Finally, it's time for a family vacation. But where to go? Why not take the advice of people who know best: other parents? Below are six vacation suggestions from our regular writers, parents Claudia Gryvatz Copquin, Julie Vecchione DeSimone, Jeanne Muchnick, Diana Erbio and Liza N. Burby. From the resort life to the historical, every one of their trip reviews has family appeal. If you haven't yet made summer reservations, you'll want to move fast on what these writers have to say.
Tradewinds Island Grand Beach Resort
St. Pete Beach, FL
866-JUST LET GO (587-8538)
www.JustLetGo.com
Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, the island of St. Pete Beach located on the west coast of Florida is perhaps the antithesis of present-day congested Cancun. Just an easy half-hour drive from Tampa International Airport, families will find just a sprinkling of hotels and resorts lining the beach. The underdevelopment is a welcome relief for those of us who prefer a peaceful locale for a family vacation.
So where to stay? For a family with children of various ages, a great choice is the AAA Tradewinds Island Grand (with amenities shared by its sister property, Sandpiper Hotel & Suites, just minutes away). The lushly landscaped resort includes a meandering waterway, which guests can explore via paddleboat. Renovated in 2005, all guestrooms and suites are decorated in a crisp, tropical motif and include kitchenettes. The makings of breakfast and lunch can be purchased at a nearby full-service supermarket. But if eating in isn't your style, the Sandpiper offers a good array of restaurants sure to satisfy any palette, from the contemporary fare at the elegant Palm Court Bistro to the much more casual nachos or chicken wings found at the Flying Bridge. There's even a Pizza Hut on the grounds, as well as a deli, ice cream shop and for adults, a tavern. For beachfront convenience, Salty's tiki bar provides cool, tropical drinks and snacks such as burgers.
Speaking of the beach . . . Forgo the five heated swimming pools and relax at a beach cabana while the children play with buckets and shovels provided by the Grand. But there's plenty of recreation via tennis courts, mini-golf, beach volleyball, waverunners, kayaks, water trykes, parasailing and the like.And for complete relaxation, sign up the little ones to the KONK Club children's program (Kids Only, No Kidding) for ages 4 – 11. Rates: May through December, standard hotel room starts at $188 per night; Gulf-front suite (sleeps 6) with balcony starts at $376 per night.
-- Claudia Gryvatz Copquin
866-JUST LET GO (587-8538)
www.JustLetGo.com
|
So where to stay? For a family with children of various ages, a great choice is the AAA Tradewinds Island Grand (with amenities shared by its sister property, Sandpiper Hotel & Suites, just minutes away). The lushly landscaped resort includes a meandering waterway, which guests can explore via paddleboat. Renovated in 2005, all guestrooms and suites are decorated in a crisp, tropical motif and include kitchenettes. The makings of breakfast and lunch can be purchased at a nearby full-service supermarket. But if eating in isn't your style, the Sandpiper offers a good array of restaurants sure to satisfy any palette, from the contemporary fare at the elegant Palm Court Bistro to the much more casual nachos or chicken wings found at the Flying Bridge. There's even a Pizza Hut on the grounds, as well as a deli, ice cream shop and for adults, a tavern. For beachfront convenience, Salty's tiki bar provides cool, tropical drinks and snacks such as burgers.
Speaking of the beach . . . Forgo the five heated swimming pools and relax at a beach cabana while the children play with buckets and shovels provided by the Grand. But there's plenty of recreation via tennis courts, mini-golf, beach volleyball, waverunners, kayaks, water trykes, parasailing and the like.And for complete relaxation, sign up the little ones to the KONK Club children's program (Kids Only, No Kidding) for ages 4 – 11. Rates: May through December, standard hotel room starts at $188 per night; Gulf-front suite (sleeps 6) with balcony starts at $376 per night.
-- Claudia Gryvatz Copquin
Atlantis
Paradise Island, Bahamas
888-528-7155
www.atlantis.com
When my daughter was in kindergarten, her best friend talked endlessly about swimming with the dolphins at Atlantis in Paradise Island. Naturally, Elizabeth developed a near-obsession with the idea of her own porpoise encounter on the tropical oasis, and I gently explained that sometimes we have to wait for things we want in life (knowing full well that the five-star Atlantis resort wouldn't be in our budget until long after both she and her brother had graduated from college).
But then a wonderful thing happened. My sister- and brotherin- law purchased a time share unit at Atlantis Harborside -- and invited us to join them for a week. So after 10 years of hoping and praying, my daughter got her wish and nine of us -- both families along with Grandma and Grandpa -- boarded a plane for paradise.
