also contained in Sinus Eliminato are a variety of plant growth hormones and vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, which can certainly fight off infection and boost immune resistance during the cold months!
WHY WASTE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS during this economic recession for only temporary symptomatic relief when you have a natural supplement which you can buy for $ 30 a bottle and experience relief after 1-2 weeks and boost immune resistance as well to prevent repeated viral infections which can cost you thousands of dollars in clinic visits, medicines and hospitalizations? NOT TO MENTION your lost time in work.. and the time you can spend with your kids and loved ones!
Sinus Eliminato Complex can be purchased at PSC Nutrition’s website: http://store.plantstemcells.net.
For more top tips and advice on fun family holidays and breaks in London, including family friendly hotels and things to do visit http://www.takethefamily.com
I don't get why Brian Head is up there – it does have a lovely ski school for kids but it can't even come close to the other areas you mention or many other western US resorts for a family experience. It's really a day trip for people who live in Las Vegas!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. You make some great points and I hope to have the experience you did one day.
I especially like that you wish that kind of eye-opening experience for the people you care about too.
Can anyone tell me where I can buy golden russet apples.
Thanks
I did my essay on Honduras too! How refreshing 🙂
Vanessa, great article! Another great source of both domestic and international vacation condos/resorts/villas/homes is http://www.VacationValuesClub.com With over 2 Million weeks in 200 countries, there are a lot of choices at prices that are really affordable- especially for a family. Check it out
I love Europe!
We get many questions from parents about their kids traveling within the US, over state lines, with guardians other than their parents.
It is illegal to cross U.S. state lines with a minor without custodial parents' consent, and the age of "minors" varies across the states. However, the families within this travel community have never complained about having a problem when inviting friends of their children along on a trip, for example, so we have little experience with this issue.
Therefore, this article is for travel outside the United States, where there are clear international laws in place to prevent international child abduction.
Within the US, temporary guardians should use the same permission to travel letter as well as medical treatment authorization letter noted at the end of the article, when possible.
Keep in mind that these laws are in place to allow authorities to investigate a traveling party if they notice suspicious activity (such as children who resist going with adults). Of course, the majority of travelers will never be stopped and questioned. For most of you, if the birth parents are easily available by phone, then making a daytrip should not be a problem.
nice to know 😀
What a great article! We went to Tulum a few years back, before we had kids, and loved staying in the $15 cabanas on the beach but always wondered how to go back with the little ones … you have given us an option!
I would like to know if a permission letter from my son and Daughter inlaw and my grand Daughters birth certificate is enough to take my 10 yr old grand daughter
on a day trip in to the U.S.A
I agree that these ski trips are expensive, and although I enjoy going with the family I don't ski, and have no urge to learn at my age. I love going with the family however, but spend all my time at the spa and the lounge in front of the fire.
In this article the author comes across as the typical 'progressive' who feels apologetic about their country.
I found online trip planning tools to be a great resource when i wsa planning our reunion. Nice sites for planning are http://www.triporama.com and tripit.com. We planned out our hotels through http://www.groople.com and once through http://www.hotelscouter.com All the resources can be found with simple searches online. It used to be much different when we were growing with actual maps and stopping for directions.
Planning an event, whether large or small, can be a challenge
Hi, a tutu is what we would call a taxi in Anerica. They get you from one place to another and they are mad so different. They don’t have doors on them, they can fit about 3-4 people in them. They don’t have a steering wheel what the driver drive with is made like a motorcyle steering wheel. They are so fun and amazing… If you would visit the website at the bottom of my article you will get a chance to see one… Thanks for your interest in my article…
We are off to the Whitsundays with our two girls for ten days and the article sounds great. We're provisioning ourselves though, as we save alot of money each time we sail from Shute Harbour. We've also practised man-overboard procedure in our pool and have increased the frequency of our girls swimming lessons and have stinger suits.
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Nice article. I have traveled Ireland many times and loved staying in Self Catering vacation rentals. It's like having a home form home and provides lots of space for the kids.
"parents …will find that the special infant fare is currently offered on all major domestic airlines;" Not all of them. "Delta does not offer discounted infant and child fares for travel within the domestic U.S." according to their website.
Made my mouth water. A great piece. Can't wait to return to discover the places you did and we didn't.
Great piece! Very insightful!
what a fascinating article
it certainly makes the cove palace come to life
seems like a great place to go
alison you brought it to life
We did a similar trip when our daughter was 6 at Club Med. However, that was much more costly and with fewer options.
This sounds great.
