Something to Look Forward to: Hotel Xcaret Mexico
Edutainment may be a tough concept to sell, yet all parents and grandparents want more from a family beach vacation than a suntan and a bunch of bills. Enter Experiencias Xcaret -- a family owned Mexican company which has successfully run innovative, environmentally-oriented amusement parks for 30 years. Begun with architect Miguel...
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Living the Broadway Dream on Vacation
"Awaken your highest potential!" they claim. Unlike the P.T. Barnum’s of old, the Broadway Dreams program for young people interested in theater arts really delivers and makes the basis of a fun family vacation. So, if you’ve got a family member who longs to star on The Great White Way – or just do a better job in the high school play – check out the
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Halloween Witchery in Boston and Salem, Massachusetts
In search for Halloween ideas in New England? Ready to give up the Sunday football game to take the kids exploring? Nothing is as Halloween focused as Haunted Happenings, the Massachusetts festival that draws more than 250,000 annually between October 1-31. Along with other seasonal activities that you and your family can...
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Mount Rushmore, Shrine of Democracy In The Black Hills
Ever since seeing the debonair Cary Grant and the beautiful (but dangerous?) Eva Marie-Saint climb atop the presidents' faces on Mount Rushmore in Hitchcock’s classic movie “North by Northwest,” South Dakota has been on my travel bucket list. Finally, I made it, seeing the very best of the Black Hills region including Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and Badlands National Park over five days. Mount...
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Clearwater: Another Side of Florida
I’m not a fan of Florida, so when I was invited by the Clearwater Region Chamber of Commerce to explore “Natural Clearwater,” I must say I was intrigued. I spent four days exploring this wonderful part of the state and discovered that this region is worthy of attention, After learning that it survived Hurricane Irma and Jose without problems, I wanted to revisit one of my favorite destinations. For...
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10 Best Free and Low Cost Activities in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Straddling the junction of major interstate highways I-29 and I-90, Sioux Falls, South Dakota should not be one of those cities that most summer road-trippers zip right through. Whether you're on your way to Mt. Rushmore or rushing back from Yellowstone, we suggest you pause for a few days and soak up the many fun, often free activities that a family can enjoy. Founded in 1856 among...
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Lighthouses For The Night
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. More than 200 years later, several historic beacons offer affordable, family-friendly lodging along the East and West coasts of North America. When compared to...
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Road Trip USA: Leaf Peeking in New England
The beautiful nature, charming towns and friendly faces make Vermont and New Hampshire a perfect choice for a family road trip. Vermont’s small size and sparsley-traveled roads make it super for a family driving trip, and October brings leaf peepers to view nature’s annual display of autumn colors. The northern part of Vermont is remote enough to never truly be crowded. Of course, you'll ...
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Massachusetts Apple Farms – U-Pick ‘Em And Enjoy
Have you considered a bargain staycation near a u-pick fruit farm in New England; if so, Massachusetts family farms -- some even wind-powered -- are your destination. Farm stays are a great way to introduce kids to healthy eating and the wonders of nature, and experiencing a pick-your-own fruit farm will reinforce the message. If school has started, plan a daytrip to a local...
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California Apple Farms – U-Pick ‘Em And Enjoy
The late summer and early fall is apple picking time for San Francisco and Bay Area families. Review our list of apple orchards and pumpkin farms of Mendocino, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties for a fun weekend away or even a day's outing with the kids. Whether you are looking to pick fruit, go on a hayride, or buy fresh baked goods in northern...
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