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  We're Traveling Mamas sharing our adventures with the world. We offer tips on great (and not so great) places to visit with children and how to have the best family vacations -- but it's not all about the kids, of course! Romantic escapes, girlfriend getaways, and solo trips are also important to us. Plus, we cover industry news and review travel gear, and we love to give things away!

  
  
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Top Ten Things to Do in Vail this Summer

Yes, Vail, Colorado, is known for its champagne powder and stellar slopes in the winter months, but I think it’s just divine in the summer — when the blue-sky, temperate climate is ideal for outdoor fun. I’ve actually spent more time in Vail this summer than Aspen, which is three times closer to my mountain home (go figure), and I’ve enjoyed getting to know the resort and its pedestrian-friendly villages. Truly, there are some outstanding opportunities when it comes to hiking and biking, dining and people-watching in Vail in the summer.

Plus, the town is running a Vail All the Love promotion, with more than 50 lodges and 50 local merchants offering discounts on restaurants, lodging and activities. Click on the website for current offers.

Here are my top ten picks for things to do in Vail this summer — and beyond. Take note that a couple options are available all year round; some are ideal for families and some are meant for grown-ups only. Click on the links to get all the details on pricing, dates and times.

Vail Farmer’s Market: More than 10o vendors sell their wares at Colorado’s largest summer market. Truly, it’s the place to be on Sunday mornings — families, couples, visitors, locals and plenty of dogs are out browsing the stalls, which offer everything from produce to fresh-cut flowers, body lotions to jewelry to gourmet chocolate and bratwurst.

Vail International Dance Festival: There are only two more weeks left of this annual event, which brings top-notch dance to the Ford Amphitheatre. Remaining performers include the Miami City Ballet and “Ballroom’s Best” dance champions.

Vail Mountain Eagle Bahn Gondola: The gondola ride itself provides stunning views of the Gore Range (look down the mountain as you go up), and once you’re at the top, bring the kids to Adventure Ridge, with a climbing wall, bouncy trampoline and “Dino Dig”; hike the marked trails; or ride a mountain bike back down the hill. No kids in tow? Hang out at Talon’s Deck from 5 p.m. on Friday evenings with live music and drink specials.

Spa treatments: There’s no dearth of hotel spas in the Vail environs, but I give props to the locals’ favorite Aria spa at the Vail Cascade, where I had a wonderfully relaxing facial earlier this summer, and the beautifully designed RockResorts Spa at the Arrabelle, with a large Roman soaking tub, sauna and steam room in the women’s locker area. At both locations, allow for plenty of time to chill out in the soothing relaxation rooms after your services.

Cocktails at Kelly Liken: Again, restaurants in Vail abound, and it’s hard to choose where to eat on a weekend getaway (so many restaurants, so little time). While you’re making dining decisions, sit at the bar at Restaurant Kelly Liken for her signature cocktails, whose recipes vary depending on seasonal ingredients. In June, friends and I chose from the Fresh Blueberry Sparkler, Strawberry Basil Mojito and Raspberry Refresher (at left). Don’t want to venture from the restaurant? Great choice. Stick around for “Seasonal American Cuisine” that draws heavily from local produce. In fact, on Sunday nights, the prix fixe Harvest Menu changes weekly, depending on what Kelly picked up from the Vail Farmer’s Market that day. Delish!

Browse the shops on Bridge Street: Yes, there’s a large concentration of T-shirt shops in Vail Village, but other highlights include Kemo Sabe cowboy boots and hats (bring your pocketbook for this one) and The Golden Bear, where you can pick up the quintessential symbol of Vail — a traditional bear — in yellow gold or pave-set diamond pendants.

Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum: Exhibits here detail the evolution of skiing since early mining days, and a fabulous display of clothing that U.S. Olympians wore in the opening ceremonies of the winter games, dating back to the 1920s. Exhibits on the history of Vail, as well as the 10th Mountain Division, are thorough and engaging. The gift shop is great place to pick up souvenirs.

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: This is a lovely spot to stroll and learn more about the plants that make their home in the high-elevation Rocky Mountains. Check the schedule for youth programs and docent-led tours.

Gelato at Rimini: Next to the Arrabelle in Lionshead, this eatery offers wine, chocolate, espresso and some of the best gelato I’ve ever had. The two-dozen flavors are beautifully presented with fresh fruit and chocolate accents. Totally tasty.