The vacation was perfect from beginning to end -- it's not hard to have a good time when you're with three generations of cherished family in a setting like Atlantis. We were all enchanted with the tropical gardens and lagoons that wind through the resort, and especially loved gazing at the 50,000 sea creatures in what is the world's largest open-air marine habitat. And the kids couldn't get enough of the water slides and rides, especially the "Mayan Temple's Leap of Faith," a 60-foot fall into the water.
We had a three-bedroom villa that offered just enough personal space for everyone (each family had a separate living area and kitchenette in addition to the bedroom). Not that we spent much time in the villa. Each morning, my sister-in-law had me up bright and early, off to reserve our "spot" at one of the prime pool locations. Most days we grabbed lunch poolside, either from the snack bar, or when we were feeling particularly lazy, ordering from one of the eager-to-please waiters who strolled the pool decks. We sampled a different culinary delight each night -- from sumptuous seafood while overlooking the underwater ruins of Atlantis at Fathoms restaurant, to traditional fine dining at the Bahamian Club.
While most of our crew lounged at one of the many pools, my husband, daughter, son and I preferred the beach--with the beautiful blue waters and the natives who were always eager to chat and sell us their local wares.
One day we rented a powerboat with a driver -- Captain Danny took us far into the ocean waters, dropping anchor along the way for us to snorkel and fish. A few days later we ventured to Blue Lagoon Island for -- drum roll, please -- our dolphin encounter. Although my little girl had become an adolescent, the look of pure delight on her face when she kissed the two dolphins, Chippie and Dot, is forever etched in my mind. Rates: One bedroom deluxe villa (7 nights): $4,100. Various dining plans are available for about $100/day per adult.
-- Julie Vecchione DeSimone
888-528-7155
www.atlantis.com
When my daughter was in kindergarten, her best friend talked endlessly about swimming with the dolphins at Atlantis in Paradise Island. Naturally, Elizabeth developed a near-obsession with the idea of her own porpoise encounter on the tropical oasis, and I gently explained that sometimes we have to wait for things we want in life (knowing full well that the five-star Atlantis resort wouldn't be in our budget until long after both she and her brother had graduated from college).
But then a wonderful thing happened. My sister- and brotherin- law purchased a time share unit at Atlantis Harborside -- and invited us to join them for a week. So after 10 years of hoping and praying, my daughter got her wish and nine of us -- both families along with Grandma and Grandpa -- boarded a plane for paradise.
The vacation was perfect from beginning to end -- it's not hard to have a good time when you're with three generations of cherished family in a setting like Atlantis. We were all enchanted with the tropical gardens and lagoons that wind through the resort, and especially loved gazing at the 50,000 sea creatures in what is the world's largest open-air marine habitat. And the kids couldn't get enough of the water slides and rides, especially the "Mayan Temple's Leap of Faith," a 60-foot fall into the water.
We had a three-bedroom villa that offered just enough personal space for everyone (each family had a separate living area and kitchenette in addition to the bedroom). Not that we spent much time in the villa. Each morning, my sister-in-law had me up bright and early, off to reserve our "spot" at one of the prime pool locations. Most days we grabbed lunch poolside, either from the snack bar, or when we were feeling particularly lazy, ordering from one of the eager-to-please waiters who strolled the pool decks. We sampled a different culinary delight each night -- from sumptuous seafood while overlooking the underwater ruins of Atlantis at Fathoms restaurant, to traditional fine dining at the Bahamian Club.
While most of our crew lounged at one of the many pools, my husband, daughter, son and I preferred the beach--with the beautiful blue waters and the natives who were always eager to chat and sell us their local wares.
One day we rented a powerboat with a driver -- Captain Danny took us far into the ocean waters, dropping anchor along the way for us to snorkel and fish. A few days later we ventured to Blue Lagoon Island for -- drum roll, please -- our dolphin encounter. Although my little girl had become an adolescent, the look of pure delight on her face when she kissed the two dolphins, Chippie and Dot, is forever etched in my mind. Rates: One bedroom deluxe villa (7 nights): $4,100. Various dining plans are available for about $100/day per adult.
-- Julie Vecchione DeSimone
Bethany Beach
Delaware
800-732-2656
800-732-2656
www.resortquestdelaware.com
Tell folks you're planning a summer trip to Bethany Beach, and you'll most likely get a "where's that?" look. Which is a good thing because sometimes you don't want to vacation with a massive crowd of people from the same area as you. I grew up in Baltimore and spent many summers at Bethany Beach, Delaware (sandwiched between Ocean City, MD and Rehoboth Beach, in southern Delaware) and love that this area is still relatively "off the map" for New Yorkers. It's also low-key, affordable, and not that bad a drive (think five-ish hours).
