Winter Family Vacation in the Lake Champlain Region of Boston
Ausable Chasm in the Winter
This Christmas break, my family hopped in our Toyota Prius and road-tripped to the Lake Champlain region of the Adirondacks. Although the ski conditions near our home in Massachusetts were just awful due to the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been experiencing, the conditions were great in the Adirondacks.
To start, we traveled to Plattsburgh by way of Vermont, taking the Grand Isle to Plattsburgh ferry. It was incredibly easy to take the ferry, which runs every few minutes twenty-four hours a day, and saved us lots of time. Once we arrived in Plattsburgh, it was just a short drive to the Comfort Inn and Suites, where we were staying for our trip.
The next morning, we bundled up (it was cold – about 12 degrees), and headed out to Ausable Chasm, a popular summer attraction that is now offering winter tours. Guests can choose from a 30-minute self-guided tour, or a one- or two-hour guided tour. We did both the 30-minute tour and the guided tour, and absolutely loved it. Our guide was incredibly informative and helpful, and the kids loved walking on the paths right by the cliffs and falls. When the paths are icy (as they were on our trip), guests are provided with ice cleat to put on their shoes, and if it’s snowy, guests are provided with snowshoes.
The next day, we drove about an hour and a half to Titus Mountain Family Ski Center for a morning of skiing. The kids were enrolled in ski school, since they’d only skied one time. Of course, by the end of the lesson, my daughter was whizzing by me on the mountain, as I struggled in my class (I’m very much a beginner). Titus Mountain seems to be the perfect place for families to visit – it’s small enough to be approachable, but had lots of really great instructors.
We’ll definitely be back to this area – perhaps in the spring or summer so we can see the gorgeous Ausable Chasm at a different time of year!
Photo credit: Jodi Grundig
Disclosure: We received complimentary lodging, ski rentals, lift tickets, lessons, and tickets to Ausable Chasm for purposes of review.
DOT Launches Nationwide Crackdown On Drunk Drivers
The holiday season brings with it office parties, seasonal celebrations and trips to see family and friends. For many people, that means having a few drinks. The U.S. Department of Transportation wants to make sure these revelers stay out of the driver’s seat.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced on Tuesday at the Arlington County Courthouse a nationwide crackdown during the holiday season. The effort will involve a combination of enforcement and reminders that police and other agencies will be out in force over the holidays.
Great Ski Vacations from Coast to Coast
‘Tis the season!
No, I’m not talking about turkey – or even tinsel or mistletoe. It’s the season for embracing the cold and strapping on your skis (or snowboard, if you prefer) to hit the slopes. Grab the kids and head to one of these winter wonderlands.
Keystone, Colorado
Known as a slightly less glamorous (but just as powdery) version of Aspen, Keystone might provide a better bargain for family travelers.
Where to Ski: Keystone Ski Resort
Located within the White River National Forest, this ski haven has 3 peaks, 135 trails, and 20 lifts to transport snow bunnies of every age and ability.
Where to Stay: Inn at Keystone
This hotel provides a great value for families and easy access to the slopes for skiiers.
Stowe, Vermont
Get the views and the weather synonymous with New England winters in this idyllic Vermont town.
Where to Ski: Stowe Mountain Resort
There’s nearly 40 miles of snow-covered trails to be conquered between Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield, including the 3.7 mile long Toll Road.
Where to Stay: Stowe Mountain Lodge
When you’re not becoming master of the elements, relax at the spa or warm up in a Jacuzzi tub. This is the perfect place for those who like a little luxury with their adrenaline.
Park City, Utah
Where to Ski: Deer Valley Resort
This resort limits the number of lift tickets sold daily and provides ski classes for kids and adults, making it ideal for families still building their confidence on the slopes.
Where to Stay: Arrowleaf at Empire Pass
Reserve two or three bedroom suites with ski-in/ski-out access to the mountains. You won’t find a full-service spa on site, but you can have a raging fire in your own condo.