Gore Valley Trail: For folks who prefer road biking over mountain biking, it’s easy to rent a bike and cruise along the paved Gore Valley Trail, which runs along Gore Creek and links each of town’s villages (Cascade Village, Lionshead and Vail Village), and also extends east and west out of town for a longer ride.

This is just a handful of things to see and do in Vail in the summer months. Any other locals or visitors want to chime in with their recommendations? I’d love to hear your tips in the comments section!

Best All Weather Performance Sock by Darn Tough

Last year I highly praised a pair of socks my husband brought home from the Salt Lake City Outdoor Retailer Show he attends every summer (and winter). Indeed, I’m still wearing my cute, striped Keen Hybrid Concord Crew Lite Sox on cool-weather trips and on local hikes, and I still love them. But this year hubby brought me a pair of low-cut, multi-sport/activity socks that are probably the most comfortable sports sock I’ve ever worn: Darn Tough’s Merino Wool, No-Show Cushion sock in the Run-Bike series.

Seriously, they feel like silk on my feet — ultra-cushioned and soft, even though they are 67 percent Merino Wool. According to packaging material, Merino is known for its “itch-free, next-to-skin comfort” and I’ve felt that firsthand. Other highlights: the material naturally regulates temperature (cool in the summer, warm in the winter) and the socks feature fine-gauge knitting, which ensures a secure fit (no bunching). Again, I can attest to both of those claims (okay, not the winter part, but my feet were not too hot while hiking in 75-degree temperatures yesterday).

Another plus: Darn Tough socks are made in New England, specifically Vermont, by the same family that has owned the company for three generations. In fact, President Ric Cabot says, “If our socks aren’t the most comfortable and durable socks you’ve ever owned, return them for your money back.” Darn Tough products come with an unconditional lifetime guarantee — incredible!

Since I typically pack my trail shoes for hiking or taking nature walks while on vacation, no doubt these multi-purpose, low-cut socks will accompany me on most future trips. My only complaint is that sweet husband didn’t score me a pair of the darling striped style. I might have to dish out $11 for a pair.

See DarnTough.com for a ton of different styles of high-performance socks and links to online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores nationwide.

Staycations Suck Contest by LastMinuteTravel.com

You know the Traveling Mamas love to inspire travel. No matter where you go or what you do, we think everyone should get out of town every so often. LastMinuteTravel.com is offering a fun, fun, fun Staycations Suck contest, check it out…

No more will we be oppressed by cheap turtle-shaped pools. We’ve had enough backyard camping and daily ‘movie excursions.’ The problem with staycations is simple: they suck. If you ask us, staycations are un-American. That’s right, we said it.

Demand the return of fun! Adventure and exploration are in our blood. Now is the time to take a real vacation – without breaking your budget. On LastMinuteTravel.com you can find great hotels in exciting destinations for prices so low you won’t believe it.

Escape Your Staycation, on us!

LastMinuteTravel.com wants to save six families from the anguish of their own backyards

• Become a fan of our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter.
• Post a message in either place about how miserable your summer plans are. (On Twitter, tag it with #staycationssuck so we can spot it.)
• Each week, we’ll pick our favorite entry. The person who posted it will go on a vacation of their choice, and we’ll pay for it.

It’s that easy! And you can enter as many times as you like.

Be bold. Be brave. Be American. Declare your freedom from staycations!

What are you waiting for? Go enter!

Top Family Activities in New Hampshire: Highlights of our Trip to Lake Winnepesaukee

Every summer since my daughter was two months old, I’ve packed the kids up and we’ve flown from Colorado to the state of my childhood: New Hampshire. We visit friends and family and make Lake Winnepesaukee our home base for at least 10 days. The trip has become more fun as the kids have grown older (now 7 and 9), since they can just do more than just play in the sandy beach in front of my mom’s house. And with our central location in the Lakes Region of the state, we can easily take day trips to the White Mountains in the north and other attractions in the south (next year I’d like to hit the beach and the eastern coast). Here are the top five highlights of our 2009 family trip to New Hampshire:

Ziplining with Grammie: I couldn’t believe it when my sixty-something mother agreed to go on the Adventure Gorge Zipline Canopy Tour at Tenney Mountain. We zipped down eight cables, walked tightropes, climbed rope ladders and dropped from an auto-belay device. Hubby and I also swung from a Tarzan rope and caught ourselves SpiderMan-like on a giant rope web, but Mom declined that one, fearing she screw up her shoulder and ruin her golf swing, but that’s the only element she missed. So proud of her! And of my kids, who completed the shorter and easier “kids course” (twice) while the grown-ups played. For $65/adult and $35/child, I think this excursion is a steal.

