Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Region
Vermont has much to offer, even more than maple syrup and deep-sea fishing. Check out one of Vermont’s Inns or Resorts. Best vacation spots in Vermont for all types of families are Smugglers Notch and Tyler Place.
Neighboring New Hampshire offers 100-year-old Mount Washington Resort, which includes a Kids Camp, summer and winter activities. This grand old style hotel is part of the Bretton Woods Ski Resort. Your family will surely enjoy this vacation spot whether it is a sultry summer or a wonderful winter getaway.
New York with kids or teenagers? New York isn’t just the Big Apple and bright lights. New York’s best family vacation spots include Mononk Mountain House, The Sagamore at Lake George, Otesaga Resort Hotel, and the Rocking Horse Ranch. Each classic historical resort has activities for kids, teens and the entire family. Many places offer seasonal holiday weekends as well. And if New York City is just beckoning a day or two of lights and action, it is within a couple hours’ drive.
Traveling about six hours southwest is the voluminous mountains of Pennsylvania. The year-round resort Nemacolin Woodlands is nestled among 2800 wooded acres in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Activities available are an Equestrian Center, Adventure Center, and Mystic Mountain downhill ski area. The Equestrian Center provides guided rides for ages eight and up on wooded trails, riding lessons, pony rides, sleigh and surrey rides, and a polo field. While both indoor and outdoor pools are available weather permitting, fly-fishing is available for the all levels of anglers. The Adventure Center is available for ages ten and up with a climbing wall, off-site rock-climbing, and kayak roll sessions. While the kids are occupied, take a casual bike ride or a paddle leisurely along one of the rivers or ponds. The teenagers will also appreciate activities such as paintball and archery. They Mystic Mountain downhill ski area is available during the winter months and boasts five slopes and eight trails. For the less intense skier try cross-country or follow a trail with snowshoes. The best family vacation spot in Pennsylvania is Nemacolin Woodlands since it offers several types of accommodations: a chateau, hotel, RV campsites and a lodge along with activities for every age and interest.
Southeast US Region
North Carolina’s famed Outer Banks’ beaches span more than 100 miles and offer mounds of sand castle building, beach combing, bird watching, sand dune climbing, crabbing and swimming. Also, visit the Wright Brothers Memorial since Kitty Hawk was the famed town for the first flight (and landing). Amusement parks, an aquarium, and an alligator wildlife refuge are other activities available for all ages. If one is adventuresome, try hang gliding for a few hours, it must just be the perfect “hang up” on this vacation. Not only a great place to sightsee and shop, but also it was awarded one of the Top Ten Best Beaches in America of 2007.
From the surfside towns to the breathtaking views of the Appalachians, Earthshine Mountain Lodge is more than a vacation; it is a lodge of love and devotion. Truly, the best family vacation spot in the Southeast is Brevard, North Carolina. Ask Marion Boatwright or Kim Heinitsh about their devotion to creating a family adventure, three years in the making and still improving every year.
Georgia may be home to the Atlanta braves and the juiciest peaches, but it doesn’t compare to Stone Mountain Park. Just a short drive from the bustling city of Atlanta it offers the most accessible outcropping of granite in the world. A true natural marvel Stone Mountain is Georgia’s best family vacation spot with its myriad of outdoor attractions for kids, teens and adults alike. Attractions include a mountaintop sky lift, Treehouse Challenge for kids, scenic railroad, golf, tennis and an 1870’s replica of a southern town.