13Sep

An Irish Family Vacation, Part 2

Ireland

Our Ireland family vacation continued with a ride from Adare to Dingle, which was a certified adventure, driving down curvy, rugged roads past sheep and cows. Dingle neighbors the Ring of Kerry, where we were heading next to stay with friends. We were driving to the west coast of Ireland, and I had no idea that I was about to experience such raw, rugged beauty. In Dingle, the sea was so blue, the grass so green.  As we made our way, driving onto the peninsula and into the small town filled with painted shops and pubs, a harbor with sailing boats and a Read More

10Sep

Traveling On A Budget on CityPass

Sponsored Post: Traveling On A Budget- To And Within New York City

After having lived in and near NYC for many years, I certainly know how cost prohibiting a visit may seem to some people.  But as I’ve mentioned here on this blog many times, there are tricks of the trade to explore the best of NYC without breaking the bank. I've partnered up with CityPASS this month to shed light on a few ‘underground tips’ when it comes to conquering the concrete jungle. Choosing the Right Hotel Although, NYC is known as “The City That Never Sleeps”, you will find yourself wanting to lay your head somewhere comfortable. Before Read More

10Sep

An Irish Family Vacation, Part 1

Ireland

When close friends recently invited us to spend a few days with them in Ireland where one of them grew up, I gently nudged my husband until he agreed to go.  The two of us have stayed with friends in exotic places many times over the years, and we know how much fun it is to stay with natives.  It’s a unique experience and a sure-fire way to get to know the destination on a truly intimate way, directly through the eyes of a local.  We broke up our trip up into a stay with them and a bit of sightseeing en route, to give our kids a taste of the country and Read More

19Aug

A Weekend of Bohemian Serenity with the Kids in Beacon, New York

beacon, ny

I've had a penchant for the Hudson Valley since I moved to New York. There's a peaceful aura there that you don't get it living in or near NYC, and it's got a bohemian vibe.  The combination can be quite radical when you're no country bumpkin like myself. Located on the Hudson River just 60 miles north of NYC, Beacon has a cozy feeling that’s sprinkled with art, culture, Victorian architecture, good food, boutique shopping and the outdoors.  On a recent trip with my kids, I was thrilled to find a variety of ways to spend the day.  We found everything Read More

01Aug

Blissing Out at The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a RockResort

arabelle vail

Disclosure: My visit was sponsored by Vail Summer but all opinions are my own. During a recent stay at The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a Rock Resort on a weekend getaway, I was completely transported from every day life. From the minute I walked into the lobby, just me and my bags (no kids in tow), I knew I was in for a treat. Clearly I knew that in the winter, the hotel is a winter oasis for skiers, but I really didn't understand how nice it (or Vail) would be in the summertime. Between the service, decor and proximity to central Vail, I was set. The Read More

19Jul

A Transporting Mother-Daughter Weekend at Ocean Edge Resort

ocean edge resort

Disclosure: This trip was sponsored by Ocean Edge Resort.  However, all commentary and opinions expressed are my own. Last weekend my daughter and I jumped on the Amtrak train in NYC, took it to Boston and drove the rest of the way to Cape Cod.  It took a chunk of time, but we both had a feeling the end result was worth it so we both sat back and enjoyed the journey. A visit at Ocean Edge Resort in a town called Brewster awaited the two of us. We had eagerly anticipated this trip for weeks prior upon further investigation of the hotel's web site, and Read More

14Jul

A One-Child Holiday at Mohonk Mountain House

mohonk mountain house

My trip was hosted by Mohonk Mountain House, but all opinions and thoughts are my own. Have you ever traveled alone with one child?  A few weeks ago, I decided to take my son away for a few days. My other child was actually at sleep away camp, and since he wasn't having that experience (still a bit young), I thought I'd give him a different type of experience by joining me.  I wanted to review a property in the Hudson Valley and thought about sharing the experience with him. After all, this was one my son could wrap his around: an all-inclusive resort Read More

03Jul

A Visit to Buttermilk Falls Inn

buttermilk falls inn

My son and I just had the most delightful bucolic adventure in the Hudson Valley.  While spending a few days alone, we discovered a small inn called Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa in Milton, New York, just a 70 mile ride from NYC. We had no idea coming off the busy 9W that we would find this tranquil, majestic property full of fantastical gardens, a working farm and grand views of the Hudson River. The inn dates back to the 18th century and has a sense of old-time charm, yet the rooms' decor have been updated and feel somewhat luxurious. The overall Read More

18Jun

A Weekend at Morey’s Piers with the Kids: A Retro Adventure

morey's piers

I grew up spending summers in Atlantic City, so when I was invited to spend time at Morey's Piers in Wildwood, NJ, I thought I knew what to expect: a weekend full of rides, riding the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, eating cotton candy and funnel cake on the boardwalk, playing rounds of ski ball, and more.  I expected the boardwalk to be slightly run down and possibly damaged by Hurricane Sandy, with a large element of tackiness.  I wasn't exactly expecting the Four Seasons. But nor did I want it.  I was really looking forward to our visit and I was Read More

11May

A Day at LEGOLAND Westchester (with Planning TIps)

LEGOLAND

  A few years ago, we spent a day at LEGOLAND when we were in San Diego, and my then very young kids loved spending time in the mega-brand's theme park.  That was 3 years ago, and they're older but who outgrows Legos? So when I heard that there was a new LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, I was intrigued and excited to take them on a recent half-day of school. My son has never been a huge LEGO freak, but I knew once he got there, he'd be into it. My daughter is open-minded and she's not bothered by gender-specific activities but LEGOLAND has taken Read More