Go-Karts, Batting Cages & Fried Dough: In true vacation indulgence, we spent one morning at all the “honky tonk attractions” (Mom’s words, not mine) on and near the Weirs Beach boardwalk. That meant go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, bungee trampoline and arcade games, plus two quintessential NH lake vacation foods: fried dough and saltwater taffy. Yum!

Tubing on Lake Winnepesaukee: You can’t stay in the Lakes Region without getting on a boat at least once — even better when you have friends with a boat, tow rope and an blow-up water toy you can use for free. (But you can rent ski boats, water skis and tubes, too.) The two kids, my best friend from high school, my husband and I and even Grammie got on the giant innertube (dubbed “the Couch”) for a ride. Both my mom and I were unprepared to tube and didn’t dress for the occasion (who knew we’d be egged on to participate?), so we hopped in with our clothes on. Great vacation memories right there!

Canobie Lake Park: This amusement park in Salem dates back to 1902 (with a still-operating 1903 carousel). Throughout much of our day there, I reminisced about trips to the park as a kid, “I remember the plexiglass maze!” and “We have pictures of me on those little boats!” It’s grown in size, with some crazy new attractions like the Extreme Frisbee (picture lots of spinning) and massive Boston Tea Party water ride (getting drenched is an understatement). Both kids are getting more adventurous with theme-park rides, and I love that. My son was so proud he conquered the loop-dee-loop roller coaster. Me, too.

Gathering with Favorite Friends: Within our vacation, we had a mini-getaway in southern New Hampshire. I got together for a three-day weekend with a handful of my very best college buddies, their spouses, and their children. Where did we all stay? In a vacation rental home of course. For multiple family gatherings, we’re all firm believers that a house is far superior to several hotel rooms. We were able to cook meals in a fully-stocked kitchen, have private bedrooms, gather in a big living room, play ping pong, and eat on a big deck all together. We took a couple excursions, too. A favorite among the kids: mini golf and humongous ice cream cones at Humdingers on Route 101 in Keene. (Delish!)

Of course, this is only a handful of favorites from this particular trip. In the past couple years, we’ve also spent the day at Whale’s Tale waterpark in Lincoln, Storyland amusement park in Glen and Lost River Gorge in North Woodstock — all fabulous attractions for families in New Hampshire. We absolutely look forward to future trips and more exploration of my childhood state.

BlogHer Conference: Parties, Panels, and Pals (and Starbucks)

This year’s BlogHer conference is right around the corner, and this Mama is sure looking forward to it.  I’ve never gone to a BlogHer conference before, but from all the online chatter, it’s clearly a Big Deal. There will be around 2,000 total people in attending, including 1,500 BlogHer conference ticket holders, and 500 other bloggers enjoying parties and the Chicago summer weather. I’ll get to see some fellow travel writers again such as Nancy D Brown and Pam Mandel, and meet “in real life” many others who I’ve known for a long time (over a year is huge in internet-time), like Kim Mance, Jamie Pearson and Kelby Carr.

I’ll be one of three bloggers running a Room of Your Own panel called “Your Blog is Great, Get People to Know About It.” That’ll be fun, of course. The whole conference is going to be terrific, I’m certain, as will be the parties and dinners sponsored by various companies… Also, I’m very excited to be able to share my new favorite ready-to-brew Starbucks coffee – great for travel and iffy hotels. Starbucks has generously provided over a thousand samples of its high-quality version of instant coffee, Starbucks VIA, for me to hand out.  Starbucks Via is On the Move Approved for easy of packing and use (just add hot water). Thank you, Starbucks, for offering it to me, to share with so many other people. And anyone reading this who is attending the BlogHer 209 conference, dont be shy! Come find me and get your sample of Starbucks VIA. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Winning Wednesday: CityPass Giveaway

And the winner of our CityPass Giveaway is #141 Justine Pierson, picked by random.org, who says, “I’d choose the Seattle City pass cause that’s the biggest city near me and I take my kids there anytime we’re looking for fun, this would be awesome!!!”

Well, it is awesome and we hope your kids enjoy Seattle on CityPass. (That’s on my list of places to get back to).

For the rest of our Traveling Mamas readers, please come back, we’re always giving away fun stuff.