What makes it a great family spot: the array of low-cost hotels and home-away-from-home options. We opted for renting a condo unit at Sea Colony -- a roomy two-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen, balcony and that all-important washer/dryer. The resort also boasts 12 pools (two indoor), a fitness center, 34 tennis courts, hiking/biking trails and half-mile of private beach so you're not all on top of each other.
I loved that it's safe -- basically a mini-village; I could easily leave my 11 and 13 year old in the condo watching TV (or sleeping late) while my husband and I walked the beach. And we could walk from the resort to the quaint town of Bethany with its half- mile long boardwalk.
When we needed some commercialization and more cloudy-day ativities, we headed to Rehoboth (l0 minutes away) for shopping and rides on the boardwalk. There's also a great water park, Jungle Jim's where you can spend all day on a raft or a water slide.
We also ventured into Ocean City to Philips Crab House (www. phillipsseafood.com), the 50-year-old restaurant famous for its seafood, though we found the place near our hotel, Mickey's Family Crab House (Rt. 1 & Jefferson Bridge Road) to be just as good (and less of a "zoo.") It soon became our favorite place. Rates: For a bronze unit (they have varying levels), prices start at $152 per night with a beach view.
-- Jeanne Muchnick
732-449-2010
www.springlakeinn.com
My life is stressed. Between deadlines, carpools, errands, laundry and countless other tasks, all I want is to get away from it all. Somewhere quiet. Easy to get to. And yet not feel guilty about making a big dent in my wallet (as that only fuels the stress). Which is one reason why Spring Lake, NJ with its Old World grandeur, oversized Victorian inns and serene social scene makes it one of my favorite breaks.
For one: it's only about an hour-and-a-half drive from Long Island; no crazed hustle bustle of getting there first and fastest; of making reservations at restaurants weeks in advance to see and be seen. Instead, it's like a visit to a favorite relative's house -- relaxed without being rushed; quiet without being dull; Old World without over commercialization. In fact, it's known for its two-mile non-commercial boardwalk -- something your youngsters most likely haven't seen (making it nice for walks and jogs). And though yes, this can take more planning in the snack department, it's nice for once to not be inundated with the bright yellow lights of a McDonald's or Burger King every two minutes. Instead, you'll find most businesses here are family-owned and full of comfort food.
We stayed at The Spring Lake Inn, owned by a couple with young boys of their own (so they know that stressful arrival look and also know where to steer you to kid-friendly eateries). And though it's not your standard family-friendly resort complete with game room and oversized flat screen TV, it's homey, adding yet another element of charm. What they do offer (besides the feeling that you're living in an elegant mansion for a couple nights) are friendly hospitality, beach towels, beach badges, beach chairs, wireless network and onsite parking. Not to mention a gourmet breakfast full of fresh fruits, home-baked breads, cereals and pancakes (a magic word for my girls). Plus, warm hospitality.
I liked that it's an easy walk to the beach. And though you have to hop in your car to get to the Village and to various restaurants (most restaurants are located in town or in the inns or hotels), it's just a short jaunt. You can also easily rent bikes and ride there. The town is so safe, you can let your tweens and teens roam around by themselves (as long as they know the way back to the inn). It's definitely a sleepy town, meaning you might not want more than a long weekend here, but for a stress-free holiday, it's perfect. Just bring your laptop and DVD player if you have restless teens. Visit the Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce at www.springlake.org for more information. Rates: Start at $199 a night.
-- Muchnick
www.washington.org
When we told my 15-year-old daughter last year that summer vacation plans included a visit to our nation's capital she seemed a bit quiet. My husband and I had always planned to take her to Washington D.C. when she was old enough to appreciate it and with high school proceeding at lightning speed, we decided this was to be the year to give her an experience she would thank us for in years to come.
After a few days in D.C. the plan was to head further south to Virginia's Colonial Williamburg and Jamestown, America's first permanent English settlement. History on steroids apparently wasn't my daughter's idea of family fun, but her mood changed abruptly when we mentioned we would be meeting her cousins at Busch Gardens in Virginia. Roller coasters are her idea of family fun and same-age cousins meant not having to beg mom and dad to go on rides. A few history lessons were worth it.
The five-and-a-half hour trip to Washington, D.C. turned into seven-and-a half hours due to a standstill at the Delaware Memorial Bridge and our route to the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill was definitely less than scenic. But after we settled into our room and had a satisfying dinner in the hotel restaurant things began to look up. Looming white and majestic against the night sky, steps from our hotel was the Capitol building. My daughter began snapping images on her digital camera; she was impressed.
