Disney Springs Celebrates a New Era of Family Magic
If you haven't been to Downtown Disney for awhile, newly renamed Disney Springs, you're in for a big surprise. The area was once home to Pleasure Island with friendly nightclubs, comedy acts and lounges drawing in adults and parents weary after a day at the theme parks. A New Era for Disney Commerce Today, the area has rapidly transformed into a premiere destination...
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Florida’s Secret: Anna Maria Island
There is a place in Florida that does not have the very best in beaches, the most Caribbean-like climate, the best recreational opportunities or the hottest resorts or nightlife in the State. So, why is an island peninsula community of 15,000 residents on the Gulf Coast considered by many to be a "best kept secret"? For those in the know, it is an affordable...
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Vinum et Familia: California’s Hidden Multigen Reunion Destination
The Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley, California is an ideal destination for multigenerational vacations, family reunions and intimate destination weddings. On any starlit night, the Holman Ranch is the picture of a perfect California evening -- sprawling oak trees are silhouetted against a moonlit sky and a light sea breeze inspires us to linger around the firepit roasting...
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The Skier First Makeover Plan for Taos Ski Valley
Change continues at Taos Ski Valley, a New Mexico mountain resort whose 2013 purchase by billionaire hedge fund manager Louis Bacon had sent a shudder of anxiety rippling through the ski world. Since its founding in 1955 by ski pioneer Ernie Blake, Taos had been owned and managed by the Blake family, first by Ernie and his wife Rhoda and later,...
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New York’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Planning a visit to the Macy's-sponsored Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City? Grab extra blankets, a thermos of hot chocolate, and this list of the best viewing spots. Along with turkeys and football, it's time for the Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This NYC tradition was begun in 1924 by Macy's first-generation immigrant staff which wanted to combine a celebration of this all-American...
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The Big Schlep: Grandparents’ Tips On Miami, Florida
We hope you'll benefit from what we, a multi-generational family that loves to get together, learned and enjoyed during a recent stay in Miami, Florida. Here are some of our most useful tips, especially handy during the busy holiday season. We think you'll like these budget-friendly activities if you love entertaining (and spoiling) kids and grandkids like we do. The Miami Climate Sunblock,...
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Family-Friendly Nights At The Museum
Picture yourselves bundled in sleeping bags, waiting for the dinosaur skeletons to walk and the mummies to exit their sarcophagi -- it's a night at the museum a.k.a. Family Museum Sleepover. Imagine spending a night with educators at a world-class museum packed with science displays, historical artifacts, rare art work and ancient sculpture. Several of America's premier learning...
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Top 10 Beach Resort Getaways For Family Vacations
Almost everyone's favorite getaway is a family beach vacation, whether it's winter or summer. Here are FTF's winners from a decade of "Top 10 Getaway" awards in the best family beach category. Our Top 10 beach getaways, all past winners of the "Top 10 Getaways" awards in this category, promise location, location, location with excellence in facilities, family activities and childcare. The...
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Rainy Day Activities in Orlando
Hitting the Orlando theme parks may conjure up images of sunshine and blue skies, but especially in summer, families often encounter an overcast and damp day. You can still enjoy everything from Disney to Universal in the rain, though little and big kids alike may not find it the adventure they were hoping for. If your plans are flexible, venture past the theme parks and find something fun...
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Live Like a Local on Vacation
Going on vacation doesn’t have to resemble living out of a suitcase while your kids run wild. Vacation homes and condos make for a comfortable and relaxing stay, whether you remain in your own home state or travel across the country. We’ve discovered a few...
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