I-95 Fall Foliage Report – Thursday, October 27, 2011
Foliage season extends from September to November across the country. There’s still time to plan that perfect fall foliage drive! The I-95 Exit Guide website has a great interactive map that you can use for your next trip. East Coast I-95 travelers will find peak conditions are still available in the northeast…
I-95 Fall Foliage Report – Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Northern New England:
Maine currently is past peak for all of its northernmost portion. Interior portions and the northern coast of Maine (including northern portions of I-95) have reported peak (75% to 100%) coverage. Coastal lowlands (including southern portions of I-95) are reporting near peak (50% to 75%) color.
New Hampshire is showing past peak color in the northern extremes of the state. The White Mountains and Central New Hampshire (including northern portions of I-93) are reporting peak color (75% – 100%). The southeast corner of the state (including I-95) is showing near peak (50% to 75%) color.
Except for a very small portion of Vermont in the northeast corner, the entire state of Vermont is reporting peak color (75% to 100%). This includes all of I-89 and I-91.
Southern New England:
Massachusetts reports peak (75% to 100%) color in the northwestern portion of the state.Interior portions are reporting near peak (50% to 75%) coverage. The remainder of Massachusetts (including all of I-95) is showing spotty coverage.
The northwestern corner of Connecticut is reporting near peak color (50% to 75%) while the rest of the state and all of Rhode Island (including I-95) have reported foliage just starting to turn color.
New York:
The Adirondacks (including northern portions of I-87) are reporting peak colors (75% to 100%) with some areas past peak while the rest of the state showing near peak (50% to 75%) colors. Only Long Island is reporting spotty conditions with foliage spotty (10% to 50%).
New Jersey:
The extreme northwestern corner of New Jersey is reporting near peak (50% to 75%) color. The remainder of the state is reporting spotty conditions with foliage beginning to turn.
Visit The I-95 Exit Guide for exit servies, traffic, weather, forums and more…
I-95 Fall Foliage Report – Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Northern New England:
Maine currently has peak (75% to 100%) color for all of its northern half. Interior portions and the northern coast of Maine (including northern portions of I-95) have reported near peak (50% to 75%) coverage. Coastal lowlands (including southern portions of I-95) are reporting spotty coverage and earlier stages of color.
New Hampshire is showing peak color (75% to 100%) in the northern half of the state (including northern portions of I-93) . Central New Hampshire (southern portions of I-93) reports near peak color (50% – 75%). The southeast corner of the state (including I-95) is showing spotty coverage with areas along the coast starting to turn.
Vermont foliage shows peak color (75% to 100%) from the southwest to the northeast corners of the state. (including southern portions of I-89 and northern portions of I-91) . The Champlain Valley and extreme southeastern portion of the state reports near peak color (50 to 75%).
Southern New England:
Massachusetts reports near peak (50% to 75%) color in the western third of the state. The remainder of the state (including I-95) has spotty coverage only. The extreme northwestern corner of Connecticut is reporting near peak color (50% to 75%) while the rest of the state and all of Rhode Island (including I-95) have reported foliage just starting to turn color.
New York:
The Adirondacks (including northern portions of I-87) are reporting peak colors (75% to 100%) with some areas past peak while the rest of the state showing near peak (50% to 75%) colors. Only Long Island is reporting spotty conditions with foliage beginning to turn.
New Jersey:
The extreme northwestern corner of New Jersey is reporting near peak (50% to 75%) color. The remainder of the state is reporting spotty conditions with foliage beginning to turn.
Visit The I-95 Exit Guide for exit servies, traffic, weather, forums and more…
I-95 Fall Foliage Report – Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Northern New England:
Maine currently has peak (75% to 100%) color for all of Aroostook County, the Maine Highlands, and along Maine’s Northern border with Canada. Interior portions of Maine (including northern portions of I-95) have reported near peak (50% to 75%) coverage. Coastal lowlands (including southern portions of I-95) are reporting spotty coverage and earlier stages of color.
New Hampshire is showing peak color (75% to 100%) in the Great North Woods and in higher elevations of the White Mountains (including northern portions of I-93) . Central New Hampshire (southern portions of I-93) reports near peak color (50% – 75%). The southeast corner of the state (including I-95) is showing spotty coverage with areas along the coast starting to turn.