Unaccompanied Minors – Keep Children Safe on Planes

I used to fly with my younger brother to my grandparents’ home in Florida when I was a kid, and I have pretty powerful memories of being treated like royalty by the airline staff. We were unaccompanied minors, and the flights always went off without a hitch…except the time my brother got steak instead of a burger as his in-flight meal. Yes, he cried pitiably.  An unwanted meal pales in comparison to a few recent incidences involving unaccompanied minors, though. Continental Airlines has put children on the wrong planes, to the wrong destinations. Worse, a 13-yr old unaccompanied minor was actually molested by a pastor on a flight from Philadelphia to Oakland.  This absolutely sickens me, and the fact that the US Attorney’s office declined to bring charges against the alleged molester – despite that the girl’s testimony was deemed much more credible than his – is revolting.

As a parent of a elementary school-age children myself, I would do some planning prior to them flying as unaccompanied minors. Besides teaching daughters to be assertive if strangers are touching them (which is a good idea in general), this is what I recommend:

• Talk with your child, even if she’s flown solo before, to ensure that she understands the process from beginning to end.
• Get a prepaid calling card for your kid, just in case (unless said kid has her own cell phone).
• Print out an e-ticket the night before, and make certain that all the information on it is correct.
• Make sure that the airport personnel know that you are supposed to take your child right up to the gate, not just the security line.
• Introduce her, and yourself, to the flight crew if you can (this isn’t always feasible or convenient).
• While waiting to board, talk with your child about how she can request a seat change if she feels uncomfortable with her row mate. Flight attendants will always honor these requests.
• The airline staff will probably give your kid some sort of wearable identification that indicates she’s an unaccompanied minor – make sure it’s securely on, and remind your child not to tell any strangers personal information.
• In case the flight is delayed horribly, don’t leave the gate area until the plane has taken off.
• Last, make sure that whoever is meeting your kid (grandparent, etc) knows to call you as soon as your child has arrived.

Children have been flying alone for decades, of course, but it’s probably never the first choice for parents who would rather keep close eyes on their kids. These days, with divorced parents often living far from each other, it’s just not economically feasible for parents to fly with their children to drop them off at their exes’ homes. Visiting grandparents while parents must be at work also means older children flying as unaccompanied minors. These recommendations aren’t only a good idea for the security of your child, they should also go a long way towards easing your own understandable anxiety.

Starbucks VIA Coffee for Travel

Anyone who’s stayed in a lot of hotels – for business travel, vacations or both – knows that the quality of the hotel doesn’t necessarily correlate with the quality of the coffee served.  You know what I mean; some unassuming little B&B’s serve a fantastic cup of coffee, and some large well-reputed chain hotels serve dreck they call coffee, but really is what David Letterman once called “useless warm brown water.” I love that line! But I DON’T love terrible coffee: It really can mar an otherwise lovely travel experience to have nasty coffee in the morning. That’s why I’m so happy to have found Starbucks VIA, a ready-brew coffee packet that surprisingly comes close to the Starbucks quality coffee I brew at home (and buy, way too often, at Starbucks stores).

Made of the same 100% arabica beans – freshly ground and sealed, of course – as the full-bodies Italian Roast Starbucks blend, VIA is made in a snap. I’ve used it several times already; just pour the grounds in a coffee cup or mug, add hot water, and stir. That’s it! Add sugar and milk if preferred, naturally. Italian Roast is a bold blend, though. For coffee drinkers with milder flavor preferences, the medium blend Columbia brew is a viable option.

Starbucks VIA comes in 3 or 12 servings to a packet. These packs of three are passport-sized and very transportable; perfect for a weekend getaway or quick business travel at a hotel whose coffee is of an unknown quality. The 12-piece pack is a little wider. Because of its ease of travel and superior taste, Starbucks VIA ready brew coffee is Traveling Mamas On the Move Approved.

The Best Luxury Hotel in The World!

The best luxury hotels in the world are constantly trying to one-up each other; witness the rise (and fall) of the uber-luxe 5-star plus hotels in Dubai. The more dignified, less garish approach to upscale accommodations is to provide class and luxury that provides a sense of place, and to keep it that way.  This explains why the Four Seasons George V, in Paris France, is the best hotel in the world. It’s actually on every important “Best of the Best” hotels list (Forbes, Conde Nast, etc) for several reasons.

Neighborhood: Now, hotels are not resorts; there are no sprawling grounds and golf courses on the Four Seasons George V property. Instead, we get a stay in the 8th arrondissement; this most upscale Paris district extends from the Seine to the Arc d’Triomphe, with the Champ-Elysees, luxury shopping, and views of the Eiffel Tower.