The next morning we set out early and walked from museum to museum, all free of charge, seeing the Wright Brother's plane, the Hope Diamond, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz's ruby slippers, Oscar the Grouch, the Declaration of Independence and the very flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner. My daughter continued snapping images. The next morning we got up early to stand in line outside the capitol to get free passes to tour inside. We walked down the mall and saw the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War memorials.
We then made our way to Union Station for lunch and then hopped aboard a clean subway, which took us across the Potomac River to Arlington National Cemetery. Our visit there was a somber reminder of the sacrifices of war. And I could see in my daughter's face that she understood why we had insisted on Washington DC. Rates: A junior suite at the Hyatt Regency starts at $239 per night.
-- Diana Erbio
800-526-6432
www.topsail-realty.com
It had been a particularly stressful spring, so the idea of sitting in a lounge chair by the ocean with a book held great appeal. Maybe the idea of driving 650 miles to do so when we live on Long Island is more than ironic. But the trip to Topsail Beach on the Atlantic in North Carolina turned out to be just what our family of four needed.
We enjoyed the ride down, spending two nights in Colonial Williamsburg, VA, before continuing to our beach oasis. We rented a house, the Gritty Britches, with three bedrooms, two baths, a kitchen and a screened-in porch that opened onto a boardwalk to the beach.
The week was a relaxing one. The ocean was warm and we spent more hours in the water playing than I have since I was a child. We built sand castles, visited the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center, Topsail Island Missles and More Museum and local plantations, played miniature golf -- and read often. The area also has boating, fishing and golfing opportunities we simply didn't have time to take advantage of. We ate out at local restaurants where the fish was fresh and the ambiance was casual and friendly, and strolled down the beach to the local arcade to buy ice cream.
One of our most enjoyable afternoons was spent in four wicker rocking chairs on the porch. My daughters, husband and I each had a cold glass of ice tea in one hand and a book in the other. Talk about relaxing.
On the way home we spent a night in Baltimore, breaking up the trip with another day of exploration. It was worth the long drive. Rates: The house two years ago was $1,125 for the week.
-- Liza N. Burby
Tell folks you're planning a summer trip to Bethany Beach, and you'll most likely get a "where's that?" look. Which is a good thing because sometimes you don't want to vacation with a massive crowd of people from the same area as you. I grew up in Baltimore and spent many summers at Bethany Beach, Delaware (sandwiched between Ocean City, MD and Rehoboth Beach, in southern Delaware) and love that this area is still relatively "off the map" for New Yorkers. It's also low-key, affordable, and not that bad a drive (think five-ish hours).
What makes it a great family spot: the array of low-cost hotels and home-away-from-home options. We opted for renting a condo unit at Sea Colony -- a roomy two-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen, balcony and that all-important washer/dryer. The resort also boasts 12 pools (two indoor), a fitness center, 34 tennis courts, hiking/biking trails and half-mile of private beach so you're not all on top of each other.
I loved that it's safe -- basically a mini-village; I could easily leave my 11 and 13 year old in the condo watching TV (or sleeping late) while my husband and I walked the beach. And we could walk from the resort to the quaint town of Bethany with its half- mile long boardwalk.
When we needed some commercialization and more cloudy-day ativities, we headed to Rehoboth (l0 minutes away) for shopping and rides on the boardwalk. There's also a great water park, Jungle Jim's where you can spend all day on a raft or a water slide.
We also ventured into Ocean City to Philips Crab House (www. phillipsseafood.com), the 50-year-old restaurant famous for its seafood, though we found the place near our hotel, Mickey's Family Crab House (Rt. 1 & Jefferson Bridge Road) to be just as good (and less of a "zoo.") It soon became our favorite place. Rates: For a bronze unit (they have varying levels), prices start at $152 per night with a beach view.
-- Jeanne Muchnick
Spring Lake
New Jersey732-449-2010
www.springlakeinn.com
My life is stressed. Between deadlines, carpools, errands, laundry and countless other tasks, all I want is to get away from it all. Somewhere quiet. Easy to get to. And yet not feel guilty about making a big dent in my wallet (as that only fuels the stress). Which is one reason why Spring Lake, NJ with its Old World grandeur, oversized Victorian inns and serene social scene makes it one of my favorite breaks.