Vermont foliage shows peak color (75 to 100%) in the northeast portion of the state (including northern portions of I-89 and I-91) . The remainder of the state reports near peak color (50 to 75%).
Southern New England:
Massachusetts reports near peak (50 to 75%) color in the far northwest corner of the state. The remainder of the state (including I-95) has spotty coverage only. Connecticut and Rhode Island (including I-95) have reported foliage just starting to turn color.
New York:
The northern Adirondacks (including northern portions of I-87) are reporting peak colors (75 to 100%) with some areas past peak while the rest of northeastern portion of the state showing near peak (50 to 75%) colors. Southern and western portions of the state are reporting spotty conditions with foliage beginning to turn.
New Destination Guide Website With a Twist
“Travel guides for major tourist destinations are a dime a dozen on the Internet. We focus on the not-so-major destinations… the true undiscovered gems!” says the new website, 511Destinations.com.
511destinations.com is a different kind of travel guide. While most vacation guides on the Internet concentrate on the major tourist destinations, this new website presents smaller market and off the beaten path destinations… with a twist.
Rather than being bombarded with local information to sift thru, each 511destination is a snapshot. Where to stay, eat, go and how to get around are the basics, presented in a clean, well designed layout with eye-catching graphics and great functionality.
What’s more, users are encouraged to build their own destination guide simply by submitting a brief overview. Right now, there are no limits. You can be a proud resident that wants to tell the world about your town, a traveler that’s itching to share a destination they’ve discovered, or a business looking to promote themselves via a little local information.
It’s a great little website loaded with information that you often just can’t find anywhere else. 511destinations.com is also built to accommodate viewing on smartphones and mobile devices!
I-95 Fall Foliage Report – Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Get ready… the 2011 Fall Foliage season is about to begin in the Northeast. Right now, along I-95 from New York City to Northern Maine coverage is spotty with from 10-25 percent color showing. But, if you venture off I-95 and head up one of the Northeast’s lesser traveled Interstates, you’re in for a treat!
Travel north up New York’s I-87 and beginning around Glens Falls, you’ll see foliage coverage near peak (50-75%). I-87, often referred to as “The Northway” up in this neck of the woods is a fun trip, with great views in all directions.
Head north up I-91, thru Connecticut and Massachusetts and you will begin to see near peak conditions from White River Junction, Vermont north. Once you get to White River Junction, you’ve got a difficult choice to make… continue up I-91 or head north up I-89. These are two absolutely beautiful routes for viewing New England foliage.
Taking I-93 north from Massachusetts into New Hampshire is another option worth exploring. Once you get north of Tilton, New Hampshire, near peak colors (50-75%) prevail.
For more information, visit The I-95 Exit Guide, the largest and most complete road travel resource of its kind on the Internet! Exit services, rest areas, attractions, road construction, travel weather, gas prices and more… for Interstate 95 from Maine to Florida!
Family Vacation in Stowe, Vermont
Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa
There’s nowhere better to visit in the summer than Vermont. With gorgeous weather, beautiful scenery, and loads of things to do, it’s perfect for a family vacation. Last month, my family visited Stowe, Vermont for the first time, and we had a great time.
Things to Do in Stowe
There are loads of things to do in the summer in Stowe, including an alpine slide, zip lining, miniature golf, and shopping. You can also visit some of the factory tours in nearby Waterbury, Vermont (including Ben and Jerry’s). The whole area is so relaxing and beautiful, and you could easily spend a long weekend there in the summer.
Places to Eat in Stowe
Just about every restaurant in the Stowe area is kid-friendly. My favorites include the Dutch Pancake Cafe (for breakfast) in the Grey Fox Inn, Gracie’s, and Piecasso for gourmet pizzas.
Places to Stay in Stowe
There are so many hotels, resorts, and inns located right in Stowe. We stayed at the Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, which offers a kid’s playground, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, games, and the best spa I’ve ever visited! It’s centrally located, and would be good for a ski vacation also.
Photo credit: Jodi Grundig
Disclosure: I received a complimentary two-night stay at Stoweflake, including a dinner, spa treatment, and breakfast.