The Staff: From the moment I walked through the large revolving doors, I knew I was in for a hotel experience par excellence. Our luggage was whisked away, and was waiting for us in our room. The staff at the Four Seasons is always exemplary; here, they speak several languages (to accommodate their international guests), have an incredible knowledge about their city, and are unfailingly polite and friendly. The concierge gave us several great restaurant recommendations, made the reservations for us, and gave us a map. Check-in was a breeze, and we were walked through La Galerie (a piano bar area to relax and have tea) to the elevators and our room.

The Rooms: Half the rooms at the Four Seasons have balconies or terraces; while ours did not, we did have a view of the Eiffel Tower. Not too shabby! The rooms are large, which is notable: Most hotels in France, like much of Western Europe, are considerably smaller than what North American tourists may be used to. Here, the large rooms are complemented by equally impressive bathrooms. Marble floors and walls (as with the first floor lobby), double sinks, a separate shower and huge tub, and special Bulgari shampoos and soaps. I have a special affinity for upscale hotel shampoo and soap (other Four Seasons usually have L’Occitane bath products, which I also love), and the Bulgari made me feel pampered and happy. The king-size bed was sumptuous and unbelievably comfortable, with down pillows and duvet, and high thread-count sheets. I don’t always sleep well in hotels beds, but I almost didn’t want to get out of this one!

Fitness Center: Like most Four Seasons hotels, the George V has a first-class fitness center and day spa. If an intense workout isn’t part of you luxury vacation plans, then the massages, body wraps and treatments at the spa are a perfect way to recover from a day of shopping and sightseeing in Paris. Try the Le Tout Chocolate spa package; you won’t regret it.

Dining: I already mentioned La Galerie. This dining and relaxing area, just off the lobby en route to one set of elevators, served light snacks and high tea. I found high tea here to be a sophisticated, mature affair. There are a few highly gifted piano players, whose music adds to the romanic ambiance. They play from 3PM to midnight every day. The Four Seasons Hotel George V also has a Michelin 2-star restaurant. Le Cinq, open from 7AM to 10:30PM, is one of the best hotel-based restaurants in Paris. The food, of course, is French. During the warm months, there is also the Marble Courtyard for outdoor dining within the calmness of the hotel.

Four Seasons Hotel George V is about as perfect as a 5-star hotel can be. It’s no wonder that Zagat named in the Top International Hotel, Daily Telegraph awarded it the Best Hotel in Europe, and Conde Nast Traveler named it the Best International Business Hotel. If you’re planning a top-of-the-line luxury vacation in Paris, you can’t do better than to stay at the Four Seasons Hotel George V. It’s a 5-star oasis in the midst of a bustling Parisian neighborhood – there is no better place to stay for a luxury traveler in the city of lights. It is the best luxury hotel in Paris, in France, and to many, the world.

Best High-Altitude Playground in America – Colorado’s Dillon Marina Park

Oftentimes the best travel finds are purely serendipitous. Take, for example, my family’s recent drive from our mountain home to the Colorado Springs airport. We had to stop about halfway through our little Colorado road trip to eat a picnic lunch, and we randomly pulled off I-70 at the Dillon/Silverthorne Exit 205. A couple miles’ drive east on Highway 6 (then a right on Lake Dillon Drive) brought us to Lake Dillon, its marina area and the most phenomenal playground for kids of all ages. We reveled in pretty vistas of majestic snowcapped peaks and tiny white sailboats on the water. Gorgeous! The park is at more than 9,000 feet in elevation, so I confidently call it the best high-altitude playground in the United States.

Not only are the mountain and lake views fabulous, but there are plenty of picnic tables (and grills) for eating al fresco, loads of parking, clean-ish bathrooms and a paved recreation path that runs along Lake Dillon (also known as the Dillon Reservoir).

But the real boon is the top-notch playground equipment manufactured by KOMPAN. Moms who are lucky enough to have some of these playsets at their local parks know what I’m talking about when I say that my kids can be entertained for hours on the spinning wheels, nifty climbing walls, steep slides and other brightly colored structures that are as fun to look at as they are to play on. At this particular park, a giant structure that housed a twisting, covered slide, as well as swings, is designed for kids ages 6 and up; a smaller structure is sized for toddlers and preschoolers.

If you’re looking for an excellent rest area for kids to expend a ton of energy on a road trip through the Western half of Colorado, I’d absolutely recommend a stop here. (And if you don’t pack your lunch, check out the Arapahoe Cafe up the street; the colorful umbrellas and flower boxes are inviting for outdoor dining in the summertime.) Here are just a few more photos of the nifty play equipment and the park with mountain views from all corners.

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