I loved reading your article. Our family tends to vacation your USUAL way (that is, no big all- inclusive resort package) yet reading your piece I realized how much our teenage kids would enjoy that type of experience- whoa! A teenage LOUNGE? Cool!! So if indeed such a holiday can be had as you say at an economic price- why not? Who knows, maybe next time we might just head down to Mexico ourselves- the easy way!
PS: We are interested in Eastern Europe and are considering a family holiday in Serbia or Croatia- Any suggestions? Maybe there are some good family deals over there?
Indy is a great place to visit … so many things to do, yet very walkable and convenient. And affordable.
"Chinggis" Tourist Camp is located in the Southern Part of Terelj National Park ( GPS: N47°49.893', E107° 31.339') in the beautiful natural Tuul river Nomad's Sacred Valley of streams, pine trees with mountains and steppes in the background , just 55km (25miles) from Ulaanbaatar city."Chinggis" Tourist Camp is Highly recommended by "Lonely Planet Mongolia", by the author Michael Kohn and Mongolian Tourism Board. "Chinggis" Tourist Camp, was inaugurated in July 2002 in memory of "Chinggis" Khaan's 840th Birthday Celebration!.This lovely traditional tourist camp owned by Samar Magic Tours LLC, lies on the bank of "Tuul" river between 107°31'29" Longitude and 47°49'32'' Latitude. The average altitude is 1446m (4338 feet) above sea level. "
-A 40 meter (~133,3 feet) Statue of "Chinggis" Khaan on a big horse on Tsonjin Boldog Hill is located just ~3kms (~1,5miles) to "Chinggis" Tourist Camp.
-Around 15km (~7.5miles) Southeast of the "Chinggis" Tourist Camp is an 8th-century Turkic Stele of Tonyukuk.
Hi Shamita,
What’s a tutu… it sounds pretty funny.
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Whew!*sigh of relief* Fathers are really amazing, they can comfort you whenever possible. This post made me realize that diffrent people has diffrent cultures, it just that, sometimes, we need to trust others, as one saying goes “If you’ll never learn to trust, how can you find the good guys?” 😉
Life’s really like that, sometimes, learnings come from unexpected places. Good for you atleast that experience made you a better person.:)
hi to all my family?
The author mentions 2 highly regarded companies, Nabila Tours and Sonesta, an American hotel chain that has boats on the Nile. Both companies have links in the story, and both can help with land arrangements as well.
Another author traveled with Oberoi Tours, an Indian hotel chain with Nile boats, and loved her trip. You can read about it on http://www.travelBIGO.com.
For more help, please fill out a Custom Trip Plan request form at this link: http://www.travelbigo.com/trip_plans/new and we'd be glad to help you.
Wish all the family have a nice time in China.
Come to Vietnam with Niche Travel. Niche Travel Vietnam, Boutique and Luxury Travel Service In Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia. Unique, Style, Comfort.
Halong Bay Kayaking: Halong bay cover the area of 1600square km with 3000 plus islets rising above the emerald water. This 3 day trip is not only for the adventure- bound traveller but also for those who appreciate seafood or time on the water
Sapa Vilage Walking: This unique trek itinerary suitable for most active traveller. The remote northern Town of Sapa close to the Chinese border offers some ofVietnam's most colorful experiences. Layer upon layer of blue ridges fade into the distance, edged by sharp, rocky peaks and lust green rice paddies in between highlight the beauty of the region.
Festival Hue: Visit Hue by the waterway. The all day boat trip give us a chance to visit the ancient capital of Vietnam: tomb of the Emperor, Perfume river, Pagodas… Hue own its beauty to its narrow treet, tranquil garden houses and old pagodas
Vung Tau Golf tour: Located just 100 km in the west of Hochiminh City, Vung Tau is perfect relaxing place for the locals in the City. The trip combine golfing and relaxing in the top resort of Vietnam.
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RoomSaver's website says that they are available in all of the lower 48 states, so they are no longer limited to 33. I love using them myself, both for the discounts as well as the free maps! I even follow them on Facebook and Twitter!
Who can you recommend to book us an organized tour for a family of three. Travel would be between December 21, 2009 and January 1, 2010.
This is such a good story and you make a really good point about how people — often more than places — make up the travel experience. I hope I sit next to you on a plane some day.
hello, i would like to spend ma holidays in engaging in that forum, so i need an invitation letter. Hope to hear from u.
Ruth.
I'm goin to travel to another state to see my family, and my cousin wants me to take her 6month baby boy so the family can meet him. What kind of form would I need in order for me to travel with my cousin's baby?
Please e-mail me and I woild appreciate your help.
wonderful!!
Please send me a copy of letter of concent so that I may use it to travel with my children Thank you