For one: it's only about an hour-and-a-half drive from Long Island; no crazed hustle bustle of getting there first and fastest; of making reservations at restaurants weeks in advance to see and be seen. Instead, it's like a visit to a favorite relative's house -- relaxed without being rushed; quiet without being dull; Old World without over commercialization. In fact, it's known for its two-mile non-commercial boardwalk -- something your youngsters most likely haven't seen (making it nice for walks and jogs). And though yes, this can take more planning in the snack department, it's nice for once to not be inundated with the bright yellow lights of a McDonald's or Burger King every two minutes. Instead, you'll find most businesses here are family-owned and full of comfort food.
We stayed at The Spring Lake Inn, owned by a couple with young boys of their own (so they know that stressful arrival look and also know where to steer you to kid-friendly eateries). And though it's not your standard family-friendly resort complete with game room and oversized flat screen TV, it's homey, adding yet another element of charm. What they do offer (besides the feeling that you're living in an elegant mansion for a couple nights) are friendly hospitality, beach towels, beach badges, beach chairs, wireless network and onsite parking. Not to mention a gourmet breakfast full of fresh fruits, home-baked breads, cereals and pancakes (a magic word for my girls). Plus, warm hospitality.
I liked that it's an easy walk to the beach. And though you have to hop in your car to get to the Village and to various restaurants (most restaurants are located in town or in the inns or hotels), it's just a short jaunt. You can also easily rent bikes and ride there. The town is so safe, you can let your tweens and teens roam around by themselves (as long as they know the way back to the inn). It's definitely a sleepy town, meaning you might not want more than a long weekend here, but for a stress-free holiday, it's perfect. Just bring your laptop and DVD player if you have restless teens. Visit the Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce at www.springlake.org for more information. Rates: Start at $199 a night.
-- Muchnick
Washington, D.C.
202-789-7000www.washington.org
|
After a few days in D.C. the plan was to head further south to Virginia's Colonial Williamburg and Jamestown, America's first permanent English settlement. History on steroids apparently wasn't my daughter's idea of family fun, but her mood changed abruptly when we mentioned we would be meeting her cousins at Busch Gardens in Virginia. Roller coasters are her idea of family fun and same-age cousins meant not having to beg mom and dad to go on rides. A few history lessons were worth it.
The five-and-a-half hour trip to Washington, D.C. turned into seven-and-a half hours due to a standstill at the Delaware Memorial Bridge and our route to the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill was definitely less than scenic. But after we settled into our room and had a satisfying dinner in the hotel restaurant things began to look up. Looming white and majestic against the night sky, steps from our hotel was the Capitol building. My daughter began snapping images on her digital camera; she was impressed.
The next morning we set out early and walked from museum to museum, all free of charge, seeing the Wright Brother's plane, the Hope Diamond, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz's ruby slippers, Oscar the Grouch, the Declaration of Independence and the very flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner. My daughter continued snapping images. The next morning we got up early to stand in line outside the capitol to get free passes to tour inside. We walked down the mall and saw the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War memorials.
We then made our way to Union Station for lunch and then hopped aboard a clean subway, which took us across the Potomac River to Arlington National Cemetery. Our visit there was a somber reminder of the sacrifices of war. And I could see in my daughter's face that she understood why we had insisted on Washington DC. Rates: A junior suite at the Hyatt Regency starts at $239 per night.
-- Diana Erbio
Topsail Beach
Topsail Beach, NC800-526-6432
www.topsail-realty.com
It had been a particularly stressful spring, so the idea of sitting in a lounge chair by the ocean with a book held great appeal. Maybe the idea of driving 650 miles to do so when we live on Long Island is more than ironic. But the trip to Topsail Beach on the Atlantic in North Carolina turned out to be just what our family of four needed.
We enjoyed the ride down, spending two nights in Colonial Williamsburg, VA, before continuing to our beach oasis. We rented a house, the Gritty Britches, with three bedrooms, two baths, a kitchen and a screened-in porch that opened onto a boardwalk to the beach.
The week was a relaxing one. The ocean was warm and we spent more hours in the water playing than I have since I was a child. We built sand castles, visited the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center, Topsail Island Missles and More Museum and local plantations, played miniature golf -- and read often. The area also has boating, fishing and golfing opportunities we simply didn't have time to take advantage of. We ate out at local restaurants where the fish was fresh and the ambiance was casual and friendly, and strolled down the beach to the local arcade to buy ice cream.
One of our most enjoyable afternoons was spent in four wicker rocking chairs on the porch. My daughters, husband and I each had a cold glass of ice tea in one hand and a book in the other. Talk about relaxing.
On the way home we spent a night in Baltimore, breaking up the trip with another day of exploration. It was worth the long drive. Rates: The house two years ago was $1,125 for the week.
-- Liza N. Burby